Interior designers source antique rugs by starting with the room size, then narrowing by palette, period and origin, and confirming condition before presenting to a client. Rugs On Net, a New York gallery founded in 1979, supports this with a trade program offering trade pricing and sourcing help, and more than 4,800 antique rugs to choose from.
Why do designers specify antique rugs?
Designers specify antique rugs because each one is unique, hand-knotted, and brings age, texture and color that a new piece cannot reproduce. An antique rug often becomes the anchor of a room: the palette of the upholstery, walls and art can be drawn from it. It also gives a client something no one else has, which matters in residential and hospitality projects alike.
How do designers source antique rugs?
Designers source antique rugs by working from fixed constraints to flexible ones. A practical order is:
- Size first. Confirm the floor area and clearances. Size is the hardest constraint to bend with antiques, because you cannot order a different size.
- Palette. Decide on the dominant color and two or three supporting tones.
- Period and style. Classical Persian, Chinese Art Deco, tribal Caucasian, soft Turkish Oushak, and so on.
- Condition tolerance. A formal living room and a busy family room call for different levels of wear.
- Budget. Agree the range with the client before the search, not after.
What sizes are available for design projects?
Rugs On Net has deep stock in the room sizes most projects need, from standard to oversize:
| Size (feet) | Size (cm) | Rugs in stock | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10 | 244 x 305 cm | more than 900 | 8 x 10 rugs |
| 9 x 12 | 274 x 366 cm | more than 1,000 | 9 x 12 rugs |
| 10 x 14 | 305 x 427 cm | more than 450 | 10 x 14 rugs |
| 12 x 15 | 366 x 457 cm | more than 180 | 12 x 15 rugs |
| 12 x 18 | 366 x 549 cm | more than 190 | 12 x 18 rugs |
Every listing gives the measured size of that rug, so you can check clearances precisely. For oversize rooms, see large antique rugs, 12×18 and bigger.
Which periods and palettes can designers choose from?
Our collection spans several centuries and many weaving traditions, which gives designers a wide palette to work with:
- Chinese: more than 2,200 Chinese rugs, one of the largest collections of antique Chinese rugs in the United States. The range runs from 17th to 19th century Ningxia rugs through Peking rugs to 1920s and 1930s Chinese Art Deco, including more than 400 Walter Nichols rugs.
- Persian: more than 1,200 Persian rugs, including Heriz Serapi, Tabriz and Sultanabad.
- Turkish: more than 250 Turkish rugs, including about 150 Oushak rugs.
- European and American: more than 130 French rugs, English rugs and more than 650 American rugs.
- Tribal and flatweave: more than 240 Caucasian rugs and more than 200 kilims.
For projects that need a contemporary piece, we also carry about 1,000 new hand-knotted rugs and about 380 vintage rugs.
What does the Rugs On Net trade program offer?
The Rugs On Net trade program offers interior designers trade pricing and sourcing help, and you apply online. Sourcing help means you can bring us a brief, with size, palette and period, and we help you find rugs that fit it. Full details and the application are on the trade program page.
What does a typical project workflow look like?
A typical workflow with Rugs On Net runs in five steps:
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply | Apply to the trade program online. |
| 2. Brief | Send room sizes, palette, period and budget by email or WhatsApp. |
| 3. Shortlist | Review options online through our rug search or in our New York showroom. |
| 4. Verify | Ask for more photographs, close-ups of the back, or a condition report on the finalists. |
| 5. Deliver | Free shipping within the continental United States; international at a flat $495 per order. |
Once the rug is delivered, the 4-day in-home trial starts that day, which lets you see it in the actual room. Full terms are on our returns policy page.
How can designers confirm condition before presenting a rug?
Designers can confirm condition by asking us for a condition report, extra photographs and close-ups of the back before presenting a rug. Every rug is inspected before it is listed, and each listing states its origin, approximate age, materials and measured size. After installation, we also offer rug cleaning and moth proofing. Our guide to red flags when buying an antique rug is a useful checklist for any source, and how to choose an antique rug dealer covers what to expect from a gallery.
Can designers visit the showroom?
Yes. Our showroom is at 36 East 31st Street, 9th floor, New York, NY 10016, phone (212) 683-0167. Book a visit through our contact page or email [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Does Rugs On Net have a trade program for interior designers?
Yes. Our trade program offers interior designers trade pricing and sourcing help. You can apply online.
How many antique rugs can designers choose from?
We have more than 4,800 antique rugs, plus about 380 vintage rugs and about 1,000 new hand-knotted rugs.
Can you help find a rug in a specific size and palette?
Yes. Send us the room size, palette, period and budget, and we help you find rugs that fit the brief.
Can I get a condition report before presenting a rug to a client?
Yes. Ask for a condition report, more photographs or close-ups of the back on any rug.
Do you ship to projects outside the United States?
Yes. International orders ship at a flat $495 per order, $350 to Canada and $395 to Mexico, typically in 7 to 14 business days with tracking. Customs fees, import duties and taxes are paid by the buyer on delivery.