Who doesn’t love antique carpets? Few pieces of decor can contain so much beauty and soul, while staying functional. The right one can be the missing piece your room needed so much, but the wrong one can make the whole composition seem heavy and pretentious. Choosing a perfect carpet can be pretty tricky, but don’t worry! It’s nothing too complicated. Before going window-shopping, sit down, relax and consider a few essential things which will help you make the whole process so much easier.
You can find antique carpets in all kinds of shapes and sizes, so you’d better check how much space you have at hand. Some kinds of rugs, for example Indian Dhurries, are bigger than others, simply because that’s the part of weaving tradition. Don’t be shy and ask the seller for exact measurements! Ideally, your rug should be the size of your sitting area of choice, not necessarily the entire room. The sitting area is the place where all the furniture will be on. Ideally, while sitting your feet should rest on a carpet, not floor. If you want a whole-floor rug, consider its shape: round and square rugs look best in square rooms and rectangular rooms should be paired with carpets of the same shape.
Next thing to think about is the texture of your rug. Think piles – do you prefer your carpets soft and fluffy? Or maybe flat and coarse? Don’t be afraid to get creative with different textures and materials. Soft rugs will look amazing contrasted with weathered wood, and a leather sofa and a kilim is a match made in heaven. Keep in mind that some textures might be harder to clean and maintain that the others! Also, remember that some antique carpets can have patina on them. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, as it gives the rug some extra charm and an air of decadence.
Colors are obviously another thing to consider. As the rug will probably be one the of the largest pieces in your space, be sure to take flooring and walls into account. You might want to stick to the colors you already have in your room, but if you choose the rug as a starting point of the design, let your intuition decide. However, there is no need for you to stop yourself from choosing a boldly-patterned or brightly-colored carpet! Some dyes might start to fade after prolonged exposure to the sun, so be careful not to place them in rooms with an abundance of natural light which could damage the exquisite dye. It’s no surprise that the older the carpet, the pricier it gets. Their maintenance will cost you, but the final effect is always worth a few extra bucks. After all, antique carpets are considered one of the most beautiful and unique in the world!
Finally, time to decide what style should your space be. Luckily, antique carpets look astonishing in almost any setting. The style which benefits most from the presence of antique rugs is definitely boho, with its love for diverse textures, color and antique charm. On the other hand, Indian rugs look great in clean, minimalistic spaces, paired with Indian-themed accessories. However, if you are looking for something more formal or elegant, consider purchasing an Oriental or Persian rug. Tabriz carpets work especially well with elegant interiors, but if you want to get a little crazy, just remember that few things complement hard and strong elements of decor like the sumptuous shaggy pile of Moroccan rugs.
The world of antique carpets is so diverse that everybody can find that one special piece which immediately captures their heart. All it takes is a bit of imagination and an open mind.