12 May Vintage vs. Antique Rugs – What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Introduction: Old Rugs, Timeless Questions People often use “vintage” and “antique” interchangeably. But in the world of rugs, the distinction is critical. It affects everything At Palm Beach Rug Gallery, we educate clients on what these labels truly mean—and how they influence both investment and design. Let’s break it down. 1. Defining the Terms Antique Rugs: - Typically over 100 years old - Entirely handmade, often with vegetable dyes and handspun wool - Created before industrialization reached weaving communities Vintage Rugs: - Usually 20–99 years old - May be handwoven or machine-assisted - Often reflect mid-century, transitional, or regional revival styles Think of antique rugs as rare manuscripts; vintage rugs are printed...