Across North America, enthusiasts are turning to specialized registries to ensure that handmade textiles and their personal histories are not lost to time. In New Brunswick, the Mat Registry is actively documenting hooked rugs that are at least 25 years old to protect the stories of their creators and prevent them from being discarded.

Why register vintage rugs?

Organizers of the New Brunswick Mat Registry aim to prevent family histories from disappearing when old textiles are discarded. The process involves photographing, measuring, and interviewing makers to create a searchable online database. Once a rug is processed, a numbered cotton tag is sewn to the back. This tag allows future generations to identify the piece as a recorded historical artifact held in museum records. This ensures that even if a relative finds a rug while clearing out a house, they can see it is already part of a documented collection.

How is the rug market changing?

While individual collectors focus on preservation, the broader commercial sector is navigating a period of transition. In the United States, the area rug market has faced recent challenges, with sales for certain categories declining by approximately 6 percent in 2025. However, the industry is becoming increasingly segmented. Suppliers are currently investing in diverse areas, including:

  • Washable performance products
  • Premium hand-knotted collections
  • Natural-fiber designs
  • Ecommerce-driven assortments

What is the future of wool?

Global demand for the raw materials used in these crafts is also shifting. New trade eras and international agreements are influencing how wool moves between major producers and manufacturers. For instance, new trade arrangements between India and New Zealand are expected to reduce tariffs on wool imports, potentially strengthening ties between New Zealand exporters and Indian handmade carpet manufacturers. This global movement of fiber connects small-scale hobbyists to a massive international supply chain involving large-scale scouring plants and industrial presses.

FAQ

What qualifies a rug for the New Brunswick Mat Registry?

A rug must be at least 25 years old to be eligible for documentation in the provincial project.

Why did the registry project begin?

Organizers started the project to ensure that the stories behind handmade rugs were captured before the items were potentially thrown away by future owners.