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Vintage Turkish rugs are the perfect addition to rustic spaces and palatial drawing rooms. Their bold colors and intricate designs are sure to add an elegant, pulled together look to any space.
However, if one wishes to buy vintage turkish rugs physically, it can be difficult as prices are often inflated due to several middlemen. Buying online can be much easier and cheaper!
Hand-knotted
Unlike many modern synthetic rugs, vintage Turkish wool area rugs are made of natural materials that are stain-resistant and durable. Their heirloom quality makes them ideal for high-traffic areas, as they can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Vintage rugs can also be professionally cleaned and repaired if needed, ensuring their long-lasting beauty.
Traditional Turkish rugs come in a range of styles, including the classic Bergama rug, known for its vibrant reds; the thick-piled Tulu rug; and the Hereke carpet, which Marco Polo called “the most beautiful in the world.” A well-made vintage Turkish rug has a harmonious blend of colors. Browns are often copper or cinnamon; greens can be saffron, or ivory and gold.
Large Turkish rugs are perfect warmth-bringers and space-definers, so they’re coveted by decor fans. Their lush colors and intricate patterns authentically reflect Turkey’s culture, while their natural abrash gradations lend them a touch of elegance.
Hand-woven
Vintage Turkish rugs are often hand-woven, which can add to their durability and quality. Depending on the region in which they were made, these rugs may use symmetrical or asymmetrical knotting techniques. The differences between these techniques can impact the density, thickness, and appearance of a rug.
Aside from their vibrant color palette, these rugs are known for their intricate and elaborate designs. They also incorporate symbolic elements that carry cultural significance for the weavers. These symbols can represent luck, fertility, protection, or other traditional beliefs.
These rugs are one-of-a-kind pieces that can bring warmth and character to your home. Pair them with a pair of brown leather chairs and a wood coffee table to create a cozy, rustic vibe. Add a few classic conversation pieces, like a record player and rock memorabilia, to complete the look. This will give your space an organic, lived-in feel that will instantly make guests feel welcome and at home.
Natural Dyes
The colors used in a turkish rug must be fixed to the wool fibers using a solution called a mordant. It’s a combination of various metallic salts like aluminum, iron or copper that act as chemical binders to the dyes so they do not bleed or run when the rug is washed or exposed to water.
The madder plant (Rubia tinctorum) is an important vegetable dye used to produce the reds in rugs. Other natural dyes included pomegranate juice, walnut shell, weld and cochineal (a red insect pigment).
A lot of skill was required to create the wide range of colors available in rugs dyed in the vegetable method. For example, a green color could be obtained by overdyeing the yarn with larkspur, saffron and weld.
Vegetable dyes are not as lightfast as synthetic ones, so a rug that has been overdyed may appear dull and faded. However, it’s still possible to detect vegetable dyes in vintage rugs by looking for a lack of harshness, uniformity or unnatural brightness.
Cultural Heritage
The intricate patterns and opulent colors of vintage Turkish rugs are not only gorgeous, but they also embody a rich cultural heritage. Historically, Turkish carpet weaving techniques were passed down through generations of nomadic tribes who migrated across the Anatolian peninsula.
The motifs and designs associated with these tribal rug traditions range from traditional geometric to whimsical floral. Despite this diversity, these tribal rug traditions have a lot in common in terms of construction and color.
The bold and natural colors of Turkish rugs are achieved through the use of natural dyes. Unlike synthetic dyes that fade quickly, these natural dyes are through and through. They also don’t come off easily when scratched. This characteristic makes Turkish rugs more durable and long-lasting. This makes them a good choice for homes with children and pets.