Oriental rugs embody the essence of tradition and history of their respective countries of origin.
From Turkey to Pakistan, passing through Afghanistan, rugs add character to a room, decorating and bringing warmth to any space. They've decorated castles, stately homes, and nomadic tents in extremely harsh environments. Why not open your doors to them?
In this article, you'll learn 5 tips for choosing a quality oriental rug that's right for your space.
Learn how to choose a quality oriental rug
We have already discussed that, while Persian rugs are those made in Iran (and only those), Oriental rugs are those that come from any other country in the same area.
Among the best-known and most renowned producers are Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, and India.
But how do we choose a quality oriental rug to avoid disappointment and unpleasant surprises?
5 Tips for Buying Your First Oriental Rug
And here are five general tips to help you determine, in a general, but fairly accurate way, whether the oriental rug you've chosen to decorate your living room is really worth the asking price.
It should be noted that these tips are a general, basic guide, and there are other items that we have not reviewed.
1. Knot density per square meter
When we talk about knots, we're referring to the warp or weft used by artisans to secure the design while making the rug. The more knots, the more elaborate the designs, the more consistent the final result, and the overall higher quality the rug will be.
It's important to remember that a high number of knots combined with a high age of the piece means that this work is likely handmade, adding enormous value to the piece.
You can estimate the number of knots yourself. Simply turn the rug over, take a 10 cm square sample, count the knots, and multiply by 10 to get the approximate total number per square meter.
The value is usually expressed in KPSI (knots per square inch) and a value of more than 175 is usually a good sign.
2. Materials used in its manufacture
Because a rug made of 100% wool isn't the same as one made of silk, we'll need to pay close attention to the material. As a market trend, silk tends to be the most sought-after material.
3. Colors and designs
Depending on the age of the rug, certain colors are more valuable than others. For example, blue hues tend to indicate a higher value in antique Oriental rugs, since cerulean was an extremely difficult pigment to obtain in those latitudes.
Furthermore, designs often tell the story of the workshop or artisan who made it. We recommend studying the designs and weaves to understand where your dream rug comes from. While some designs have practically fallen into disuse because their knowledge was traditionally passed down from master to student, others are still in full swing today.
4. Age and general condition
Obviously, an antique rug in good condition will be much more valuable. The older it is, the more valuable it is, although this will largely depend on its overall condition.
At this point, it will largely depend on the intended use of the rug, as you may not be willing to place an exclusive and expensive piece in a busy area or where it could become irreparably damaged. Choose a rug that suits your intended use.
5. Origin and traceability
Knowing the origin, workshop, or master craftsman who made our oriental rug is a good sign, as it allows us to understand the history and trace the origins of that piece.
Typically, in the case of oriental rugs, we'll know the region of the country where it was woven, and the workshop or master who made it. If you don't know this information, find out about it before shelling out a large sum of money.
Extra tip
And finally, one more piece of advice that, although obvious, is worth remembering.
An oriental rug isn't a decorative element for everyone. Its elegance, intricate designs, colors, and exotic appeal attract more and more people and professional decorators. Before investing in an exclusive piece, stay informed and, above all, decide whether the location will be worth it or will contribute to its deterioration.
A rug is a key decorative element and focal point, so it will take center stage in the room you place it in. Don't lose sight of this.
Conclusions
As you've seen in this article, the world of oriental rugs is vast and, above all, fascinating. Knowing their secrets before purchasing one is vital to making a smart purchase, or a truly lucrative investment.
And you, have you already decided on your model?