Hardwoods, tile, and finished concrete make beautiful floor finishes, but to pull your look together, you want texture and the warmth a vintage rug brings. When buying a vintage carpet, here are a few things to which you should pay attention.
Know where it goes
Depending on where the placement, a rug can take a great deal of abuse from foot traffic, pets, moving furniture and the like. If your carpet goes in a high traffic area, look for a sturdy rug to withstand it. On the other hand, if a decorative piece is what you need, don't be afraid of a vintage carpet that shows a little wear.
Know what to look for
In general, pay attention to these areas:
Fraying: Handmade, woven rugs might unravel when frayed edges and loose fringes catch or pull. Look for tight binding. Avoid loose fringes or hems and make sure the backing remains attached.
Knots: Depending on its style, technique, origin, and age, the knots in vintage rugs might range from far-apart and loose to close and tight. In general, the tighter the knot, and the closer together or more knots per square inch, the higher grade and quality the rug. Look on the backside to see the knotting. If knots appear too loose or knap is missing, the carpet may not withstand a high traffic area or the rigors of a vacuum cleaner.
Vintage rugs typically show wear and imperfections unless it came from years of protective storage. Uneven piling, worn patches, discoloration, and even slight stains add to the vintage charm and reveal its storied past.
Know how to care for it
That antique blend of dust and years of household odors might seem more apparent when you get your vintage purchase home. Before you do anything else, air your rug out of doors to get rid of most of the musty odor. Gently beat your rug with a rug beater or broom to remove surface dust.
Recheck the rug for any loose knots and tighten them. Look for any frayed areas that you missed (or determined were minor) and tighten them by hand.
If your rug’s odor persists, enlist the help of a professional rug cleaning service to have it dry cleaned.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
