If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of rug shopping—real rug shopping—you probably already know: finding true antique or vintage rugs (the kind woven with soul and story) is not exactly like picking up a throw at a big-box store. You need more than a good eye. You need someone who really knows rugs.

But here’s the tricky part: How do you find a genuine antique rug dealer? One who’s the real deal, not just tossing around the word “vintage” for clickbait?

In this world, not all that glows with patina is necessarily old. And when it comes to handwoven antique rugs, real knowledge is rare—and worth its weight in gold (or heritage wool).

At Blue Parakeet Rugs, I always say — the best rug dealers are the ones who didn’t just wake up and decide to sell old rugs.

They lived it.

They breathed it.

They were likely raised around it (or obsessively drawn to it until it became part of their bloodstream).

In my case, I grew up around old rugs. I could basically smell them before I even understood what they were— the scent of old wool, earthy and alive with story. But I’ll be honest: I wasn’t drawn to them in the beginning.

As a first-generation American kid, I didn’t want to lean into the culture I came from. I didn’t want to be different. I wanted to blend in. It wasn’t until my late 30s that I came full circle—back to the beauty I had grown up with. Not just the rugs, but the food, the spices, the poetry. Persian culture is incredibly rich, layered, and full of heart.

And now? I feel proud to be an ambassador… at least for the rug department. I also have the privilege of living in Los Angeles, where a lot of my adventures involve going to client homes—sometimes with designers, sometimes with homeowners who’ve found Blue Parakeet Rugs on their own. In addition to shipping rugs worldwide, it’s a real joy to be able to take these rugs on the road, lay them down in real spaces, and share their history and details in person. There’s nothing like watching someone connect with a piece that was handwoven over a hundred years ago and suddenly see how it belongs right in their home today.

So, how do you find a real antique rug dealer? Start here:

Look for reputation and reviews.
Check the dealer’s website, read their blogs, Google them, check their Instagram. Do they offer education? Do they seem invested in more than just the sale? Do they tell the story of the rug
Ask questions. A lot of them. A good dealer welcomes your curiosity. Ask about the rug’s origin, materials, dyes, structure, age. If they can’t tell you more than just “Persian,” keep walking.
Pay attention to language. If everything is just “antique” without context, country of origin, or explanation of the weave, that’s a red flag. A reputable dealer will tell you the why, not just the what.

Once you find your person — stick with them.

Finding a great rug dealer is like finding a great mechanic or tailor. It’s a relationship built on trust. We don’t just sell rugs — we become part of your home’s story. That’s why so many of my clients come back again and again, sometimes years later, sometimes for their second, third, or tenth rug. It’s never just décor. It’s soul underfoot.

One Last Thought…

This trade is deeply niche, and like many special things, it’s disappearing unless it gets passed down. A lot of the great collectors and dealers who held this knowledge have passed on. It’s not something you can learn from a book. You have to be in it, around it, living it.

And yes, the world is full of rugs. But the real ones — the soulful, heirloom pieces — are few and far between. Finding someone who understands their language is a rare and special thing. Whether you’re new to antique rugs or deep into collecting, I’m here to help you find a piece that fits your home and your heart.

Because at the end of the day… everyone needs a masterpiece underfoot.

How to Find an Expert Antique Rug Dealer You Can Trust (From Someone Who Lives and Breathes Old Rugs)