Malina explains that antique rugs (pre-1920) tend to have muted colors and even tones, while vintage rugs (made between 1920 and 1994) may have brighter colors made with synthetic dyes. Here, how to identify antique and vintage rugs, according to pros. This means that these handmade rugs rarely have completely straight lines or perfectly even-length frills, or the rug’s decorative edging. David TsayHandmade CharacteristicsWhile not all handmade rugs are antique, as Prince points out, authentic antique rugs are generally handcrafted. Bellwether Rugs Vintage Oushak Rug $1,250 at ChairishNatural Fiber BackingMalina says that vintage rugs typically have backing made of cotton or other natural fibers.