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VIA COMO 'Regine' Rug Hand Knotted Wool Silk 6x9 ft One of a Kind Fine Carpet
VIA COMO 'Regine' Rug Hand Knotted Wool Silk 6x9 ft One of a Kind Fine Carpet

VIA COMO 'Regine' Rug Hand Knotted Wool Silk 6x9 ft One of a Kind Fine Carpet

Located in Long Island, NY

'Regine' Rug - Size 6' x 9' Material: 85% Wool - 15% Silk It is a one-of-a-kind rug and a rare piece.

Category

Early 2000s Chinese Other Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

Vintage Tibetan Wool Blanket or Rug with Grey and Red End Panel 5'3'' x 6'3''
Vintage Tibetan Wool Blanket or Rug with Grey and Red End Panel 5'3'' x 6'3''

Vintage Tibetan Wool Blanket or Rug with Grey and Red End Panel 5'3'' x 6'3''

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini has curated a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs. He is enamored by ancient techniques, natural dyes, and cultural symbolog...

Category

Vintage 1970s Tibetan Tibetan Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Tibetan 'Khaden' Wool Rug – An End-of-Era Piece, c. 1960s
Vintage Tibetan 'Khaden' Wool Rug – An End-of-Era Piece, c. 1960s

Vintage Tibetan 'Khaden' Wool Rug – An End-of-Era Piece, c. 1960s

Located in TORQUAY, AU

Why this rug is a rare find: We can confidently date this rug to the mid-20th century by its materials.

Category

Mid-20th Century Tibetan Tibetan Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Vintage Navajo Square Rug, Handwoven Wool, Earth-Tone Colors, 1970s
Vintage Navajo Square Rug, Handwoven Wool, Earth-Tone Colors, 1970s

Vintage Navajo Square Rug, Handwoven Wool, Earth-Tone Colors, 1970s

Located in Barrington, IL

An exceptionally rare square-format Navajo rug, handwoven in the Southwestern United States during the third quarter of the 20th century. 

Category

Late 20th Century American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool, Cotton

New Modern Blue Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Style
New Modern Blue Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Style

New Modern Blue Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Style

By Berber Tribes of Morocco, Beni Mrirt

Located in Dallas, TX

21151 New Modern Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, 11'00 x 11'09. An extraordinary fusion of ancient soul and modern splendor, this hand-knotted wool Beni Mrirt rug offers a rare and lux...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Expressionist Moroccan and North ...

Materials

Wool

Antique East Turkestan Khotan Rug 152 ×290cm Geometric Wool 5×10 c.1890
Antique East Turkestan Khotan Rug 152 ×290cm Geometric Wool 5×10 c.1890

Antique East Turkestan Khotan Rug 152 ×290cm Geometric Wool 5×10 c.1890

Located in New York, NY

This rare antique Khotan rug from East Turkestan, circa 1890, features a beautifully executed geometric layout in an elegant tone-on-tone beige palette.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Turkestan Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Silk

Campion Platt, 'Rough Terrain' Rug 6' x 9' ft Wool Silk One of a Kind Carpet
Campion Platt, 'Rough Terrain' Rug 6' x 9' ft Wool Silk One of a Kind Carpet

Campion Platt, 'Rough Terrain' Rug 6' x 9' ft Wool Silk One of a Kind Carpet

Located in Long Island, NY

It is a one-of-a-kind rug and a rare piece. A truly remarkable work of art.

Category

Early 2000s Nepalese Modern Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool, Silk

1890s Ivory Colorful Antique American Hooked Rug 9'6" x 12'6" Folk Art Carpet
1890s Ivory Colorful Antique American Hooked Rug 9'6" x 12'6" Folk Art Carpet

1890s Ivory Colorful Antique American Hooked Rug 9'6" x 12'6" Folk Art Carpet

Located in New York, NY

Although detail tones include black, dark blue and red, the general effect is light, with no formal arrangement to the squares. Rare size for a hooked rug. Ivory Room Size American ...

Category

Antique 1890s American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1920s Pink Floral Vase Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 2'1''x3'3'' Knotted Rug
1920s Pink Floral Vase Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 2'1''x3'3'' Knotted Rug

1920s Pink Floral Vase Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 2'1''x3'3'' Knotted Rug

Located in New York, NY

This exceptional wool knotted rug offers a rare opportunity to acquire a colorful, well-preserved artifact from the dynamic interwar period.

Category

Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1930s Blue Modernist Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 13'8"x24' Knotted Wool Rug
1930s Blue Modernist Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 13'8"x24' Knotted Wool Rug

1930s Blue Modernist Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 13'8"x24' Knotted Wool Rug

Located in New York, NY

This rug is a rare convergence of monumental size and delicate, refined Art Deco aesthetic, preserved in remarkable condition.

Category

Vintage 1930s Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Art Deco Oriental Style Small Floor Rug by Helen Fette
Art Deco Oriental Style Small Floor Rug by Helen Fette

Art Deco Oriental Style Small Floor Rug by Helen Fette

By Helen Fette

Located in Dallas, TX

PRESENTING a BEAUTIFUL and RARE small sized Oriental Floor Rug by Helen Fette, from the Art Deco Era.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1890s Beige FolkArt Leaf Antique American Hooked Rug 8'8"x8'9" Woven Wool Carpet
1890s Beige FolkArt Leaf Antique American Hooked Rug 8'8"x8'9" Woven Wool Carpet

1890s Beige FolkArt Leaf Antique American Hooked Rug 8'8"x8'9" Woven Wool Carpet

Located in New York, NY

19th Century American Hooked Rug 8'8" x 8'9". This rare, nineteenth-century American folk art hooked rug is a monumental achievement of domestic folk art design, distinguished by i...

Category

Antique 1890s American Folk Art North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1970's Large 9' Round "Sam Francis" Style Exuberant Mutli-Color Spatter ART Rug
1970's Large 9' Round "Sam Francis" Style Exuberant Mutli-Color Spatter ART Rug

1970's Large 9' Round "Sam Francis" Style Exuberant Mutli-Color Spatter ART Rug

By Edward Fields, V'Soske, Sam Francis

Located in St. Louis, MO

Rare 1970s ART RUG, large 9 foot round rug in style of artist Sam Francis.

Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern North and South American Rugs

Materials

Acrylic

Collectible Midcentury White and Brown Antique Wool Moroccan Shag Area Rug
Collectible Midcentury White and Brown Antique Wool Moroccan Shag Area Rug

Collectible Midcentury White and Brown Antique Wool Moroccan Shag Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

This antique vintage Moroccan rug is unique and rare in its design composition.

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African ...

Materials

Wool

1880s Multicolor Heart Folk Art American Hooked Rug 5'3"x5'6" Woven Wool Carpet
1880s Multicolor Heart Folk Art American Hooked Rug 5'3"x5'6" Woven Wool Carpet

1880s Multicolor Heart Folk Art American Hooked Rug 5'3"x5'6" Woven Wool Carpet

Located in New York, NY

This naive, yet sophisticated, artistry displayed in the repeating heart-like motifs elevates this piece among rare antique rugs and textiles of the era, reflecting the maker's uniqu...

Category

Antique 1880s American Folk Art North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool, Fabric

Modern Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, Tranquil Shibui Meets Tribal Enchantment
Modern Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, Tranquil Shibui Meets Tribal Enchantment

Modern Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, Tranquil Shibui Meets Tribal Enchantment

By Berber Tribes of Morocco, Beni Mrirt

Located in Dallas, TX

20526 New Modern Blue Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug, 09'04 x 13'02. A study in movement, depth, and meditation, this hand-knotted wool modern Beni Mrirt Moroccan rug is a rare artifact tha...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Modern Moroccan and North African...

Materials

Wool

Antique White Ground Tibetan Khaden Rug with Black Stepped Diamonds
Antique White Ground Tibetan Khaden Rug with Black Stepped Diamonds

Antique White Ground Tibetan Khaden Rug with Black Stepped Diamonds

Located in Milan, IT

A rare and elegant Tibetan rug in the khaden format distinguished by a snow white background decorated by an infinite repeat of parallel and offset rows of black stepped diamonds, cr...

Category

Antique 1880s Tibetan Tibetan Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Authentic Midcentury Modern Vintage Beni Ourain Moroccan Berber Tribal White Rug
Authentic Midcentury Modern Vintage Beni Ourain Moroccan Berber Tribal White Rug

Authentic Midcentury Modern Vintage Beni Ourain Moroccan Berber Tribal White Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Late 20th Century Moroccan Tribal Moroccan and North African Rugs

Materials

Wool

1890s Cream Floral Ruyi Antique Chinese Mongolian Carpet Knotted 7'x9'6 Wool Rug
1890s Cream Floral Ruyi Antique Chinese Mongolian Carpet Knotted 7'x9'6 Wool Rug

1890s Cream Floral Ruyi Antique Chinese Mongolian Carpet Knotted 7'x9'6 Wool Rug

Located in New York, NY

Retaining remarkable clarity and pile height for its age, this rug offers a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of textile history suitable for daily use.

Category

Antique 1890s Chinese Qing Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Vintage Chevron Area Rug
Antique Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Vintage Chevron Area Rug

Antique Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Vintage Chevron Area Rug

By Beni M'Guild

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Vintage 1930s Moroccan Tribal Moroccan and North African Rugs

Materials

Wool

Collectible Antique Midcentury Blue Green Vintage Moroccan Wool Shag Area Rug
Collectible Antique Midcentury Blue Green Vintage Moroccan Wool Shag Area Rug

Collectible Antique Midcentury Blue Green Vintage Moroccan Wool Shag Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African ...

Materials

Wool

Vintage Collectible Red Classic Chevron Beni Mguild Authentic Moroccan Wool Rug
Vintage Collectible Red Classic Chevron Beni Mguild Authentic Moroccan Wool Rug

Vintage Collectible Red Classic Chevron Beni Mguild Authentic Moroccan Wool Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Vintage 1930s Moroccan Tribal Moroccan and North African Rugs

Materials

Wool

1930s Yellow Open Field Folk Art Antique American Hooked Rug 2'8''x5'0'' Carpet
1930s Yellow Open Field Folk Art Antique American Hooked Rug 2'8''x5'0'' Carpet

1930s Yellow Open Field Folk Art Antique American Hooked Rug 2'8''x5'0'' Carpet

Located in New York, NY

This "solid" layout is a rare find in the hooked rug tradition, as it requires a high degree of confidence and technical skill to maintain a consistent tension and loop size across a...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Folk Art North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

1910 Scenic Folk Art Antique American Hooked Rug 2'3"x3'2" Americana Bird Carpet
1910 Scenic Folk Art Antique American Hooked Rug 2'3"x3'2" Americana Bird Carpet

1910 Scenic Folk Art Antique American Hooked Rug 2'3"x3'2" Americana Bird Carpet

Located in New York, NY

This remarkable artifact offers both historical context and sophisticated visual interest, making it a compelling acquisition for collectors seeking distinguished and rare antique ru...

Category

Vintage 1910s American Folk Art North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Collectible Diamond Purple Violet Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Area Rug
Antique Collectible Diamond Purple Violet Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Area Rug

Antique Collectible Diamond Purple Violet Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African ...

Materials

Wool

1930s Green Daisies Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 8'7"x11'4" Knotted Wool Rug
1930s Green Daisies Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 8'7"x11'4" Knotted Wool Rug

1930s Green Daisies Antique Chinese Art Deco Carpet 8'7"x11'4" Knotted Wool Rug

Located in New York, NY

This piece is classified among our finest room size rugs, offering a rare combination of historical provenance and enduring decorative impact.

Category

Vintage 1930s Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique White Ground Tibetan Khaden Rug with Black Stepped Diamonds
Antique White Ground Tibetan Khaden Rug with Black Stepped Diamonds

Antique White Ground Tibetan Khaden Rug with Black Stepped Diamonds

Located in Milan, IT

A rare and elegant Tibetan rug in the khaden format distinguished by a snow white background decorated by an infinite repeat of parallel and offset rows of black stepped diamonds, cr...

Category

Antique 1880s Tibetan Tibetan Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

1920s Yellow Floral Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug 9'x11'6'' Knotted Wool Carpet
1920s Yellow Floral Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug 9'x11'6'' Knotted Wool Carpet

1920s Yellow Floral Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug 9'x11'6'' Knotted Wool Carpet

Located in New York, NY

Its generous proportions classify it among the most desirable room size rugs, offering a rare opportunity to incorporate authentic 1920s glamour and sophisticated color into a contem...

Category

Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

New Modern Blue Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Abstract Style
New Modern Blue Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Abstract Style

New Modern Blue Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Abstract Style

$6,799Sale Price|20% Off

W 124 in L 165 in

New Modern Blue Moroccan Rug with Contemporary Abstract Style

By Berber Tribes of Morocco

Located in Dallas, TX

Woven in Pakistan by master artisans, this rare blue-hued rug is not merely a textile—it is a meditation in motion, a bespoke intersection of tradition and transcendent abstraction.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Modern Moroccan and North Africa...

Materials

Wool

Vintage Tibetan Khaden Tiger Animal Print Accent Handmade Wool Brown Rug
Vintage Tibetan Khaden Tiger Animal Print Accent Handmade Wool Brown Rug

Vintage Tibetan Khaden Tiger Animal Print Accent Handmade Wool Brown Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini has curated a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs. He is enamored by ancient techniques, natural dyes, and cultural symbology.

Category

Vintage 1970s Tibetan Tibetan Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Via Como - 'Art Deco 3' Rug Wool Hand Knotted Carpet One of a Kind Size 6x9 feet
Via Como - 'Art Deco 3' Rug Wool Hand Knotted Carpet One of a Kind Size 6x9 feet

Via Como - 'Art Deco 3' Rug Wool Hand Knotted Carpet One of a Kind Size 6x9 feet

Located in Long Island, NY

Via Como - 'Art Deco 3' Rug - Size 6' x 9' Material: 100% Wool This is a one-of-a-kind rug and a rare piece.

Category

Early 2000s Unknown Art Deco Central Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century American Hand-Hooked Wool Rug, Bird & Floral Design
Early 20th Century American Hand-Hooked Wool Rug, Bird & Floral Design

Early 20th Century American Hand-Hooked Wool Rug, Bird & Floral Design

Located in Barrington, IL

Dimensions: 2’ 8” x 3’ 11” Date of Manufacture: 1st Quarter of the 1900s Place of Origin: America Material: Wool and cotton pile on a burlap foundation Condition: Wear consiste...

Category

Early 20th Century American North and South American Rugs

Materials

Cotton

Vintage Tibetan Khaden Tiger Animal Print Accent Handmade Wool Brown Rug
Vintage Tibetan Khaden Tiger Animal Print Accent Handmade Wool Brown Rug

Vintage Tibetan Khaden Tiger Animal Print Accent Handmade Wool Brown Rug

Located in New York, NY

Throughout his travels around the world, Carini has curated a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs. He is enamored by ancient techniques, natural dyes, and cultural ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Tibetan Tibetan Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

Minimalist Natural White Cross Red Talisman Vintage Authentic Moroccan Area Rug
Minimalist Natural White Cross Red Talisman Vintage Authentic Moroccan Area Rug

Minimalist Natural White Cross Red Talisman Vintage Authentic Moroccan Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North...

Materials

Wool

Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Diamond Area Rug
Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Diamond Area Rug

Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Diamond Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African ...

Materials

Wool

Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Colorful Midcentury Area Rug
Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Colorful Midcentury Area Rug

Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Colorful Midcentury Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African ...

Materials

Wool

Antique Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Vintage Chevron Area Rug
Antique Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Vintage Chevron Area Rug

Antique Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Vintage Chevron Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African ...

Materials

Wool

Antique Ombre Midcentury Collectible Moroccan Wool Shag Area Rug Orange, Violet
Antique Ombre Midcentury Collectible Moroccan Wool Shag Area Rug Orange, Violet

Antique Ombre Midcentury Collectible Moroccan Wool Shag Area Rug Orange, Violet

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Moroccan and North African Rugs

Materials

Wool

Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Diamond Area Rug
Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Diamond Area Rug

Antique Collectible Beni Mguild Moroccan Wool Shag Midcentury Diamond Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

On his travels around the world, Carini curates a collection of fine and rare vintage textiles and rugs, forming Joseph Carini's Private Reserve Collection.

Category

Vintage 1920s Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African Rugs

Materials

Wool

Modern Brutalist Moroccan Rug, Meet the Softer Side of Brutalism
Modern Brutalist Moroccan Rug, Meet the Softer Side of Brutalism

Modern Brutalist Moroccan Rug, Meet the Softer Side of Brutalism

Located in Dallas, TX

81015 Rare Modern Brutalist Dreamscape Moroccan Rug, 10'04 x 13'07.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pakistani Brutalist Moroccan and North Afr...

Materials

Wool

New Modern Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug with Expressionist Style
New Modern Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug with Expressionist Style

New Modern Berber Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug with Expressionist Style

By Berber Tribes of Morocco

Located in Dallas, TX

21648 Rare Modern Beni Mrirt Moroccan Rug 09'10 x 12'10.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Expressionist Moroccan and North ...

Materials

Wool

RugsOnNet Royal Blue Color Antique Art Deco Chinese Room Size Wool Pile Area Rug
RugsOnNet Royal Blue Color Antique Art Deco Chinese Room Size Wool Pile Area Rug

RugsOnNet Royal Blue Color Antique Art Deco Chinese Room Size Wool Pile Area Rug

Located in New York, NY

We specialize in finding rare examples of blue color rugs that exhibit this level of saturation and quality.

Category

Vintage 1920s Chinese Art Deco Chinese and East Asian Rugs

Materials

Wool

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Rare Rug For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the rare rug you’re looking for. Frequently made of fabric, wool and cotton, every rare rug was constructed with great care. If you’re shopping for a rare rug, we have 465 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect rare rug — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right rare rug, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Folk Art styles are of considerable interest. Antonín Kybal, Ingegerd Silow and Jacques Borker each produced at least one beautiful rare rug that is worth considering.

How Much is a Rare Rug?

Prices for a rare rug start at $450 and top out at $320,000 with the average selling for $7,085.

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.