What You Need To Know Before You Buy An Oriental Rug
Who has a rug in their home? I want to see a show of hands. I’m sure your reason for getting one isn’t just because it looks nice. Whether it is in your living room or under your dining room table, rugs don’t just provide that decorative flair you’re looking for. They also offer comfort and warmth, especially during the cold winter months! Plus, we all love secrets, right? I’m about to reveal what you need to know before you buy an oriental rug.
First, let’s go over the two types of rugs you can find: handmade and hand-tufted rugs. Here are a few differences to help you distinguish between the two:
- Handmade rugs have a backing that is different from the top cloth. This means the cloth you see on the top doesn’t appear on the back.
- Hand-tufted rugs will have the cloth visible on the back. These rugs are quicker and less expensive to make than handmade rugs but are just as authentic.
You might think I’m crazy, but the key to a good rug is actually looking at its backside. The backing reveals whether the rug is handmade or hand-tufted and indicates the quality of the rug. Here’s a simple trick: take a quarter with you while shopping for a rug. I know it sounds odd, but it’s useful.
To check the quality of a rug, flip a corner over and place the quarter on the backing. Look at the knots: tighter knots and more knots in a given area mean a higher quality rug. It’s a straightforward method for assessing quality.
Another way to evaluate a rug is by feeling it. If the fibers feel tight, you’re looking at a thicker rug with more fibers per square inch, indicating better quality.
It’s also essential to get your rugs maintained professionally. Just like your hair needs regular care to stay in top condition, your rugs do too.
These are just a few tips to help you ensure you’re getting good quality for your money. If you have any other questions about purchasing or maintaining your area rugs, feel free to give us a call at Rodriguez Cleaning & Restoration Services. Our number is 502-365-6779.
