Inspect Your Rugs

INSPECT YOUR ORIENTAL RUGS

 

The following information is geared for a new buyer of oriental rugs and other goods. Our purpose is to provide information for novice buyers to give them knowledge before they purchase the goods. It’s standard with most dealers to let you try out different carpets on a “free trial” basis. This will give you the opportunity to find out if your selection fits with your decor. We have provided the following tips to use as your guide, we strongly recommend you have an experienced person to help you with the rest of your purchase.

  1.  The warp and weft threads should also be checked from the back of the rug to see if there are any breaks or cuts. Additionally, you should look carefully to see if any repairs have been made and, if so, properly executed. If not, your carpet may unravel. The pile should be checked closely for holes, stains, and moth damage (especially in older rugs). The fringe should be inspected to determine of it is in good shape, is original or has been replaced (as in order rugs). The selvedges or the sides of the rug should be strong and fairly straight.
  2. The colors should be examined for running. By wiping a damp cloth firmly over the rug, you can determine if the colors will run. Sometimes in new carpets, you will see faded or antique looking effects. These are simply fashionable dying effects to create an antique look.
  3. The pile of the rug should be even and consistent in all areas. You can check this by running your hand across the pile from edge to edge.
  4. The lay of the rug is important. Often minor imperfections and wrinkles can be easily fixed by stretching or blocking.

Perhaps most important of all is to find a reputable dealer who is Certified, so be sure to ask your potential seller about their certifications, affiliations, etc. We hope that these “pointers” will help and we’ll be adding more information regularly. If you’d like us to notify you when new content is added, just send us an email and we’ll put you on our list.