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Handmade Runner Rugs

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Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Mahal Small Runner
Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Mahal Small Runner

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Mahal Small Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Persian Mahal small rug in runner format handmade during the mid-20th century with bright

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Shiraz Small Runner
Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Shiraz Small Runner

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Shiraz Small Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Persian Shiraz small runner handmade during the mid-20th century with a colorful diamond

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Modern Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Handmade Antique Kerman Style Fragment Runner, 1930s, 1P141
Handmade Antique Kerman Style Fragment Runner, 1930s, 1P141

Handmade Antique Kerman Style Fragment Runner, 1930s, 1P141

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade antique fragment of Kerman rug in traditional busy floral design. The fragment is in

Category

Vintage 1930s Indian Indian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Prayer Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s
Handmade Vintage Prayer Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s

Handmade Vintage Prayer Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Vintage handmade Uzbek runner in peach shade. It has all-over design with open field and very busy

Category

Mid-20th Century Uzbek Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Neutral Turkish Floral Wool Handmade Tulip Motif Runner
Neutral Turkish Floral Wool Handmade Tulip Motif Runner

Neutral Turkish Floral Wool Handmade Tulip Motif Runner

Located in New York, NY

A Turkish Konya runner with a repetitive all-over motif in soft brown, soft green, soft pink

Category

20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1980s, 1Q0122
Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1980s, 1Q0122

Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1980s, 1Q0122

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade vintage flat-weave runner from Afghanistan. The rug is from the end of 20th century in

Category

Vintage 1980s Afghan Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Afghan Ersari Runner, 1970s, 1Q0019
Handmade Vintage Afghan Ersari Runner, 1970s, 1Q0019

Handmade Vintage Afghan Ersari Runner, 1970s, 1Q0019

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade vintage Afghan Ersari narrow runner in red and purple wool. The rug is from the end of

Category

Vintage 1970s Afghan Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s, 1C856
Handmade Vintage Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s, 1C856

Handmade Vintage Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s, 1C856

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade vintage Uzbek Bukhara distressed runner in traditional design. The rug is from the end of

Category

Vintage 1960s Uzbek Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Red Chinese Handmade Wool Runner
Antique Red Chinese Handmade Wool Runner

Antique Red Chinese Handmade Wool Runner

Located in Norwalk, CT

Beautiful antique Chinese Art Deco handmade wool runner, with a red field. This Chinese runner has

Category

Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Saph Khotan Runner Rug, circa 1920
Early 20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Saph Khotan Runner Rug, circa 1920

Early 20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Saph Khotan Runner Rug, circa 1920

Located in New York, NY

An antique East Turkestan Saph Khotan rug in a very unusual runner format for the rug type handmade

Category

Early 20th Century East Turkestani Rustic Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Tibetan Khaden Runner, 1970s, 1C347
Handmade Vintage Tibetan Khaden Runner, 1970s, 1C347

Handmade Vintage Tibetan Khaden Runner, 1970s, 1C347

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Vintage Tibetan runner from Nepal in original good condition. All-over design in beige color and

Category

Late 20th Century Nepalese Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1960s, 1Q0047
Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1960s, 1Q0047

Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1960s, 1Q0047

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade antique Aghan flat-weave runner in red and blue wool. It is from the end of 20th century

Category

Vintage 1960s Afghan Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1960s, 1Q0192
Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1960s, 1Q0192

Handmade Vintage Afghan Kilim Runner, 1960s, 1Q0192

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade vintage Aghan flat-weave runner in red, orange and blue wool. It is from the end of 20th

Category

Vintage 1960s Afghan Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Tribal Pictorial Kurd Runner
Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Tribal Pictorial Kurd Runner

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Tribal Pictorial Kurd Runner

Located in New York, NY

An antique Persian Pictorial tribal rug in runner format handmade by the Kurdish tribes of Persia

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Antique Caucasian Kuba Runner, 1880s, 1B755
Handmade Antique Caucasian Kuba Runner, 1880s, 1B755

Handmade Antique Caucasian Kuba Runner, 1880s, 1B755

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade antique Caucasian Kuba rug in deep blue shade. The rug is from the end of 19th century in

Category

Antique 1880s Russian Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s, 1C505
Handmade Vintage Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s, 1C505

Handmade Vintage Uzbek Bukhara Runner, 1960s, 1C505

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This runner is in original good condition made out of soft wool. Light beige border decorated in

Category

Mid-20th Century Uzbek Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Flatweave Kilim Long Runner
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Flatweave Kilim Long Runner

Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Flatweave Kilim Long Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Turkish flatweave Kilim long runner handmade during the mid-20th century. Measures: 2' 8

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Hemp

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Tabriz Chahar Bagh Runner
Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Tabriz Chahar Bagh Runner

Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Tabriz Chahar Bagh Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Persian Tabriz rug in runner format handmade during the mid-20th century with an aerial

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Tabriz Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Tibetan Coin Medallion Indigo Wool Handmade Small Runner Rug by Joseph Carini
Tibetan Coin Medallion Indigo Wool Handmade Small Runner Rug by Joseph Carini

Tibetan Coin Medallion Indigo Wool Handmade Small Runner Rug by Joseph Carini

By Joseph Carini, Carini Carpets

Located in New York, NY

calming and balancing. To be used as an accessory or throw rug at the foot of a bed, in a small hallway

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Tibetan Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Pink Red 20th Century Wool Handmade Vintage Turkish Runner
Pink Red 20th Century Wool Handmade Vintage Turkish Runner

Pink Red 20th Century Wool Handmade Vintage Turkish Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Turkish runner with three medallions on red and pink field. The field has a soft red in

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

White Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'11" X 11'2"
White Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'11" X 11'2"

White Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'11" X 11'2"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning modern Turkish Tulu rug that is sure to add a touch of warmth and luxury to any space

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Sivas Runner in Muted Tones
Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Sivas Runner in Muted Tones

Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Sivas Runner in Muted Tones

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Turkish Sivas rug in runner format handmade during the mid-20th century with mercerized

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Turkish Rugs

Materials

Cotton

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Kurd Runner in Neutral Tones
Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Kurd Runner in Neutral Tones

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Kurd Runner in Neutral Tones

Located in New York, NY

An antique Persian rug in runner format in neutral earth tones handmade during the early 20th

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Heriz Northwest Persian Runner, Handmade, Navy, Light Blue, Saffron Rust
Antique Heriz Northwest Persian Runner, Handmade, Navy, Light Blue, Saffron Rust

Antique Heriz Northwest Persian Runner, Handmade, Navy, Light Blue, Saffron Rust

Located in Port Washington, NY

Heriz carpets are the staple of the furnishing market and remain the most popular of all NW Persian carpets. They were produced for the rapidly growing US market in the late 19th to ...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Persian Heriz Serapi Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage American Hooked Runner, 1960s, 1C701
Handmade Vintage American Hooked Runner, 1960s, 1C701

Handmade Vintage American Hooked Runner, 1960s, 1C701

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade vintage American Hooked runner in original condition, it has some age discolorations. The

Category

Vintage 1960s American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage American Hooked Runner, 1940s, 1C700
Handmade Vintage American Hooked Runner, 1940s, 1C700

Handmade Vintage American Hooked Runner, 1940s, 1C700

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade vintage American Hooked runner in original condition, it has some age discolourations. The

Category

Vintage 1940s American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

2.5 x 15 Ft (Adjustable) Banded Handmade Vintage Kilim Runner
2.5 x 15 Ft (Adjustable) Banded Handmade Vintage Kilim Runner

2.5 x 15 Ft (Adjustable) Banded Handmade Vintage Kilim Runner

Located in Spring Valley, NY

A simple yet beautiful wool flat-weave runner rug made of cotton and goat's hair, handwoven by the

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Kilim Turkish Rugs

Materials

Goat Hair, Hemp, Cotton

Handmade Antique American Hooked Runner, 1880s, 1B509
Handmade Antique American Hooked Runner, 1880s, 1B509

Handmade Antique American Hooked Runner, 1880s, 1B509

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade antique American hooked rug in good condition. The rug has been made in geometric design

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Antique American Hooked Runner, 1920s, 1C593
Handmade Antique American Hooked Runner, 1920s, 1C593

Handmade Antique American Hooked Runner, 1920s, 1C593

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Antique American hooked runner in purple and beige shades and repeating roses in the centre. This

Category

Early 20th Century American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Indigo Stripes Natural Dye Handmade Wool Runner Throw Rug by Joseph Carini
Blue Indigo Stripes Natural Dye Handmade Wool Runner Throw Rug by Joseph Carini

Blue Indigo Stripes Natural Dye Handmade Wool Runner Throw Rug by Joseph Carini

By Joseph Carini, Carini Carpets

Located in New York, NY

any commercial wool. To be used as an accessory or throw rug at the foot of a bed, in a small hallway

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Organic Modern Chinese and East A...

Materials

Wool

Blue Indigo Stripes Natural Dye Handmade Wool Runner Throw Rug by Joseph Carini
Blue Indigo Stripes Natural Dye Handmade Wool Runner Throw Rug by Joseph Carini

Blue Indigo Stripes Natural Dye Handmade Wool Runner Throw Rug by Joseph Carini

By Joseph Carini, Carini Carpets

Located in New York, NY

any commercial wool. To be used as an accessory or throw rug at the foot of a bed, in a small hallway

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Organic Modern Chinese and East A...

Materials

Wool

Blue Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3' X 12'5"
Blue Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3' X 12'5"

Blue Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3' X 12'5"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

This exquisite Turkish flatweave Kilim rug is a stunning masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Checkered Pattern Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 2'10" X 12'6"
Blue Checkered Pattern Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 2'10" X 12'6"

Blue Checkered Pattern Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 2'10" X 12'6"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

This exquisite Turkish flatweave Kilim rug is a stunning masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Brown Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3' X 12'1"
Brown Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3' X 12'1"

Brown Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3' X 12'1"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

This exquisite Turkish flatweave Kilim rug is a stunning masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3'10" X 10'2"
Blue Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3'10" X 10'2"

Blue Geometric Design Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 3'10" X 10'2"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

This exquisite Turkish flatweave Kilim rug is a stunning masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Yellow & Red Vintage Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 2'9" x 10'10"
Yellow & Red Vintage Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 2'9" x 10'10"

Yellow & Red Vintage Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner 2'9" x 10'10"

Located in Houston, TX

This exquisite Vintage Turkish flatweave kilim rug is a stunning masterpiece of traditional

Category

Vintage 1960s Turkish Kilim Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Rustic Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Karajeh Runner in Rust Red
Rustic Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Karajeh Runner in Rust Red

Rustic Mid-20th Century Handmade Persian Karajeh Runner in Rust Red

Located in New York, NY

A vintage Persian Karajeh rug in runner format handmade during the mid-20th century with geometric

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Fine Antique Persian Malayer Handmade Wool Runner by Doris Leslie Blau
Fine Antique Persian Malayer Handmade Wool Runner by Doris Leslie Blau

Fine Antique Persian Malayer Handmade Wool Runner by Doris Leslie Blau

Located in New York, NY

Fine Antique Persian Malayer Handmade Wool Runner by Doris Leslie Blau Size: 4'0" × 15'5" (121

Category

Mid-20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Modern Scandinavian Green Handmade Wool Runner with Geometric Pattern
Modern Scandinavian Green Handmade Wool Runner with Geometric Pattern

Modern Scandinavian Green Handmade Wool Runner with Geometric Pattern

Located in Norwalk, CT

Beautiful Scandinavian-style wool runner with a green and grey field. This modern rug has accent

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Scandinavian Modern Russian and Sca...

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Khotan Runner
Mid-20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Khotan Runner

Mid-20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Khotan Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vintage East Turkestan Khotan rug in runner format handmade during the mid-20th century

Category

Mid-20th Century East Turkestani Rustic Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Wool and Silk Tone on Tone Tabriz Handmade Extra Large Runner
Wool and Silk Tone on Tone Tabriz Handmade Extra Large Runner

Wool and Silk Tone on Tone Tabriz Handmade Extra Large Runner

Located in Carlstadt, NJ

Wool and silk tone on tone Tabriz handmade extra large runner. Measures: 2'6" x 16'1". Primary

Category

2010s Afghan Tabriz More Carpets

Materials

Bamboo

Contemporary Turkish Runner Rug with Colorful Sultanabad Weaving
Contemporary Turkish Runner Rug with Colorful Sultanabad Weaving

Contemporary Turkish Runner Rug with Colorful Sultanabad Weaving

Located in Dallas, TX

Handmade Turkish runner rug from high quality sheep’s wool and colored with eco-friendly vegetable

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Persian Islamic Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Serab Runner in Brown and Cream
Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Serab Runner in Brown and Cream

Early 20th Century Handmade Persian Serab Runner in Brown and Cream

Located in New York, NY

An antique Persian Serab rug in runner format handmade during the early 20th century in shades of

Category

Early 20th Century Persian Rustic Persian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Pomegranate Khotan Runner
Mid-20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Pomegranate Khotan Runner

Mid-20th Century Handmade East Turkestan Pomegranate Khotan Runner

Located in New York, NY

A vintage East Turkestan Khotan rug in runner format with a pomegranate design handmade during the

Category

Mid-20th Century East Turkestani Modern Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Handmade Vintage Art Deco Chinese Runner, 1970s, 1C744
Handmade Vintage Art Deco Chinese Runner, 1970s, 1C744

Handmade Vintage Art Deco Chinese Runner, 1970s, 1C744

Located in Bordeaux, FR

Handmade vintage narrow Chinese runner from the end of 20th century. It is in original condition

Category

Vintage 1970s Chinese Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'10" x 10'3"
Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'10" x 10'3"

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'10" x 10'3"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning modern Turkish Tulu rug that is sure to add a touch of warmth and luxury to any space

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'10" x 10'6"
Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'10" x 10'6"

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'10" x 10'6"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning modern Turkish Tulu rug that is sure to add a touch of warmth and luxury to any space

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 3'2" X 10'8"
Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 3'2" X 10'8"

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 3'2" X 10'8"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning modern Turkish Tulu rug that is sure to add a touch of warmth and luxury to any space

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'9" X 10'6"
Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'9" X 10'6"

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 2'9" X 10'6"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning modern Turkish Tulu rug that is sure to add a touch of warmth and luxury to any space

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 3'1" X 6'5"
Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 3'1" X 6'5"

Blue Geometric Design Modern Handmade Wool Tulu Runner 3'1" X 6'5"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

A stunning modern Turkish Tulu rug that is sure to add a touch of warmth and luxury to any space

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner in Blue Geometric Pattern 2'11" X 12'1"
Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner in Blue Geometric Pattern 2'11" X 12'1"

Flatweave Handmade Wool Runner in Blue Geometric Pattern 2'11" X 12'1"

By Asian Modern

Located in Houston, TX

This exquisite Turkish flatweave Kilim rug is a stunning masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Materials

Wool

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Handmade Runner Rugs For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of handmade runner rugs for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique handmade runner rugs was constructed with extraordinary care, often using fabric, wool and cotton. We have 405 antique and vintage handmade runner rugs in-stock, while there are 89 modern editions to choose from as well. Handmade runner rugs have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of handmade runner rugs to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Art Deco handmade runner rugs are of considerable interest. Patricia Urquiola and Paule Leleu each produced beautiful handmade runner rugs that are worth considering.

How Much are Handmade Runner Rugs?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $2,531, while they’re typically $299 on the low end and $22,000 highest priced.

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. 

Questions About Handmade Runner Rugs