Oriental Area Rugs 101

By Dehlia Menon

Are you thinking of ways to bring glamor and chic to your home? Then look no more because the answer lies in a kind of floor decor. Literally and figuratively on the floor. It's no other than Oriental rugs. That's right. They are the simple solution to a common problem of enhancing one's home. Don't be fooled by the "simple" term. Using an area rug, especially as elegant as an Oriental style is as effective as remodeling your entire house. No kidding!

What is an Oriental rug made of? They can be made from a variety of fibers. The fiber choice plays a big part in the price that you will pay. Silk and wool threaded rugs are the most expensive whereas cotton, sisal and synthetic materials cost far less. Unfortunately, the more luxurious the rug is the least durable it will be. Synthetic fibers resist staining and stand up better under wear and tear.

Although synthetic materials are stronger, silk and wool contain luscious colors, which in turn give the rug more quality. The rug's color is from the dye that determines its class factor. Silk and wool are colored with natural dye hence, the higher value.

These rugs can be made by hand or machine made. If you can distinguish a pattern on the back, then you know it has been made by hand. Machine made Oriental rugs can give the appearance of a hand knot while being more durable. Some handmade pieces have a soft cloth backing. This cloth is usually cotton. Before purchasing one, ask to remove the backing to check for flaws. Ensure that the backing has been sewn as glued-on backings do not last long.

Moreover, authentic Oriental rugs made by hand also have a handmade fringe. Imitations have a sewn fringe instead, so this is also one element you can look at when buying an Oriental rug for your home.

Shopping for an Oriental area rug can be fun. Plan to take a friend along and make a day of it. If you are lucky enough to live in a large metropolitan area you may be able to find authentic importers whose rugs come straight to them from the source, one of the Middle Eastern countries where Oriental carpets are made.

If you are shopping in an authentic Oriental rug store don't rush. Part of the fun of buying your treasure will be your interaction with the carpet seller. You will be offered tea and the dealer will want to know a little about you. Dealers rightly consider these carpets works of art and want them to go to a good home.

Lastly, plan to bargain for the piece you have set your heart on buying. Set your budget before entering the shop. You can go back and forth with the dealer to determine the actual price you will pay. Authentic Oriental area rugs are usually twice the price of less expensive imitations. - 29954

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