The collection of carpets was founded at the beginning of the 20th c. by outstanding scientists М. Bilyashivsky and D. Shcherbakivsky who organized many expeditions to Kiev, Poltava, Chernihiv, Podilla, Volyn regions. As a result of this field trips museum collection was enriched by masterpieces of carpet making art. Many of the exhibits were donated. In the second half of the 20th c. museum collections replenishment continued.

The first information about the use of carpets in Ukraine comes from chronicles where it is said that carpet thing was used in the burial ritual of the prince in second half of the 16th century. In 16 – 17 c. carpet production concentrated mainly in landlords workshops. In 18 – early 19th c. there are handicraft enterprises in towns and villages. Made in Ukraine carpets sold not only on local markets, but also were exported abroad.

Everyday functions of carpets were quite different. They were used to cover the benches, tables, chests, floor, bedding, walls. During the funeral ceremony the coffin was covered by the carpet. As well as carpets played an important role in the church interior. The floor near the alter could be covered with carpets. Dependent on the purpose carpets shape, size may vary.

Wool, cotton and hemp was used for making carpets using vertical or horizontal machines. Yarns were dyed with natural dyes from local plants and insects.

Carpet group of XVIII-XIX c. from Poltava, Kyiv, Chernihiv with floral pattern – the largest in the museum collection. Ornament consists of images of flowers, more or less stylized, branches or flowers arranged rhythmically or related to the overall pattern. Carpets of this group were probably influenced by Persian carpets beyond the eastern trends and the impact of Western art styles, including Baroque style.

In the southern and western regions of Ukraine carpets with floral ornament were also in use, but an entirely different type. Floral ornament, color, composition construction was influenced by Asian arts.

Carpets of western regions of Ukraine (Galicia, Bukovyna, Volyn), woven on horizontal looms have typical geometric or floral-geometrical pattern.

The museum collection proud to own the unique collection of dated carpets. There are 41 carpet. The oldest dated carpet (1782) originated from Volyn and decorated with geometric pattern.
One of the most remarkable carpets comes from burial Hetman Danylo Apostol at the Holy Transfiguration church in the village of Great Sorochintsy in Poltava region (1734).

In a separate group can be identified carpets of late 19th – early 20th century. Characteristic feature of which is the preservation of traditional ornamental schemes and individual motifs using new aniline dyes.

Deregus M., D. Shavykin S. Kolos, O. Sayenko are masters of folk art who created a monumental tapestries, carpets in the 20-30th of the 20th century.

The revival of ancient Ukrainian folk traditions of carpet weaving was the main objective of numerous business folk crafts that were created in the years 1960-1970. The museum has a large collection of ornamental carpets from different regions of Ukraine.

Lytovchenko O. Mashkevich, L. Zhohol, L. Tovstuha, N. Babenko, B. Schnaider, M. Schnaider-Senyuk, M. Bilas, L. Brovdi can be named as artists of the golden fund of Ukrainian folk decorative art.