Skip to main content

Rugs and Carpets

to
1,693
Width
to
Length
to
10,662
68
43
33
29
28
25
19
18
14
12
12
10
9
8
5
3
2
2
723
9,939
64,678
56,860
17,426
23,714
7,614
2,309
1,323
4,134
2,053
1,701
3,391
4,247
1,390
896
474
10,433
10,069
1,485
488
199
8,477
1,638
10,662
10,662
10,662
9,006
6,773
4,020
2,745
1,025
44
16
15
13
11
Rugs and Carpets For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 18th Century
Antique Uzbekistan Suzani Tapestry Wall Hanging
Located in Dallas, TX
​78199 Antique Uzbek Shakhrisyabz Suzani Tapestry, 03'07 x 05'00. Uzbek Shakhrisyabz Suzani tapestries are intricately embroidered textiles originating from Uzbekistan, featuring vib...
Category

Late 19th Century Uzbek Suzani Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk, Cotton

Zabihi Collection Rich Antique Ziegler Sultanabad Oversize Rug
Located in New York, NY
A breathtaking antique late 19th century Persian ZIegler Sultanabad rug with fascinating colors and an interesting all-over palette. Antique Sultanabad rugs are one of the few 20th century Persian weaving groups that produced a great variety of formats from room size to palace-size carpets...
Category

19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Kirman Handmade Multicolor Medallion Floral Oversize Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
An extraordinary Beautiful antique Kirman hand-knotted wool rug with a beige and red field. This Persian rug has multicolor accents in a gorgeous medallion floral pattern design. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kirman Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

4x6 ft Dated 1870. Antique Caucasian Kazak Rug, Top Shelf Collectors Prayer Rug
Located in Spring Valley, NY
A unique and highly collectible Caucasian Kazak prayer rug with fantastic natural dyes. Lustrous medium wool pile on wool foundation. Dated in two places as 1287 in Hijri Calendar wh...
Category

1870s Caucasian Kazak Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Tekke Main Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Antique Tekke Main carpet or rug. A handsome antique tribal carpet, woven by the Tekke Turkmen tribal groups in Central Asia. Featuring one of the mo...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkmen Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Bobyrug’s Antique Moroccan Fez Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful and very fine embroidery from Fez, Morocco, blue silk hand embroidered on cotton foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship with our exquisite col...
Category

Late 19th Century Moroccan Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Late 19th Century Antique Palace Size Blue Bidjar Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Presenting the exceptional antique One of the kind Bidjar Persian rug, a remarkable hand-knotted masterpiece crafted from wool, showcasing a grand palace size. This rug showcases an ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th-Century Tribal Khotan Samarkand Rug
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Samarkand Rugs: The desert oasis of Khotan was an important stop on the Silk Road. The people of Khotan were expert carpet weavers who produced high quality antique rugs and ...
Category

19th Century Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Persian Serapi Oversize Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An antique Persian Serapi. Rare all-over navy blue field with terracotta/coral border.
Category

19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

1880s Antique Persian Mohtasham Silk Kashan Rug
Located in Dallas, TX
74220 Antique Persian Mohtashem Kashan Silk Directional Rug with Regal Neoclassic Style. Opulence and grace with beguiling ambiance, this antique Persian Mohtashem Kashan large direc...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Kashan Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk

1850s Antique Turkish Family Prayer Rug 10'5''x8'1''
Located in Los Angeles, US
Antique Turkish Family Prayer Rug From 1850 10'5''x8'1'' one of a kind 1 of 1 more info upon request
Category

Mid-19th Century Unknown Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

989 -19th Century Boukara Carpet
Located in Paris, FR
989 - 19th century Boukara.
Category

1890s Central Asian Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 17th Century French Aubusson Mythological Tapestry, Judgement of Paris
Located in New York, NY
A French Aubusson mythological tapestry from the late 17th century, depicting the Judgment of Paris. In this famous scene, the handsome ...
Category

Late 17th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

1890s Antique Persian Malayer Wool Rug In Brown Allover Floral Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
Experience the elegance of this beautiful antique Malayer hand-knotted wool rug, showcasing a rich brown field. This exceptional Persian rug boasts a stunning all-over design, enhanc...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Malayer Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique French Tapestry
Located in WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
Rug Number 30014 Size 10' 2" X 14' 0" Design Tapestry Collection Antique/Vintage Material Wool Texture Tapestry Origin France Age Antique/Vintage
Category

1880s French Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique french Aubusson tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 19th century Aubusson tapestry originally made for covering the seat of an antique sofa with a beautiful floral design and nice natural colours, entirely and fine...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Oversize Antique Circa 1890 Gold French Aubusson Rug Carpet, 21' x 32'
Located in New York, NY
21' x 32'. This ivory ground and delicate floral ornaments of this Second Empire carpet make it seem even bigger than its already ample scale. Huge whirlpool spirals fill he corners ...
Category

19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Oversized Antique Persian Serapi Rug, Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
77525 Oversized Antique Persian Serapi Rug 16'00 x 24'01. Warm and inviting with a timeless style, this oversized antique Persian Serapi rug charms with ease. T...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

1880s Antique Persian Ziegler Mahal Sultanabad Rug, Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
75660, antique Persian Ziegler Mahal Sultanabad rug, Palace size Persian rug. This antique Persian Ziegler Mahal showcases a classic Sultanabad...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Arts and Crafts Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry with Louis XVI Revival Style
Located in Dallas, TX
79208 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry, 06'00 x 08'10. A lavish panorama of pastoral enchantment unfurls across this handwoven French Aubusson tapestry, a masterwor...
Category

Late 19th Century French Gothic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Extremely Fine and Rare Antique Persian Silk on Silk Heriz Rug 10’0" x 14’0"
Located in New York, NY
Extremely Fine and Rare Antique Persian Silk on Silk Heriz Rug 10’0" x 14’0". The numerous rugs of the famous NW Persian weaving district, from small scatters to giant carpets and a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

3.3x7.5 ft Antique Caucasian Gendje Kazak Rug, Ca 1880
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Antique Caucasian Gendje Kazak rug with diagonal stripes All natural dyes, medium pile, very good original condition. Sturdy and as clea...
Category

Late 19th Century Caucasian Kazak Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Hand-Knotted Antique Persian Mohtashem Rug, Blue Floral Pattern by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool circa 1890,1900, one of the finest antique Mohtashem Kashan rugs our principal has seen join our Antique & Vintage Persian rugs. A collectible, versatile 9 x 11 ...
Category

1890s Persian Kashan Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th Century Antique Serapi Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful 1890s Serapi rug with a rust field and beige and black accent with an all over geometric medallion design. This rug measures 9' 10" x 16' circa 1890s.
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century 1880's Antique Persian Bijar Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
53868 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Bijar Rug Runner, 01'11 x 25'11. This extraordinary hand-knotted wool antique Persian Bijar rug runner, dating back to the late 19th century, is a rare and remarkable example of Persian craftsmanship. Known for their durability and intricate artistry, Bijar rugs are celebrated as the "Iron Rugs of Persia," and this extra-long Persian carpet runner is no exception. It seamlessly combines traditional elegance with rustic sensibility, showcasing an intricate design that captivates the viewer with its timeless charm and unparalleled craftsmanship. The field is adorned with elongated medallions, each filled with an allover pattern of Herati motifs—a hallmark of Persian artistry. These motifs, composed of a central rosette flanked by curling leaves or fish forms, create a mesmerizing rhythm across the runner. The earthy color palette, featuring shades of rust, navy blue, and ivory, evokes a sense of warmth and rustic refinement, making this piece as visually striking as it is culturally significant. The medallions are beautifully framed by angular detailing, enhancing their presence and creating a harmonious balance across the length of the rug. The artisanal character of this Bijar runner is further emphasized by its exquisite texture and incredible detail. The dense knotting and precise execution of the intricate patterns reflect the exceptional skill of the weavers, whose dedication to their craft has transformed this rug into a piece of woven art. The elongated format, rare for antique Bijar rugs, adds to its allure, making it an ideal choice for stairways, long hallways, or grand corridors, where its beauty can be fully appreciated. Emanating a sense of exotic sophistication, this antique Persian Bijar runner tells a story of tradition, artistry, and timeless elegance. Its rustic yet refined aesthetic captures the essence of an exotic journey, adding worldly charm to any space it graces. As a rare find, this woven wonder is not only a functional piece but also a collector’s treasure, embodying the rich heritage and enduring appeal of Persian weaving traditions. Rendered in variegated shades of brick red, navy blue, baked clay, cerulean, rose, brown, terra cotta, tan, dark pink, coffee and verdigris with other accent colors. Distressed. Desirable Age Wear. Abrash. Hand knotted wool. Made in Iran. Measures: 01'11 x 25'11. Pile Height: 0.25 of an inch. Antique Stair Runner...
Category

Late 19th Century Russian Spanish Colonial Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Uzbekistan Suzani Tapestry Wall Hanging
Located in Dallas, TX
78197 Antique Uzbekistan Suzani Tapestry Wall Hanging 03'07 x 05'00. Design a room that feels well-traveled and effortlessly inviting with this w...
Category

Early 19th Century Uzbek Suzani Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Cotton, Silk

1870s Antique Persian Ziegler Sultanabad 15x21 Tan, Rust, & Light Blue Area Rug
Located in Houston, TX
We present a beautiful wool & silk tan background, large scale, Medallion Design Antique Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Rug #9902456. Ziegler Sultanabad carpets are classics in the world...
Category

1870s Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Inspired by Francois Boucher
Located in Dallas, TX
77225 Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Inspired by Francois Boucher, 06'02 x 09'11. Nestled in the heart of Aubusson, France, French Aubusson tapestries have enchanted admirers since...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Square Antique Persian Bakshaish Rug
Located in New York, NY
a late 19th century Worn Persian Bakshaish Square Carpet Details rug no. j3973 size 7' 1" x 8' (216 x 244 cm)
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Bakshaish Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 16th Century Brussels Historical Tapestry, with Famed Roman General Scipio
Located in New York, NY
A Brussels historical tapestry, attributed to Martin Reymbouts, late 16th century. From the Story of Scipio series, the renowned Roman general, victorious after the Punic War, with k...
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 17th Century Flemish Mythological Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A Flemish (possibly Antwerp) mythological tapestry from the “Story of Achilles” series, woven in the second half of the 17th century, envisioning a scene in which Achilles’ mother, T...
Category

17th Century European Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Oversized Antique Persian Kermanshah Rug with Floral Patterns
Located in Long Island City, NY
From our antique collection, this 13x19 oversized rug is a rare antique Persian rug of Kermanshah provenance—hand-knotted in wool circa 1890-1900. On the Design Beige-brown and red...
Category

1890s Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th Century Antique Serapi Handmade Wool Rug In Terracotta Color
Located in Norwalk, CT
Stunning one-of-a-kind antique Serapi rug, hand-knotted from wool, featuring a beige and brown field. This Serapi rug is framed with terracotta color and embellished with multi-color...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 16th Century Flemish Historical Tapestry, with the Roman General Scipio
Located in New York, NY
A Flemish tapestry from the late 16th century, with the renowned Roman general, Scipio at left, after having conquered Carthage in the Battle of Zama, en...
Category

16th Century European Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Traditional Antique Wool Floral-Vine Persian Isfahan Rug 13'2"x15'8"
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This traditional hand-woven Persian Isfahan rug has an indigo field with an overall design of polychrome palmettes and floral vines, in a shaded elegant coral border of meandering ar...
Category

Early 19th Century Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

19th Century W. Persian Bijar Carpet ( 15'6" x 27'10" - 472 x 848 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century W. Persian Bijar Carpet ( 15'6" x 27'10" - 472 x 848 )
Category

1870s Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Gold Floral Kirman Lavar Rug, circa 1880s-1900s
Located in New York, NY
The carpets produced in Lavar are often included in the general category of Kerman rugs (as Lavar is a small village located 80 miles north of Kerman), yet the reputation of this sma...
Category

1880s Persian Kirman Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Kashmir Long Shawl from India Early 19th Century, 1830s
Located in Istanbul, TR
A very good example to Indian shawls in rather good condition.
Category

Early 19th Century Indian Islamic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

17th Century Antique Flemish Verdure Tapestry w/ Trees & bird
Located in New York, NY
An antique 17th century Flemish Verdure Landscape Tapestry An antique 17th century Flemish verdure landscape tapestry, size: 7.4 H x 4.9 W. This fine handwoven European wall hanging...
Category

17th Century Belgian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Persian Mahal Antique Brown Wool Rug Featuring an Allover Motif From The 1890's
Located in Norwalk, CT
This beautiful Antique Mahal hand-knotted wool rug features a brown-colored field. Red, terracotta, and blue hues enhance the floral motif of this Persian rug. This rug measures 12'...
Category

1880s Persian Islamic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Early 19th Century Chinese Ningxia Carpet ( 10 8" x 12' - 325 x 365 )
Located in New York, NY
Early 19th Century Chinese Ningxia Carpet ( 10 8" x 12' - 325 x 365 )
Category

Early 1800s Chinese Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century French Verdure Aubusson Tapestry with Louis XV Style
By Jean-Baptiste Oudry
Located in Dallas, TX
78831 Late 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Verdure Tapestry, 06'10 x 09'08. Woven in the storied ateliers of Aubusson during the late 19th century, this handwoven wool and silk ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

French Antique Aubusson Rug, with Medallion and Floral Pattern
Located in Long Island City, NY
Handwoven in wool, this 12x14 French Antique Aubusson rug features a play of medallion and all over style with floral patterns particularly acanthus motifs, the curvaceous garlands i...
Category

1780s French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Oversized Antique French Savonnerie Rug with Floral Patterns
Located in Long Island City, NY
This 19x19 antique Aubusson rug is an exciting new addition to Rug & Kilim’s European rug collection—a masterpiece of the French Neoclassical flatweave style, handwoven in wool and o...
Category

1790s French Kilim Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 17th Century Franco-Flemish Rustic Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A Franco-Flemish rustic tapestry, possibly Lille or Aubusson, from the late 17th century, featuring a rustic scene with a group of people singing and playing music in a verdant setti...
Category

Late 17th Century European Rustic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad 13X24 Palace Sized Rust Rug
Located in Houston, TX
We present a beautiful Antique Persian  Sultanabad Handmade Palace Rug #1140200 Rust colored field with accents of Blue, & Olive Green lined with a light blue border.   This Sultanab...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

17th Century French Aubusson Mythological Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
A French Aubusson mythological tapestry from the 17th century, depicting the Spartan king, Menelaus, seated at left, sending his brother...
Category

17th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique French Aubusson Tapestry in Beige and Blue Pictorial rug by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique 10x10 pictorial tapestry from France, handwoven in wool circa 1650-1660. This flat weave is a new addition to the most collectible European curations by Rug & Kilim. Fur...
Category

1650s French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili Carpet in Room Size with Central Medallion
Located in New York, NY
Antique Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili oriental carpet, circa 1890, room sized. An antique Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili oriental carpet, circa 1890. Size: 13'4" x 9'2". This large siz...
Category

1890s Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 19th-Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry Inspired by Francois Boucher
Located in Dallas, TX
73625 Late 19th-Century Antique French Aubusson Tapestry, 07'06 x 09'00. French Aubusson tapestries, originating from Aubusson, France, are intricately woven textiles renowned since ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Mid-19th Century N.W. Persian Silk Heriz Carpet (4'6" x 6'4" - 137 x 193 )
Located in New York, NY
Mid-19th Century N.W. Persian Silk Heriz Carpet (4'6" x 6'4" - 137 x 193 )
Category

1850s Persian Heriz Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk

19th Century Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Carpet ( 17'4" x 24' - 528 x 732 )
Located in New York, NY
19th Century Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Carpet 17'4" x 24' - 528 x 732
Category

1880s Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Late 19th Century Red Bakhshaish Rug from North West Persia
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This traditional handwoven Persian Bakhshaish rug has a shaded brick-red field with an overall design of bold polychrome palmettes and tendrils, in a medium-blue border of lush serra...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Bakshaish Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 16th Century Brussels Historical Tapestry with the Roman General Scipio
Located in New York, NY
A Brussels historical tapestry, attributed to Martin Reymbouts, late 16th century. From the story of Scipio series, the renowned Roman general, a royal c...
Category

16th Century Belgian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Flemish Verdure Pictorial Tapestry in Blue and Cream Tones - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Handwoven in wool, this 8x10 Flemish Verdure tapestry from the late 17th Century is a rare and special new curation from Rug & Kilim—featuring a particularly popular aesthetic with l...
Category

1690s Belgian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Camel Color Antique Persian Bidjar Rug
Located in New York, NY
a late 19th century Persian Bidjar Rug in cool mellow camel and peach tones Details rug no. j4110 size 8' x 12' (244 x 366 cm)
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Adirondack Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Persian Tabriz Hadji Jalili Oriental Carpet, in Large Size, with Medallion
Located in New York, NY
An amazing antique Tabriz Hadji Jalili carpet, circa 1890, size: 18'0 x 12'7. This exemplary carpet features an eye-catching central medallion in the main field, with elegant corner ...
Category

1890s Persian Tabriz Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Pretty antique distressed Shiraz rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 19th century distressed Shiraz rug with beautiful geometrical and tribal design and nice natural colours with red, blue, yellow , green, navy blue and white, enti...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique and Vintage Rugs for Sale: Shop Turkish Rugs, Moroccan Rugs, Indian Rugs and Other Rugs on 1stDibs

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. 

Recently Viewed

View All