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Rugs and Carpets For Sale
Style: Modern
Style: Mid-Century Modern
Style: Scandinavian Modern
Period: 1960s
Period: 1950s
+ 2 more
Mid-century Modern "Blue Mussle" Rya Rug, Ingrid Jagarz, Marks Sweden 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite mid-century modern high-pile rya rug, titled "Blåmussla" (Blue Mussel), was crafted by Swedish textile artist Ingrid Jagarz for the esteem...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Linen
5.7x9 ft Modern Turkish Wool Area Rug in Teal Green, Decorative Handmade Carpet
Located in Spring Valley, NY
A vintage Turkish rug re-dyed in Teal color. Measures: 5.7 x 9 ft.
Finely hand knotted, low wool pile on cotton foundation. Deep washed.
Sturdy and can be used on a high traffic area...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Amazing Vintage Needlepoint Patterned Rug Blanks, Lou Gartner Estate
By Lou Gartner
Located in Riverdale, NY
Amazing Vintage Needlepoint Patterned Rug Blanks from the Lou Gartner Estate of Palm Beach. Lou Gartner was an artist and world traveler, well known for hi...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Textile
5.6x9 Ft Vintage Turkish Area Rug redyed in Brown Color for modern interiors
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Round American Hooked Rug Dated 1963
Located in New York, NY
Rare American Hooked rug with a happy colorful motif. Dated 1963 and initialized IEV. Not sure whose name is in the initials
Measure: 30'' round.
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
6.7x9.7 Ft Contemporary Handmade Low Pile Turkish Wool Area Rug in Green Color
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
5.3x8.8 Ft Orange Color Handmade Turkish Wool Area Rug with Floral Design
Located in Spring Valley, NY
A vintage Turkish area rug over-dyed in orange color for modern home and office.
Finely hand knotted, low wool pile on cotton foundation.
Professionally cleaned. Sturdy and can be us...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Cotton, Wool
Scandinavian Modern High Pile Geometric Handmade Wool Rya Rug, Sweden 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This is a very rare Scandinavian Modern high-pile wool rya rug has soft, muted natural tones of rose pink, wheat yellow, light and graphite grey, and moss green which brings a calm e...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Linen
Märta Måås-Fjetterström, Carpet, Wool, Sweden, 1950s
Located in High Point, NC
A multi-colored flat-weave wool carpet model "Blå Taggen" designed and produced by Märta Måås-Fjetterström, Sweden, 1950s.
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Handmade Wooven Wool Moroccan Rug
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Handmade woven wool Moroccan rug.
Made by unkniown manufacturer in Morocco, circa 1960.
In original condition with minor wear consistent of age and use, preserving a beautiful ...
Category
1960s Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Fabric
5.6x9.4 Ft Green Color Wool Area Rug for Modern Interiors, Handmade in Turkey
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Scandinavian Modern Blue Rölakan Flatweave Rug by Berit Koenig Woelfer Sweden
Located in Grythyttan, SE
Scandinavian modern blue rölakan flatweave rug by Swedish textile artist Berit Koenig Woelfer, 1960s. This handmade wool rug on a linen warp features stylized pale blue flowers again...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Linen
Vintage Spanish Wool Rug, circa 1940
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wool rug by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1940.
In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina.
Material:
Wool
Dimensio...
Category
1940s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
French Mid-Century Modern Red Wool Rug in the style of André Arbus
Located in Milan, IT
Carpets woven with open fields surrounded by a leafy frame are typical of the so-called French 'neoclassical' artists, of which André Arbus is a leading representative. These artists...
Category
1940s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
3.8x6.8 Ft Art Deco Chinese Inspired Handmade Turkish Accent Rug in Green Color
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid-Century Swedish Flatweave Wool Rug
Located in Karis, Nyland
This Swedish kilim rug measure 210 x 142 cm and is handmade with classic flat weave technique. Signed "RK"
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
8.3x12.5 Ft Dark Green Color Handmade Large Area Rug, Modern Turkish Carpet
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Orange Modern Handmade Anatolian Area Rug, Mid-Century Wool Carpet
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Cotton, Wool
6x9.4 Ft Vintage Handmade Turkish Wool Area Rug dyed in Blue 4 Modern Interiors
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Vintage Swedish Mid-century Rug
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Geometric patterned Vintage Swedish Mid-century Rug with the designer initials of KH. Red background with with white a design depicting flowers with accent colors in beige, ...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Vintage Mid-Century Moroccan Berber Transitional Black Wool Rug by Rug & Kilim
Located in Long Island City, NY
Originating from Morocco in 1950, this vintage mid-century Moroccan Berber rug employs a distinguished transitional approach to matriarchal and patriarchal symbolism in its field des...
Category
1950s Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Swedish Mid-Century Rug by Aina Kånge
By Aina Kånge
Located in New York, NY
Handwoven Mid-Century rug by Swedish Textile designer Aina Kånge with a blue, brown, and white shades in a neo classic inspired pattern. As usual in Aina Kånge designs the pattern is...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Evelyn Ackerman ERA Hand Hooked Tapestry Rug
Located in Kansas City, MO
Hand hooked tapestry by Evelyn and Jerome Ackerman, ERA, Los Angeles. Hand made in Japan. These are becoming increasingly rare. Very good original...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Nylon
Spectacular Carpet Signed Edmond Dubrunfaut, Belgium, 1950
By Edmond Dubrunfaut
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and colorful rug, black background, yellow,blue and greige pattern.
Signed by renown Belgian artist Edmont Dubrunfaut,
Circa 1950.
Category
1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Mid-century Modern High Pile Wool Blue, Yellow & White Rya Rug, Sweden 1960s
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite mid-century Scandinavian Modern rya rug, handmade in Sweden in the 1960s, is a true work of art. Crafted from premium wool with a soft, lustrous pile, it showcases a r...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Linen
Højer Eksport Wilton Rug, Denmark 1960s
Located in Hellouw, NL
øjer Eksport Wilton was a Danish company known for high-quality, durable carpets with bold mid-century designs. Their wool rugs remain sought after for their craftsmanship and striki...
Category
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Fabric
6.7x9.7 Ft Vintage Handmade Floral Turkish Rug in Orange, Home Decor Wool Carpet
Located in Spring Valley, NY
A vintage Turkish area rug over-dyed in orange color. The rug is finely hand-knotted, has low wool pile on cotton foundation. It is in very good condition, professionally washed, stu...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Swedish Flat-Weave Rölakan Carpet Attributed to Rakel Carlander
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vintage Swedish Flat Woven Rug attributed to Rakel Carlander (Size: 244 cm x 163 cm). Color: Blue, Beige, Grey, Pink, Green and White. A vintage Swedish hand woven wool rug in flat w...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Linen
Swedish Mid-Century Rölakan Handwoven Wool Runner Carpet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern vintage handmade Swedish carpet in wool featuring a geometric pattern around the border in blue tones. This Scandinavian rug is more unusual because it is a runn...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Modern Persian Gabbeh Designed Wool Rug In light Brown
Located in Norwalk, CT
This contemporary Gabbeh rug features a hand-knotted design with modern geometric patterns. The light brown and gray base is complemented by beige, golden brown, and black frame-chec...
Category
1930s Persian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Wild Elegance: Boar Leather Rug, a Unique Statement Piece
Located in Barcelona, ES
Immerse your space in untamed luxury with this distinctive boar leather rug. Crafted from the rich hide of wild boar, this unique piece exudes a primal yet elegant charm. The rugged ...
Category
1940s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Leather
Rare Swedish Röllakan Opal Rug by Brita Svefors for Axeco, 170x230cm, 5.6x7.6ft
Located in Bochum, NRW
Brita Svefors Vintage Swedish Rollakan Rug, Sweden 1960s.
This handwoven wool vintage Swedish Scandinavian rollakan rug is named "Opal".
Brita Svefors designed this masterpiece for ...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
ONE Vintage Hand Woven Swedish Sigurd Nilsson Wool Rug
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sigurd Nilsson wool carpet, hand woven in geometric designs. Pair available, however sold and priced individually. Woven signature in corner of each rug. SOLD AS A PAIR
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
6x9 Ft Distressed Vintage Area Rug Overdyed in Gray, Handknotted in Turkey
Located in Spring Valley, NY
A vintage over-dyed handmade Turkish rug. Finely hand knotted, low wool pile on cotton foundation. Deep washed. Sturdy and can be used on a high traffic area, suitable for both resid...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Geometric Rya Carpet by Marta Maas-Fjetterström
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A fine geometric pile carpet by Marta Maas-Fjetterström, circa 1960s, "Gul Primavera," signed MMF AB.
Category
1960s Swedish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
7x10.6 Ft Modern Handmade Floral Patterned Turkish Large Area Rug in Green Color
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
7.5x12 Ft Handmade Navy Blue Rug for Living Room, Modern Turkish Large Carpet
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Barbro Nilsson for AB Märta Måås-Fjetterström 'Tånga' Carpet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Barbro Nilsson for AB Märta Måås-Fjetterström, carpet, model ‘Tånga, W lätt grön och brun’, wool on linen warp, Sweden, design 1955
Exceptional hand-woven carpet designed by the celebrated Swedish textile designer Barbro Nilsson in 1955. Not only is this carpet beautifully designed, its size of 273 x 211 cm (107.5 x 83.1 in.) makes it even more impressive. Nilsson applied the gobeläng flatweave technique to make this specific carpet. This technique is introduced by the artist herself to the MMF studio in 1942, which allows for more liberated and expressive forms compared to the traditional flatweave techniques. In this process, a full-scale working drawing featuring the pattern contours is placed underneath the warp in the loom. The wefts are then meticulously handpicked and woven to follow the outlined shapes. For every design, Nilsson would make a drawing she would use as a guideline for the carpet’s pattern. Many of her carpets can be categorized into distinct groups based on their underlying motifs and the names associated with their creation. ‘Tånga’, means Seaweed in Swedish, and belongs to the “fish and sea” theme. As with all her designs, Nilsson wove her initials ‘B N’ and AB MMF (meaning AB Märta Måås-Fjetterström) at the edge of the carpet.
Barbro Nilsson (1889- 1983), née Lundberg, was a Swedish textile designer from Malmö, Sweden. In 1904 her family moved to Stockholm where her father, Carl T. Lundberg, was the manager of the department store ‘Nordiska Kompaniet’(NK). At the age of fourteen, Nilsson started her education in weaving and textile design at the Brunssons Vävskola that was founded by Johanna Brunsson in 1843. Nilsson continued her education at the ‘Tekniska Skolan’ (technical academy) in Stockholm where she enriched her skills in weaving even further. In 1928 she married to the sculptor Robert Nilsson...
Category
1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Linen
1960s Vintage Zeki Müren Rug in Brown, Green Medallion Pattern by Rug & Kilim
By Zeki Müren
Located in Long Island City, NY
Hand-knotted in wool from Turkey originating between 1960-1970, this vintage mid-century modern rug is the latest to join our midcentury Pasha collection, celebrating Turkish icon an...
Category
1960s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
4.6x8 Ft Vintage Handmade Turkish Rug in Purple Color for Contemporary Interior
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Hand Woven Rug, Signed by Maurice Andre, 1950 French Piece, Limited Edition
Located in Port Washington, NY
An exceptional rug made in Aubusson, by Maurice André, France 1950. This Post-modern, Forme-Libre, Geometrical Abstraction, piece is made in thick wool i...
Category
1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Very Large Swedish Flat-Weave Rölakan Carpet by Anne Marie Boberg, 1960´s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large flat-weave rölakan carpet / kelim rug named "PRISMA" and designed by Anne Marie Boberg, Sweden. Handwoven with a geometric pattern where the colors are different shades of bl...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Linen, Wool
6.8x11.8 Ft Chinese Art Deco Design Handmade Wool Area Rug in Green Color
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Carpet Sign, a. Chruba, Year 1960
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Carpet
Sign: A. Churba
We have specialized in the sale of Art Deco and Art Nouveau and Vintage styles since 1982.If you have any questions we are at your disposal.
Pushing the but...
Category
1960s Argentine Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
5.6x9 Ft Contemporary Handmade Blue Color Turkish Area Rug with Medallion Design
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
5.7x8.4 Ft Vintage Turkish Rug redyed in Burnt Orange Color for modern interiors
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
1968 Swedish Rug by Stockholm Läns Hemslöjdsförening
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Vintage Swedish rug made in 1968 by Stockholm Läns Hemslöjdsförening. Made in vibrant purple, blue, orange and brown shades with new fringes. Made with tapestry technique th...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Scandinavian Modern Yellow Green Gradient Rya Rug
By Ege Rya
Located in Atlanta, GA
Swedish Shag Rya rug, A great abstract design in various shades of yellow and light green. Nice smaller size for accenting a part of a room.
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
3.8x7 Ft Decorative Handmade Turkish Area Rug in Yellow with Medallion Design
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
6.2x9.4 Ft Vintage Turkish Area Rug redyed in Orange Color for modern interiors
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
5x8.8 Ft Modern Anti-bacterial Area Rug in Purple, Hand-Made in Turkey
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Swedish Mid-Century Rölakan Signed Handwoven Wool Carpet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A Mid-Century Modern vintage handmade Swedish carpet in wool featuring a geometric pattern. This greenish colored Scandinavian rug is made and signed by Swedens famous designer Inge...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
5x8.7 Ft Contemporary Wool Area Rug in Brown Color. Hand-Knotted in Turkey
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Edward Fields Floral Area Rug
Located in New York, NY
Edward Fields all wool designer rug with floral green, pink and off white pattern.
USA, circa 1960. Signed Edward Fields.
Measures approximately 9 feet x 9 feet.
Exact Dimensions: 109" W x 111” L
Condition: Good to fair. Vintage/Pre-owned. Notable overall wear.
May be viewed in our Hudson NY...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
Mid 20th Century Swedish Rya Carpet ( 8' x 11'6" - 245 x 350 cm )
Located in New York, NY
Mid 20th Century Swedish Rya Carpet ( 8' x 11'6" - 245 x 350 cm )
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool
3.8x7 Ft Handmade Turkish Accent Rug with Floral Design and Green Background
Located in Spring Valley, NY
Our over-dyed rugs are all hand-knotted vintage pieces that are recreated in our workshop to cater to a wider range of interior design choices from modern to coastal, from industrial...
Category
1960s Turkish Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Cotton
Mid-century Modern High Pile Blue Rya Rug, Sweden, 1960s
By Ethel Halvar Andersson
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite mid-century modern rya rug, crafted by a skilled Swedish textile artist in the 1960s, embodies the artistry and quality of Scandinavian design. Handmade from premium “...
Category
1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Rugs and Carpets
Materials
Wool, Linen
Vintage Swedish Rug by Aina Kånge
By Aina Kånge
Located in New York, NY
Stunning vintage Swedish rug by Aina Kånge. Geometric design in the greek revival spirit like many of Aina Kånges rugs. Grey, yellow, green and charcoal col...
Category
1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage 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.