How to Identify and Choose an Heirloom Rug

Rugs have been used for centuries to add warmth and beauty to homes. Unlike the mass produced rugs that are common in home stores and other shops these days, when you are looking at buying an heirloom rug, you are looking at the kind of rug that has been passed down through generations, often becoming a family treasure. For this reason alone, finding an heirloom rug can be incredibly difficult, because most owners of such interesting, one-of-a-kind rugs, will not let them go so easily.

Along with having tremendous sentimental value, heirloom rugs are often intricately woven by hand, which adds greatly to the financial value of such an item. This means knowing how to identify and choose an heirloom rug is essential for anyone looking to add one to their home, to ensure that they actually get an authentic rug as opposed to buying a new Oriental or Persian piece.

 

What is an Heirloom Rug?

An heirloom rug is any rug that has history.

Generally, these rugs are incredibly old and have been used by just one or two families in the time since they were made. It is the age of the rug and the fact that it is inherited by family that gives the rug its heirloom status.

 

Heirloom rugs will normally be made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, or silk. They can also be made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester. However, because these are more modern types of rug making materials, rugs made from these materials will normally not be considered heirloom and possibly won’t be as valuable as those rugs made from an older or more traditional rug making material.

 

Some of the popular types of heirloom rugs include old Persian, Moroccan and Turkish rugs, most of which are characterised by their striking designs and intricate hand finish, which is only found in these famous upmarket items.

 

The Unique Characteristics of Heirloom Rugs

Heirloom rugs have several key characteristics that make them the iconic and much sought-after rugs that they are. When you are on the hunt for such a timeless rug, there are a number of easily identifiable characteristics that you can look for.

 

The Age of the Rug

By their very definition, heirloom rugs are going to be quite old. And as with anything that has aged a bit, the rug will have that well-worn look. It the rug looks too new, or if it looks as though it has never been walked on, it could either have been a wall hanging that has been recently cleaned or it might not be an heirloom rug at all.

 

These rugs are also going to have a history, which means it can be sold with a story. A rug with a fascinating background is going to be the sort of rug that is a lot more valuable than most other rugs, and as such they are quite possibly not going to be found in just any old store.

 

The Material the Rug is made from

The materials used to make heirlooms are often chosen for their durability and ability to withstand wear and tear over time.

 

As a rule, because the heirloom rugs are going to be a lot older than its counterparts, it will usually be made with tough natural materials such as silk, cotton and wool. Make sure that you find out exactly what the rug is made from, and if you can, feel the rug. An heirloom rug made from a natural material will feel like a better quality rug when compared to a newer more modern rug.

 

The Design of the Rug

Remember what was said about these rugs having a bit of history? Nowhere is that more evident than in the design and pattern used on the rug. Heirloom rugs often feature a unique design, the kind that reflects the time in which it was made, and a design you won’t easily find on modern rugs. Heirloom rugs are also usually hand crafted to feature intricate designs and patterns that are symbolic to the family which owns it, as these sorts of old rugs would have, on occasion, been custom made.

 

Usually, the design will look more traditional, and that, along with the rug having that worn look, will contribute to the value of the rug.

The colours used on the rug are often muted and subtle, and the patterns are often exquisitely detailed. Heirloom rugs are usually made at a high level of craftsmanship and much attention to detail has been put in, which makes them a great choice for any home.

 

The Overall Craftsmanship of the Rug

The craftsmanship of the rug can be seen in the way that it is made.

Many heirloom rugs are made using ancient rug making techniques, and the rugs can feature the most elaborate knot-work. Such rugs are also often hand dyed and hand decorated. These rugs would have taken a long time to put together and this means the person who made it has put in far more effort than modern rug makers.

 

Because most heirloom rugs are made by hand and because the rug maker has carefully chosen the right kind of durable materials to make the rug, these rugs tend to last a lot longer than most modern rugs.

 

When you do find an heirloom rug that you want to buy, be sure to look up things like rug care and what you should or should not do to your rug. These are the types of rugs that will hold their value really well, but only with the right kind of care.

 

How to Choose an Heirloom Rug

When choosing an heirloom rug, it is important to consider the size, material, and design of the rug, essentially bringing together all of the characteristics highlighted above.

 

The size of the rug should be appropriate for the space it will be placed in, and the material should be durable and able to withstand wear and tear over time. Even though the heirloom rug has more than likely already been well used as it has been passed from one generation to the next, it still needs to stay in the best condition for as long as you are going to have it because, ideally, the rug you buy is going to become an heirloom rug for whoever will inherit it from you one day.

 

It is also important to consider the design of the rug. If the rug features a unique design that is reflective of a family’s heritage, you will want to be sure that the design fits in with your own family, or that it at least is not offensive to your heritage. While it is uncommon to end up with a rug that features an unattractive design, it helps to do your homework and know if the design has any special meaning behind it.  

 

And it is also important to consider the cost of the rug, as heirloom rugs can be quite expensive, even though they are second hand. When selecting an heirloom rug, it is important to take the time to research the rug and its history. You should also take the time to inspect the rug for any signs of damage or really heavy wear and tear, the kind that could become an unfixable problem down the line.

 

While some signs of use can be good if you are going for an authentic heirloom, you don’t want to spend a small fortune on a rug that will disintegrate if you are going to be using it on your floor.

An heirloom rug is meant to carry some beautiful meaning. In many ways that is the reason why these rugs are such important items to families. These sorts of rugs are not going to be your everyday buy, in fact that can be a bit if a rarity. When you are looking to buy such a rug it is of utmost importance that you make sure that you are buying a rug from a trusted seller.

 

As much as a Persian or Oriental rug is an expensive luxury buy, the heirloom rug can be an even bigger, more expensive purchase. You will want to make extra sure that the person you are buying the rug from knows their stuff and, if the rug is extra special, that they can tell you the story behind its origins.

 

And always remember, when you invest in an heirloom rug, you are not just making a financial investment, you are also investing in the aesthetic of your home (or office) and you are creating a focal talking point.

 

At Rugs Original, we are one of South Africa’s biggest and most experienced luxury rug sellers. We have one of the world’s widest selections of in-demand rugs, and we source heirloom rugs too. Our heirloom collection consists of incredibly rare pieces and we can also find a specific type of heirloom rug, if you have unique tastes