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Carpet Runners

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Persian Qazvin Kilim Carpet Runner
Persian Qazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Persian Qazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Qazvin Kilim carpet runner with all geometric diamond pattern

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Malayer Carpet Runner
Antique Malayer Carpet Runner

Antique Malayer Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Malayer carpet runner with four central diamond medallions amidst an

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Persian Ghazvin Kilim Carpet Runner
Persian Ghazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Persian Ghazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Ghazvin Kilim carpet runner with all multicolored floral pattern

Category

Vintage 1930s Persian Persian Rugs

Antique Seraband Carpet Runner, 3'9" x 9'8"
Antique Seraband Carpet Runner, 3'9" x 9'8"

Antique Seraband Carpet Runner, 3'9" x 9'8"

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Seraband carpet runner with all over floral pattern surrounded by

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century Azari Carpet Runner
19th Century Azari Carpet Runner

19th Century Azari Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Persian Azari carpet runner with five central medallions surrounded by large scale

Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century Persian Shirvan Carpet Runner
19th Century Persian Shirvan Carpet Runner

19th Century Persian Shirvan Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Persian Shirvan carpet runner with multiple geometric medallions surrounded by

Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Malayer Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Malayer Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Malayer Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Malayer carpet runner with all-over pattern of miniature trees

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century Persian Zanjan Carpet Runner
19th Century Persian Zanjan Carpet Runner

19th Century Persian Zanjan Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An unusual 19th century Persian Zanjan carpet with two large floral medallions on an indigo

Category

Antique 19th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Qazvin Kilim Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Persian Qazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Persian Qazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century central Persian Qazvin Kilim carpet runner with all-over geometric tree of

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

19th Century Saveh Kilim Carpet Runner
19th Century Saveh Kilim Carpet Runner

19th Century Saveh Kilim Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Persian Saveh Kilim carpet runner with all overall geometric field surrounded by

Category

Antique 19th Century Persian More Carpets

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Malayer carpet runner with wonderfully bold multicolored floral

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Persian Sarouk Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Sarouk carpet runner with wonderfully intricate pattern on a crimson

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Kurdish Senneh Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Kurdish Senneh Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Kurdish Senneh Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Kurdish Senneh carpet runner with central diamond medallion

Category

Vintage 1930s Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Zarand Kilim Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Zarand Kilim Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Zarand Kilim Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Zarand Kilim carpet runner with variegated red central field

Category

Vintage 1930s Persian Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Ghazvin Kilim Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Ghazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Ghazvin Kilim Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

An early 20th century Persian Ghazvin Kilim carpet runner with all-over geometric floral pattern

Category

Vintage 1940s Persian More Carpets

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Varamin Kilim Carpet Runner
Early 20th Century Varamin Kilim Carpet Runner

Early 20th Century Varamin Kilim Carpet Runner

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century Persian Varamin Kilim carpet runner with all-over multicolored geometric pattern in

Category

Early 20th Century Persian More Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner
Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner

Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

73708 Antique Persian Malayer Rug Runner, 03’08 x 11’06. Persian Malayer carpet runners are long

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

20th Century woven 31 foot long carpet runner
20th Century woven 31 foot long carpet runner

20th Century woven 31 foot long carpet runner

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

20th century woven asian 31 foot long carpet runner circa 1980. Beige background with red and

Category

Late 20th Century East Asian Victorian Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Carpet Runner
Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Carpet Runner

Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

design, this hand knotted wool distressed antique Persian Malayer carpet runner beautifully embodies a

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner
Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner

Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

region of Malayer, Persian Malayer carpet runners are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1970's Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner
1970's Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner

1970's Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

53920 Vintage Red Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 03'08 x 10'02. Turkish Oushak carpet runners are a

Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug Tribal Carpet Runner
Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug Tribal Carpet Runner

Antique Caucasian Shirvan Rug Tribal Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

72401 Antique Caucasian Tribal Shirvan Rug Runner, 03’01 x 11’08. Caucasian Shirvan carpet runners

Category

Early 20th Century Caucasian Kazak Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Heriz Carpet Runner with Modern Style
Vintage Persian Heriz Carpet Runner with Modern Style

Vintage Persian Heriz Carpet Runner with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

60245 Vintage Persian Heriz Rug Runner, 03'02 x 11'03. Persian Heriz carpet runners represent a

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Heriz Serapi Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Rugs Handmade Wool Carpet Runner, Blue Oriental Runner Rug
Vintage Rugs Handmade Wool Carpet Runner, Blue Oriental Runner Rug

Vintage Rugs Handmade Wool Carpet Runner, Blue Oriental Runner Rug

Located in Wembley, GB

Traditional Oriental runner rug, handwoven wool carpet runner. This elegant wool runner rug was

Category

Mid-20th Century Azerbaijani Rustic Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Vintage Red Persian Hamadan Rug Carpet Runner
Vintage Red Persian Hamadan Rug Carpet Runner

Vintage Red Persian Hamadan Rug Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

53943 Vintage Persian Hamadan Rug Runner, 02'01 x 08'05. Persian Hamadan carpet runners are

Category

Late 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Red Turkish Oushak Rug Carpet Runner
Vintage Red Turkish Oushak Rug Carpet Runner

Vintage Red Turkish Oushak Rug Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

52665 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 03'00 x 12'00. Turkish Oushak carpet runners are narrow

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner
Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner

Distressed Antique Persian Malayer Rug Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

Persian Malayer carpet runners are a type of rug originating from the Malayer region in western Iran

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Rug, Turkmen Oriental Runner, Living Room Carpet Runner
Antique Rug, Turkmen Oriental Runner, Living Room Carpet Runner

Antique Rug, Turkmen Oriental Runner, Living Room Carpet Runner

Located in Wembley, GB

space into which it is introduced instantly. Perfect as an entranceway high-quality carpet runner, stair

Category

Vintage 1930s Caucasian Hollywood Regency Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

1950's Persian Heriz Carpet Runner
1950's Persian Heriz Carpet Runner

1950's Persian Heriz Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

ability to blend traditional motifs with a bold, rustic aesthetic. This Heriz carpet runner showcases a

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Mid-Century Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Distressed Antique Caucasian Shirvan Boteh Carpet Runner, Hallway Runner
Distressed Antique Caucasian Shirvan Boteh Carpet Runner, Hallway Runner

Distressed Antique Caucasian Shirvan Boteh Carpet Runner, Hallway Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

76609, distressed antique Caucasian Shirvan Boteh carpet runner. With its perfectly worn-in charm

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Caucasian Kazak Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs
Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Located in Wembley, GB

These Handmade carpet runner oriental rugs are a rare find because of their colour combination

Category

Antique 1880s Caucasian Rustic Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs
Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Located in Wembley, GB

These handmade carpet runner oriental rugs are a rare find because of their color combination. This

Category

Antique 1880s Caucasian Other Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Antique Rug, Turkmen Oriental Runner, Caucasian Living Room Carpet Runner
Antique Rug, Turkmen Oriental Runner, Caucasian Living Room Carpet Runner

Antique Rug, Turkmen Oriental Runner, Caucasian Living Room Carpet Runner

Located in Wembley, GB

uplift any space into which it is introduced. Perfect as an entranceway high-quality carpet runner, stair

Category

Vintage 1930s Caucasian Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Kazak Hand Woven Traditional Design 12ft Carpet Runner
Kazak Hand Woven Traditional Design 12ft Carpet Runner

Kazak Hand Woven Traditional Design 12ft Carpet Runner

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Kazak Hand Woven Traditional Design 12ft Carpet Runner A superb looking piece dating from the

Category

Early 20th Century Islamic Moroccan and North African Rugs

Materials

Wool

Traditional Runner Rug Handmade Hallway Rug Rust Wool Carpet Runner
Traditional Runner Rug Handmade Hallway Rug Rust Wool Carpet Runner

Traditional Runner Rug Handmade Hallway Rug Rust Wool Carpet Runner

Located in Wembley, GB

wool carpet runner- 85 x 295cm Traditional runner rug handmade hallway rug rust wool carpet runner- 85

Category

Vintage 1960s Azerbaijani Tribal Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner
1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

detailing, this vintage Turkish carpet runner is poised to impress. Perfect for a short hallway, stair

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Traditional Runner Rug Carpet Runner of Rug Area Blue Afghan Rug
Traditional Runner Rug Carpet Runner of Rug Area Blue Afghan Rug

Traditional Runner Rug Carpet Runner of Rug Area Blue Afghan Rug

Located in Wembley, GB

These new traditional handwoven runner rugs come from rug world in a striking colour combination of

Category

1990s Afghan Art Deco Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Traditional Rug, Carpet Runner Rug Area, Afghan Rug, Green Runner Rug
Traditional Rug, Carpet Runner Rug Area, Afghan Rug, Green Runner Rug

Traditional Rug, Carpet Runner Rug Area, Afghan Rug, Green Runner Rug

Located in Wembley, GB

These new traditional handwoven runner rugs come from rug world in a striking colour combination of

Category

1990s Pakistani Sultanabad Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Antique Persian Malayer Runner, Wide Hallway Carpet Runner
Antique Persian Malayer Runner, Wide Hallway Carpet Runner

Antique Persian Malayer Runner, Wide Hallway Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

72354, antique Persian Malayer runner, wide hallway carpet runner. This hand knotted wool antique

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Persian Carpet Runner Hamadan Rig
Vintage Persian Carpet Runner Hamadan Rig

Vintage Persian Carpet Runner Hamadan Rig

Located in Dallas, TX

the rich cultural heritage of the region. Tuiserkan Persian Runner. Carpet Runner. Abrash. Hand

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Traditional Pattern Wool Carpet Runner a Superb Looking Piece
Vintage Traditional Pattern Wool Carpet Runner a Superb Looking Piece

Vintage Traditional Pattern Wool Carpet Runner a Superb Looking Piece

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Vintage Traditional Pattern Wool 10ft Carpet Runner A superb looking piece dating from around

Category

Early 20th Century Moorish Western European Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Oriental Rug Runner Red Traditional Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners
Vintage Oriental Rug Runner Red Traditional Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners

Vintage Oriental Rug Runner Red Traditional Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners

Located in Wembley, GB

particular carpet runners are made with all-natural vegetable dyes. The patterned rugs display an all-over

Category

1990s Afghan Rustic Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Vintage Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner with Jacobean Tudor Style
Vintage Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner with Jacobean Tudor Style

Vintage Turkish Oushak Carpet Runner with Jacobean Tudor Style

Located in Dallas, TX

73752, vintage Turkish Oushak carpet runner with Jacobean Tudor style. With an elegant Turkish

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Carpet Runner
Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Carpet Runner

Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Carpet Runner

Located in Dallas, TX

. Flanking the vertical length of each carpet runner are four half medallions or trefoil ziggurats, their

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs
Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Located in Wembley, GB

These Handmade carpet runner oriental rugs are a rare find because of their colour combination

Category

Antique 1880s Caucasian Kazak Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs
Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Located in Wembley, GB

These handmade carpet runner oriental rugs are a rare find because of their colour combination

Category

Antique 1880s Caucasian Hollywood Regency Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Vintage Rugs Navy Blue Carpet Runner, Gabbeh Wool Handwoven Runner
Vintage Rugs Navy Blue Carpet Runner, Gabbeh Wool Handwoven Runner

Vintage Rugs Navy Blue Carpet Runner, Gabbeh Wool Handwoven Runner

Located in Wembley, GB

, clean and ready for use in any space in your home. Vintage rugs navy blue handwoven carpet runner

Category

Mid-20th Century Afghan Organic Modern Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Antique Handmade Carpet Runner Oriental Rug Traditional Wool Runner 390x85cm
Antique Handmade Carpet Runner Oriental Rug Traditional Wool Runner 390x85cm

Antique Handmade Carpet Runner Oriental Rug Traditional Wool Runner 390x85cm

Located in Wembley, GB

, or kitchen runner rug. In excellent condition, ready for use. Antique handmade carpet runner

Category

Early 20th Century Azerbaijani Rustic Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Carpet Runners Rugs Area, Traditional Rugs, Afghan Rugs, Blue Livingroom Rug
Carpet Runners Rugs Area, Traditional Rugs, Afghan Rugs, Blue Livingroom Rug

Carpet Runners Rugs Area, Traditional Rugs, Afghan Rugs, Blue Livingroom Rug

Located in Wembley, GB

traditional rugs style and have influenced by Caucasian design. This kind of carpet runner is suitable for

Category

1990s Afghan Mid-Century Modern Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs
Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Antique Rugs, Camel Pure Wool Caucasian Handmade Carpet Runners, Oriental Rugs

Located in Wembley, GB

These handmade carpet runner oriental rugs are a rare find because of their color combination. This

Category

Antique 1880s Caucasian Art Deco Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Handmade Carpet Runner Traditional Zeigler style Sultanabad Rug
Handmade Carpet Runner Traditional Zeigler style Sultanabad Rug

Handmade Carpet Runner Traditional Zeigler style Sultanabad Rug

Located in Wembley, GB

as a stairway runner, hallway runner or large entrance way runner. Handmade carpet runner

Category

1990s Afghan Sultanabad Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Vintage Rug Handwoven Stair Runner, Oriental Wool Carpet Runner Rug
Vintage Rug Handwoven Stair Runner, Oriental Wool Carpet Runner Rug

Vintage Rug Handwoven Stair Runner, Oriental Wool Carpet Runner Rug

Located in Wembley, GB

Vintage rug Handwoven stair runner, Oriental wool carpet runner rug- 77x568cm.  

Category

Vintage 1960s Azerbaijani Mid-Century Modern Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Handmade Carpet Runner Oriental Wool Stair Runner Rug, Vintage Rugs
Handmade Carpet Runner Oriental Wool Stair Runner Rug, Vintage Rugs

Handmade Carpet Runner Oriental Wool Stair Runner Rug, Vintage Rugs

Located in Wembley, GB

accent rug for any home interior. Handmade carpet runner oriental wool stair runner rug, vintage rugs

Category

Vintage 1950s Azerbaijani Rustic Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Long Traditional Oriental Runner Rug Narrow Handwoven Wool Carpet Runner
Long Traditional Oriental Runner Rug Narrow Handwoven Wool Carpet Runner

Long Traditional Oriental Runner Rug Narrow Handwoven Wool Carpet Runner

Located in Wembley, GB

. Long Traditional Oriental Runner rug narrow handwoven wool carpet runner. Measures: 87 x 420. CORR16.   

Category

Mid-20th Century Azerbaijani Mid-Century Modern Caucasian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

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Carpet Runners For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of carpet runners available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of fabric, wool and cotton, all carpet runners available were constructed with great care. We have 6764 antique and vintage carpet runners in-stock, while there are 1093 modern editions to choose from as well. Carpet runners have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of carpet runners to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Modern, Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco carpet runners are of considerable interest. Berber Tribes of Morocco, Rug & Kilim and Nazmiyal Collection each produced beautiful carpet runners that are worth considering.

How Much are Carpet Runners?

Prices for carpet runners start at $75 and top out at $180,000 with the average selling for $3,000.

Finding the Right Rugs And 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.