There are certain things – pieces of clothing, furniture, buildings – that hold a timeless, classic appeal that never go out of style. These one-of-a-kind creations are often collected by those who appreciate the craftsmanship and uniqueness that comes with them.

Antique rugs are one such genre of collectibles heavily sought after. From Persians to Orientals, if you’ve been wondering if you should invest in an antique rug, we’ve got the answers to your questions.

Why Collect Antique Rugs?

People choose to start collecting antique rugs for a variety of reasons, but as with any hobby, the initial interest is based on curiosity.

Rug making has been an art form through the centuries, no different than painting or sculpture. These are rugs that graced the floors of the houses of noblemen, tapestries that hung in centuries-old castles.

Those who collect antique rugs appreciate the history, the unique intricacies and stylistic notes associated with different time periods. Antique rugs offer the ability to reach back through time and touch a story.

So why should you invest in an antique rug?

1. They Look Lovely With Almost Any Decor

No matter your own personal design style, antique rugs and tapestries accent almost any decor. You can choose from a variety of time periods, nationalities, colors and designs to find the perfect rug for your space.

An antique rug mixed with modern and contemporary interior decor can add warmth and depth to otherwise cold or minimalist schemes. Mixing and matching multiple rugs with varying colors and textures adds a sense of upscale charm to spaces that need a little extra oomph. For design palettes that already include colors and textures that evoke luxury, an antique rug is a no brainer to finish the space off.

They also come in a variety of sizes, meaning you’ll find one for any sized space. From the smallest, coziest office space to large loft-style homes with thousands of square feet, you’ll be able to find the perfect sized rug or mix and match several to suit your needs.

2. Each Has Its Own History

With the oldest known rug dating back to the 4th century, you can find rugs from almost every time period and civilization therein to choose from. And every single one has its own unique history and story woven into the fibers.

Unlike mass-produced rugs, created on machines and sent out en masse, each antique rug is a one-of-a-kind, an individual, hand-made creation that has weathered and stood the test of time. You can collect rugs from great empires through history, tapestries that perhaps graced the floors of nobility and saw the stories of dynasties played out.

3. They’re Timeless

Many elements of design change and vary throughout the years. What’s in style this month can just as quickly fade by next season to be replaced by the next big thing. And with many decorating elements, the moment you change one, you have to change others to match.

Antique rugs, however, never go out of style. They’re absolutely timeless in their unique beauty, a focal point that will stay at the center of an otherwise variable and changing interior decorating scheme.

4. They Will Last a Lifetime

Not only do they have their own varied histories, but they’ve also already stood the test of time and, in many cases, centuries. This means they’ll last you a lifetime, an investment worth the cost. 

Not only will they last one lifetime, but when treated well and maintained, they will last lifetimes, allowing them to become treasured family heirlooms passed down through generations. In some cases, restoration services may be needed to return them to their former glory and allow them a longer life.

5. They Imply a Certain Status

Let’s be honest, you won’t find an antique rug sitting on the shelves of your local discount store next to rows of mass-produced, lower quality rugs. An antique rug requires more of an investment than the knock-off versions you’ll find online.

Investing in an antique rug implies a certain social status. Not only will competent decorators and designers immediately recognize a real antique rug, but most guests will also be able to recognize their innate uniqueness. You’re guaranteed to create an impression and impress guests to your house for years to come.

6. They’re Environmentally Friendly

Mass-produced rugs, besides being full of synthetic and sometimes toxic chemicals and materials, are incredibly unfriendly to the environment in the way they’re produced and sold.

Handmade from mostly natural fibers, antique rugs are also the most environmentally-friendly choice you can make when choosing a new floor covering.

They’re also less flammable and release fewer allergens than their synthetically made counterparts, making them an especially good choice if you’re concerned with making healthy and thoughtful choices in the materials you bring into your home.

Should I Invest in an Antique Rug?

Antique rugs come in a variety of sizes and colors, reach back to far-gone time periods, and evoke a sense of luxury and grandeur, even in small spaces. An antique rug is a timeless investment that will last for years to come.

If you’re wondering why and if you should invest in an antique rug, allow us to help you understand and find the right one for your decorating needs.

With over 50 years collecting and curating rugs from many time periods and nationalities, we can help you find the perfect antique rug for your space. Contact the Fred Moheban Gallery today to help you find your own one-of-a-kind, timeless rug.