Handmade Rugs

Learn More About Antique Handmade Rugs and Carpets

Handmade rugs have a certain quality that sets them far above machine-made examples, irrespective of any sort of superficial similarities in design. Traditionally, the process of producing a product by hand – especially a product as complex as an Oriental carpet – is more costly than the process of producing a product by machine.

As such, the decision to make something by hand and, subsequently, to incur greater costs, must necessarily result in a superior product. This is why the buyer for handwoven rugs and carpets will have a certain set of expectations when it comes to the care that went into weaving them as well as the overall quality.

The weaving of area rugs by hand involves so many different choices and decisions with some that are made on the fly. Minor changes, twists and turns will, when viewing the final product, give the area rug its own unique personality and presence. This is something that even finest of all the machine made area rugs simply cannot equal. For those who can distinguish such qualities, only hand made carpets will do, and that involves a certain minimal cost level. Handmade rugs, even a small one, can take many months to produce. A room-size carpet may take the same time, but only because it is produced by multiple weavers working in concert.

Moroccan Rug Weavers Handmaking Rugs

Because the process of weaving something as complex as an antique Oriental carpet demands so much, the resulting products are always one of a kind. Similarly, their quality and longevity is insured by the high level of care and consideration that is woven into them by the master artisans responsible for their creation. Unique works of art that are in a totally separate category from mass-produced, machine-made carpets, hand-made rugs and carpets possess qualities and characteristics that simply cannot be imitated.

The Beauty of Antique Handmade Rugs

Thousands of years after carpet weaving was perfected, handmade rugs are still the gold standard. In the world of fine carpets, there is no better way to produce exquisite woven designs and strong, tightly packed pile than by using simple tools and the skills of trained weavers and master craftspeople. These historic traditions and age-old weaving techniques are still carried on by modern rug producers and highly skilled artisans.

In the world of fine handmade rugs, there are innumerable styles and variations. Kilims, flat-weave Moroccan rugs and Scandinavian rugs (matta rolakan) employ similar warp and weft construction techniques although their design repertoires are quite distinctive.

Handmade rugs with their hand-knotted pile are revered for their intricate patterns, superb texture and durability. Long-pile Moroccans and shaggy vintage Swedish Rya rugs have long uncut yarns that produce a marvelous effect, which cannot be replicated by tufting or any modern technique. Handmade rugs are part of an enduring tradition that has never been surpassed by technology or machines.

Handmade Rugs are Woven for Comfort and Appearance

Handmade rugs are relatively complex, multifaceted works of art. As such, there are a great number of factors to consider when evaluating such pieces for your own purchase, and, sometimes, the process of choosing a rug for yourself may seem a bit daunting. But don’t worry – you’ve certainly come to the right place for help!

While rugs and carpets appeal most immediately to us on a visual level, possessing gorgeous, intricate designs, comprised of masterful line work and brilliant color application like geometric, it is important to remember that such pieces are also tactile, three dimensional objects that exist to serve a utilitarian function – as cushioning and insulation. One style that stands out in geometric patters are Kilim Flat-weave rugs, which utilize a wide range of neutral earthy colors to form basic shapes, pleasing to the eye and still strong in design.

Beautiful Handmade Vintage Scandinavian Kilim Rug

It is important for potential buyers to consider the extent to which this particular aspect of the rug will matter to them, and whether it will ultimately influence the decision of which rug is chosen.

If you as a buyer determine that in fact you need some heft to your traditional rugs, then higher pile village or tribal weaving like Vintage Moroccans will be more appropriate than many other types of area rugs for your needs.

Read about our pile and knotted rugs.

In fact, many other types of rugs are deliberately made with a lower pile to emphasize the precision of the drawing in the design, notably in traditional Oushak rugs. Various new rug productions are also made in a thicker pile with a notable cushioning effect.

However, traditional Handmade rugs may be less appropriate for those who desire high, cushy pile, since even if in good condition, they tend to have a lower pile due to wear. Above all things, when you embark on the quest of choosing a rug for your home, the most important thing to remember is that the rug that ultimately choose should be one that makes you happy.