Is My Rug Heirloom Quality?
Heirloom rugs are quite valuable. While heirloom-quality rugs and antique rugs share some characteristics, there are a few additional qualities that separate an heirloom from an antique.
Heirloom Rug Qualities
An heirloom rug is unique. What this means is that only a small number of similar rugs were produced back when it was woven, making the pattern rare and collectible. Its colors and design are uncommon and the rug is one-of-a-kind, not a reproduction or pattern commonly copied. It comes from a specific province or city whose rugs are sought after. It was well-maintained and aged naturally through use, consistent care, and professional cleaning. The rug shows even wear thanks to regular rotation, dusting, and proper washing. It is not missing any of the original work- the fringe, binding, and pile are still intact. It is 80 years old or older.
Antique Rug Qualities
What makes a rug an antique? An antique rug is one that is 100 years old or older. It does not necessarily have a rare or collectible pattern, it may just be old. An antique rug could have been produced anywhere. It might have uneven wear. It may be damaged and/or missing parts of its original work. It may have been repaired in some way. Antique rugs may valuable or they may be practically worthless depending on these factors.
While antique rugs are not always valuable, a rug that has been assessed by a rug master as an heirloom-quality rug will always be valuable.
A rug purchased 100 years ago and stored for the duration of its life is not considered an heirloom or even an antique rug. Why is this? A rug that was stored and never used will not have aged, so for all intents and purposes it is a brand new rug.
How Can I Ensure My Rug Becomes an Heirloom Rug in the Future?
- Use Your Rug
- Get it Professionally Cleaned Every 3 to 5 Years
- Rotate Your Rug
- Prevent Damage from Pets, Pests, Vacuums, and Improper Cleaning
- Buy a Classic Design, Not What’s Trendy
- Buy a High Quality Rug in Unique Colors and Design
- Buy a Rug from a Respected Province or City Famous for its Rugs like Tabriz, Senneh, Saouq, Isfahan, or Kerman
Final Thoughts
For many rug lovers, a rug’s value comes not from its rarity or quality, but from the memories made during its life. You can never go wrong buying a rug you love. We recommend buying the rug that speaks to you, one you will enjoy looking at and walking on, instead of trying to buy a rug that will appreciate in value over time.
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