Our Top 5 Vintage Rug Sourcing Tips

At High Pile Designs, we take great pride in sourcing one-of-a-kind Turkish rugs that tell a story, honor tradition, and enhance any space with their rich textures and timeless designs.

Each rug we curate is a testament to the artistry of generations of weavers, and we carefully evaluate every piece before adding it to our collection. Have we made mistakes in the past? Absolutely - but we've learned a lot along the way too.

While aesthetics are important, we go beyond just looks—our process is rooted in a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, materials, and history. Below are the top five things we consider when selecting our rugs, ensuring that every piece meets our standards of authenticity, quality, and beauty! 

1. Color: The Heart of a Rug’s Character

The colors of a rug are often what draws people in first, and for good reason. The right color palette can transform a space, making it feel warm, vibrant, or even serene. But in the world of vintage and handmade rugs, color isn’t just about aesthetics—it tells a story of the materials used, the time period of the rug’s creation, and even the cultural influences behind it.

Rare Colors That Make a Statement

Some colors are harder to find in vintage rugs making them all the more special. For instance, deep blues (indigo) and rich purples (eggplant skins) were once difficult to produce because they required rare natural dyes. When we come across a rug with an unusual or rare color, we know it’s a special find that will make an incredible statement piece so try to snatch it up as quickly as possible. 

Natural vs. Chemical Dyes

We prioritize rugs that use natural dyes over synthetic ones - but that doesn't necessarily mean synthetic dyes are bad. However, natural dyes, derived from plants, minerals, and even insects, create a depth and variation in color that simply can’t be replicated by chemical dyes. Over time, natural dyes age beautifully, giving rugs a softer, more nuanced look that only enhances their charm. This aging process, often called “abrash,” results in stunning, subtle variations in color that make each rug unique. Synthetic dyes will hold their original color for longer - so if you see a rug being labeled as vintage, but the colors are extremely bright, vibrant and almost neon, it's a sign that the rug may have a mix of natural and synthetic dyes used.

2. Intricate Motifs: The Language of Weaving

Patterns in rugs are more than just decorative elements; they often hold deep symbolic meaning - this is one of the first reasons we fell in love with Turkish rugs. From tribal symbols representing protection to floral designs that signify prosperity, each motif has a story to tell, and every rug's story is unique.

Handwoven vs. Machine-Made Patterns

One of the most important things we look for is whether the motifs are handwoven rather than machine-made. Handwoven designs have slight imperfections that add character and authenticity, whereas machine-made rugs tend to look too perfect and lack soul. The slight asymmetry in handwoven rugs is a hallmark of authenticity and craftsmanship.

Unique and Uncommon Motifs

While many vintage rugs share common themes, we are always on the lookout for designs that feel unique. Whether it’s an unexpected combination of geometric and floral elements or a pattern we haven’t seen before (animals decorating the borders), these details make a rug truly special.

3. Names and Dates: A Piece of History Woven In

Some rugs contain inscriptions—names, dates, or even small written dedications—woven directly into the design. These details provide a glimpse into the rug’s origins, whether it was made as a wedding gift, to commemorate an important event, or as a signature of the weaver. Any time we see a name or date, it's an instant 'add-to-cart' for us. 

Why This Matters

Names and dates add a layer of authenticity and provenance to a rug. When we find a rug with these personal touches, we know we’re holding a piece of history. They also help us trace the rug’s journey, sometimes even leading to a specific region or family of weavers. How special. 🥲

4. Bleached vs. Unbleached: The Natural Beauty of Wool 

Not all wool is treated the same way, and we pay close attention to whether a rug has been bleached or left in its natural state.

The Downside of Bleaching

Some rugs undergo chemical bleaching to lighten their colors or give them an artificially aged look. While this might create a trendy aesthetic (very popular in the U.S. right now!), it often weakens the wool fibers, reducing the rug’s durability. And we've been pretty adamant from the start that we're not interested in continuing to popularize this method of 'rug-editing'.

The Beauty of Unbleached Wool

We prefer unbleached, natural wool because it retains its strength, softness, and original luster. Unbleached wool also allows for a more organic, earthy look, making the rug feel authentic and full of character. We want to do our best to keep the rug in it's natural state - so for us, unbleached wool is the way to go. 

5. Has the Rug Been Cut? Preserving the Integrity of the Design

One of the most heartbreaking things we come across is a rug that has been cut or altered to fit a specific size or trend. Cutting a rug not only disrupts its original design but also reduces its value and longevity. We definitely made a few mistakes early on when starting High Pile and purchased a few rugs that have been cut. They're still beautiful but it's no longer the same, original piece it once was. 

Why This Matters for Authenticity

Many rugs were designed with a specific pattern structure in mind. When a rug is cut, it can throw off the balance of the design and remove important elements. We're now at a point where we can ensure that every rug we source is in its original, uncut state, preserving the weaver’s intended vision.

Our Commitment to Thoughtful Curation

Every rug in our collection at High Pile Designs has been chosen with intention. By prioritizing rare and natural colors, meaningful motifs, historical inscriptions, high-quality materials, and unaltered designs, we ensure that each piece carries with it a story worth telling. These rugs aren’t just home decor—they are pieces of history, woven by hand, meant to be cherished for generations to come.

If you’re looking for a vintage Turkish rug that embodies authenticity, beauty, and craftsmanship, explore our collection today. Each rug has been carefully selected to bring warmth, texture, and timeless charm into your home.