Words by Corinne L. Casazza
Rugs with a rich history pave the way for soulful spaces.
intage and antique rugs bring warmth, character and elegance to the home. Many antique varieties feature intricate geometric designs that showcase the talents of the craftsmen and convey a sense of history not found in modern rugs.
Darrel Wingo of Knotty Rug Co. says that today’s trends include geometric patterns like Heriz and Serapis to animal patterns like the hunting Tabriz and even some florals. The most popular hues are blues, greens and reds or a neutral background with pops of red, blue or even gold.
“If you’re looking for a more formal piece, the hunting Tabriz will work,” Wingo says. “Serapis are a little less formal and more in line with the way people live today.”
His best advice? Find something you love and work around it. “Color is the most critical thing; be sure it works with your design,” he notes.
Massoud Tehrani of Aladdin Oriental Rug Company has been in business 47 years. His passion is antique rugs, specifically Persian, southern Russian, Turkish and Afghan.
It’s no small wonder, though—these countries comprised ancient Persia, and Tehrani hails from Iran.
“The patterns in Persian rugs are found in nature, with flowers, trees and animals often used,” he describes. “The rugs are all knotted by hand. You end up with a unique piece that is stunning and also tells a story.”
Tehrani enjoys sharing his knowledge with customers.
“You need to know what you like,” he says. “Quality is most important, then age, condition, size, color and the wool quality of wool. It all adds up.”
Wingo agrees, adding, “We’re very fond of the Afghan pieces because they have really good construction. Their wool is full of lanolin; it makes them very pliable, and the pile doesn’t break down. They really last.”
Both Tehrani and Wingo offer cleaning services. Maintenance of these pieces depends on usage. Tehrani says, “In a high-traffic area or a room where you hold parties, you should have the rug cleaned right after your event to keep it in good condition. If there’s only a few people, maintenance could be once every five or ten years.”
Wingo advises a professional wet wash. “This is how rugs are cleaned after they’re made,” he says. “The wool is shiny and really beautiful when it’s clean. It adds to the luster and color of the rug. Dirt dulls the finish and makes colors less vibrant. Cleaning pops the color and takes it back to when it was new.”
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