Go Vintage to Go Green

How do vintage rugs and sustainability go together? That’s a great question, and it seems like there are quite a few buzzwords today.

Recycling. Eco-friendly. Post-consumer. 

What do all of these have in common? They all refer to the idea of repurposing materials that already exist. This saves precious resources, protects the environment, and minimizes carbon footprint. 

“Okay, so what does this have to do with rugs?” That’s a great question, and the answer is “Quite a lot!”

So, let’s revisit our opening question, “How do vintage rugs and sustainably go together.” We thought we would take some time today to answer this through the five big benefits of adding a vintage rug to your home.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle

Think back to your school years. The phrase “reduce, reuse, recycle” was often heard. We were taught everything from turning off the water when brushing our teeth to looking for a recycling number on the bottom of a plastic bottle before placing it into the bin. 

If you reuse one already in your home, vintage rugs tie into this trend. But also, buying existing vintage rugs and using them reduces the need for new rug materials. And last, vintage rugs can even be repurposed by over-dying or bleaching the fibers. 

Quality made to last

One thing that is evident with vintage rugs is their quality. Since many vintage rugs were hand-knotted and handmade, they are a durable and long-lasting alternative to their newer yet machine-made counterparts. These mass-market options may be wallet-friendly at first but break down more quickly. This means manufacturers must use additional materials while contributing to their global carbon footprint.

What’s old is new

Old is trendy! In fashion, the 90s and early 00s have made a significant comeback. Vintage and antique vehicles have always had a large following. 

Home design is no different. Mid-century modern, vintage, and eclectic home decor are popular current trends. Using a vintage rug in this style of decor not only helps to complete the look of days gone by that you’re aiming for, but it’s also a plus in the sustainability column.

Preserving history

While we retain much of it, much of history is lost to time. Stories, art, culture, and more slip through the cracks of time and are slowly forgotten as progress marches on. Once restored, reusing a vintage rug in your home preserves history. It also makes a statement, often acting as a conversation starter or head-turner for your decor.

Adding a story

In addition, rugs themselves often tell a story. The artisan that weaved the rug created the design, chose the colors, selected their preferred materials, and then began to tell a story all with their hands. It was a labor of love. Repurposing vintage rugs in your home keeps the weaver’s tale alive and adds an element to the story of your personal spaces.

Buying vintage rugs today

Are you ready to join the vintage rug movement? If so, we’re happy to hear it! After all, we have over two thousand vintage rugs for you. Browse our online inventory here or give us a call at 980-819-7373 to get started.