Things To Consider Before Buying an Antique Rug

Antique rugs are a beautiful addition to any home. But if you’re looking to lock in a beautiful and authentic piece, there are a few things you should look for before you buy. Luckily, we’re here to offer some guidance by sharing a few simple strategies so that you make the best purchase. Scan this quick guide so that you can snag the perfect antique rug!

Look for Signs of Authenticity

The level of authenticity is among the first things to consider before buying an antique rug. After all, if you wanted to buy a factory-made carpet, you would have gone to the department store or ordered one online—and for a fourth of the cost. For this reason, it’s imperative to inspect the pieces you’re interested in for signs of authenticity.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can do this, like checking to see if the rug is handmade. You can do this by checking the backside of the piece. Ask your salesperson to turn it over so that you can have a look. If the back is precisely identical to the front, you’ve got an authentic handmade piece.

Another good way to see if an antique rug is authentic is by testing it to see if it’s been painted over. Take a damp cloth to the rug and dab it gently. If any colour seeps onto your cloth, the piece is likely unauthentic.

Examine the Rug’s Materials

The next thing to consider before buying an antique rug is the materials it’s comprised of. Make sure that you’re only selecting materials you’re prepared to take care of. Antique rugs come with a broad spectrum of maintenance requirements. So be careful about what you ultimately decide to go with.

Doing so will help you define where the rug fits style and practicality-wise in your home. Knowing which materials you’re dealing with will also help you determine how much wear and tear the carpet can take. Plus, it’ll help you figure out what sort of maintenance you need to be doing to extend the life of your rug for as long as possible.

Make Sure the Rug Hasn’t Been Faux-Aged

Something else you should check for is whether or not the rug you’re interested in has been faux-aged. The term “faux-aged” is exactly what it sounds like: a carpet made to look older than it is. We can only assume that you want the real deal if you’re shopping for an antique rug.

Vintage rugs come with a hefty price tag—authentic or not—so this isn’t a step you want to skip over. Don’t just take anyone’s word for it. Test it out yourself by examining the vibrancy of pigment in the antique rug. After all, authenticity is a major part of adding a vintage flair to your favourite space.

Experts will tell you that real vintage rugs look brand new next to a rug that’s been acid washed or deliberately worn out. This is because the faux-aging process causes a beige or washed-out tone, which is not typical of the natural aging process of rugs.

Conclusion

We hope this quick guide provided you with the information you need to make a smart purchase. That said, we want you to remember that if you did your due diligence, paid a fair price, and adore your rug, you probably made the right call.

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