The extremely detail-oriented shopper may also wish to compare a rug’s hue to an existing or chosen wall color—and that’s a possibility too. “Some sellers have paint decks or swatches on hand, and it can be incredibly useful to have them photograph rugs next to a color reference,” Obermeier says. “I will often ask for a clean white, such as Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, so I can see what undertones are present in the rug.”
Patience (and adaptability) is a virtue
Still, the swatch-matching process isn’t entirely foolproof, so being flexible and patient is key. “Even with additional precautions, there’s always a chance that the rug will look different in person than it did online,” Obermeier explains. As a result, she generally waits to select the room’s remaining fabrics and finishes until the rug has been delivered. “If the piece comes in looking greener than you anticipated, try experimenting with different fabrics to see if you can come up with something you like,” she says.
And if a rug arrives that truly isn’t the right match, it may still shine in another space. “Rugs are easy to move around,” designer Zoe Feldman says. “If one ends up looking a bit different in person, just try it in another room. Rugs are like art—they can adapt well to many different spaces and tones.” And if a rug can be reversible, say one side is light and the other is dark, flip it over to achieve a whole new look, Feldman advises.
Stick with what works
Once you identify a seller whose items you love, stick with them. “Often vendors have types of vintage rugs they specialize in, and it’s worth it to find a specific vendor if you have a certain vintage rug in mind,” says designer Clara Jung. “I have several vendors that I source from over and over again because often the descriptions and photos are extremely reliable.”
Learn to love imperfections
Lastly, be flexible with regard to measurements. “The sizing on vintage rugs is often slightly off, as the edges aren’t as straight as new, machine-made rugs,” designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski explains.
This weathered quality is what makes secondhand Etsy rugs so unique, Feldman says. “It is really about finding beauty in the imperfections. A true vintage rug tells a story.” Designer Emma Beryl agrees that small imperfections add to the character of the piece, but notes that it’s always worth determining what these signs of wear are before fully committing.
“Most sellers have upwards of 10 photos showing any markings or signs of wear,” says designer Michelle Gage. “The detailed images also give you a chance to get a better feel of the texture or pile height.” In short, they want to give you the utmost customer service and make sure you’re happy with your rug selection.
