Vintage Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs are some of the most sought-after by interior designers and collectors for their beauty, history and ability to add warmth and character to spaces. While they may not be as varied as their Persian counterpart, they are still treasured for their intricate and intricate patterns which often made their way into the iconic paintings of European masters like Memling and Holbein.

Unlike many other antique rugs, vintage turkish rugs aren’t overdyed or distressed to create their look. Instead, they’re updated through a process called sunned which is done to mute colors and create an aged feel that’s soft and beautiful. This makes it easy to pair with modern, contemporary or eclectic interiors and can be a great alternative for those who prefer a more muted color palette.

Vintage turkish rugs are one-of-a-kind so they’re perfect for adding the ultimate finishing touches to any space. They can serve as floor art, natural humidifiers, temperature controllers and more so it’s important to consider your lifestyle and aesthetic when selecting a rug. Thankfully, there’s a variety of ways to find the perfect rug for you, from e-commerce sites (Emily’s favorite is Craigslist where she scored the blue rug in her Fig House project), estate sales and even local flea markets.

For those who prefer to shop for a vintage rug in person, check out Merak which has an entire section dedicated to antique Turkish rugs. The retailer carries everything from traditional turkish carpets to kilims and their carefully curated collection ensures there’s something for everyone.