As an oriental rug gallery owner for many years, I have purchased thousands of handmade rugs. At first the process was a bit overwhelming and I felt somewhat overwhelmed, but as time went on I learned from experience and study and now I would like to share some of my ideas with you today.
Important points when considering a possible purchase of an oriental rug.
Number 1
Colors! Do you find the colors of the rug aesthetically pleasing? Do the colors of the carpet give you a pleasant feeling of joy and happiness? If so, this is a great start.
Number 2
Quality of the materials. If the rug is wool, like most hand-woven rugs, is the wool of good quality? Good quality wool will not be dry or rough to the touch and should be fairly strong. If you push it, does it go back? Wool spun by hand from healthy sheep is durable and will last for many years. If the rug is silk, it should shine like the sun and be cool to the touch. If it is a “fake silk” often called “art silk”, it will be much less expensive and will not be very knotted. Be careful with these “art silk” rugs as they are mercerized cotton and there is no silk in the rug.
Number 3
You like the drawing The drawing is the design of the rug. It can be geometric or floral based or anything in between. Are you too busy? Too flowery? If you love the colors but don’t like the design, my advice is to pass the rug. I did not buy it. You must like both. Always honor your taste!
Number 4
Will the size work for your needs? A little bigger or a little smaller shouldn’t stop you from making a purchase, but if the rug in question is the wrong size entirely, it’s time to let it go.
Number 5
Can you test the rug “on an approval basis,” which means you can take the rug home and make sure it looks great in the place you have in mind? All reputable dealers will allow you to do this and some dealers, like myself, will even ship rugs, upon approval.
Number 6
You like? The more you look at the right rug, the prettier it becomes. Good quality handwoven rugs with beautiful colors and interesting patterns never fail to give. They will never get boring and as time goes on, you will enjoy them every day of your life.
My last words of advice: Be very, very careful if you start obsessing over all things rugs. This art form can be very addictive and you may have to become a carpet merchant, so you can do it all the time!