Antique & Vintage Rugs

If you’ve been following us for awhile, you have probably noticed how much we love using vintage and antique rugs* in our designs. There is no better way to make a statement in a room. Vintage and antique rugs can introduce color and pattern where there is traditionally no upholstery, or primarily solid colors, like a hallway or mudroom. They can anchor the furnishings in a living or dining room, and lend interest in any space leaning just a little too neutral. They will add softness in kitchens full of the hard lines of cabinetry and appliances and warmth in a bathroom. They are among our go-to furnishings.

But why specifically vintage or antique, and not a new rug? For us, a lot comes down to patina. We are always looking for ways to add depth and character to a room. Sometimes a new rug is necessary to tie furnishings together, or to add a specific texture to a space that is already full of collected items and personality. But if a room needs a little something to help it look lived-in and reflect the tastes of its owners rather than appearing as though it has just jumped straight off the pages of a catalog, our answer is frequently in the form of the patina from a vintage rug.

What kind of vintage or antique rugs do we look for? Most commonly, we use 100% wool, hand-knotted Turkish and Persian rugs. These are the rugs that frequently come to mind when one pictures a vintage rug. When searching for vintage rugs, be sure to look for reputable dealers. Many new rugs are now made with similar patterns to the age-old Persian and Turkish styles, but will lack the patina we love and are frequently made with materials that will degrade more quickly. We’ve included a selection of one-of-a-kind rugs below from some retailers we trust to help kick off your search. And if you need inspiration, the gallery below is full of Park & Oak designs that incorporate vintage or antique rugs. Happy hunting!

*We are sometimes asked what the difference is between “vintage” and “antique.” Generally, an antique is something over 100 years old; vintage is between 25-100 years.

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