Copy of Frequently Asked Questions

Revival Rugs

• What’s the Revival process? Are your rugs professionally cleaned?

  All of our rugs go through an extensive selection, preparation, and cleaning process to ensure that the quality is what you expect from a vintage wool rug. Please note that given the vintage nature of our rugs, there may be natural imperfections.

  Selection: All of our rugs are handpicked from villages in Anatolia where we inspect their quality and durability. After this initial selection and assessment, we receive them at our cleaning and processing facility.

  Tumbling: We use the same cleaning techniques that have been used for centuries to ensure the integrity and life of the rug. When received at the facility, the rugs are placed inside a special old-world piece of equipment to undergo tumble dusting (imagine an octagonal cylinder with slotted openings). As the tumble dusting chamber rotates gently back and forth, the rug’s piles bend and move to reveal the valleys within the knots to effectively remove any dust.

  Shearing: Because our rugs are all made of 100% wool fibers, they naturally “fuzz” over time with use. As such, our rugs (with the exception of Kilims) are hand sheared using a rug shearing tool to even the surface layer in preparation for washing and dyeing.

  Washing: Next, our rugs are saturated with water before a gentle, pH-balanced cleansing shampoo is applied. A broom with soft bristles is then used to scrub the rug and then it is rinsed thoroughly of all residue. This shampoo-scrubbing process is repeated 3 times. While the process may seem simplistic, it is effective and is the way it has been done for centuries. Steam cleaning and dry cleaning can actually damage a wool rug and introduce harsh chemicals that can break down the wool.

  Categorization and Processing: The rugs are inspected one by one for their color and unique patterns. By cleaning the rug thoroughly first, its patina and warmth shine through so that we can assess how to categorize the rug at this next stage.

  Our vintage rugs are then placed into 1 of 5 categories: Original Vintage, Overdyed, Distressed, Antique Washed, and Kilims. In the Original Vintage category, the rug’s vibrant color, pattern, and style make a strong visual statement independent of any further processing; they remain as is. Overdyed rugs are selected based on their patterns. While the rugs retain their original visual structure, our dyes update a faded or outdated color scheme to a more monotone, on-trend palette that can easily be worked into any interior. Distressed rugs take it a step further, where the original pattern plays a more subtle role and a more modernist, saturated coloring process is used to highlight the unique fading patterns of the rug. Antique Washed rugs are put through a process that mutes the original colors and gives them a neutral, tea-washed look. Lastly, Kilims are kept in their original state. They are flatwoven, pileless rugs that are often favored for their distinctive geometric patterns and contrasting bright colors, and do not undergo any further dyeing.

  Drying: After the vintage rugs have been cleaned (and some dyed), the rugs are line dried in a shaded area as the wool takes on its new vibrancy.

  Mending: For the final step, our Revival artisans inspect every inch of the rug for any need of repair. Rugs that require repairs are brought to our repair partners, where the rugs are mended and treated like royalty (we repair our rugs in the same village where the Royal Family of England sends their collection).

• What can I expect from a Revival Rug? What materials and dyes are used?

  Not all vintage rugs are created equally. As purveyors of Turkish rugs, we carefully curate our collection to ensure that you’re getting a quality vintage piece that’s aged beautifully and retained its durability. Your rug merited our selection and we think you’ll love it as much as we do.

  The vintage rugs that we select are entirely handknotted and handwoven. This means that an experienced weaver has inserted the wool strands into the foundation of the rug (called the “warp” or “weft”) and tied each knot by hand. The warp strings at the end of the loom actually form the fringe of the rug and are integral to the integrity of the rug. Together, the knots form the pile of the rug. There may be slight variations in the weave, but this lends to the authenticity and uniqueness of the rug. While tedious, this process also ensures that the knots are secure and the quality is closely monitored by the weaver at all times.

  Revival Rugs only sources handwoven vintage rugs that use 100% handspun wool because we love their durability and texture. The process of handspinning wool prevents the wool fibers from breaking, and also allows the fibers to retain their natural lanolin oil that gives the rug some protection from staining. Unlike machine-spun wool, handspun wool is also less uniform, creating a gentle color gradation when the wool is dyed. This imparts a sense of authenticity and unique character to a room. The wool threads are doubly secured using the Turkish double-knot. Wool also acts as a great noise insulator and is more stain resistant than other types of materials, so it’s a solid choice for most places in your house or apartment.

  All Revival Rugs that we source are originally naturally dyed using vegetable dyes. After cleaning the selected rugs, we inspect each rug’s natural state before deciding which rugs will undergo a second dyeing process. Kilim rugs are kept as is. Likewise, Original Vintage rugs that have retained their color vibrancy, patterns, and styles are also kept in their original state.

  If a rug is not selected for our Original Vintage collection, the rug’s original color is first desaturated (which often produces interesting variations and shades) and then undergoes a second dyeing process where synthetic dyes are used. These styles of dyed rugs comprise our Overdyed, Distressed, and Antique Washed Collections.

  If you have any concerns about or allergies to synthetic dyes, we suggest our Kilim and Original Vintage Collections, which have not undergone further dyeing. Revival Cushions Cases are made with Vintage Kilims, so have not been dyed using synthetics. If you have more specific questions, feel free to shoot us an email at hello@revivalrugs.com.

• What’s the difference between your Collections?

  Based on the natural state of the rug after being professionally cleaned, we inspect the rug’s color vibrancy, patterns, and style to determine how best to categorize the rug. Some of the rugs undergo a second dyeing process that gives the colors added vibrancy.

  Rugs are categorized into the following collections: Original Vintage, Overdyed, Distressed, or Antique Washed. Kilims are always kept as is, as are Revival Cushions Cases that are made from Vintage Kilim rugs. See Our Rugs to get an overview of the general aesthetic of each Collection.

  You can also read more about the dyeing and categorization process by selecting the question above, “What can I expect from a Revival Rug? What materials and dyes are used?”

• My rug has an imperfection. Why?

  As vintage pieces, our rugs have natural wear and tear, but we think these imperfections only add to the beauty and timelessness of the rug. You may notice slight discolorations on the underside of the rug, but we ensure that the front-facing design of the rug meets all our standards for quality and does not detract from the overall aesthetic. Vintage rugs that have any markings apart from natural wear and tear (e.g., any small markings or stains) will have additional notes on the product's page. If you have concerns though, please contact us at hello@revivalrugs.com.

• How can I be sure that the color of the rug in photos will be accurate in person?

  We take care in ensuring that the rug colors are as accurate as possible. The photos that we take of our rugs are color corrected to match the actual color of the rug as seen in person. There may be slight variations in what you see on your computer screen depending on how you have adjusted the color, contrast, and brightness. Within the product descriptions, we will also note any color variations to be aware of.

  If when you receive the rug, the color is not what you were expecting, we are happy to work with you to get you the color you had envisioned. Just shoot us an email with details at hello@revivalrugs.com or fill out our Contact form. We’d love to help you in selecting a new rug. If you don’t find anything you love, we’re happy to process your return, or issue a store credit for a future rug. Please refer to our "Shipping & Returns" section of the FAQ for more details. Since our rugs are all one-of-a-kind, we are constantly receiving new inventory. We’re confident you’ll find a rug you love.

• How thick are Revival Rugs?

  Revival Rugs in our Original Vintage, Distressed, Overdyed, and Antique Washed Collections are all considered low pile rugs. With the exception of Vintage Kilims, we hand shear our rugs as part of the Revival process. All rugs naturally “fuzz” over time with use, and shearing reveals an even surface layer in preparation for washing and dyeing. The lower pile also lends to interesting patterns and designs that give the rug a more modern feel that we love. Vintage Kilims are not sheared, since kilims are flatwoven and do not have piles.

• Why should I buy a vintage rug?

  There are many reasons to buy a vintage rug. Rug purists love that vintage rugs honor a rich tradition of artisan tapestry makers who meticulously knot a rug by hand. Some purchase vintage because they favor the authenticity and elegance of a gently faded, worn-in look that distinguishes it from “vintage-like” new rugs that have been artificially faded. Still others see it as a way to reduce our carbon footprint by reclaiming a rug that is still in perfectly usable condition.

  Regardless of the reason, the age and history of a vintage rug make a beautiful statement piece. The traditional handwoven, naturally dyed rug making process is labor intensive, but produces a rug that in the end is durable and ages gracefully.

• What’s the difference between vintage and antique?

  While both terms refer to an item that is old, there are differences. “Antique” refers to an item that is more than 100 years old. This is also the legal definition that US Customs uses.

  According to most experts, “vintage” (sometimes also referred to as semi-antique) is used to describe something that’s at least 20 years old, but less than 100 years old. It’s not antique yet, but still a time-treasured piece that has been carefully worn and stood the test of time. We’re sure that with proper care, our vintage rugs will become antique pieces that your family will treasure for years to come.

  Recently, the term “vintage” has been improperly used to describe new items that mimic designs of an older era. For example, you’ll often find vintage-style rugs at other retailers that are made with new materials, but purposely faded to mimic the natural aesthetic that has taken a real vintage rug decades to achieve. At Revival Rugs, we stay true to the traditional definition.

• What’s the difference between handknotted/handwoven, hand-tufted, and machine-made?

  The vintage rugs that we select are entirely handknotted and handwoven. This means that an experienced weaver has inserted the wool strands into the foundation of the rug (called the “warp” or “weft”) and tied each knot by hand. The warp strings at the end of the loom actually form the fringe of the rug and are integral to the integrity of the rug. Together, the knots form the pile of the rug. There may be slight variations in the weave, but this lends to the authenticity and uniqueness of the rug. While tedious, this process ensures that the knots are secure and the quality is closely monitored by the weaver at all times.

  Machine-made rugs, on the other hand, are often made by power looms that are automated and controlled by computers. The uniformity of the stitching is normally an indication that the rug was made by a machine. Because they can be made quickly, they are generally cheaper — but also have shorter life spans and little resale value to collectors. Fringes on machine-made rugs have been sewn-on as a finishing touch (unlike a vintage rug, where it truly serves as the foundation of the weave).

  Hand-tufted rugs are somewhat misleading in their naming because they are not entirely crafted by hand. After a pattern is drawn onto a canvas backing, a mechanized “gun” is used to shoot pieces of wool into the canvas. To secure the pieces, a rubber backing (often petroleum-based) is painted to the back of the canvas. Even though a human is handling the gun, it is also a quick way to produce a rug and results in poorer quality. If you’ve ever vacuumed or tried to pull on the threads from a hand-tufted rug, you may have noticed threads falling out.

• Is there a difference between natural and synthetic materials?

  Yes! There are a number of commonly used natural and synthetic materials. Natural materials for rugs typically include wool, cotton, jute, and silk. Synthetics include nylon, acrylic, viscose, polyester, and polypropylene.

  Revival Rugs only sources handwoven vintage rugs that use 100% handspun wool because we love their durability and texture. The process of handspinning wool prevents the wool fibers from breaking, and also allows the fibers to retain their natural lanolin oil that gives the rug some protection from staining. Unlike machine-spun wool, handspun wool is also less uniform, creating a gentle color gradation when the wool is dyed. This imparts a sense of authenticity and unique character to a room. The wool threads are doubly-secured using the Turkish double-knot.

  Wool also acts as a great noise insulator and is more stain resistant than other types of materials, so it’s a solid choice for most places in your house or apartment. That being said, if you’re placing a rug in a location where you want moisture to be absorbed — for example, near your bath or shower — cotton may actually be a better choice because it can absorb the moisture. And if you’re looking for an outdoor rug, synthetics may be worth a look as some are more rugged for all weather conditions.

• Is there a difference between natural and synthetic dyes?

  Natural dyes are more expensive than synthetic dyes because of the time it takes to produce them. Apart from the dye itself, however, different people may prefer different looks. Both natural and synthetic dyes can be aesthetically pleasing. Synthetic dyes produce dyed fibers that are more evenly saturated, which results in a more monochrome appearance, whereas natural dyes produce slight variations of a single color tone.

  All Revival Rugs that we source are originally naturally dyed using vegetable dyes. After cleaning the selected rugs, we inspect each rug’s natural state before deciding which rugs will undergo a second dyeing process. Kilim rugs are kept as is. Likewise, Original Vintage rugs that have retained their color vibrancy, patterns, and styles are also kept in their original state.

  If a rug is not selected for our Original Vintage collection, the rug’s original color is first desaturated (which often produces interesting variations and shades) and then undergoes a second dyeing process where synthetic dyes are used. These styles of dyed rugs comprise our Overdyed, Distressed, and Antique Washed Collections.

  If you have any concerns or allergies to synthetic dyes, we suggest our Kilim and Original Vintage Collections, which have not undergone further dyeing. Revival Cushions Cases are made with Vintage Kilims, so have not been dyed using synthetics. If you have more specific questions, feel free to shoot us an email at hello@revivalrugs.com.

• What’s the best way to care for my rug?

  With regular care, your rug will last for decades to come. If you’ve owned synthetic rugs in the past, you might find that our vintage wool rugs actually look cleaner for longer periods of time. Wool rugs have tiny natural grooves that allow dirt to settle in. In contrast, the plastics in a synthetic rug prevent the dirt from moving downward into the rug (not necessarily a good thing).

  We recommend that you regularly vacuum your vintage rug to remove dirt and grime. Depending on how heavily your rug is used, just once or twice a month is adequate. Too much vacuuming can wear down the knots and fibers more quickly. If you have a suction attachment on your vacuum cleaner, use that instead of a rotary vacuum. Every few months, you’ll also want to flip your rug over and vacuum the back to get the grit out of the foundation of the rug. It also helps to rotate your rug once a year to ensure even wear over time.

  Finally, every 3–5 years, we recommend getting your rug professionally hand washed. Please do not take it to get steam or dry cleaned — this will almost certainly damage the rug! Hand washing requires the use of a pH-balanced shampoo, worked into the rug by hand with a soft-bristled brush, before being rinsed thoroughly. This process should be repeated a few times.

• Why should I avoid using a rotary vacuum?

  The beater bars in a rotary vacuum (that rolling cylinder brush at the bottom of your vacuum) pry into the carpet fibers by pulling on the rug, thereby loosening dirt more efficiently. While this may sound great, the result is actually increased shedding, possible damage to the wool fibers, and reduced rug life. It’s especially important to avoid vacuuming the fringes using a vacuum with a beater bar, as the bar will pull the fringes and may cause unevenness in the weave overtime — it’s similar to what happens when a thread on your wool sweater gets caught on your nail!

• Should I steam or dry clean my rug?

  Please do not do this! While it may sound like a great deep cleanse, it could irreversibly damage your rug. Imagine for a moment all the dirt that is trapped inside the grooves of the rug. Now imagine forcing steam into these grooves. The result is a muddy mess. Not only that, the combination of high heat and chemicals will strip the wool fibers of their natural oils. It’s better to find a location that will hand wash your rug using a pH-balanced shampoo and a soft-bristled brush to clean the rug. It’s the traditional way to clean a wool rug, and it will help maintain the rug’s luster.

• I spilled something on my rug! What do I do?

  Don’t fret too much — the natural oils in a wool rug, called lanolin, provide the first line of defense in preventing spills from penetrating the fibers quickly. That being said, you still should act quickly. If the spill is organic and non-oily (e.g., wine), use a paper towel or cloth to blot the liquid. Sparingly add some clean water to the spot to dilute the stain (or wet a paper towel or cloth) and blot the spot. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.

  If the stain is persistent, resist the urge to scrub. Scrubbing can damage the wool fibers and more easily allow the stain to penetrate. You may try using a mild detergent, such as very diluted dishwashing soap, following the same blot-and-rinse procedure.

  If the spill is a denser liquid or it is oily, try and remove it first by scooping what you can from the surface using a spoon or perhaps some heavier paper, and then do the blot-and-rinse. If the spill is non-organic and/or composed of chemical substances, or the above methods don’t work, we suggest getting the rug professionally hand washed as soon as possible.

• Do I need a rug pad?

  Although not absolutely necessary, we do recommend using a rug pad under the rug. A good quality rug pad will also help extend the life of your rug. Rug pads keep rugs stationary, ensuring they don’t rub unnecessarily along the floor. Having a rug pad will also allow for more noise absorption in the room, and give the rug a more cushioned, plusher feel under your feet. There are dozens of options available, from thick to thin, made of all sorts of non-skid materials.

  Because all of our vintage rugs are low pile, if you prefer a softer landing, we offer a Premium Rug Pad that’s 1/8” thick made of recycled felt and natural rubber (so that it doesn't damage your floors). The rug pad comes in various sizes and may be trimmed to fit your rug. Please note that our rug pads cannot be returned for hygienic reasons, unless there is a product defect. You may refer to our returns policy for more details.

• Why do you fold your rugs? Doesn’t that damage the rug?

  We’ve spent a lot of time getting the packaging of our rugs just right, with custom made boxes meant to fit our rugs perfectly. Folding the rugs during the shipment process will not damage the rug. The folding action is similar to what happens when you fold a wool sweater: it may temporarily reveal some creases when you unfold the sweater, but the natural drape of the fibers will eventually resume their position once unfolded. Because our rugs are 100% wool the fibers are resilient and will resume their flat resting position within a few days.

  Another major consideration we made when designing our packaging was to allow for ease of transportation from our facility and to your home. Rolled rugs mean bulkier and pricier packaging. Rolled rugs also make it much more difficult to single-handedly carry larger rugs up a flight (or many flights) of stairs. Our larger rugs come in a box with a handle so that you can easily move them, unpack them, and even repack them should you ever need to move. Smaller rugs and cushions also come in boxes that are easy to carry.

• How much is shipping? Do you ship internationally?

  Continental US: We offer free shipping on all orders over $50 USD via UPS Ground within the continental United States (minus Hawaii and Alaska). Orders under $50 USD pay a $4.99 flat rate. 

  Alaska, Hawaii, & International: Shipping costs to Alaska, Hawaii, and internationally will vary depending on the size and weight of your order. The best way to determine this is to add the items to your cart. Our system will automatically estimate the shipping costs based on destination. Please keep in mind that for international orders, there may be additional taxes and duties to pay upon arrival of the shipment to your country. The rates we offer for shipping are exactly the same rates that we are charged by UPS and our fulfillment partners to ensure the lowest cost possible for you.

• Do you offer expedited shipping?

  Yes, we offer multiple expedited shipping options in the US and internationally. At checkout, you’ll be able to select from standard shipping or one of the expedited shipping options. The rates will vary depending on the size and weight of your package. For expedited shipping we prioritize your order and do our best to process it in 1-2 business days. When estimating your product arrival date, please take into account this processing time in addition to the actual shipping time. For example, if you choose overnight shipping, your rug should arrive in 2-3 business days from the time of your order. 

• When will my order ship?

  Orders are generally processed within 1–3 business days (unless otherwise noted on the individual product page). Shipping times will vary depending on where you live, but your order should arrive within 7 business days if you reside within the continental US. Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii may take up to 10 business days. Please note that UPS generally does not deliver on weekends and holidays.

  International shipping times will vary. Please keep in mind that for international orders, there may be additional taxes and duties to pay upon arrival of the shipment to your country.

  Once your order is processed and prepared for shipment, you will receive an email with the order details and UPS tracking number. If you have any questions or issues, please email us at hello@revivalrugs.com and include your order number. Note that it may take a few hours for the tracking number to appear online, but rest assured that the package is on it's way!

• What's your return policy?

  We want you to love your purchase! If for whatever reason, you are unhappy with your purchase, you may initiate a return within 7 calendar days of receiving your shipment.

  Please note that rugs, cushion cases, and cushion inserts must be undamaged, retain all original tags, and be in sellable condition in order to be eligible for refund. Cushion inserts must remain in their original sealed packaging to be eligible for return for hygienic reasons. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on rug pads also for hygienic reasons, unless there is a product defect.

  To initiate a return, head over to our Contact Us page and fill out the form within 7 days of your shipment receipt with your name, email, and order number. Also, please specify whether you’d like store credit or a refund, and your reason for return. Within 48 hours, we'll send you a prepaid UPS shipping label to affix to the original box, which you can drop off at any UPS location. The returned items must reach our warehouse within 14 calendar days from the time you receive the RMA number.

  For Continental US (minus Alaska & Hawaii) Refunds

  Refunds for store credit are free. If you opt for store credit for eligible items (rugs, cushion cases, and sealed cushion inserts), we’ll send you a prepaid shipping label. The shipping and restocking costs are on us. Once your return is received by us in good condition, you’ll receive store credit with no expiration date to select another one-of-a-kind rug and/or cushion cases.

  Refunds to credit cards and PayPal. If you’d like a refund, we’ll send you a shipping label that you can attach to the box and drop off at UPS. Once your return is received by us in good condition, we’ll execute the refund and deduct $20 USD per rug, and $5 USD per cushion case or per sealed cushion insert to cover our shipping and restocking costs. Rug pads are not eligible for refund.

  For Alaska, Hawaii, & International Refunds

  At this time, we do not offer free return shipping for orders shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, and internationally. If you are returning your rug from outside the US, you may be responsible for taxes and duties upon arrival in the US and to our warehouse. We are unable to estimate how much this might be, as prices will vary by country.

  Alaska, Hawaii, & International refunds for store credit. If you opt for store credit, once your return is received by us in good condition, you'll receive store credit with no expiration date to select another one-of-a-kind rug and/or cushion cases.

  Alaska, Hawaii, & International refunds to credit cards and PayPal. If you’d like a refund, once your return is received by us in good condition, we’ll execute the refund and deduct $10 USD per rug, and $5 USD per cushion case or per sealed cushion insert insert to cover our restocking costs. Rug pads are not eligible for refund.

• Do you offer trade pricing for your rugs and cushion cases?

  We love working with interior decorators, designers, and architects! Please email us at hello@revivalrugs.com if you are interested in sourcing Revival Rugs for your next project.