Skip to main content

Antique Runners

to
287
1,586
320
1,129
1,129
813
559
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 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

Antique Garabagh Caucasian Rug Runner
Antique Garabagh Caucasian Rug Runner

Antique Garabagh Caucasian Rug Runner

Located in New York, NY

This antique Caucasian tribal rug is from Azerbaijan, a country located in the south Caucasus region. It is constructed of 100% handspun wool and natural dyes. This rug features a bo...

Category

1910s Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Narrow Antique Kashan Runner
Zabihi Collection Narrow Antique Kashan Runner

Zabihi Collection Narrow Antique Kashan Runner

Located in New York, NY

An early 20th Century traditional narrow Kashan runner Measures: 2'2'' x 8'

Category

Early 20th Century Country 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

this rare early 20th century Antique regional workshop runner highlights a powerful and rhythmic composition featuring an incredibly dense, repeating floral design grid anchoring an ...

Category

Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasian Shirwan Runner
Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasian Shirwan Runner

Bobyrug’s Antique Caucasian Shirwan Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Beautiful late 19th century Caucasian Shirwan Karabagh rug, with beautiful geometrical design and nice colors with pink, orange and black, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on w...

Category

Late 19th Century Armenian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Tibetan Runner 4.03m x 0.81m
Antique Tibetan Runner 4.03m x 0.81m

Antique Tibetan Runner 4.03m x 0.81m

Located in St. Albans, GB

An unusual runner, woven in Tibet circa 1910. The design features four circular medallions on a soft ivory field surrounded by a simple terracotta key border and navy blue outer bord...

Category

1910s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Kazak Runner
Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Kazak Runner

Bobyrug’s Wonderful Antique Kazak Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Very beautiful antique Caucasian Kazak rug, late 19th century with beautiful natural colors and geometrical design, entirely hand knotted with wool velvet on wool foundation. ✨✨✨ "...

Category

Late 19th Century Kazakhstani Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Kuba Runner, 19th Century
Antique Caucasian Kuba Runner, 19th Century

Antique Caucasian Kuba Runner, 19th Century

Located in Dublin, NH

Antique Caucasian Kuba Runner Rug, 19th Century A vibrant runner combining shades of raspberry, green, gold, ivory, and blue.

Category

19th Century Caucasian 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 beautiful all-over multicolored stylized tree-of-life pattern on a black background.

Category

1920s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Beautiful Antique North Western Runner
Beautiful Antique North Western Runner

Beautiful Antique North Western Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Very beautiful long tribal corridor carpet from the 19th century, with decorative designs by Botteh, and pretty natural colors, entirely hand-knotted in wool velvet on wool foundation.

Category

19th Century Asian Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Karabagh Antique Runner - 3'5" x 15'4"
Karabagh Antique Runner - 3'5" x 15'4"

Karabagh Antique Runner - 3'5" x 15'4"

Located in New York, NY

At the heart of this runner, a captivating multi-medallion design takes center stage.

Category

Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Other Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Beautiful Antique Caucasian Kazak Runner
Beautiful Antique Caucasian Kazak Runner

Beautiful Antique Caucasian Kazak Runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Very nice late 19th century long Kazak rug, with a tribal geometrical Caucasian design and beautiful natural colors, with blue, red, yellow and green, entirely hand knotted with wool...

Category

Late 19th Century Kazakhstani Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Burgundy Vintage Turkish Wool Runner
Burgundy Vintage Turkish Wool Runner

Burgundy Vintage Turkish Wool Runner

Located in Norwalk, CT

Beautiful vintage Turkish hand knotted wool rug with a burgundy field. This rug has accents of black, orange, and brown in a gorgeous all-over geometric Tribal design, This rug me...

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Kazak Runner 3'6'' x 10'9''
Antique Kazak Runner 3'6'' x 10'9''

Antique Kazak Runner 3'6'' x 10'9''

$5,440Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Kazak Runner 3'6'' x 10'9''

Located in New York, NY

Antique Kazak Runner 3'6'' x 10'9''. SW Caucasus/Armenia. Boldly patterned, strongly colored, totally geometric, all wool, coarse to moderate weave, medium to long pile, scatter form...

Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Kilim Runner 10'7'' X 5'7''
Antique Kilim Runner 10'7'' X 5'7''

Antique Kilim Runner 10'7'' X 5'7''

Located in Los Angeles, US

Antique KILIM Stylish Runner Rug 10'7'' X 5'7''

Category

Early 1900s Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Anatolian Kilim Runner, 19th Century
Antique Anatolian Kilim Runner, 19th Century

Antique Anatolian Kilim Runner, 19th Century

Located in Dublin, NH

Anatolian Kilim Runner Rug, 19th Century Additional Information: Dimensions: 9'6" L x 3'11" W

Category

19th Century Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Sarab Runner 2'11'' x 14'11''
Antique Sarab Runner 2'11'' x 14'11''

Antique Sarab Runner 2'11'' x 14'11''

Located in New York, NY

Antique Sarab Runner 2'11'' x 14'11''.

Category

1890s Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Karabagh Runner 3'2'' x 12'2''
Antique Karabagh Runner 3'2'' x 12'2''

Antique Karabagh Runner 3'2'' x 12'2''

Located in New York, NY

Antique Karabagh runner 3'2'' x 12'2''.

Category

Early 1900s Caucasian 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 rare late 19th century Antique runner rug highlights a powerful and rhythmic curvilinear composition featuring a repeating vertical sequence of multi-layered floral medallions a...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Narrow Antique Turkish Runner
Zabihi Collection Narrow Antique Turkish Runner

Zabihi Collection Narrow Antique Turkish Runner

Located in New York, NY

A narrow and long Turkish Runner from the 1st quarter of the 20th century 1'7'' x 10'5''

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Dutch Colonial Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

19th Century Long Antique Chinese Runner
19th Century Long Antique Chinese Runner

19th Century Long Antique Chinese Runner

Located in New York, NY

Late 19th century narrow and long Chinese Runner Measures: 2'5'' x 14'5".

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Amazing Early 20th Century Konya Runner
Amazing Early 20th Century Konya Runner

Amazing Early 20th Century Konya Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An amazing early 20th century Turkish Konya runner with three large indigo diamond medallions abasing a bold crimson background, and surrounded by a wide border containing multiple f...

Category

1910s Turkish Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Shirvan Runner, 19th Century
Antique Caucasian Shirvan Runner, 19th Century

Antique Caucasian Shirvan Runner, 19th Century

Located in Dublin, NH

Antique Caucasian Shirvan Runner Rug, Late 19th Century Minor repiling. Additional information: Dimensions: 3'6" W x 13'0" L Origin: Caucasus Period: 19th Century (4th Quarter)

Category

19th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Turkish Oushak Runner, circa 1920s
Turkish Oushak Runner, circa 1920s

Turkish Oushak Runner, circa 1920s

Located in New York, NY

In tones of putty, beige, light brown and tan, this good condition western Turkish town rug shows a well abrashed field set within rosette and palmette corners and framed by a set of...

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

19th C Rag Rug Runner Rug
19th C Rag Rug Runner Rug

19th C Rag Rug Runner Rug

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful antique 19th C rag rug Runner. The rug is in great condition. The rag runner is from the Trish Herr Collection in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

Category

19th Century American Adirondack Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Caucasian Karabagh Runner, 19th Century
Antique Caucasian Karabagh Runner, 19th Century

Antique Caucasian Karabagh Runner, 19th Century

Located in Dublin, NH

Antique Floral Caucasian Karabagh Long Runner Rug, 19th Century Additional information: Dimensions: 4'1" W x 19'5" L Origin: Caucasus Period: 19th Century (3rd Quarter) Rug ID: 20991

Category

19th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Colorful Oushak Runner
Zabihi Collection Antique Colorful Oushak Runner

Zabihi Collection Antique Colorful Oushak Runner

Located in New York, NY

An early 20th century Antique turkish oushak runner size 3' x 12' (91 x 366 cm).

Category

Early 20th Century Country 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

Ultimately, this long runner stands as a premier example of textile art, representing a peak in both technical endurance and graphic majesty for global collectors.

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Doris Leslie Blau Antique Turkish Oushak Runner
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Turkish Oushak Runner

Doris Leslie Blau Antique Turkish Oushak Runner

Located in New York, NY

Antique Turkish Oushak Runner Size: 7'10" × 18'10" (238 × 574 cm) This striking Antique Oushak runner, woven around the turn of the 20th century, is a vivid testament to the grandeur...

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Northwest Persian Runner, 19th Century
Antique Northwest Persian Runner, 19th Century

Antique Northwest Persian Runner, 19th Century

Located in Dublin, NH

Antique Northwest Persian Runner Rug, 19th Century Additional information: Dimensions: 3'9" W x 10'5" L Origin: Northwest Persia, Azerbaijan Period: 19th Century (2nd Quarter) Rug I...

Category

19th Century Azerbaijani Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Vintage Turkish Runner 2'9'' x 10'0''
Vintage Turkish Runner 2'9'' x 10'0''

Vintage Turkish Runner 2'9'' x 10'0''

Located in New York, NY

Kurdish "Yuruk" Kenare (runner). Spot wear and several clumsy repairs. Fairly good condition.

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish 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

This rare late 19th century Antique runner highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a vertical sequence of diamond medallions nested within an elongated, in...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani 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

This rare late 19th century Antique runner highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a vertical sequence of multi colored diamond medallions beautifully inte...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani 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

This rare late 19th century Antique runner highlights a powerful and rhythmic geometric composition featuring a dense all over diagonal lattice grid of multi colored diamond amulets ...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani 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 complementary geometric borders.

Category

1920s Asian Kilim Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Caucasian Antique Runner - 3'3" x 8'6"
Caucasian Antique Runner - 3'3" x 8'6"

Caucasian Antique Runner - 3'3" x 8'6"

Located in New York, NY

Introducing our captivating Caucasian Runner, a masterpiece that beckons with its mesmerizing design and vibrant hues.

Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Early 20th Century Long Sivas Runner
Early 20th Century Long Sivas Runner

Early 20th Century Long Sivas Runner

Located in New York, NY

The light blue border of this finely woven eastern Turkish town runner displays small palmettes, rosettes and bottehs.      

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

American Victorian Green Silk Embroidered Table Runner
American Victorian Green Silk Embroidered Table Runner

American Victorian Green Silk Embroidered Table Runner

Located in Queens, NY

American Victorian green silk table runner with embroidered design and gold velvet panels with fringe on ends Wear and shredding on sides

Category

19th Century American Victorian Antique Runners

Materials

Gold

Caucasian Antique Runner - 3'1" x 7'3"
Caucasian Antique Runner - 3'1" x 7'3"

Caucasian Antique Runner - 3'1" x 7'3"

Located in New York, NY

Introducing our vibrant and joyous Caucasian Runner, a kaleidoscope of colors and intricate geometric patterns that exude warmth and liveliness.

Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Zabihi Collection Narrow Persian Kashan Runner
Zabihi Collection Narrow Persian Kashan Runner

Zabihi Collection Narrow Persian Kashan Runner

Located in New York, NY

An early 20th Century traditional narrow Persian Kashan runner Measures: 2'3'' x 12'10''.

Category

Early 20th Century Country Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Anatolian Turkish Runner
Early 20th Century Anatolian Turkish Runner

Early 20th Century Anatolian Turkish Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A wonderful and bold early 20th century Anatolian Turkish runner with four large diamond medallions, each woven with a geometric pattern with alternating colored stripes and set agai...

Category

1920s Turkish Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Gendje Runner, circa 1920
Antique Caucasian Gendje Runner, circa 1920

Antique Caucasian Gendje Runner, circa 1920

Located in Morton Grove, IL

Few masterful restorations compilited on this rug,the ends and sides are all original and the runner is in great shape.

Category

1920s Caucasian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

ON SALE Antique Caucasian Rug Runner
ON SALE Antique Caucasian Rug Runner

ON SALE Antique Caucasian Rug Runner

$5,612Sale Price|20% Off

ON SALE Antique Caucasian Rug Runner

Located in Katonah, NY

Many years of enjoyment to come with this hand knotted Caucasian rug runner made in the Caucasus region circa 1870's vintage.

Category

1870s Caucasian Other Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Karabagh Dragon Runner circa 1920
Antique Karabagh Dragon Runner circa 1920

Antique Karabagh Dragon Runner circa 1920

Located in Morton Grove, IL

The quality of the wool is absolutely of the highest grade,soft and floppy,great for organic dyes.The condition of this runner is excellent and in full pile with very few small low ...

Category

1920s Caucasian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Wonderful antique Caucasian Karabagh long runner
Wonderful antique Caucasian Karabagh long runner

Wonderful antique Caucasian Karabagh long runner

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Very beautiful late 19th century Caucasian runner from Karabagh , with nice geometrical and stylized designs with medallions and birds, and nice natural colours with a red background...

Category

Late 19th Century Armenian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Mehraban Overdyed Vintage Turkish Anatolian Runner
Mehraban Overdyed Vintage Turkish Anatolian Runner

Mehraban Overdyed Vintage Turkish Anatolian Runner

Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

This captivating vintage runner will make a perfect addition to your room decor.

Category

1920s Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Art Deco Chinese Runner, Elegance
Antique Art Deco Chinese Runner, Elegance

Antique Art Deco Chinese Runner, Elegance

Located in Evanston, IL

Crafted with precision in China, this runner is a testament to the impeccable craftsmanship of its time.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Doris Leslie Blau Antique Turkish Oushak Runner
Doris Leslie Blau Antique Turkish Oushak Runner

Doris Leslie Blau Antique Turkish Oushak Runner

Located in New York, NY

Antique Turkish Oushak Runner (size adjusted) Size: 8'1" × 19'9" (246 × 601 cm) Rich in tradition yet boldly artistic, this antique Turkish Oushak runner from the 1920s is a vibrant ...

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Oushak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Nice antique Caucasian Karabagh runner rug
Nice antique Caucasian Karabagh runner rug

Nice antique Caucasian Karabagh runner rug

Located in Saint Ouen, FR

Very beautiful 19th century Caucasian Karabagh runner with nice geometrical decorative and stylized floral designs, and beautiful natural colours with red pink field, red, yellow, b...

Category

Late 19th Century Armenian Kazak Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Persian Kuba Runner
Late 19th Century Persian Kuba Runner

Late 19th Century Persian Kuba Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A stunning late 19th century Persian Kuba runner with the most beautiful all-over paisley pattern woven in myriad colors including indigo, crimson, yellow, green, and brown wool, sur...

Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Tribal Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Mehraban Overdyed Vintage Turkish Anatolian Runner
Mehraban Overdyed Vintage Turkish Anatolian Runner

Mehraban Overdyed Vintage Turkish Anatolian Runner

Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA

With a bold architectural pattern and striking appeal, this impressive Vintage Turkish Overdyed Anatolian Runner can beautifully blend contemporary, modern, and traditional interiors.

Category

1920s Turkish Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Tribal Red Turkish Gallery Kilim Runner
Tribal Red Turkish Gallery Kilim Runner

Tribal Red Turkish Gallery Kilim Runner

Located in New York, NY

Early 20th century tribal geometric wide gallery size runner Measures: 4'10" x 12'3".

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Navajo Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Muted Turkish Ghiordes Floral Wide Runner
Muted Turkish Ghiordes Floral Wide Runner

Muted Turkish Ghiordes Floral Wide Runner

Located in New York, NY

An early 20th century muted Turkish Ghiordes wide runner. Measures: 3'11" x 12'10".

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Arts and Crafts Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Antique Kuba Shirvan Runner - Late 19th Century
Antique Kuba Shirvan Runner - Late 19th Century

Antique Kuba Shirvan Runner - Late 19th Century

Located in Sultanahmet, 34

This structural balance between the densely repeating central motif and the elongated runner format reflects the pinnacle of the Northeast Caucasian weaving tradition, where precisio...

Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Gray Vintage Overdyed Handmade Wool Runner
Gray Vintage Overdyed Handmade Wool Runner

Gray Vintage Overdyed Handmade Wool Runner

Located in Norwalk, CT

Beautiful modern overdyed hand-knotted wool rug with a gray field. This overdyed runner has a distressed solid design. This rug measures: 6'1" x 12'10".

Category

Mid-19th Century Pakistani Mid-Century Modern Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Pair of Antique Turkish Runners
Zabihi Collection Pair of Antique Turkish Runners

Zabihi Collection Pair of Antique Turkish Runners

Located in New York, NY

A pair of fine Turkish runners from the 1st quarter of the 20th century.

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Tabriz Antique Runners

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Turkish Ghiordes Runner
Zabihi Collection Antique Turkish Ghiordes Runner

Zabihi Collection Antique Turkish Ghiordes Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vivacious antique Turkish Ghiordes runner. Floral in the field and border. The ground is red, the border is ivory, accents in light blue and goldenrod, circa 1910.

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Art Nouveau 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.