In the rug trade, an antique rug is about 100 years old or more, and a vintage rug is roughly 20 to 99 years old. Some dealers call rugs from about 50 to 80 years old "semi-antique." A new rug with an antique wash, like many Chobi rugs, is new, not vintage.
How to tell a rug's age
- Dyes. Older rugs were dyed with plant and mineral dyes, which fade softly and unevenly. Bands of slightly different color (abrash) are common in old rugs.
- Wear. Even, low pile across the walking areas, with fuller pile under where furniture stood, comes with decades of use.
- The back. Old wool on the back looks softer and slightly polished, and the knots are worn smooth.
- Design and weave. Patterns, borders and knotting changed over time and differ by region, which helps an experienced eye place a rug.
- Old repairs. Rewoven areas and rebound edges show a rug has been used and cared for over many years.
Honest dating is usually a range, such as "1970s to 1990s," not a single year.
What wear is fine, and what to check
Normal for age: even, low pile; color variation; small, well-done old repairs; some softness at the ends.
Check before you buy:
- Dry rot. Bend a corner back gently. Cracking or snapping means the cotton foundation has weakened.
- Moth damage. Bare patches eaten down to the knots, especially on the back.
- Color run. Dyes that have bled into neighboring colors.
- Ends and sides. Fraying ends and loose edges can be secured, and are better fixed early.
Vintage or antique: which to buy?
An antique rug is a collector's piece: rarer, often finer and priced that way. A vintage rug gives you the softened colors and character of age at a lower price, with plenty of life left for daily use in a living room or bedroom.
How we date our rugs
Every listing states the age as we know it, as a decade or a range, along with the origin and materials. Every handmade rug we sell carries a lifetime guarantee of authenticity and quality, including its age as described. Browse vintage and antique rugs, most of them one of a kind.