​​​Buying an old Oriental rug

Old Oriental rugs have already been tested, so you get what you see. They reveal their quality and begin to acquire beautiful nuances in colors and a character. Moreover, you can buy an older rug from a private party for a fraction of the price in an Oriental rug store even when it is indistinguishable from a new rug. 

​Buying a Persian rug of good quality is a significant investment which can run from a few hundreds to several thousands of dollars. It requires therefore careful consideration.  We can help, contact us.

Where to Buy an Oriental Rug​ 

Buying an antique rug from one of the popular online sites   

​Online sites such as ebay and craigslist are good options if you are looking for a common type of rug. Otherwise, these sites mostly cater to antique dealers and rugs of cheap quality. 

​​​​Should you buy new or old Oriental rugs?

Without a doubt, in the current market, it is much more advantageous to purchase an Oriental rug from a private party than a new rug from a store... ​​

Buying an Oriental Rug

What to Buy

Buying an antique rug in an auction   

​You can find some good deals at antique rug auctions, but you must be knowledgeable as the risks of ending with a "lemon" are quite high.  Furthermore, 40-50% of the value of the rug still end up with the auction-house.

Buying from a rug dealer  

​​​​​Buying from a reputable rug dealer has the advantage of seeing the rug in person. But you will pay a hefty premium to cover the dealer's overhead costs. Besides, online shopping has become fairly straightforward nowadays. Beware of so-called huge discounts or fire sales. 

Buying an Oriental rug from our gallery    

​The rugs in our Gallery belong to private parties; they are handpicked by our experts; and we charge a minimal 5% commission. One drawback is that the purchase is online, and we charge a nominal shipping fee if you return the rug.  ​

​​​Buying a new Oriental rug

​Admittedly, a new Oriental rug purchased from a store will look fresh, clean, and springy. But after a few months, you will be hard-pressed to see the difference with an older Oriental rug that was well-cared for. 

What type of Oriental rug to buy

While there are recognizable brand names, each rug must be examined on its own merit. The current market offers a golden opportunity to acquire certain vintage Oriental rugs that for now are highly under-valued. This is the case for Peshawar rugs and fine vintage silk rugs, as the new generation has not yet discovered them. 

What to watch for 

When buying an antique Oriental rug, you should examine how fine the weave is, the quality of the wool, the design, the colors, and of course the condition of the rug, paying particular attention to any wear and tear, discoloration or stains. Minor wear and dime-sized stains are acceptable in older pieces.