UncategorizedMy Go-to Source for Vintage Rugs March 24, 2015 I get more questions about my rugs than anything else. My style formula almost always consists of a neutral palette with a bright, patterned rug. I love the punch of color that a bright rug can bring, but even better than that, I love the age and history that a vintage rug can bring to a room. The problem is that these rugs can be hard, expensive, or both to come by. When we first bought this cottage two years ago, I set out to find some statement vintage rugs. I had dreamed of them in the first house, but being newlyweds and needing to furnish a whole house left no budget for rugs. When we moved, I didn’t have much to spend on them, but I hoped I could find some reasonable ones. I looked everywhere I could think of and stumbled upon the kitchen kilim runner on eBay. I watched it and waited to bid at the last minute, assuming it would end up way too high for me. I’d watched some in the past that went for $800, $1,000, or more and I wasn’t in the market for that. But, with less than a minute left, I ended up winning the rug for $200! For a vintage 3×10′ kilim runner, that’s a steal that I could afford. It made our kitchen re-model. Ever since, I constantly watch rugs on eBay. I’ve watched Craigslist, Etsy, and plenty of other sources, but so far, all of my luck has come from eBay. Some still go for pretty high, but there are always steals. Like this vintage overdyed Persian that I won for $100. It’s fairly small at 3×6, but it brings so much personality to a room. So, when starting on some current and upcoming projects, I knew the first piece I had to find was the rug. Ofcourse, I turned straight to eBay. I’m finishing up our guest bath redo with Home Depot currently. I can’t wait to reveal it, but it’s on Home Depot’s editorial timeline. I’ll share it here as soon as I can. Remember the inspiration and befores? Before the paint color was even chosen, I found the rug. I wanted a small vintage Persian with a lot of color to liven up the space. It was my most expensive (for the rug size) at $80, but it was so worth it when I put it in the half-finished space. I love how this bathroom is coming together so much and it has almost everything to do with this little beauty. They make a room, I tell you! So, I mentioned a BIG SECRET PROJECT last week, right? I promised a sneak peek and while it doesn’t give much at all away, it’s my favorite rug purchase so far. This is an overdyed Persian runner from eBay. It’s 4×9′ and I’m in love with the colors and pattern. I love the peaches and reds that came out with the dye. I fell in love with this rug for the project and was watching it. I’ve only ever bid on rugs, but this one only offered the “Buy it Now or Best Offer” option. It was listed at $135.00 with $65 shipping charge from Turkey. That’s not bad at all for one this price, but I need a lot for this upcoming project and thought they might take a better offer. I offered $100 plus shipping charge and he took it immediately! Make an offer when you’re searching for sure! I had to share this one for good measure. I have a picture of Gracie laying on every rug I’ve ever brought home. The minute we roll it out, she collapses onto it and lounges awhile. It’s like she’s saying, “Okay, I’ll accept this in my home.” So all of you vintage rug lovers out there, head on over to eBay and get to searching! Here are my tips for finding reasonably priced vintage rugs based on my searching and buying experience: I always try the different keywords above. 1.) Always, ALWAYS filter by lowest price if you’re looking for a deal. Sometimes you will have a little bit to filter through in the beginning, but that’s how you find the gems. I’ve found that if you do Best Match, you’re most likely going to immediately see the exact look you’re going for, but you will have to go through a ton that are way more than you’re willing to pay. If you filter by lowest price, scroll down scanning the images and when you come to one that you love the look of, you might be able to actually buy it. Once you scroll past a price you’re comfortable with, look again later. 2.) I know this is a common tip for any shopping on eBay, but some people don’t know to do this. Do not under any circumstances bid earlier than the last minute of the auction. You’re just jacking the price up and people are waiting to outbid you at the end. Bid as close to the end of the auction as possible with your max-bid set to whatever you’re comfortable with. Bidding when you don’t have time to re-bid also keeps you from over spending. If you bid early and someone outbids your max bid, it’s really tempting to increase your bid if you really love the item. 3.) When there is a “Best Offer” option, make an offer! Don’t wait to just “Buy it Now.” Wait until one day out. If you make an offer too early, they likely won’t accept lower offers in the hope that someone will buy it for more later. But if you wait until right at the end, you’re not giving the seller time to consider and respond. One day from end of auction is that perfect sweet spot. 4.) After doing some keyword searching, you’ll most likely notice that some of your favorites are from the same seller. Once you find a seller that you like their items, go in periodically and view that sellers items. Refine the search by “Newly Listed,” instead of Lowest price here so that you can see what’s been listed since you last checked. Happy vintage rug buying! I’ve found all of my beauties through these tips and I hope it brings you rug-lovers success. BIG SECRET PROJECT UPDATE: I will officially be able to announce what the project is next week. I hate to be a tease, but this one is too good not to have a little build-up. I promise when I say it’s “Big,” that is not an over-exaggeration. It will not disappoint! No one ventured a guess after the last post. I know I’ve given you little (to nothing) to go on, but any guesses out there? I’d love to know if I’ve done a good job of keeping this a secret or if I’ve subconsciously dropped some hints out there…we’ve known this one was coming for awhile, though the details were shady. Shoot me an e-mail or comment if you’ve got one (and the few bloggers out there who know the secret, don’t share just yet) π
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says March 24, 2015 at 1:51 pm Great tips, Lindsay! I really want to add a colorful runner to my kitchen, it’s such a great statement. And your newest rug is to die for! I think a mag is coming to shoot your house π Reply
Lindsay says March 24, 2015 at 2:26 pm You should do it, Jennifer! It’s my favorite thing about our kitchen π Reply
Maggie | The Spiffy Company says March 24, 2015 at 3:18 pm Great tips! I agree, a great rug definitely makes a room. Can’t wait to see the bathroom reveal! Reply
Morgann says March 24, 2015 at 4:36 pm My guess is a book π That’s also my hope actually! Love your style, Lindsay! Reply
Lindsay says March 27, 2015 at 11:47 am Morgann, you just made my day! A book is definitely on my long-term goal list! Happy to know that someone would read it, haha π Reply
Corinna - For My Love Of says March 24, 2015 at 8:03 pm I totally do this! I’ve got an eBay queue full of rugs and other things I’ve been watching but my budget is a bit tighter and I just can’t justify it right now. I can’t wait to see your project! is it part of the patio style challenge? I’m thinking it’s getting about time for that. Reply
Lindsay says March 27, 2015 at 11:47 am Hi Corinna! Great guess! But not this year…maybe in the future π Reply
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says March 25, 2015 at 7:16 am Awesome tips and you have great luck with rugs Reply
Kristin @ Bliss at Home says March 25, 2015 at 8:17 am Can’t wait to see your bath styled and photographed π It’s going to be so good! And thanks for the tip on vintage rugs. I have had some luck locally at estate sales and flea markets but that price is awesome! xo Reply
Bethany @ Dwellings by DeVore says March 25, 2015 at 9:11 am All of those are gorgeous! I can’t wait to see your bathroom! Reply
Katina says March 25, 2015 at 11:05 am What are some of your favorite sellers? And what are you thoughts on rugs made from polypropylene? Reply
Lindsay says March 27, 2015 at 11:46 am Hi Katina! I don’t know a ton about polypropylene, but I do know it doesn’t hold up nearly as well and it feels pretty cheap. I much more lean toward wool rugs, which works out well for me because vintage rugs are my fave and they’re all wool! I do have some newer rugs, but so far, they’re wool too. I don’t think it’s a problem to get a poly rug, just know you aren’t getting the long-term rug that’ll look even better with age… I love rarerugs π Reply
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says March 25, 2015 at 11:35 am Thanks! I consider myself a savvy ebay shopper, except for when it comes to rugs! These tips will help a bunch! Reply
Abby says March 25, 2015 at 5:10 pm Gahhhh you always get the best rugs!! I just search “overdyed persian runner” on eBay (because I LLOOVVEE the last one you posted a picture of and have been looking for one that basically looks exactly like that), and nothing good turned up :/ Thanks for the tips, though!! Hopefully I’ll run across a good one soon. Reply
Lindsay says March 27, 2015 at 11:45 am So sad Abby! Try Persian runner…I found this one with that keyword combo π Reply
shar y says March 26, 2015 at 9:34 am A room addition?? Love your rugs, perfect for your place. Reply
Lindsay says March 27, 2015 at 11:43 am You aren’t too far off! Can’t wait to share and thanks! Reply
Ann says March 26, 2015 at 6:47 pm Having vintage rugs in kitchen and bath is beautiful, but seems problematic. I adore the look, and I have some smaller orientals I could use in bathrooms and kitchen, but have been scared to do so lest I damage them. What’s the secret of caring for them in these potentially wet and extra-dirty situations? I worry about grease, water, grime, and the other stuff I routinely mop off my floors far too often. Thanks!! Reply
Lindsay says March 27, 2015 at 11:40 am Thanks, Ann! I think this is all up to personal preference. For me, all of the rugs I buy are vintage and have a worn look, which I love! I’ve never spilt anything on our kitchen rug that didn’t blend in after using a little baking soda to dry it out. But, I think you have to evaluate how “hard” these rooms work for your family and how often bad spills are made. So far, I’ve never spilled red wine or ketchup or anything like that that might leave a permanent stain. I did spill oil once and you can just barely see those spots on my kitchen runner. For me, the pattern and color hides the spills/dirt better than anything! But it’s totally personal preference π Reply
Lindsay says March 27, 2015 at 11:37 am Hi Krista! Great question! You can rent a steam cleaner or have them professionally cleaned. One thing to look for too is many eBay sellers will tell you whether or not the rug was cleaned. All of the ones I bought said they were professionally washed twice before dying or shipping. Not that you still shouldn’t have it cleaned, but I look for that stamp of approval π Reply
L?sa brooks says March 29, 2015 at 9:08 pm Hello Lindsay, I loved your gorgeous home, however, just like you are, I m in love with vintage handmade Turkish Kilims.. They are just Kilimme π So far my luck has been on etsy ! And I wanted to share my source as well http://www.KilimRugStore.com Mine is very similar to this one. https://www.etsy.com/listing/223637435/zig-zag-design-vintage-turkish-hallway?ref=shop_home_active_11 I m in Love with It Reply
Kelli says April 6, 2015 at 3:40 pm Hi Lindsey, Revisiting your blog after being gone for a while and I am hooked! We are in the process of buying our first home after renting for years and so I have been on the hunt for rugs. I was just wondering how the vintage rugs held up in the bathroom? Do they dry out well after stepping out of the shower onto them? Do they smell bad once they are wet or with all the steam? Do they feel good barefoot? I really want a vintage rug for our kitchen so I might just start with that one and see how I like it. Thanks for all the tips! Reply
Kate Nicole says February 4, 2017 at 12:02 am Great tips! I bought my rugs from this store on Etsy. They always have great rugs and prices. http://www.etsy.com/shop/pocovintage Reply
Lauren says March 3, 2017 at 12:47 pm Thank you so much for the tips! I really appreciate it. Can you share some of your favorite sellers for Persian rugs on Ebay? Reply
Lindsay says March 6, 2017 at 8:47 am ecarpetgallery is my fave! I have bought a lot from them! Reply
Jerry Montero says May 11, 2017 at 12:19 pm Hi, Lindsey! ? Thanks a lot for your cool tips! You, your home, and your vintage rugs rock! This is my first bidding ever and would like this rug here to put on my bedroom wall: http://www.ebay.com/itm/311861696695?ul_noapp=true The highest bid now is $77.77. I’m waiting till the last seconds (the sell ends at 6:35 PM PST tomorrow). What do you think? Do you like it? Please tell me! ? ? Reply
Lindsay says May 18, 2017 at 5:06 pm OOh so sorry Jerry! I didn’t see this in time! What did you decide?? Did you get it?? Reply
Jerry Montero says May 18, 2017 at 5:25 pm Hi, Lindsay! π Don’t worry! I decided to do lots of research online and pass on that rug. I want a Persian rug, not an oriental rug (there’s a difference, as you know), and a real bargain. This young lady, Jenny, is as sweet and intelligent as you are: http://littlegreennotebook.com/2014/11/vintage-rugs-on-ebay.html/ Read her article. She got a 12′ x 18′ rug for only $250. Can you imagine? Take care! XOXOXO Reply
Anita says November 1, 2018 at 6:24 pm Hmm either youβre moving or expecting another baby?? ? The rugs are so fabulous ans great tips as well. Iβm also a big eBay rug buyer from Persians, to afghans and Turkish rugs. I think the rug makes the room. Loooove your new addition!! Reply
[…] my go to source for vintage rugs thewhitebuffalostylingco Vintage Persian Rug Size: 800 X 533 | Source: thewhitebuffalostylingco.com […] Reply
[…] my go to source for vintage rugs thewhitebuffalostylingco Vintage Persian Rugs Size: 800 X 533 | Source: thewhitebuffalostylingco.com […] Reply
[…] my go to source for vintage rugs thewhitebuffalostylingco Vintage Runner Rug Size: 683 X 1024 | Source: thewhitebuffalostylingco.com […] Reply