Vintage Turkish Rugs - Essential Designer Carpets For Interiors

Whether used as a focal point in a rustic living room or a palatial dining area, vintage turkish rugs add an elegant and pulled-together look to any space. From oxidized reds to posh pastels, these timeless beauties are also essential designer carpets for interiors of all shapes and sizes. Their patterns and colors owe much to the region's rich cultural heritage and its Eastern neighbors in Persia, Caucasus and Turkestan.

As nomadic tribes moved around the Sahara desert and oasis, they developed weaving techniques for creating rugs made from wool, camel hair and cotton. These tribal rugs are believed to have inspired the early Turkish rugs that evolved into the styles we know today. These include kilims, flat-woven carpets characterized by a plain slit tapestry weave leaving gaps for yarns in different colors to be woven together; sumak, which features weft wrapping for a sturdier and thicker flat-woven rug; and cicim, which utilizes extra brocade techniques from specific tribes or villages.

Vintage turkish rugs are highly sought after by collectors because of their unique design and quality. Their beauty is attributed to a number of factors: the color palette is often subdued and features earthy hues; the geometric patterns are often more primitive than those found in modern Turkish rugs; they feature natural abrash gradations; and they have been worn down, marking them with distinctive markings that make them one-of-a-kind.

The oldest surviving examples of vintage turkish rugs are those that were woven during the Seljuk and Ottoman empires in the 13th and 14th centuries. These Turkish carpets were among the first to be introduced to the West and are frequently featured in paintings by Renaissance artists.

As a country that bridges both Europe and Asia, Turkey was a popular weaving destination for both its own native tribes and its neighbors in the Middle East and Central Asia. Their distinct construction and motifs were infused with both regional elements and Islamic motifs, resulting in one of the most diverse rug weaving regions in the world.

From a polished Authentic Oushak collection to a tribal Caucasus Kula, these handpicked antique Turkish rugs feature classic designs and vibrant colorations that are sure to enhance your home decor. With their lustrous sheen and intricately realized medallions, these vintage turkish rugs are the ideal choice to enhance and centralize any room.

The best places to find vintage turkish rugs are Etsy and Rejuvenation. The latter offers a selection of Persian, Turkish and other ancient rugs that are carefully inspected prior to shipping and constructed with top-quality materials to ensure lasting beauty. Their inventory includes small kilims perfect for an entryway or bathroom, and large rugs suitable for a living room. These rugs are also available in multiple color palettes and construction styles, so you can choose the right one to match your style. Knot Rug, another online retailer, has a selection of vintage-inspired rugs that are power-loomed for durability and designed to resist wear. Their Turkish rugs are offered in a variety of sizes and feature a mix of contemporary and traditional designs, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your home.