Oriental Rug Buying Tips Part I
At ABC Rug Outlet, our goal is to assist your selection of the perfect rug. Over the next few weeks, we will share with you a few tips that will help you choose one that will be appreciated for many years to come. Once you are armed with the basics of buying a rug you will be equipped to get the most value for your money. More importantly, you will choose the rug that you love.
Like any purchase, do not allow yourself to be pressured to buy. Go to a store that has a solid reputation for good, friendly service and prices that are fair. Avoid attending “going-out-of-business” sales and auctions because you may find yourself pressured to buy a rug that is overpriced, low-quality, or a misfit for your interior design; or all three. Never permit yourself to be forced into an uncomfortable situation!
Oriental rugs are hand-woven on a loom, with strings or strands of wool (warps) which extend from from top to bottom. The weaver makes horizontal rows (wefts), weaving in and out between the warps. Tying the warps together with a piece of wool then creates the pile. Knot by knot, row by row, the weaver works diligently. Depending on the number of knots per square inch, a 6' x 9” rug could take as long as six months to complete.
You’ll notice that each rug has a “direction” due to its being woven on a vertical loom and the ends of each knot being pulled down while cutting the yarn. If you are standing at the top end, the rug will look markedly lighter than looking at it from the “bottom” end. Therefore, it's important to survey your rug from all angles to appreciate the different perspectives. After weaving the final row, the weaver cuts the warps from the loom, and creates the fringe.
