With their lustrous pastels and dramatic botanical designs, vintage turkish rugs are an essential designer go-to for rustic spaces and palatial drawing rooms. But what really sets them apart is their ability to tie a room together with a combination of subtle color palettes and complex pattern combinations.
Originally one of the first waves of oriental antique carpets to be exported into Europe, Turkish rugs have long been prized commodities and artistically influential pieces. The iconic guls (painterly motifs of overlapping circles) and evocative prayer rug patterns found in many antique turkish rugs became the inspiration for numerous European paintings by the likes of Memling, Lotto, Bellini and Hans Holbein.
The weaving tradition that forged the distinctive style of antique turkish rugs began in the thirteenth century under the Seljuks. The resulting carpets—featuring ruby reds and misted blues, entwined botanicals and rhythmic geometrics—are still beloved today. The rug production of the nineteenth century saw even greater evolution in Turkish carpet making. From the symbol-filled Anatolian rugs to the palatial medallion carpets of the heyday of the Ottoman empire, a wide variety of styles emerged.
As a result, antique turkish rugs are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to virtually any interior design aesthetic. For example, the asymmetrical shapes and elemental designs of Turkish tribal rugs from the 19th century often feature bold geometrical motifs paired with soft colors that lend themselves to modernist aesthetics. By contrast, the regal Oushak and Hereke carpets of the era showcase an intricate interplay between traditional arabesques and natural abrash gradations of rich earth tones.
In addition to their versatility, vintage turkish rugs are durable and made of high-quality materials that can hold up to years of wear and tear. As a result, they can be easily cleaned and refurbished to maintain their beautiful appearance. Additionally, vintage turkish rugs are a great choice for a variety of purposes, including tying together the design of a room and providing warmth and comfort.
Finding the right vintage turkish rug for your space requires careful consideration of the available color scheme and expected foot traffic levels. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s important to conduct precise measurements of the available area and to compare price ranges. In many cases, a well-made, antique rug can be much more affordable than you might expect, especially if you choose to shop online.
To get started, browse the dozens of antique turkish rugs for sale on Etsy. Start by searching “vintage turkish rug” in the search bar, then use two filters: 1. Free Shipping and 2. Lowest Price to sort everything by the lowest price first. This will help you find the perfect rug for your home without having to break your budget. Purchasing an antique turkish rug is a wise investment that will only increase in value over time. It’s also an excellent way to add a touch of sophistication to any room.
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