While many women are obsessed with shoes, I’m more interested with what’s under my feet rather than on them. Rugs. The older, the more worn, the more sun-faded, the better. Yep, I am obsessed with vintage rugs. It’s what I’m digging in July, and here is what I’ve learned. (*feature photo via MinimalChaosDesigns/Etsy)
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Over the years, my husband and I have paid big bucks for a few beautiful oriental rugs from reputable design stores. All high quality, all lovely, but they never quite felt “old” enough to me. They didn’t speak secrets from the past or invite you to wonder about all the spaces they occupied or the voices they heard. Recently, when we moved into our new row-house style home in downtown Cincinnati, I found myself in need of new rugs. The lay-out and room dimensions of this new house won’t accommodate some of my existing rugs. This home also calls for more modern decor, which I love. But what accents an eclectic modern style better than vintage rugs with a relaxed boho feel?
So I turned to Etsy. AND I’M SO GLAD I DID. AM I SCREAMING? I LOVE THE VINTAGE RUG DEALS I’VE FOUND ON ETSY! Sorry, I just get excited over these great finds. Here’s why…
variety
There are tons of Etsy shops selling vintage rugs, so it takes time to find the right one. But your investment of time will pay off. Just when you grow tired of scanning through photo after photo of old rugs, you’ll spot the perfect one. Search by color, material, style, and size. It’s there, I promise. Below is just a small sampling from a few Etsy vendors.
affordability
With the internet, millions of rugs are at your fingertips. But if you’re looking for a cool, vintage rug that doesn’t cost a fortune, Etsy is the best choice. For example, the 3’3″ x 5’6″ wool Turkish rug below sold from One Kings Lane for $999.
I found these similar rugs below on Etsy for much less. (L to R: 5′ x 5′ Turkish kilim, $79.50; 4′ x 5′ vintage kilim, $70.50; 3’5″ x 8’4″ Turkish kilim, $91.50)
tips
- While searching through rugs on Etsy, when you spot a rug you love even though it may not fit your current need, check out the shop. Often, that vendor will have lots of rugs that appeal to you.
- Be observant when selecting a rug, especially a runner or oddly sized one. Sometimes they are cut from a larger rug and the patterns aren’t symmetrical or appealing.
- There are so many to choose from, but one of my favorite shops is ZDKilimPillow.
Vintage rugs from Etsy is what I’m digging in July. And November, and April, and anytime I get a longing for a cozy little vintage rug that has stories to tell.
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