"All art, especially rugs, comes down to communication and connection"
Rugs make the space, but buying them can be a consuming and confusing process as there are so many options. Rug weaving has a long history with stories woven into each piece. We talked to the experts at The Loom House to learn more about the process of rug weaving, what to think about when buying rugs and their favorite Instagram retailers.
What To Consider
Mystical pieces of art made of hand-spun sheep and lamb wool dipped and soaked in indigo, madder root, saffron, and other natural vegetables, flowers, teas, spices, and minerals, then hung and scattered under the sun to dry, to finally be tied one small knot at a time to create an ancient and timeless nomadic masterpiece woven from the fingers of mainly women that have an unparalleled amount of patience, imagination, and soul; this is the first thing to know before you search for your perfect antique or vintage rug. The older the rug, the truer it holds to the process we’ve laid out for you above. Regardless of age, materials, design, and colors – if it was woven by hand, it wasn’t easy. When you’re on the hunt for a rug, be mindful of the way it makes you feel; what does it say? What was the weaver trying to communicate? Is it love at first sight, or is it’s mesmerizing charm growing on you each time you notice something new? Then you can worry about the colors and size, as of course, it needs to work in your space.
5 Factors for Buyers
1. Quality of the wool and dyes (is the wool soft and are the dyes natural and unaltered)
2. Workmanship/Quality of the rug weave (was it difficult and timely to weave – the smaller the knots the more time it took)
3. Does the design of the rug appeal to you? (is it interesting, attractive, well-composed, artistic, expressive, etc.)
4. What makes it different? (where are the birthmarks of the rug, where are the irregularities, where is the human element, where are the imperfections, etc.)
5. Does it speak to you? (Can you see the soul in it? Does it move you?)
These weavers create these mystical pieces of art to communicate something personal to the world, our interpretation of their messages either connect with us or it doesn’t. Equally, which rug you buy also communicates something personal about you to the world, and how others interpret that either connects with them or it doesn’t. And remember, it isn’t always about you finding the perfect rug, but also the perfect rug finding you – because imagine the infinite number of coincidences that have to occur for a 100 year old rug woven in a remote village or town thousands of miles away from you somehow magically finding you at the right time and at the right place – there’s something incredible about that.
Instagram Retailers
Shopping for rugs is easier than ever when it's on your feed. Follow these curators for high quality rugs + new finds.
Blue Parakeet Rugs
shopblueparakeetrugs.com
@blueparakeetrugs
Upstate Rug Supply
upstaterugs.com
@upstaterugs
Frances Loom
francesloom.com
@francesloom
THE LOOM HOUSE
theloomhouse.com
@loomhouse
Jean Palmer
jeanpalmerhome.com
@jeanpalmerhome
Old New House
firstpickrugs.com
@oldnewhouse
Rug Symbolism
These symbols and motifs all have different meanings woven into your rug. You'll find many of these in old tribal rugs.
Boteh/Seed/Paisley Design: Birth, Growth, Fertility, Evolution
Tree of Life: Prosperity, Growth, Life, New beginnings
Tulip Flower: Prosperity
Pomegranate: Abundance, Good Luck
Willow Tree: Wisdom + Knowledge
Cypress Tree: Eternity, Connection between Heaven + Earth
Fence Design (Border): Protection from negativity
Herati/Water Garden/Fish: Love, Perseverance, Optimism
