What does vintage mean in rugs?

I agree. An antique is usually something over 100 years old. Vintage refers to something that can be 20 (I think 40) to 100 years - worth collecting. A vintage rug would be somewhere in that age range.

An item described as ‘vintage’ should speak of the era in which it was produced. Vintage can mean an item is of a certain period of time, as in ‘vintage 1950’s’ but it can also mean (and probably always should) that the item exhibits the best of a certain quality, or qualities, associated with or belonging to that specific era. In other words, for the term vintage to accurately apply to it, an item should be somewhat representational and recognizable as belonging to the era in which it was made.”

If you'd like to read more:

ref:https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/age-defining-an-130615

“vintage” usually refers to something 25-100 years old, while “antique” refers to items more than 100 years old

1950's design. Black Acid Yellow & Red - 1960's design. Colour Texture and Shapes. 1970's design, Bright Clashing Designs of Flowers and Shapes - Anything goes.

here is a simple explanation

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/terms-how-to-shop-for-a-vintage-rug#:~:text=If%20budget%20is%20at%20all,more%20than%2020%20years%20old.

What makes a rug “vintage”? First of all, while the terms “vintage” and “antique” are often used interchangeably on sites like Craigslist, among rug collectors, “vintage” usually refers to something 25-100 years old, while “antique” refers to items more than 100 years old.

I think of it the same way you are, antique is over 100 years and vintage is newer than that.

Antique rugs would be expensive I think (?) but you could find vintage rugs at a more affordable price.

Take a look on Facebook rug groups, vintage collectors etc and you may find a nice one you like for a good price.

If 'vintage' is 20 years+ old, then yikes! I must be ancient.

Vintage is a buzzword today and the definition varies widely. I would watch out for qualifies like vintage style, or vintage inspired when shopping.

Dealers will say "vintage" refers to items over 40-50 years old though it's tossed around so casually and inaccurately these days, it's best to be armed with good research behind you before buying anything labeled "vintage" if your goal is to purchase anything legitimately vintage.