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1960's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
1960's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

1960's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

Located in Dallas, TX

50500 Vintage Red Turkish Oushak Rug, 07'02 x 10'00. Drenched in a palette of autumn’s last embers and steeped in the grandeur of Ottoman elegance, this hand-knotted wool vintage Tur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Aesthetic Movement Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Arts & Crafts Donegal Oushak Design Carpet
Arts & Crafts Donegal Oushak Design Carpet

Arts & Crafts Donegal Oushak Design Carpet

Located in London, GB

An Arts & Crafts Donegal Oushak design carpet, Irish c.1900, the design generally attributed to

Category

Early 20th Century Irish Arts and Crafts Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

831 - Very Beautiful Mid-20th Century Turkish Carpet
831 - Very Beautiful Mid-20th Century Turkish Carpet

831 - Very Beautiful Mid-20th Century Turkish Carpet

Located in Paris, FR

831 - very beautiful mid-20th century Turkish carpet with a nice geometric design and beautiful

Category

1950s Turkestan Tribal Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Caucasia Kuba Old Kilim Rug, Vintage Caucasian Carpet
Caucasia Kuba Old Kilim Rug, Vintage Caucasian Carpet

Caucasia Kuba Old Kilim Rug, Vintage Caucasian Carpet

Located in Tokyo, JP

This is a large, Caucasian Old Kilim from the Kuba region with a red background and beautiful color composition. Kuba kilims are often decorated with large abstract indented medal...

Category

Mid-20th Century Caucasian Kilim Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Natural Fiber, Cotton

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

51372 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 10'05 x 12'10. An extraordinary fusion of heritage and haute design, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug unveils a mesmerizing interpl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Art Deco Turkish Carpet by Zeki Muran
Vintage Art Deco Turkish Carpet by Zeki Muran

Vintage Art Deco Turkish Carpet by Zeki Muran

By Zeki Müren

Located in New York, NY

This irregularly good pile to distressed borderless carpet was woven with a repeating, abstract

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Midcentury Röllakan Carpet from Sweden.
Midcentury Röllakan Carpet from Sweden.

Midcentury Röllakan Carpet from Sweden.

Located in Hägersten-Liljeholmen, Stockholms län

Typical Röllakan rug made in Sweden during the 20th century. The rug gets the typical characteristic of the Sweden Röllakan with flower shapes. The rug is massive, over 240 cm in len...

Category

1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

73897 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 04'09 x 11'10. Woven with the soul of Anatolian artistry, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug is a timeless testament to the elegance ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

52765 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 04'01 x 06'02. Steeped in Anatolian tradition, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug tells a story of artistry, symbolism, and the endur...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1940'S Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
1940'S Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

1940'S Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

Located in Dallas, TX

52469 Earth-Tone Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 04'08 x 08'07. A poetic union of ancestral legacy and quiet luxury, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug presents an experie...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

52486 Vintage Neutral Turkish Oushak Rug, 06'04 x 08'08. Woven with the grace of time-honored tradition, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug exudes a quiet sophisticati...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1980's Pakistani Tabriz Carpet with Traditional Style
1980's Pakistani Tabriz Carpet with Traditional Style

1980's Pakistani Tabriz Carpet with Traditional Style

Located in Dallas, TX

79138 Vintage Pakistani Tabriz Rug Runner, 02'07 x 10'03. This magnificent hand-knotted wool vintage Pakistani Tabriz rug runner showcases the timeless elegance and intricate craftsm...

Category

Late 20th Century Pakistani Tabriz Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

Located in Dallas, TX

50129 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 03'05 x 06'09. Steeped in Anatolian heritage, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug is a resplendent display of traditional artistry and...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Ege Tæpper Rya Carpet
Vintage Ege Tæpper Rya Carpet

Vintage Ege Tæpper Rya Carpet

By Ege Rya

Located in Dallas, TX

78352 Vintage Danish Ege Rya Rug, 07'06 x 11'10. Ege Rya rugs are a distinctive type of Danish rug from the mid-20th century, known for their deep pile and modernist, often abstract ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Turkish Anatolian Carpet
Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Turkish Anatolian Carpet

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Turkish Anatolian Carpet

Located in New York, NY

This mid-20th century Turkish Anatolian carpet, measuring 8' 1" x 9' 5", features a vivid allover

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Rustic Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1970's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style
1970's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

1970's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

53698 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug, 06'09 x 09'08. Steeped in the artistry of Anatolia, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug exudes an air of quiet sophistication, softene...

Category

Late 20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

20th Century Silk Handmade Carpet in Light Colors
20th Century Silk Handmade Carpet in Light Colors

20th Century Silk Handmade Carpet in Light Colors

Located in Sofia, BG

Beautiful silk carpet in light colors that changes the intensity of the colors when you look at it

Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Used Carpets

Materials

Silk

1950's Turkish Sivas Carpet with Modern Style
1950's Turkish Sivas Carpet with Modern Style

1950's Turkish Sivas Carpet with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

53067 Vintage Turkish Sivas Rug, 07'10 x 11'06. A dazzling vision of Anatolian artistry, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Sivas rug exudes a regal presence with its radiant col...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Empire Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Turkish Anatolian Carpet
Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Turkish Anatolian Carpet

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Turkish Anatolian Carpet

Located in New York, NY

This mid-20th century Turkish Anatolian room-size carpet, measuring 8' 8" x 11' 10", is a

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Tribal Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

1940's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

Located in Dallas, TX

52488 Vintage Earth-Tone Turkish Oushak Rug, 07'00 x 12'00. Woven in the storied highlands of Anatolia, this hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak rug offers an experience of poe...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1960's Turkish Patchwork Carpet with Modern Style
1960's Turkish Patchwork Carpet with Modern Style

1960's Turkish Patchwork Carpet with Modern Style

Located in Dallas, TX

52132 Vintage Turkish Patchwork Kilim Rug, 09'09 x 14'00. Steeped in the rich traditions of Anatolian weaving, this handwoven vintage Turkish patchwork Kilim rug is a striking testam...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Bohemian Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Caucasus Kazak rug, or carpet, with hooked medallions
Caucasus Kazak rug, or carpet, with hooked medallions

Caucasus Kazak rug, or carpet, with hooked medallions

Located in Castle Douglas, GB

Caucasus Kazak rug with hooked medallions The geometric design of the South Caucasus region, incorporating the distinctive hooked medallion typical of the Kazak design. Rust red gr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Caucasian Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Stunning Raspberry Turkish Ghiordes Floral Carpet
Zabihi Collection Stunning Raspberry Turkish Ghiordes Floral Carpet

Zabihi Collection Stunning Raspberry Turkish Ghiordes Floral Carpet

Located in New York, NY

Antique Turkish Ghiordes rug with an enchanting floral palette on a raspberry field circa 1900. Measures: 3'9" x 6'.

Category

20th Century Turkish Romantic Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Indian Flatweave Dhurrie Carpet
Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Indian Flatweave Dhurrie Carpet

Galerie Shabab Collection Mid-20th Century Indian Flatweave Dhurrie Carpet

Located in New York, NY

A mid-20th century Indian flatweave dhurrie of square format, this large carpet displays a richly

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Cotton

Zabihi Collection Oversize Green Gold Turkish Oushak Carpet
Zabihi Collection Oversize Green Gold Turkish Oushak Carpet

Zabihi Collection Oversize Green Gold Turkish Oushak Carpet

Located in New York, NY

One of a kind traditional wool 21st century Turkish Oushak in muted green and gold tones, accents in brick red Measures: 12'5" x 16'8".  

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Turkish Queen Anne Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Giant Amritsar Carpet with Wear 'DK-113-99'
Giant Amritsar Carpet with Wear 'DK-113-99'

Giant Amritsar Carpet with Wear 'DK-113-99'

Located in New York, NY

A great antique Indian carpet, showing the signs of its former life in the English countryside

Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Afghan Village Carpet, Circa 1920
Antique Afghan Village Carpet, Circa 1920

Antique Afghan Village Carpet, Circa 1920

Located in Moreton-In-Marsh, GB

Old Red Afghan carpet with traditional design, this carpet has superb colour with a very good warm

Category

20th Century Afghan Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style
1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

1950's Turkish Oushak Carpet with Traditional Style

Located in Dallas, TX

51448 Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug Runner, 05'03 x 12'06. This hand-knotted wool vintage Turkish Oushak gallery rug is a stunning testament to the refined artistry of traditional Anato...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Turkish Flatweave Kilim Gallery Carpet
Mid-20th Century Turkish Flatweave Kilim Gallery Carpet

Mid-20th Century Turkish Flatweave Kilim Gallery Carpet

Located in New York, NY

This mid-20th century Turkish flatweave kilim rug, measuring 6' 4" x 13' 0", presents a bold and organic aesthetic through its use of natural tones and horizontal striped patterning....

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Kilim Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Mid-20th Century Turkish Flatweave Kilim Gallery Carpet
Mid-20th Century Turkish Flatweave Kilim Gallery Carpet

Mid-20th Century Turkish Flatweave Kilim Gallery Carpet

Located in New York, NY

This Mid-20th century Turkish Flatweave Kilim rug, offers a bold and eclectic interpretation of traditional stripe motifs. Divided into four distinct panels, each section showcases a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Kilim Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Mid Century Tulu Carpet in Sand Color Background
Mid Century Tulu Carpet in Sand Color Background

Mid Century Tulu Carpet in Sand Color Background

Located in Atlanta, GA

Mid century Tulu carpet in sand color background. This mid century Tulu rug features repeating

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Tulu Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Ukranian Pile Carpet with Floral Design, 19th Century
Ukranian Pile Carpet with Floral Design, 19th Century

Ukranian Pile Carpet with Floral Design, 19th Century

Located in New York, NY

Ukrainian pile carpet with floral design, 19th century. Urania, circa early 19th century

Category

Early 19th Century Ukrainian Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Green Oversize Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet
Zabihi Collection Green Oversize Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet

Zabihi Collection Green Oversize Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet

Located in New York, NY

An authentic handmade late 19th century antique Turkish Oushak rug with a celadon green. field, ivory central medallion and border. Accents in light yellow and an orangey red. Mea...

Category

19th Century Turkish Georgian Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique 1850s Ottoman Silk Carpet with Allover Botanical Design
Antique 1850s Ottoman Silk Carpet with Allover Botanical Design

Antique 1850s Ottoman Silk Carpet with Allover Botanical Design

Located in Los Angeles, US

An exceptional antique Ottoman silk rug dating to the 1850s, showcasing a harmonious allover floral design typical of refined Turkish court influenced weaving. The composition featur...

Category

Mid-19th Century Turkish Other Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Antique French Aubusson Carpet, Ivory Field, Red Borders
Antique French Aubusson Carpet, Ivory Field, Red Borders

Antique French Aubusson Carpet, Ivory Field, Red Borders

Located in New York, NY

This French tapestry-weave pile less carpet shows a pinched, oval cartouche ecru medallion with a

Category

Early 1900s French Aubusson Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Contemporary Arts and Crafts Design Carpet
Contemporary Arts and Crafts Design Carpet

Contemporary Arts and Crafts Design Carpet

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

A contemporary interpretation of 19th Century English Arts & Crafts carpets, particularly those of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Arts and Crafts Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Contemporary Arts and Crafts Design Carpet
Contemporary Arts and Crafts Design Carpet

Contemporary Arts and Crafts Design Carpet

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

A contemporary interpretation of 19th Century English Arts & Crafts carpets, particularly those of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Arts and Crafts Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Moroccan Carpet Minimalist Design
Moroccan Carpet Minimalist Design

Moroccan Carpet Minimalist Design

$3,460Sale Price|20% Off

Moroccan Carpet Minimalist Design

Located in Ferrara, IT

This is a Moroccan Carpet, a masterpiece of minimalism, adorned with a serene color palette of

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Moroccan Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Large German Brown 100% Wool 1970s Carpet by Desso
Large German Brown 100% Wool 1970s Carpet by Desso

Large German Brown 100% Wool 1970s Carpet by Desso

By Desso

Located in Varese, Lombardia

This large carpet (240 x 170 cm) was produced in Germany, circa 1970s. It is made from 100% wool in

Category

1970s German Space Age Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Gold European French Carpet
Antique Gold European French Carpet

Antique Gold European French Carpet

$13,328Sale Price|20% Off

Antique Gold European French Carpet

Located in Dallas, TX

73348 Antique European French Rug, 12’04 x 13’09. European French rugs are high-quality rugs made in France, known for their exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and intrica...

Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Contemporary 'Marion II' Grey Tibetan Wool and Silk Carpet
Contemporary 'Marion II' Grey Tibetan Wool and Silk Carpet

Contemporary 'Marion II' Grey Tibetan Wool and Silk Carpet

Located in New York, NY

Contemporary 'Marion II' Grey Tibetan Wool and Silk Carpet This Tibetan wool and silk rug was

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Nepalese Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Goat Hair, Silk

Antique Hand-Knotted Kazak Carpet, Wool, 1890s, Kazakhstan
Antique Hand-Knotted Kazak Carpet, Wool, 1890s, Kazakhstan

Antique Hand-Knotted Kazak Carpet, Wool, 1890s, Kazakhstan

Located in Savannah, GA

Handwoven in the Caucas Mountains this lovely carpet features powerful graphics including good luck

Category

Late 19th Century Kazakhstani Kazak Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Handmade Runner Rug Geometric Oriental Red Wool Carpet
Handmade Runner Rug Geometric Oriental Red Wool Carpet

Handmade Runner Rug Geometric Oriental Red Wool Carpet

Located in Wembley, GB

, organic dyeing and hand-weaving/ knotting every square inch of each carpet. Measures: 99x337cm.

Category

1930s Afghan Rustic Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Natural Fiber, Organic Material

Nain Carpet Cork Wool with Silk Very Fine Knotted
Nain Carpet Cork Wool with Silk Very Fine Knotted

Nain Carpet Cork Wool with Silk Very Fine Knotted

Located in Berlin, DE

A hand knotted, oriental carpet unfolds a unique effect in any room, whether on stone or wooden

Category

20th Century Turkish Islamic Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Hand Knotted Oriental Carpet Traditional Geometric Turkish Rug
Hand Knotted Oriental Carpet Traditional Geometric Turkish Rug

Hand Knotted Oriental Carpet Traditional Geometric Turkish Rug

Located in Wembley, GB

cm. Hand-Knotted Oriental Carpet Traditional Geometric Turkish Rug

Category

1980s Turkish Art Deco Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton, Organic Material

Mid-20th Century Khotan Cloud Motifs Light Red Carpet
Mid-20th Century Khotan Cloud Motifs Light Red Carpet

Mid-20th Century Khotan Cloud Motifs Light Red Carpet

Located in Ferrara, IT

This is a semi-antique Khotan rug woven in East Turkestan during the mid-20th century circa 1950 -1970s and measures 302 x 210 CM in size. This is an extra-large example which is ext...

Category

Mid-20th Century East Turkestani Other Used Carpets

Materials

Cotton

Antique Art Deco Carpet
Antique Art Deco Carpet

Antique Art Deco Carpet

Located in Katonah, NY

Nichols style carpet bearing a field in pictorial view of sprawling expressive cherry blossomed trees, a

Category

1920s Chinese Art Deco Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Kaisary Carpet, Straw Ivory Field, circa 1930s
Antique Kaisary Carpet, Straw Ivory Field, circa 1930s

Antique Kaisary Carpet, Straw Ivory Field, circa 1930s

Located in New York, NY

The straw ivory field of this eastern Turkish carpet bears a repeating Persianate design of small

Category

1930s Turkish Industrial Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Vintage Large Moroccan Carpet
Vintage Large Moroccan Carpet

Vintage Large Moroccan Carpet

Located in Alessandria, Piemonte

nr. 1177 - Large vintage Moroccan carpet: soft and durable, it smells of comfort and home. It's a

Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Other Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Peach Color Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet
Zabihi Collection Peach Color Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet

Zabihi Collection Peach Color Antique Turkish Oushak Carpet

Located in New York, NY

Early 20th century Turkish Oushak rug with a soft peach all-over palette. 7'10'' x 10'10''

Category

Early 20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Swedish flat weave Röllakan carpet, 1960s
Swedish flat weave Röllakan carpet, 1960s

Swedish flat weave Röllakan carpet, 1960s

Located in Uppsala, SE

Swedish flat weave Röllakan carpet from the 1960s by unknown designer. Main colours are grey/beige

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Wool, Linen

Carpet Produced in Sweden, 1960's
Carpet Produced in Sweden, 1960's

Carpet Produced in Sweden, 1960's

Located in Limhamn, Skåne län

Carpet Produced in Sweden, 1960's Additional Information: Style: Mid century, Scandinavian

Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Celestial Chinese Dragon Carpet
Celestial Chinese Dragon Carpet

Celestial Chinese Dragon Carpet

Located in Chicago, IL

This small rectangular area carpet recreates traditional Chinese carpet designs with a bold color

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

Art Deco Carpet Turkish Abstract Design, 1950-1970
Art Deco Carpet Turkish Abstract Design, 1950-1970

Art Deco Carpet Turkish Abstract Design, 1950-1970

Located in Ferrara, IT

This is a semi-antique Turkish Turk deco carpet woven in Turkey during the mid-20th century circa

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Other Used Carpets

Materials

Wool

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Used Carpets For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of used carpets available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct used carpets — often made from fabric, wool and cotton — can elevate any home. Used carpets have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 21st Century. Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Modern used carpets are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made used carpets over the years, but those made by Berber Tribes of Morocco, Mehraban Rugs and Märta Måås-Fjetterström are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Used Carpets?

Prices for used carpets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, used carpets begin at $1 and can go as high as $3,200,000, while the average can fetch as much as $4,239.

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. 

Questions About Used Carpets
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Carpet balls were used to play the game Parlour ball. This Victorian-era indoor game is related to bocce ball or lawn bowling. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique carpet balls from top sellers around the world.