Vintage Rugs

In recent years, "repainted" or "color reformed" carpets have become a highly desirable part of the interior. The mix of retro and contemporary rugs has captured the imaginations of interior designers and creative homeowners, and their popularity shows no sign of fading.

This beautiful rug continues to adorn the floors of various room styles, from minimalist rooms inspired by Scandinavia to more formal decor spaces with a classic touch.

However, like many popular trends, poor-quality copies find their way onto the market from time to time. It's a sad departure, as the piece lacks not only the charm and history of a completely painted retro rug but also its strength and durability.

The story behind the painted retro rug is very interesting. Each piece comes to life as a traditional Persian rug and is instantly recognizable in red, blue, and ivory colors. Usually, the pieces are around fifty years old, with varying degrees of wear and tear.

At Bazaar Velvet we use only the finest Persian cuts that we have selected to ensure only the best examples are used. Persian rugs have a long history and have had a huge impact on the way our homes have been decorated for hundreds of years.

Painting on an antique carpet

Each rug is left in the hot Iranian sun for 4-6 months, causing its original color to fade. It affects some dyes more than others, so you'll find that retro rugs often retain relatively more of their original reds and blues.

Depending on the results of the fading sunlight, some of the pieces will remain in this shape, giving it the feel of a faded antique rug. Others are painted in modern colors, some neutral and some bright and bold. At Bazaar Velvet, we love the very bright fuchsia pink and Prozac Green.

Once painted, the original design is still spooky. Sometimes some of the pieces are then given an extra-aged texture by cutting the pile short and rubbing it with a coarse stone. In some instances it is carried over to the cotton base, giving the area a lighter rug. It creates a stunning effect that blends the old with the new and is like a genuine Persian piece creating a truly extraordinary individual look.

How to tell if a color reform carpet is genuine. First of all, take a good look. Are the stacks and knots regular? Did you see the design from the back? Is that wool? A true Persian work, like a real painting, will have a soul and a lot of character. It has nothing to do with anything being done to the machine. So if you want a truly unique piece, buy the painting, not the print.

A completely repainted retro rug is the perfect way to add a touch of character to an interior design. It will be truly unique not only in appearance but also in its history.