Skip to main content

Antique Runners

to
287
1,587
320
1,129
1,129
814
560
248
163
104
81
79
76
74
47
38
38
27
25
20
15
15
11
8
7
5
5
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
21
2
2
2
1
Antique Heriz Runner 4.35m x 1.04m
Antique Heriz Runner 4.35m x 1.04m

Antique Heriz Runner 4.35m x 1.04m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A lovely antique Heriz runner, handwoven circa 1900 with a geometrical design on a dark indigo field and ivory border.

Category

Early 1900s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Kurdish Runner
Early 20th Century Kurdish Runner

Early 20th Century Kurdish Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A wonderful early 20th century Persian Kurdish runner with a sweet all-over crimson and indigo floral pattern on a dark indigo background.

Category

Early 1900s Asian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s
Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s

$18,399Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is an antique Karabagh runner, circa 1880s. It features geometric motifs and rosettes filling the field on a black background with shades of salmon reds, ivory, pink, olive green.

Category

1880s Central Asian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Malayer Runner 2.86m X 1.38m
Antique Malayer Runner 2.86m X 1.38m

Antique Malayer Runner 2.86m X 1.38m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A lovely antique Malayer wide runner, handwoven circa 1900 with an allover floral design on an ivory field and fabulous secondary colours.

Category

Early 1900s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s
Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s

$20,399Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1880s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is an antique Karabagh runner from the Caucasus area circa 1880s. It has a regal display of palmette, floral and angular patterns on dark black field with light peach, ivory, ta...

Category

1880s Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Amazing 19th Century Afshar Runner
Amazing 19th Century Afshar Runner

Amazing 19th Century Afshar Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An amazing late 19th century Persian Afshar runner with a central field containing and all-over multi-colored paisley pattern woven in crimson, green, pink, gold, and indigo colored ...

Category

1880s Tribal Antique Runners

Unusual NW Hallway Runner, Antique Collectible
Unusual NW Hallway Runner, Antique Collectible

Unusual NW Hallway Runner, Antique Collectible

Located in WYNNUM, QLD

This NW , or northwest piece is so named as a distinct variety of carpets and a general style, from NW Persia, north of Tabriz, the work of various small village and tribal groups ac...

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Karabagh Runner, 3'6'' x 9'5''
Zabihi Collection Karabagh Runner, 3'6'' x 9'5''

Zabihi Collection Karabagh Runner, 3'6'' x 9'5''

Located in New York, NY

an early 20th century wide Geometric Karabagh Runner Measures: 3'6'' x 9'5''

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Bessarabian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Sumac Runner - Late 19th Century
Antique Sumac Runner - Late 19th Century

Antique Sumac Runner - Late 19th Century

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

This rare, late 19th century Caucasian Sumak rug is a magnificent testament to the rich flat weave traditions of the Caucasus region, showcasing a brilliant mastery of the complex br...

Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Malayer Runner 4.25m x 0.96m
Antique Malayer Runner 4.25m x 0.96m

Antique Malayer Runner 4.25m x 0.96m

Located in St. Albans, GB

An outstanding antique Malayer runner, handwoven circa 1900. The design features three large pistachio green Herati medallions on a deep indigo field of linked Botehs.

Category

Early 1900s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasien Kazak Runner
Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasien Kazak Runner

Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasien Kazak Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Nice late 19th century Caucasian Kazak runner with beautiful geometrical design and nice natural colors, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on wool foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience t...

Category

Late 19th Century Kazakhstani Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique 19th Century Floral Design Runner
Antique 19th Century Floral Design Runner

Antique 19th Century Floral Design Runner

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

The long central field is dominated by a rhythmic succession of interconnected hexagonal medallions, each featuring a distinct internal floral motif. The rich terracotta and madder r...

Category

19th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1900s
Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1900s

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1900s

$16,399Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Karabagh Runner, circa 1900s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This is an antique Karabagh runner from the Caucasus area, circa 1900s. It features four large diamond medallions aligning through the centre, inset with floral designs that connect ...

Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Mid-19th Turkish Anatolian Runner Carpet
Mid-19th Turkish Anatolian Runner Carpet

Mid-19th Turkish Anatolian Runner Carpet

Located in New York, NY

Mid-19th Turkish Anatolian Runner Carpet 4' 3" x 14' 6"

Category

1850s Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasian Karabagh Runner
Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasian Karabagh Runner

Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasian Karabagh Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Beautiful late 19th century Karabagh runner with a beautiful tribal design and nice colors, entirely hand knotted with wool on wool foundations. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome of luxur...

Category

Late 19th Century Armenian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Kurdish Runner
Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Kurdish Runner

Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Kurdish Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Very beautiful 19th century tribal runner with beautiful geometrical design and beautiful natural colors with blue, red, blue, yellow and green, entirely and finely hand knotted with...

Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Runner 4.70m x 0.87m
Antique Heriz Runner 4.70m x 0.87m

Antique Heriz Runner 4.70m x 0.87m

Located in St. Albans, GB

Size: 4.70m x 0.87m (15ft 5in x 2ft 10in) This runner is in good condition with light, age related wear.

Category

1910s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Red Antique Wash Oushak Runner
Red Antique Wash Oushak Runner

Red Antique Wash Oushak Runner

Located in New York, NY

Ref DB12430

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Tribal Oushak Runner in Red
Tribal Oushak Runner in Red

Tribal Oushak Runner in Red

Located in New York, NY

Ref C69652

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Rich Red Oushak Runner II
Rich Red Oushak Runner II

Rich Red Oushak Runner II

Located in New York, NY

Ref C63506

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Neutral Tan Oushak Antique Runner
Neutral Tan Oushak Antique Runner

Neutral Tan Oushak Antique Runner

Located in New York, NY

Ref C62690

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Red Antique Tribal Oushak Runner
Red Antique Tribal Oushak Runner

Red Antique Tribal Oushak Runner

Located in New York, NY

Ref C90211

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Shirvan Short Runner
Zabihi Collection Antique Shirvan Short Runner

Zabihi Collection Antique Shirvan Short Runner

Located in New York, NY

A geometric tribal looking Caucasian Shirvan rug from the early 20th century. Colorful geometric design on a navy blue field. 3'5'' x 7' Antique Caucasian rugs from the Shirvan dis...

Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Navajo Crystal Area Weaving/Runner
Navajo Crystal Area Weaving/Runner

Navajo Crystal Area Weaving/Runner

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Great for hallway as runner length. Little wear. Origin: Navajo, Southwest Period: circa 1910 Dimensions: 6'2" x 3'7".   

Category

1910s American Native American Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Anatolian Konya Runner, 19th Century
Anatolian Konya Runner, 19th Century

Anatolian Konya Runner, 19th Century

Located in Dublin, NH

Antique Anatolian Konya Runner, 19th Century (3rd Quarter) Using a classic Anatolian design format, a column of five alternating sea-green and red quatrefoil medallions, intersperse...

Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s pretty Antique Kurdish Runner
Bobyrug’s pretty Antique Kurdish Runner

Bobyrug’s pretty Antique Kurdish Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Discover the allure of this exquisite tribal Northwestern runner featuring a stunning geometric design and vibrant natural colors.

Category

Late 19th Century Asian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Early 20th Century Persian Karabakh Runner
Early 20th Century Persian Karabakh Runner

Early 20th Century Persian Karabakh Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

Woven circa 1900, this early 20th-century Persian Karabakh runner is a lyrical example of the region’s romantic, floral aesthetic.

Category

Early 1900s Azerbaijani Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Karaeagh Runner 3'7'' x 18'6''
Antique Karaeagh Runner 3'7'' x 18'6''

Antique Karaeagh Runner 3'7'' x 18'6''

Located in New York, NY

Antique Karaeagh Runner 3'7'' x 18'6''.

Category

1910s Asian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Turkish Oushak Runner
Zabihi Collection Antique Turkish Oushak Runner

Zabihi Collection Antique Turkish Oushak Runner

Located in New York, NY

a late 19th century Antique Turkish Oushak runner featuring a pumpkin orange field, the green border with an all-over design attributed to the Arts & Crafts movement.

Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Arts and Crafts Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Tibetan Sitting Rug or Runner
Antique Tibetan Sitting Rug or Runner

Antique Tibetan Sitting Rug or Runner

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Antique Tibetan Sitting Rug or Runner This unique Tibetan carpet is somewhat unusual, both in size and design layout.

Category

Late 19th Century Tibetan Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Runner 3.62m x 0.95m
Antique Heriz Runner 3.62m x 0.95m

Antique Heriz Runner 3.62m x 0.95m

Located in St. Albans, GB

Either way, it's old (and great) Size: 3.62m x 0.95m (11ft 10in x 3ft 2in) This runner is in good condition with full, chunky pile.

Category

Early 1900s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Kuba Runner
Early 20th Century Persian Kuba Runner

Early 20th Century Persian Kuba Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

This remarkable early 20th-century Persian Azerbaijani Kuba runner is a vibrant example of traditional craftsmanship and design.

Category

Early 1900s Azerbaijani Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Turkish Kars Runner with Geometric Medallions
Antique Turkish Kars Runner with Geometric Medallions

Antique Turkish Kars Runner with Geometric Medallions

Located in New York, NY

This antique Kars runner presents a refined arrangement of repeating geometric medallions set against a warm camel-toned field.

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Floral Design Runner - Late 19th Century
Antique Floral Design Runner - Late 19th Century

Antique Floral Design Runner - Late 19th Century

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

Exhibiting a wonderfully authentic aged patina, soft natural abrash variations where the colors have matured gracefully over the decades, and an exceptionally sturdy handle, this ant...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Qazvi Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Qazvi Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Qazvi Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Qazvin Kilim runner with a beautiful all-over tree-of-life pattern, woven with a subtle diamond pattern.

Category

1920s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Vintage Turkish Anatolian Tulu Runner
Vintage Turkish Anatolian Tulu Runner

Vintage Turkish Anatolian Tulu Runner

Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

Rug Number 29456 Size 3' 0" X 7' 7" Design Tulu Collection Antique/Vintage Material Wool Texture Pile Weave Origin Turkey Age Antique/Vintage

Category

1920s Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Hamadan Runner 4.04m x 0.84m
Antique Hamadan Runner 4.04m x 0.84m

Antique Hamadan Runner 4.04m x 0.84m

Located in St. Albans, GB

A beautiful antique runner, woven in one of the many villages surrounding Hamadan circa 1920.

Category

1920s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Chelaberd Eagle Kazak Runner
Antique Chelaberd Eagle Kazak Runner

Antique Chelaberd Eagle Kazak Runner

Located in Closter, NJ

The Caucasus is the geographically-isolated mountainous region north of Persia between the Black and Caspian Seas. The diverse population of this area primarily consists of Armenians...

Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Mehraban Antique Turkish Anatolian Runner
Mehraban Antique Turkish Anatolian Runner

Mehraban Antique Turkish Anatolian Runner

Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

Providing elements of comfort, this Antique Turkish Anatolian rnner features an all-over ornate linear pattern accentuated with ambiguous compositions. Exuding its hygge vibes, displ...

Category

1920s Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Qazvin Kilim runner with an all-over floral motif, surrounded by multiple complementary floral borders.

Category

1910s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Shahsavan Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Shahsavan Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Shahsavan Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Shahsavan Kilim runner with an incredible motif of geometric forms on multicolored stripes running the length of the runner.

Category

1920s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Shirvan Runner 3'4'' x 9'6''
Antique Shirvan Runner 3'4'' x 9'6''

Antique Shirvan Runner 3'4'' x 9'6''

$7,040Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Shirvan Runner 3'4'' x 9'6''

Located in New York, NY

Antique Shirvan Runner 3'4'' x 9'6''. Light wool warps mark it as a west Caspian village Kuba long rug (kellegi).

Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Floral Design Runner - Early 20th Century
Antique Floral Design Runner - Early 20th Century

Antique Floral Design Runner - Early 20th Century

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

The prominent main border features a rich, glowing madder red ground animated by a repeating sequence of scrolling floral cartouches and open blossoms, flanked by delicate geometric ...

Category

Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Lilihan Persian Wool Runner Rug C1920
Antique Lilihan Persian Wool Runner Rug C1920

Antique Lilihan Persian Wool Runner Rug C1920

Located in Big Flats, NY

This antique Lilihan Persian runner rug is hand-knotted and dating to circa 1920.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Qazvin Kilim runner with an all-over tree-of-life pattern surrounded by multiple contrasting geometric borders.

Category

1920s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Persian Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Persian Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Kilim runner with wonderful zigzag woven diamond pattern of alternating crimson, white, indigo and natural wool, surrounded by a complementary border.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Qazvin Kilim runner with a beautifully woven tree-of-life pattern, surrounded by multiple complementary geometric borders.

Category

1920s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Mehraban Vintage Turkish Kurdish Runner
Mehraban Vintage Turkish Kurdish Runner

Mehraban Vintage Turkish Kurdish Runner

Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

A gorgeous vintage Northwest Persian Kilim flatweave banded with neutral palette stripes. The varying degrees of stripes create a simple yet interesting design for a wide variety of ...

Category

1920s Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Qazvin Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Qazvin Kilim runner with a multicolored all-over tree-of-life pattern surrounded by multiple contrasting floral borders.

Category

1920s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Kuba Runner 4'2'' x 12'6''
Antique Kuba Runner 4'2'' x 12'6''

Antique Kuba Runner 4'2'' x 12'6''

Located in New York, NY

Antique Kuba Runner 4'2'' x 12'6''. Azeri Turks inhabit the Kuba area of the central west Caspian Caucasus and weave a wide variety of geometric scatters, runners, long rugs and nich...

Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Harseen Kilim Runner
Early 20th Century Harseen Kilim Runner

Early 20th Century Harseen Kilim Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persin Hersari Kilim runner with a beautiful multicolored diamond field, surrounded by a complementary multicolored geometric border.

Category

Early 1900s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Late 19th Century Floral Design Runner
Antique Late 19th Century Floral Design Runner

Antique Late 19th Century Floral Design Runner

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

This structural balance between the masterfully detailed botanical motifs and the expansive runner format reflects the pinnacle of workshop tradition world renowned for its technical...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Blue Antique Talish Runner
Zabihi Collection Blue Antique Talish Runner

Zabihi Collection Blue Antique Talish Runner

Located in New York, NY

A late 19th-century Caucasian high decorative Talish Runner Measures: 3'3" x 8'

Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Oushak Small Runner
Zabihi Collection Antique Oushak Small Runner

Zabihi Collection Antique Oushak Small Runner

Located in New York, NY

A scatter size small antique oushak runner from the 1st quarter of the 20th century rug no. j3362 size 3'1" x 6'4''

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Malayer Antique Runner - 3'5" x 13'1"
Malayer Antique Runner - 3'5" x 13'1"

Malayer Antique Runner - 3'5" x 13'1"

Located in New York, NY

These orange accents bring a touch of uniqueness and playfulness to the design, setting this Malayer runner apart from the ordinary. Surrounding the captivating field, an ivory bord...

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Zehur Sumac Runner - Late 19th Century
Antique Zehur Sumac Runner - Late 19th Century

Antique Zehur Sumac Runner - Late 19th Century

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

This rare late 19th century Antique Zehur Sumac runner highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a vertical sequence of monumental, multi-lobed medallions an...

Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Late 19th Century Geometric Design Runner
Antique Late 19th Century Geometric Design Runner

Antique Late 19th Century Geometric Design Runner

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

Woven with a wool pile on a sturdy wool foundation, this runner demonstrates excellent craftsmanship and durability.

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique Runners", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Antique Runners For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of antique runners is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique runners was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, wool and cotton. Antique runners have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique runners made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Art Deco — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many antique runners are appealing in their simplicity, but Mehraban Rugs, William Morris (English) and Hadji Jalili produced popular antique runners that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Runners?

Prices for antique runners can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, antique runners begin at $120 and can go as high as $180,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,987.

Finding the Right Rugs-carpets for You

Good antique rugs and vintage rugs have made their way into homes across the globe, becoming fixtures used for comfort, prayer and self-expression, so choosing the right area rug is officially a universal endeavor.

In modern usage, “carpet” typically denotes a wall-to-wall floor cushioning that is fixed to the floor. Rugs, on the other hand, are designed to cover a specific area and can easily be moved to new locations. However, the terms are interchangeable in many parts of the world, and, in the end, it won’t matter what you decide to call it.

It’s well known that a timeless Persian rug or vintage Turkish rug can warm any interior, but there are lots of other styles of antique rugs to choose from when you're endeavoring to introduce fresh colors and textures to a bedroom or living room.

Moroccan Berber rugs are not all about pattern. In fact, some of the most striking examples are nearly monochrome. But what these rugs lack in complexity, they make up for in brilliant color and subtle variation. Moroccan-style interiors can be mesmerizing — a sitting room of this type might feature a Moroccan rug, carved wooden screens and a tapestry hung behind the sofa.

Handwoven kilim rugs, known for their wealth of rich colors and unique weaving tradition, are pileless: Whereas the Beni Ourain rugs of Morocco can be described as dense with a thick surface or pile, an authentic kilim rug is thin and flat. (The term “kilim” is Turkish in origin, but this type of textile artistry is practiced all across the Balkans, throughout the Arab world and elsewhere.) 

When it comes to eye-catching floor coverings, the distinctive “medallion” pattern of Oushak rugs has two types of rounded shapes alternating against a rich red or blue background created with natural dyes, while the elaborate “star” pattern involves large eight-pointed shapes in diagonal rows alternating with diamonds.  

If you’re looking for something unexpected, find a runner rug that pops in your hallway or on your stairs. Dig for dazzling geometric patterns in our inventory of mid-century modern rugs and carpets, which includes works designed by the likes of Swedish textile masters Märta Måås-Fjetterström, Marianne Richter and other artisans. 

Carpets and rugs have been around for thousands of years. Prehistoric humans turned to animal skin, wool and fur to craft simple fabrics to soften hard terrain. A 2016 study suggests that "cave lions" were hunted for exactly this purpose, and that decorating your cave with their pelts may have conferred strength and prestige. Although many of these early textiles are still in existence, tracing their precise origins is difficult. Carpets quickly became such a valuable trade commodity that the weavings could easily travel far from their places of origin. 

The oldest known carpet was found in southern Siberia. (It may have traveled there from Persepolis in Iran.) For the flat-weave floor rugs crafted by Native Americans, cotton was the primary material before sheep’s wool was introduced in the 16th century. In Europe, carpet-making was fundamental to folk art, and Asian carpets imported to European countries were at one time considered a precious luxury and not intended to remain permanently on the floor. 

With the variety of area rugs and carpets rolled out for you on 1stDibs — a collection that includes traditional, modern, minimalist rugs and other coverings of all kinds — things will be looking up whenever you’re looking down.