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Rugs and Carpets For Sale
Period: 19th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Period: 18th Century
Antique Persian Mahal Wool Rug In Green Featuring a Center Motif
Located in Norwalk, CT
Discover the uniqueness of this exquisite Persian Mahal rug! Hand-knotted from luxurious, soft wool, it boasts a captivating chartreuse color palette. The centerpiece showcases a str...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection 19th Century French Aubusson Tapestry
Located in New York, NY
a 19th Century Hand Loomed French Aubusson Tapestry Details rug no. j4421 size 4' x 5' 6" (122 x 168 cm
Category

Mid-19th Century Asian Vienna Secession Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Oversized Antique Aubusson Rug, Floral Medallion in Cream and Pink - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
This 14x17 antique Aubusson rug in the and is a rare oversized curation from Rug & Kilim’s European rug collection—a gorgeous palace rug recapturing the Neoclassical style, handwoven...
Category

1890s French Bessarabian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Signed French Jean-Baptiste Deshays Pictorial Tapestry - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Made with handwoven wool, this 12x18 antique French Beauvais tapestry represents an iconic museum-quality addition to Rug & Kilim's Tapestry Collection—an extremely collectible and r...
Category

1720s French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection 19th Century Antique French Aubusson Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Authentic stand-alone pillow made from a 19th century French Aubusson rug Measures: 18" x 18",
Category

Early 19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Foam, Cotton

Room Size Antique Persian Tabriz Wool Rug In Blue with Allover Pattern
Located in Norwalk, CT
Discover the charm of this exquisite antique Tabriz rug, meticulously hand-knotted from luxurious distressed wool. Its stunning blue background serves as the perfect canvas for a cap...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Islamic 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 sanctuary of woven splendor and poetic artistry, this handwoven wool and silk French Aubusson tapestry from...
Category

Late 19th Century French Gothic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Saltillo Serape Mexican Blanket, 19th Century
Located in Istanbul, TR
A Saltillo serape is a type of Mexican blanket that originated in Saltillo, a city in the northern state of Coahuila. It is typically made of wool and features vibrant colors and intricate designs, often incorporating geometric shapes and floral motifs. The Saltillo serape is a popular item in Mexican culture...
Category

19th Century Mexican American Colonial Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

One Of a kind Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug in Red Wool with Allover Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
This unique hand-knotted wool rug is an antique oversized Sultanabad, dating back to the 1870s. It features a rich red field adorned with multicolored floral accents. The sturdy wool...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Circa 1900 Oversize Red Persian Tehran Rug Carpet, 11'5 x 23'11
Located in New York, NY
11'5 x 23'11. The Zil-i-Sultan (Shadow of the Sultan) design is a 19th century Persian all-over pattern of repeating vases, birds, flowers, bouquets and other decorative small elemen...
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Unique Oversized Antique Persian Sultanabad Rug in Tan Wool with a Center Design
Located in Norwalk, CT
Presenting a one-of-a-kind hand-knotted wool rug, this antique oversized Sultanabad dates back to the 1870s and is a testament to timeless craftsmanship. It commands attention in any...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Suzani from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 19th C.
Located in Istanbul, TR
This is an unusual Samarkand suzani from 19th C. It is in pretty good condition and displays an unusual design arrangement.    
Category

19th Century Uzbek Suzani Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Rabat Curtain 'Izar' from Morocco, Late 19th C
Located in Istanbul, TR
A rare item to come by these days. Silk embroidery on a fine cotton background. Negative space has embroidery in white on white cotton.  
Category

Late 19th Century Moroccan Islamic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk

Green Antique Persian Mahal Wool Rug with Allover Design From The 1890s
Located in Norwalk, CT
Discover the exquisite charm of this antique Mahal hand-knotted distressed wool rug. Its captivating green field showcases an intricate all-over pattern, beautifully accented by warm...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Islamic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Large Square Antique Turkish Ghiordes Worn Rug
Located in New York, NY
a late 19th-century worn Square Turkish Oushak Ghiordes Rug. Ivory and soft red Details rug no. j4075 size 12' 4" x 13' 10" (376 x 422 cm
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Egyptian Revival Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Agra Rug in Beige and Pink with Floral Patterns - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Made with hand-knotted wool in India circa 1890-1900, this 10x14 antique Agra rug is an extremely rare and exciting new addition to Rug & Kilim’s curations of this celebrated weaving...
Category

1890s Indian Agra Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Wonderful extremely fine antique silk french Beauvais tapestry «Flower Harvest»
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 19th century French Aubusson tapestry of Beauvais with a nice design of flower Harvest, Beautiful women are gathering flowers in the garden and the woods, chatti...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk

Antique Circa-1880 Charcoal Floral French Savonnerie Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This antique, circa 1880, French Savonnerie rug features a charcoal-black field with a central panel surrounded by a bold shaded pink scrolling acanthus leaf vine forming cartouches ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Hand-Knotted Antique Red Floral Oversized Wool Persian Ziegler Sultanabad Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This antique, circa 1870, Persian Ziegler Sultanabad rug has a soft teal-green field with a vase at both ends issuing a variety of flowerheads and surrounded by a counterposed design...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Konya Obruk Kilim Old Central Anatolian Mighrab Rug Turkish Carpet
Located in Tokyo, JP
This is Central Anatolian Old Antique Mighrab Kilim from the Konya - Obruk region with a rare and beautiful color composition. Konya once flourished as a trade route between Europe...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Kilim Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Natural Fiber

Rare Antique French Tapestry "Entre Fenetres", circa 1880
Located in New York, NY
Rare Antique French Aubusson Tapestry "Entre Fenetres" Wool & Silk Gold 4'3" x 6'5" (122cm x 196cm) circa 1880 "This is an Rare Antique French Wool & Si...
Category

1880s French Baroque Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Karabagh Extra-Long Runner Rug in Black with Florals - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Made with hand-knotted wool circa 1880, this 4x16 Antique Karabagh runner rug from Russia is a particularly special piece, featuring a light and refreshing mid-century classical flor...
Category

1880s Russian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Kerman Lavar Persian Rug with Grand Mille Fleurs Patterns - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Made with hand-knotted wool circa 1890-1900, this 7x11 antique Persian rug is an outstanding turn-of-the-century Kerman Lavar rug, and an especially grand example of the "Mille Fleur...
Category

1890s Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Antique Armenian Marash Embroidery Fragment, Late 19th C
Located in Istanbul, TR
A rare item to come by. It is as good as they get with great colors. Too bad that it is a fragment but visually it is so satisfying. Armenian Marash Embroidery.
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Suzani Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Cotton

Early 19th Century Antique Bidjar Carpet
Located in New York, NY
An early 19th-late 18th century antique Persian Bidjar carpet. The culmination of a centuries-old weaving tradition, the finest Bidjar antique rugs...
Category

Early 19th Century Persian Agra Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Peach Khaki Antique Sultanabad Pillow
Located in New York, NY
Pillow made from antique 19th Persian Mahal Sultanabad rug with cotton back. Measures: 16" x 19".
Category

19th Century Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Foam

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

Antique Suzani from Uzbekistan, Central Asia, 19th Century
Located in Istanbul, TR
An unusual one with its coloring. It has some corrosion along the borders. It has no lining.  
Category

19th Century Uzbek Suzani Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Hadji Jalili Tabriz Animal Pictorial Prayer Rug
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable late 19th-century pictorial tree of life Tabriz rug woven by Hadji Jalili workshop in the city of Tabriz. Predominant colors in salmon orange and blues The weave, crafts...
Category

19th Century Persian Tabriz Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Late 19th Century Persian Bakhshaish Serapi Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary late 19th-century Persian Bakhshaish Serapi rug, woven with an incredible balance of tribal artistry and refined elegance. At its heart, a striking, large-scale flor...
Category

1880s Persian Bakshaish 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

Handmade Antique Persian Style Isfahan Prayer Rug 4.6' x 6.8', 1900s - 1D85
Located in Bordeaux, FR
Handmade Antique Persian Style Isfahan Prayer Rug 4.6’ x 6.8’, 1900s, Good Condition, Wool Bring home a piece of history and elegance with this handmade antique Persian style Isfaha...
Category

1880s Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk

Oversized Antique Aubusson Rug in Brown with Floral Medallions
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 ...
Category

1810s Persian Kilim Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Persian Bidjar Carpet
Located in New York, NY
A Late 19th Century Antique Persian Bidjar Rug Details rug no. j4138 size 9' 1" x 12' (277 x 366 cm)
Category

Late 19th Century Persian American Classical Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

1880s Antique Sultanabad Wool Rug Handmade In Tan With Floral Motif
Located in Norwalk, CT
This exquisite rug features a captivating tan-beige foundation, with the blue frame beautifully embellished with intricate rust floral patterns that showcase the artistry and craftsm...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Sultanabad Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Dark Blue Antique Persian Serapi Handmade Allover Motif Wool Rug
Located in Norwalk, CT
Beautiful Antique Serapi hand-knotted wool rug with a dark blue field. This Persian rug has a red frame and multi-color accents in a gorgeous all-over geometric floral design. Thi...
Category

1890s Persian Heriz Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Oversized Antique Axminster Rug in Camel with Floral Patterns - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool circa 1790-1800, this oversized 15x26 antique axminster rug is an extremely rare collectible English palace rug—an exciting new classic curation in Rug & Kilim’s...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

18th Century Greek Island 'Epirus' Embroidery
Located in Istanbul, TR
A rare item in pretty good condition in silk embroidery on silk background cloth with zoomorphic imagery.
Category

18th Century Greek Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

19th Century Silk and Cotton ‘Adras’ Chapan / Coat from Bukhara Uzbekistan
Located in Istanbul, TR
A rare design in this 19th century Uzbek chapan. Measures: Sleeve to sleeve: 175 cm / 5'8" Neck to hem: 120 cm / 3'11".
Category

19th Century Uzbek Tribal Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Cotton, Silk

Oversized Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 16'04 x 22'05
Located in Dallas, TX
74044 Oversized Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 16'04 x 22'05. This magnificent hand-knotted wool antique Persian Serapi rug epitomizes the grandeur and elegance of 19th-century Persian artistry. Its breathtakingly abrashed red field serves as the perfect backdrop for a concentric octofoil medallion, exuding an air of regal sophistication. The central medallion is anchored by graceful palmette pendants at each end, evoking a sense of symmetry and refinement that is characteristic of classic Serapi designs. As the medallion blooms outward, the richly detailed pattern draws the viewer's eye to the interplay of vibrant colors and meticulous details that unfold throughout the field. Surrounding the medallion is an enchanting array of geometric floral motifs, delicately arranged in a rhythmic pattern. Each element—serrated leaves, stylized florals, rectilinear vinery, buds, and rosettes—adds to the complexity of the design, while the use of bold and contrasting hues creates a visually captivating tapestry. The corner spandrels, reflecting the motifs within the main field, are outlined with elegant cloudband accents, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the composition. The interplay of colors, from the deep indigo blues to the rich reds and beige highlights, showcases the weaver’s mastery of natural dyes and nuanced color gradations. Framing this harmonious design is a classic samovar turtle scroll border, a hallmark of fine Serapi rugs. This traditional border, with its stylized florals and curling vinery, is flanked by a double inner and outer carnation meander guard band that unifies the composition. The elegant framing not only defines the central field but also draws the colors and motifs from within, creating a seamless transition that enhances the overall sense of balance and harmony. The meticulous detailing and proportionate layout reflect the influence of both tribal and courtly weaving traditions, making this oversized antique Serapi rug a rare blend of sophistication and rustic charm. Steeped in history, this exquisite Serapi rug is more than just a decorative piece—it is a testament to the rich weaving heritage of Northwest Persia. Such oversized Serapi rugs were woven for grand interiors, gracing the floors of opulent residences and state buildings with their majestic presence. The rug’s exceptional artistry and luxurious appeal make it a true collector’s item, capturing the essence of Persian elegance and timeless beauty. Whether displayed as the focal point of a grand living space or as a statement piece in a hospitality setting, this masterpiece exudes an undeniable sense of history and artistic mastery. Rendered in variegated shades of brick red, ruby red, crimson, in +blue, navy blue, cerulean, royal blue, beige, sand, tan, ecru, taupe, dark rose, and sky blue with other accent colors. Abrash. Hand-knotted wool. Made in Iran (Persia). Hotel Lobby Size Carpet 16 x 22 Rug...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century N.W. Heriz Carpet 14' 8" x 23' 2"
Located in New York, NY
Late 19th Century N.W. Heriz Carpet, Size: 14' 8" x 23' 2"
Category

1890s Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

nice antique lavar Kirman rug
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful late 19th century large Kirman Lavar rug with beautiful decorative and all over design and nice natural colours with navy blue field, red, pink, yellow, brown and gree...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Kirman Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

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

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Carpet with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
78922 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Serapi Rug, 08'11 x 12'04. This hand-knotted wool distressed antique Persian Serapi rug from the late 19th century is a masterful testament to...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Late 19th Century Antique Persian Khorassan Rug with Traditional Style
Located in Dallas, TX
52678 Late 19th Century Antique Persian Khorassan Rug, 12'07 x 14'03. Like a timeworn manuscript revealing the whispers of history, this hand-knotted wool distressed antique Persian ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Khorassan Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Square Antique Bessarabian Kilim in Light Green with Florals Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Handwoven in a wool flatweave and originating from Romania, circa 1850-1860, this 9x9 square antique kilim featuring floral patterns is one of the most special pieces and a rare coll...
Category

1850s Romanian Bessarabian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Pretty antique french Aubusson tapestry
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful antique French Aubusson tapestry featuring a view of a woman showing a bird in the nature in the woods. With nice natural colours in the hues of yellow, green, pink, o...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Silk

Bobyrug’s Rare Antique Ottoman Silk and Metal Embroidery
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Beautiful late 19th century Turkish ottoman embroidery with nice design and green field color, entirely hand embroidered with golden metal on silk foundation. ✨✨✨ "Experience the ep...
Category

Late 19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk

Gorgeous Antique Large 17th century Aubusson Tapestry historical battle scene
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Very beautiful and rare 17th century French Aubusson tapestry with a nice design in style of Louis XVI, featuring a historical battle probably from Alexander or a Roman battle, conqu...
Category

17th Century French Aubusson Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Silk, Wool

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

Antique Persian Serapi Rug
Located in New York, NY
An absolutely exquisite rare size 19th century antique bold Persian Serapi rug. 14'3'' x 18'10'' The finest antique Persian Serapis are ge...
Category

1870s 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

Antique Oversize Persian Heriz Serapi Rug 14'6 x 20'10
Located in New York, NY
Antique oversize Persian Heriz Serapi rug, 14'6 x 20'10. Serapi carpets are a quality designation for Heriz pieces of a firmer weave, shorter pile and finer quality. There is no vill...
Category

19th Century Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Fine Antique Square Size Large Scale All-Over Pattern Heriz Serapi Rug
Located in Milan, IT
A very finely woven Heriz of the Serapi kind, distinguished by an infinite repeat network of large scale, stylised leaves and palmettes on a terracotta red background. A very rare fe...
Category

Late 19th Century Azerbaijani Heriz Serapi Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Handwoven Antique Circa 1850 Brown Floral French Aubusson Rug
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This antique, circa 1850, French Aubusson rug has a fox-brown field with a sandy-brown interlocking hexagonal pattern enclosing a four petal flower, a floral bouquet in each corner, ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Aubusson 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 Serapi Rug with Medium Blue Field and Small Rosettes
Located in New York, NY
The abrashed light/medium blue field shows a densely stepped red sub-field centred by a bold, minutely stepped medallion, enclosing bold, geometric split leaves and a navy cartouche ...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool, Cotton

Antique Tibetan Rug Fragment in Brown with Floral Patterns - Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool and originating from Tibet circa 1880-1890, this 3x3 square rug is a collectible antique rug fragment, among the latest exciting new additions to Rug & Kilim’s c...
Category

1880s Tibetan Tibetan Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

1870s Antique Persian Halwai Bijar Rug Hotel Lobby Size Carpet
Located in Dallas, TX
77327 antique Persian Halwai (Halvei) Bijar Palace rug with American Colonial style. With an all-over rectilinear pattern and vibrant color palette, this hand knotted wool antique Persian Halvai...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Modern Antique Rugs and Carpets

Materials

Wool

Zabihi Collection Antique Ziegler Mahal Persian 19th Century Carpet
Located in New York, NY
a late 19th century Ziegler Sultanabad Mahal room-size square rug Details rug no. 10809 size 8' 10" x 10' 1" (269 x 307 cm) Woven in a series of villages in Western Central Iran, S...
Category

Late 19th Century Persian Rustic 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. 

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