Inherited a Rug? —
Free Valuation from UK Specialists
Many inherited rugs are worth far more — or far less — than their owners expect. Our specialist team values inherited Persian, Oriental, antique, and handmade rugs with honesty and discretion. No appraisal fees. No pressure. Just a clear, straightforward assessment within 48 hours.
How Our Inherited Rug Valuation Works
Photograph the Rug
Take three photos in natural light: the full front face, the reverse (showing knots and weave), and a close-up of the pile, fringe, or any damage. If there are labels, weavers' marks, or inscriptions on the rug, photograph those too.
Note the measurements — length and width in feet, inches, or centimetres. If you don't know the origin or age, that is completely fine — identification is part of what we do.
Submit via Our Secure Form
Upload your photos through our online quote form and include whatever information you have about the rug — where it came from, who owned it, any family history or paperwork. Even partial information helps.
Receive a Detailed Assessment
Within 48 hours, we will send a written response covering the rug's likely origin and type, approximate age, condition assessment, and current market value. If we wish to purchase it, we will include a buying offer. You are under no obligation to accept.
Common Questions About Inherited Rugs
"I have no idea what type of rug it is"
This is completely normal. Most people who inherit rugs were never told the origin or type. Identification is a core part of our valuation service — we work from photographs to determine the weaving tradition, approximate region of origin, and age.
Common finds in UK estates include Persian city workshop rugs (Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan), tribal Caucasian pieces (Kazak, Shirvan), Turkish Oushak, and Central Asian tribal rugs — many brought back by travellers or diplomats in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
"It looks quite worn and old"
Old and worn is not the same as worthless. For genuinely antique handmade rugs, age itself is a value driver — and wear consistent with age is expected. A 19th century Kazak with worn pile may be worth considerably more than a pristine modern reproduction.
Conversely, some pieces that look "antique" are actually 1970s or 1980s reproductions. We will always tell you honestly which category your rug falls into.
"There might be several rugs to value"
We handle collections as well as single pieces. If you have inherited multiple rugs as part of an estate, we can assess the full collection from photographs and provide a comprehensive overview. For very large collections, a specialist visit may be arranged.
See our estate rug buying service for more detail on handling collections.
"I need a valuation for probate"
We can provide a written market value assessment as part of an estate process. For formal HMRC probate documentation, a certified appraiser may be required in some circumstances — we will advise you on the appropriate route based on your specific situation.
See our probate and insurance rug valuation service for formal valuation requirements.
What We Typically Find in UK Estates
A guide to what rugs commonly appear in British estates and what they may be worth.
Frequently Found — and Often Valuable
- Persian city rugs (Tabriz, Kashan, Isfahan): Brought back from Iran in the 19th–20th century, often very fine. Can range from £500 to tens of thousands depending on age and condition.
- Caucasian tribal rugs (Kazak, Shirvan, Daghestan): 19th century pieces with strong geometric designs. Highly collected; can be worth £1,000–£15,000+.
- Turkish Oushak: Large, soft-palette rugs popular in Victorian interiors. Good condition pieces can reach £2,000–£20,000.
- Antique Indian rugs (Agra, Lahore): Large-format pieces made for export to Britain. Quality varies; finest pieces are very valuable.
Common Finds of Lower Value
- 1960s–1980s commercial Persian rugs: Synthetic dyes, standard designs, often mass-produced. Typically £50–£300.
- Belgian or Indian machine-made rugs: No collector value. Worth little beyond decorative use.
- Reproduction antiques: Mid-20th century pieces made to look old. Without genuine age, collector value is minimal.
- Very heavily damaged pieces: Foundation rot, severe splitting, or extensive chemical treatment can reduce any rug to minimal value regardless of age.
Many people discover an inherited rug is worth far more than they assumed — and occasionally the reverse is true. Our free assessment costs nothing and gives you a clear answer based on genuine specialist knowledge.