The Oriental Bug

Sweater: Rebecca Taylor (similar) Jeans: Vivetta (also love these) Shoes: Alexandre Birman Bag: Tory Burch (Old, Also love this style) Watch: Kiel James Patrick Glasses: Karen Walker

Antique rug shopping is a passion for Kiel and I. Whenever we have a free weekend we love to take a drive and pop into some of our favorite local antique stores or peruse Craig’s List before bed for new oriental rug listings. I’ve been on the hunt for a blue and white oriental for ages but either the price or the pattern hasn’t been quite right. In my experience red based oriental rugs appear to be the most common. We typically look for unique patterns or colors in an assortment of sizes. For our factory we have purchased a couple of palace size rugs 12×20 and for our home we love to see 9×12 or smaller rugs for hallways, stairways, etc.
Over the years we have found some really beautiful rugs for both our factory and home for a steal. On Craig’s List in particular it helps to constantly check for new listings. We tend to jump on a rug we love right away as many of the local antique dealers and resellers also have their eye out. On a few occasions we have missed out on a rug only to find it a couple of weeks later in a local shop for 4 times the price. If we have our heart set at that point we always try to negotiate a deal.
A true oriental is always constructed by hand. We can usually tell by the knots. Some of the replicas are so close it can be nearly impossible to discern the difference. If it’s a beautiful pattern, the right colors, and of good quality I’m honestly more than happy with a replica. I won’t pretend to be an expert so I’m linking a couple of articles on purchasing and caring for antique rugs here, here, and here.
Every time we bring a new rug home we leave it outside for a few hours to get rid of any musty odors or allergens. We only do this on a sunny day and usually drape the rug over our stone wall, or over chairs, etc. Both sides of the rug should be exposed to the sun’s rays. After the rug has spent an afternoon outside we bring it in to be vacuumed. Again this needs to happen on both sides. Once the rug is as close as we can get to being allergen free it’s ready for our  home. There is nothing that gives me more pleasure than seeing a rug tie a space together perfectly.
Here are a few of my favorite local rug dealers to peruse: Rhode Island Antiques Mall, Mike’s Estate Services (we are regulars here), Leonard’s, and New England Loom. If you are local I would love to hear some of your favorite places.
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Comments 14

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  1. Jen K. on September 14, 2018 at 4:15 am

    You guys do always have the best rugs! Can you recommend places that sell good replicas?



    • Sarah Vickers on September 14, 2018 at 2:44 pm

      Thank you. We usually come across them on our local hunts. I do love the replicas sold on One King’s Lane



  2. Rena on September 14, 2018 at 7:42 am

    Such a perfect fall look!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com



  3. Rach on September 14, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    I love Oriental rugs! Can you share some of your favorites? And thanks for the tip about putting it outside!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com



    • Sarah Vickers on September 14, 2018 at 2:42 pm

      Yes.I will have to sort through my pictures but I will definitely share them at some point soon



  4. ElizabethS on September 14, 2018 at 2:27 pm

    Search “Persian” or “Iran” when looking for rugs. The good ones of those pictured are from Iran.



  5. Mary-Katherine on September 14, 2018 at 4:23 pm

    I am not sure if they are exactly what you are looking for, but Caitlin Wilson has a few beautiful blue and white rugs!

    xo Mary-Katherine
    http://www.goldhattedlover.com



    • Sarah Vickers on September 17, 2018 at 2:53 am

      Thanks for the tip! I will check them out.



  6. Barbara on September 15, 2018 at 1:16 am

    My house only has oriental rugs as well. You will fin having children and pets and all the messes that occur with them that orientals are your best bet. Wool is hard to stain and any messes clean up quickly.



    • Sarah Vickers on September 17, 2018 at 2:55 am

      They are very forgiving! Bennie loves to come in and lay down on the rug after rolling in the dirt



  7. Delia on September 15, 2018 at 11:38 am

    I’m sure you get asked often but how did you get in such great shape after Harry?! Would love to hear about your workouts or advice. I’m a year post-baby #2 and it has taken a completely different level of effort to get any results. You look great & it’s almost his birthday – congrats!! Looks like you guys have really enjoyed this first year.



    • Sarah Vickers on September 17, 2018 at 3:07 am

      Thank you so much! I’ve always been naturally thin. I didn’t do anything to lose the baby weight. I’ve never been able to commit to working out. I’m skinny but definitely not toned. I eat everything in moderation, etc. I would not be the best person for advice on this subject. This first year has been absolutely amazing! We are loving every moment.



  8. Bianca on September 15, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    I love oriental rugs- they are so unique and such a great way to add a pop of colour to a room. I alos love your sweater! the colour is amazing!



  9. Cee on September 15, 2018 at 3:13 pm

    Sweater weather already !? …Zounds !!



sarah

SARAH VICKERS

A New England girl's pursuit of quality fashion, friendship and coastal living.

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