by Anna Smith of Annabode + Co.
It’s no secret that vintage rugs are crazy popular right now, and for good reason. They’re better-made and long-lasting, versatile enough to suit a wide range of styles, and add a well-traveled, collected vibe to any room they’re in. The problem with their popularity (and their handmade origins) is that they can be extremely expensive, making affordable vintage rugs hard to come by. That is, unless you know where to look!
As I’ve said before, I use Etsy a ton when sourcing things for clients and I’m not shy about singing its praises. (This is actually the second post in a series of round-ups on the best Etsy shops—don’t miss the best in modern lighting). The one drawback to the site is that there is just sooooo much on there that sifting through it all can really eat up your time. But because I love you guys (and I’m sure clicking through page after page of vintage rugs is not your idea of a fun Saturday—a basic search shows over 40,000 results!), I’m going to share with you my top 10 sources for affordable vintage rugs on Etsy:
One of my all-around favorite vintage stores for home goods, Homestead Seattle is run by Michele and Ryan Tansey in—you guessed it—Seattle, WA. Their collection of rugs, though modest, is beautifully curated and well-photographed.
2. Carpets Mall
This shop out of Pakistan has a vast inventory that is easy to browse, thanks to its categories that range from area rugs and area kilims to prayer rugs and Mishwanis.
Based in Turkey, this shop has excellent prices and a beautiful selection that extends beyond just kilims.
The online shop of Ellicot City, Maryland’s brick-and-mortar store, Main Street Rugs carries a wide variety of rugs in just as wide of a range of prices.
I love this Marrakesh-based shop for its huge selection of bright, happy, colorful Moroccan rugs—but be prepared to do some searching, as the absence of categories makes it quite hard to browse.
Though this shop does in fact sell only rugs, it’s well worth the visit. Deniz Gul is deep within their world—her grandmother was a weaver and her father, a collector. Now she sells them direct from Turkey, and her shop is a favorite of mine for a well-worn, faded look.
7. Salaberna
This shop is a hidden gem on Etsy. Again, the lack of categories can make it frustrating to look through—but the selection (25 pages!) is worth the time.
Cagatay Yilmaz’s shop, based in Istanbul, is an excellent rug source for its prices and selection. Be aware that all their photos are taken outside in bright light, which means the rugs may look slightly different in your home.
This New York City shop is another choice when looking for Moroccan rugs; it carries Beni Ourain, Boucherouite, and Azilal rugs, Berber wedding blankets, and Tuareg mats (though the last ones are pricey).
10. Pink Rug Co.
This adorable Marrakesh shop is curated and styled to perfection! Though they do carry many pink rugs, most of them are neutrals with pops of color.
Sources: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10
Of course, “affordable” is a relative term when it comes to vintage rugs—none of these examples are under $200—but they represent the best prices and selection of vintage rugs that I’ve found so far on Etsy.
Where do you shop for rugs? Do you have any secret sources?
P.S. The best flea markets across the country to shop for rugs and a beautiful rug shop right here in Sacramento.
Anna Smith wants to live in a world where good design is accessible and affordable for everyone. An interior designer based in Denver, Colorado, she creates modern homes for clients across the country through her firm Annabode + Co. When not buried in swatches and throw pillows, you can find her elbow-deep in renovations at her own fixer-upper. Find out more about working with Anna at Annabode.com.
8 Comments