Antique Rug Dealer

The antique rug industry is a world in which rich history, function, and style collide. Trying to figure out fair pricing and good quality in that mix of goals can be tricky. Age is not necessarily the sole indicator of what you should be paying, as much as we'd like to think "oh, the older, the better!" For example, the nineteenth century actually produced Persian rugs that are almost priceless, while many older works were not of such high quality. The material used is also not always a straight indicator- a wool isn't always inferior to a silk. It is a combination of materials, craftsmanship, style, and design methods that contribute to that aspect of price determination.

And of course, individual aesethics and simple supply and demand also alter the prices. Therefore, rarity and current trends will also cause prices to fluctuate over time, sometimes almost nonsensically. What might be all the rage this year (thanks, perhaps to a celebrity endorsment) might be passé by next season.

 Antique rugs are odd in that they are a functional piece of furniture, art, and a financial investment all rolled into one. It requires an experienced, smart, and resourcesful rug dealer to get the prices his wares deserve, and find the right pieces for customers at reasonable prices.