How to Buy an Oriental Rug

Oriental rugs add warmth and distinction to a room. Use the tips below to find a good rug for a great price.

Tips on buying an oriental rug

1. Oriental rugs can run the range in pricing from inexpensive to very expensive. Begin with a budget that works for you. Your budget will determine the quality of the rug you can purchase, as well as its size. Remember, if you simply need a nice looking area rug for an entryway or a hallway, there is nothing wrong with purchasing a cheaper Oriental rug. It will serve the purpose of covering the floor with a pretty design while keeping you within your budget.

2. Several factors influence the price of an Oriental rug. The first thing to keep in mind is how the rug you are interested in was made. An Oriental rug made by a machine should cost much less than one knotted by hand. A machine-made rug is made much faster and is unlikely to have some of the slight irregularities that come with anything made by hand. Machine-made rugs are often made in Europe and are made of synthetic materials. A machine-made rug also often has a less interesting pattern than a hand-made rug.

3. Next, you need to be aware of where the rug was made. A true Persian rug is made in Iran, and this means it is both knotted differently than other Oriental rugs and usually is made of a different kind of wool. A true Persian rug is likely to cost more than most Oriental rugs. Oriental rugs are also made in countries such as Afghanistan, Turkey, China, India and Nepal. Oriental rugs from Afghanistan are known for their unique designs, which often tell a story or record an historical incident. Turkish Oriental rugs are often of a very high quality.

4. An important consideration when buying the rug is the number of knots per square inch. The greater the knot density, the higher quality the rug. Good knot density means the rug will wear better and will repel dirt better.

5. A good Oriental rug is made of wool. Why? Because wool wears out very slowly and is relatively easy to clean. Wool also holds color better and shows it more brightly than synthetic materials.

6. You may find yourself considering antique Oriental rugs. These can cost quite a bit of money, but the reward is often a vibrant rug with an interesting history. However, the dealer should be able to provide you with evidence of the rug’s age before you buy it.

Caution

Remember, most Oriental rugs do not run from wall to wall. Usually, a space of several inches is left between the edge of the rug and the wall. This is also true of Oriental rugs used to line hallway floors. So, measure the space where your rug will go accordingly.

Where to buy an oriental rug

You can purchase an Oriental rug at one of these online dealers—

Rugs Direct has a huge selection of Oriental rugs. View photos of each and every design.

Bukhara Carpets showcases Oriental rugs from around the world.

Find several brands and styles of Oriental rugs at Rugs Online. Find rugs in many shapes and sizes.