How to Make Your Vintage Area Rug Become the Focal Point in the Room

What are Vintage Area Rugs?

Vintage area rugs are fine pieces of carpet that have woven materials. They're manufactured in past decades and are often well-preserved or have a few signs of wear that contribute to their rustic look. The rugs feel slightly supple and floppy but are constructed well with quality materials, contributing to their durability and longevity.

Vintage area rugs often feature intricate details with patterns and prints that show off the style and trends of past decades. The color or rug dye can allow you to determine when the product was manufactured to verify it's authentic.

How to Make Your Vintage Area Rug Become the Focal Point in the Room

If you want to make a vintage area rug become the centerpiece in your room, it's essential to start by placing it in the center of the space. Start by placing the furniture around the area rug to prevent it from being hidden or covered up by other objects in the room. You can place an accent chair on the corner of one part of the rug or a loveseat on one side of the area rug. The furniture should only cover a few inches of the carpet to ensure it's still visible and easy to see. If you have a coffee table to put on display, opt for something smaller. Adding poufs or ottomans can also create a cozy environment while still allowing the carpet to be easy to see. For more information, you can find our comprehensive guide on area rugs.

You can also pair other vintage items with your area rug to create a cohesive look and antique theme in the setting. Opt for an antique lamp or antique furniture.

If you're choosing a rug with bold or bright color shades, incorporate materials and furnishings that are neutral to ensure the area rug stands out. This will draw the eye downward and make the area rug easier to notice if the boldest colors in the room are on the rug.

How to Preserve a Vintage Area Rug

When you want to preserve your vintage area rug, it's vital to place it in an area where there's not too much foot traffic. It should also be on display in a room where children and pets don't spend much time. Rotating the carpet after a few years can also prevent too much wear on some portions of the rug where there's foot traffic. Keeping it out of direct sunlight will also protect the colors and materials from fading over time.

Use a damp cloth on areas where stains develop to remove the dirt and grime without damaging the fibers. Avoid using any chemical cleaners on the materials, which will damage and fade some of the dyes. Vacuuming the carpet every few days is also necessary to thoroughly remove any dirt that settles into the fibers.