What can I do with an Oriental carpet or rug that is beyond repair?

There is a whole range of possibilities to repairs the rug:

1) You can do nothing put it in a quiet corner enjoy it as it disintegrates with dignity.

2) You can stabilize its condition by strengthening the edges and weak areas either by simple appropriate sewing or backing onto a supporting material and continue using it on the floor.

3) Use as a decorative wall hanging by either attaching it directly to the wall or mounting onto a frame.

4) Occasionally a large carpet or runner can be reduced in size by cutting out the damaged area and re-adjusting the borders and sewing together. Usually works well if in good pile and localized damage.

5) If some parts are in good condition pieces could be cut out and displayed by sensitive mounting made into a “picture” or wall hanging. This can be very effective if the rug is old and has beautiful vibrant natural dyes and has artistic merit in its design. Just recently I mounted 2 sections of a border from a wonderful 150 year old Turkman carpet. These were left over after (4) above was carried out and came as a bonus!

6) Well there are always cusions. Over the years I have made hundreds of wonderful cusions from fragments of old rugs both for myself and for clients. I remember one large battered Caucasian rug inherited from a client’s favourite aunt from which I made 17 cusions which were then distributed amongst his extended family for Christmas.

7) I have also seen pieces of Rugs incorporated into upholstering furniture, made into handbags, purses, hats and belts.

Options 2-6 are probably best tackled by a professional.


Margaret Demers is a well known author and has written many articles on rugs, oriental rugs, antique rugs, restoration and repair of rugs and specialist cleaning for carpets