Have you inherited a rug and aren't sure what to do with it? Whether it came from a parent's home, a grandparent's estate, or a house clearance, we provide free, honest valuations and fair purchase offers — with no pressure, no paperwork requirements, and no obligation to sell.
Most people who inherit rugs know very little about them. You may have heard they were valuable, or you may simply not know. Either way, we're here to help — honestly and without pressure.
The UK has a long history of importing fine rugs, particularly during the Victorian, Edwardian, and interwar periods. Many homes — especially those of a certain generation — contain rugs that were bought at auction, brought back from travels, or gifted decades ago. Common inherited types include:
Not all of these are highly valuable — but some, particularly genuine Persian and Caucasian antiques, can be worth significantly more than most people expect.
Before contacting us, look for these indicators that an inherited rug may be worth a professional assessment:
Three photos are sufficient for an initial assessment: a full front view in natural light, a full back view (the reverse reveals construction and age), and a close-up of the pile. You do not need to move the rug or arrange anything. A smartphone in good light is all you need. If the rug is rolled or folded, photographs of a section are fine to start.
Within 48 hours, our specialists will identify the rug's origin, estimate its age, assess its construction and condition, and provide a genuine purchase offer with a clear explanation. We will tell you honestly what the rug is — including if it is a lower-value modern piece. No false promises, no inflated valuations to win your business.
There is no time pressure and no obligation. If you decide to accept the offer, we arrange collection from your address at a time that suits you — at no cost to you. Payment is prompt. If you decide to keep the rug, or to explore other options, that is entirely your choice and we wish you well.
Rugs over 100 years old are considered antique and typically command the highest prices. Semi-antique pieces (60–100 years) also attract strong interest. Post-1970 commercial production is generally less collectible, though exceptional pieces are always considered.
Persian city rugs (Isfahan, Tabriz, Kashan) and Caucasian tribal pieces (Kazak, Shirvan) have the strongest collector markets. Turkish, Central Asian, and Afghan antiques are also actively sought. Indian and Chinese rugs vary widely — some are valuable, many are not.
Handmade rugs (hand-knotted or hand-woven kilims) are always more valuable than machine-made equivalents. Within handmade rugs, knot density, wool quality, and natural dyes all affect value significantly.
For antique pieces, condition is less critical than for decorative rugs — collectors expect and accept honest wear. Significant damage (large holes, missing sections, severe fading) does reduce value, but rarely to zero for a genuinely old piece.
Larger format rugs (room-size, above approximately 3m × 2m) are often more valuable on a per-square-metre basis for antique pieces, as fewer have survived in usable condition. Unusual formats (long runners, square formats) can attract premium prices.
While you do not need provenance documents to sell, any information you can provide — family history, purchase receipts, auction lot descriptions, retailer labels — can help us identify a piece accurately and may support a higher offer.
Our dedicated valuation service for inherited pieces, including probate valuations.
Learn MoreSpecialist buyers for rugs forming part of a broader estate sale or house clearance.
Learn MoreSelling multiple inherited rugs together? We buy whole collections with a single valuation.
Learn MoreOur main selling guide covering all rug types and the complete selling process.
Learn More