Buying an antique rug should not feel like a gamble. A serious antique dealer should be able to tell you what a rug is, how old it is, what condition it is in, what it is worth, and what happens if it does not work in your room. This page sets out exactly how Rugs On Net handles each of those, and links to the full policy for every claim.
What we are
Rugs On Net is the online home of a family rug business trading from 36 East 31st Street in Manhattan since 1979, holding roughly 4,900 antique rugs alongside vintage and new hand-knotted pieces. Our deepest specialty is antique Chinese weaving: more than 1,880 antique Chinese rugs in stock, one of the largest such collections in the United States, spanning 17th-century Ningxia carpets, imperial Peking workshops, and the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco rugs of Walter Nichols. Chinese is our single largest origin, with over 2,200 Chinese pieces in the collection overall. Browse the antique Chinese collection or the full antique rug collection.
Every rug is inspected before it is listed
Rugs are not drop-shipped or listed from a supplier feed. Each piece is physically handled in our New York gallery and assessed for fiber integrity, luster, structural condition and provenance, then photographed and described from the actual rug. Antique rugs are old objects and honest wear is part of what they are, so condition is described as it is rather than airbrushed.
A 4-day in-home trial
Colour, scale and light behave differently in your room than on a screen, which is why we offer a 4-day in-home trial beginning the day your rug is delivered. If the rug is not right, you may return it within that window provided it is unused, unwashed and undamaged, and returned in its original or comparable protective packaging. See the full refund and returns policy for complete terms.
Free shipping within the United States
Standard shipping is free within the continental United States. Orders are typically processed within 1 to 3 business days, with standard delivery around 3 to 7 business days after processing and expedited service available. We ship internationally, typically 7 to 14 business days depending on destination and customs. Details are on our shipping policy.
Appraisals and valuation
If you want to know what a rug is worth, whether it is one of ours or one you already own, we offer a complimentary Quick Opinion by phone or email giving an approximate value range from photographs and basic details, and a paid In-Depth Appraisal Report for insurance, estate valuation and formal documentation. See professional rug appraisals.
Care after the sale
An antique rug is a long-term object and we service what we sell. We offer expert repair and restoration and professional hand cleaning, so a rug bought now can be maintained properly for decades.
For the design trade
Interior designers and architects can apply to our trade program for trade pricing and memo terms, so a rug can be shown to a client in the space before a purchase is committed.
See a rug in person
Our gallery at 36 East 31st Street in Manhattan is open by appointment. Contact us to arrange a visit or to ask about a specific piece, or read more about the family and the collection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know an antique rug is authentic?
A genuine antique rug is hand-knotted or handwoven, generally 80 to 100 years old or more, and shows its age honestly: natural-dye colors that have mellowed with gentle abrash, even wear that follows how the rug was actually walked on, and a design visible in the knots on the reverse. Every rug at Rugs On Net is physically inspected in our New York gallery and assessed for fiber integrity, luster and provenance before it is listed, and each listing is photographed and described from the actual piece.
Can I return an antique rug if it doesn’t work in my room?
Yes. Rugs On Net offers a 4-day in-home trial that starts the day your rug is delivered. If it isn’t right, you may return it within that window provided the rug is unused, unwashed and undamaged, and returned in its original or comparable protective packaging. Full terms are on our refund and returns policy page.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes. Standard shipping is free within the continental United States. Orders are typically processed within 1 to 3 business days and standard delivery runs about 3 to 7 business days after processing. Expedited and international shipping are available, with international delivery typically 7 to 14 business days.
Can you tell me what my rug is worth?
Yes. We offer two appraisal services: a complimentary Quick Opinion by phone or email, where our experts give an approximate value range from clear photos and basic details, and a paid In-Depth Appraisal Report suitable for insurance, estate valuation and formal documentation.
What is Rugs On Net known for?
Antique Chinese weaving. We hold more than 1,880 antique Chinese rugs in stock, one of the largest such collections in the United States, running from 17th-century Ningxia and imperial Peking carpets to the 1920s and 1930s Art Deco rugs of Walter Nichols. Chinese is our single largest origin, part of roughly 4,900 antique rugs overall.
Can I see a rug in person before buying?
Yes. Our New York gallery at 36 East 31st Street in Manhattan is open by appointment. You can also use the 4-day in-home trial to see a rug in your own space and light, which is usually the most reliable way to judge an antique.