Considerations when buying a Rug

One of the most critical elements when considering durability is the quality of wool. The market today is flooded with low-cost budget rugs, but they are low quality as well. Not only are the wools of poor, soft and course quality, but often so heavily chemically washed as to render them dead, giving them a short, uninteresting life.

Fineness of design requires fine knotting, but this does not ensure a high quality product, only that the design is distinct. Many superior rugs have modest knot counts but such excellent colours and wools as to render them solid investments in excellence. Don’t be confused by rug names: they refer to the city, town or tribe where they were woven. Beware such words as "royal" or "super" added to the carpe to make them sound more exotic.

Only buy an Oriental rug because you like it. There is no substitute for trusting your own instincts for the purpose you have in mind. Do not be persuaded by fast sales talk, "huge price reductions" or the passing fashion fads in this year and out the next. A good Oriental rug will last for generations, and needs your considered approach. Learning the language of the handmade rug can be a fascinating journey into history and culture.

Getting impartial, objective advice is important. Because Oriental rugs are unlike any other commodity, it is difficult to find a yardstick by which to gauge and measure. Comparison shopping is nearly impossible, because rugs, even bearing the same family names, can differ so widely. For example, a 2 X 3 mtr Persian Tabriz carpet of the "mahi(fish)" design can range from about £1300 to well over £4000!

The prospective buyer’s best friend is a reputable specialist and dealer, with whom you can develop an easy rapport and in whom you have confidence and trust. The true professional has his customer’s interest at heart. If necessary, visit several times, get to know his taste, knowledge, and very importantly, sincerity and openness

about information. If you do not see what you want, yet find the quality of rugs and reception to be reassuring, ask

if something can be found for you. Some dealers specialise in locating rugs, and weaving to order. The true specialist is proud of his selection and reputation, and will have rugs of character and quality found nowhere else.

If you find prices moving up and down faster than an elevator, head for the door. A reputable, ethical business will offer quality rugs fairly priced, along with expertise and reassurance you have a right to expect. You should be able to try the rug, without obligation in your home for several days. If you do not see what you want, yet find the quality of rugs and reception to be reassuring, ask if something can be found for you. Some dealers specialise in locating rugs, and weaving to order. And beware so-called auctions and closing-down sales. These are little more than outlets for shifting overpriced, damaged or poor quality goods no one else wants.

Once you have your Oriental rug in place, a few simple steps for care will protect it for years to come. Vacuum with a suction machine, not an upright "Hoover" type with brush and beater. On a hard floor a suitable underlay will absorb shock and prevent slipping. On a fitted carpet the rug may require special underlay to keep from creeping.

Good wools will repel spills - soak up any spillage immediately, then blot with a solution of neutral detergent in warm water: a dash of dish soap is ideal. Never use salt on wine spills! It will rot the fibres resulting in permanent damage. And beware in-house chemical cleaning of oriental rugs, these can irreparably damage your rug. If the rug becomes heavily soiled, specialist cleaning will restore it to its original beauty. Seek advice of an Oriental rug specialist.

It should be said that you should not aim for perfection. The rug which is perfect for your room, in terms of size, colour and condition probably doesn’t exist. you must be prepared to compromise. And remember, just as a piece of music does not give up all its secrets when you first listen to it, you will find something new in a carpet every time you look at it, and it will give you as much pleasure after 20 years as when you first bought it.