Rug Selection Tips

An Oriental rug will prove to be a good buy when carefully selected and properly cared for. Here are a few basic guidelines when selecting your Oriental rug.

• Buy from a reliable, well-established importer who will ensure the quality of the rug. A guarantee from an unethical merchant or auctioneer is meaningless.

• Select your Oriental rug first when decorating. A carpet is the heart of the room and ideally, all furnishings should be developed around it.

• Decide what fibers the carpet should be made of. For high durability, wool or wool with some silk is most advisable. Fine quality wool has incredible resilience, and the finest wool has the softness of velvet. Wool also adds warmth to the environment. If you want luxury, elegance and a sensuous feel under your bare feet, then silk is the answer. Silk rugs are perfect for areas with less traffic such as a bedroom or living room, and are perfect for wall hangings. Silk is ideal in places where the weather is warm.

• Look at the four different types of patterns: Geometric, Floral, Pictorial and Decorative and decide which type of rugs you like best. Bear in mind what kind of atmosphere you want to create: formal or informal, simple or elaborate. The architectural style of the room should also be taken into consideration.

• What colors should the rug be? Frame the question around a light or dark color background rug. The exposure of the room to the light, is also an important consideration.

• Finally, are you purchasing an Oriental rug as an investment? If so, you should consider an antique or semi-antique rug. If treated properly it will not only retain its value but will likely appreciate in value. Since antique and semi-antique rugs cost more than new rugs, it is even more important that you purchase from a reliable importer.

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