The Vintage Rug Collection

This winter to Saybrook Home, we are excited to introduce a brand new (to us) collection of Vintage and Antique Rugs! Currently on display in our Old Saybrook showroom and rug department, these vintage rugs are true historical works of art, all aged between 50 and 100 years old!

We are thrilled to be able to offer our clients this option as New England is known for its many historical homes. In recent years, we've seen a growing trend in preservation and celebration of these antique residences. Saybrook Home now offers a shoppable collection of period-friendly rugs for our clients who would enjoy taking a step back in time on a true piece of history.

A Heritage of Skill and Tradition

Most of the vintage rugs that end up at Saybrook Home are originally collected throughout Turkey and Central Asia. 

These selections are truly pieces of art and their aesthetic value plays a role in their desirability. These vintage and antique rugs have earned a renowned status as some of the world’s most coveted and prestigious floor coverings.

Rug weaving is not merely a trade; it’s a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. Skills in carpet weaving are passed down through generations, and becoming a master weaver often involves years of apprenticeship under a skilled mentor. Designs can take up to and over a year to complete. These master weavers possess an intimate knowledge of the intricate patterns and color combinations that define each regional style of Persian and Turkish rugs.

Oushak Rugs

Oushak rugs are a Turkish rug variant from the area of Usak, Turkey. Typically, they are characterized by larger, less intricate patterns (using organic shapes), a low to medium knot count, and a less colorful palette (although some modern variations have very bright colors). Compared to Persian rugs, they are much more subtle and organically simplistic. However, this quality has made them a favorite with designers and modern consumers today. 

Perisan Rugs

In contrast to Oushak rugs, the Persian rugs of Iran are often very traditional, with elaborate floral, animal, and scrolling motifs in medallion shapes. Created in bright jewel toned colors (frequently reds, golds, greens and navys), Persian rugs normally have a very high knot count due to the small single loop knot structure. These rugs are complex and frequently considered very “fine” due to the higher knot counts and wool and silk materials used. 

Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs use a low to medium symmetrical knot count to create bright geometric tribal designs and patterns in wool. While Turkish rugs do still pull in various motifs that are special to the weaver, most of the pattern is much more geometric and tribal in comparison to the scrolling floral medallion work of the Persian rugs or the subtle organic free flowing nature of the Oushak rugs. 

Read more about how hand-knotted rugs are made here.