Oriental Carpets Buying Tips

Oriental rugs/ Oriental carpets are manufactured in east and far eastern nation with great artistic skills and craftsmanship. Oriental carpets offer value for money but be patient and cautious while selecting the carpet of your dream. Don't be in haste, take your time, inquire about the carpet and then make decision.

Following information below would help you to choose the right oriental carpet.

Know the Construction of Oriental carpet
One thing you always want to know apart from the beauty of the carpet is its construction and durability. Construction determines the strength of the carpet and you must definitely know the same. Oriental rugs are woven on a loom, with strands of wool or cotton called warps stretched from beam to beam (top to bottom). The horizontal rows called wefts are weaved in and out between the warps. Warps are tied with a piece of wool creating the pile. This process takes a long time to complete.

Oriental rugs have a direction due to their being woven on a vertical loom and the end of each knot being pulled down while cutting the yarn. From the top end, the rug will look markedly lighter than looking at it from the "bottom" end.


Terminology Helps
Knowing helps in seeking. So it is better that you get aware of certain terms of the carpets. The main background of the carpet is called the field. Your preference regarding field and borders should be clear. Many rugs have a diamond-shaped or round motif in the middle called a central medallion. If your furniture will be placed asymmetrically on the rug, you may prefer a rug that has an all-over design.

Shop Smartly
Bring the diagram of the room for which you intend to buy carpet. Measure the area carefully. Make an extensive search of the carpet. Your favorite types will become apparent. Know their price range. Note that new rugs are sold by the square foot whereas antique rugs are sold by the piece. The price of the same type of the rug may vary owing to the design, color balance and finishes. However prices for the same type of rug should not vary more than 20%.

Examine the rug carefully because oriental carpets are handmade and hence they might have some inconsistencies. Examine that whether the carpet is sheared properly or its color is balanced. Examine its decorative value.


Antique Carpet offer value for money
Antique carpets are rare and hence they are expensive. With the passage of time these carpets becomes more antique and hence valuable due to the graceful aging process and to the fact that antiques were almost always one-of-a-type. Antique carpet therefore can be considered "investments".

However make sure that antique piece that you are purchasing are really antique or it is the replica of antique piece. It is difficult to differentiate between the original antique and the replica antique. Make sure that your dealer is trustworthy.

Evaluation of Raw Materials
Wool is the main raw material involved in virtually all the oriental carpets. The quality of wool varies from region to region. Wool of cool moist climates are superior, long staple and lustrous. New Zealand and Tibetan carpet wools are some of the best in the world. Enquire from the dealer about the kind of wool used. Touch the carpet by hand and feel it. It should be soft and smooth (not dry and brittle). However if a new rug is too soft and shiny, suspect inferior wool that was chemically treated.

What is the Knot Density
The Knot density determines the strength and fineness of the carpet. You can judge the knot density by placing the fingers down to the base of the pile. If the knots feel tightly packed, the carpet will be extremely durable. To determine fineness, compare the backs of different carpets. The carpet looks different in different lighting conditions. Reputed dealers allow you to take the carpet for testing. Make sure you like the result in daylight as well as at night before you make a final decision.

Trusted Source
Always buy a carpet from the trusted source. The best dealers will show you a sampling of everything available today, and will recommend the best type of rug for your purpose and budget.