Good Questions: Affordable Art Deco Rug Resource?

Hello AT,

I am trying to mix my modern and antique furniture finds/hand-me- downs. I am in love with a few blue Art Deco Chinese (Nichols) rugs I have seen over time and love the more "modern" look of this vintage rug (left and below). The pile is often higher, and the more simplistic patterns appeal to me (not the flowery ones as much!) Unfortunately, most are way too far out of my budget while the reproductions of the style are gaudy.

Any idea of where to find a modern replacement? I prefer the rugs with shades of blue and beige, but as long as it has blue in it, I'm pretty open!

Thanks, Liddy

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Dear Liddy,
As the questions get harder and harder, we feel our insequrities begin to rise. Nichols' rugs are a new subject for us and a fascinating one, given the research we just did in order to get a handle on an answer. Modern replacements don't come to mind in a lower price range, and we think your best bet would still be used online.

Here are our best links:
Ebay has 5 listed now but not in your colors. Frequently checking here advised.
CL Powersearch will allow you to search all of Craigslist at once and has a free trial ($5.95 afterwards)
1st Dibs is an all furniture auction house and has this rug right now.
Decodame has rugs like Nichols but we couldn't find the prices.

As for resources in NYC:
At Depression Modern they are experts on art deco and should have a resource.
Joseph at Carini Lang is making carpets in this direction lately. His are expensive, but he might have a good resource for you.

Anyone else?

Comments (3)

Sometimes you may be able to come across "Indo" art deco rugs - These are Indian (India Indian) interpretations of Nichols designs. They embody many of the characteristics of Nichols rugs in terms of design, hand knotted nature and colors, but come at a much lower price point. These were primarily made in the late 70's and early 80's.

Nichols is more along 1920's to 30's. It also seems some "revival Nichols" were made in the 50's too which were also from China, some with nice wool like the originals but in very small production.

As a side note, the carpet at the top of this entry in blue and softer antique ivory is known as a "Peking" carpet. These were made just before the Nichols rugs came into play. Peking carpets are approximately 1900-1915 for the most part. You can almost always identify them by the "trademark" blues, which are all derived from the same dye, just dyed more times. There are "replicas" which exist of these types which were made in the 70's and 80's. These came from China like the original Pekings, however, unlike the original, the newer versions have a much more manufactured look on the back, in addition to more precise gauge yarn.

Sincerely,
David

Bid4Outdoors.com will be going online very soon. These kind of rugs will potentially be one of the favorites for bidders. Normally bid4outdoors will auction off outdoor items, but if users request certain items they will do there best to make indoor items a part of there auctions also. You can get up to 95% off all kinds of items. This is an Outdoor Auction Website that offers great deals inside the U.S. http://www.bid4outdoors.com The great thing about this site is if you don`t win the auction you can do a "Buy It Now" at retail price and never spend more than retail, but what users are doing on this site is winning auctions for up to 95% off retail price. GREAT DEAL, Check it out. You have nothing to lose, but possible a lot to gain. Outdoor Auction, Sporting Goods Auction, Outdoor Gear Auction. If requested Indoor Rugs Auction like explained above.

I absolutely love the look of art deco rugs and have wanted one for my home. I am a poor teacher and can't afford to pay what people are charging. Last week I went to a New England auction and ended up winning one for a great price! It was one of the best days of my life.