How can You Tell Good Quality Oriental Rugs?

An Oriental rug is a big purchase, and it is certainly not something you buy every day. For this reason, you may be a bit nervous about shopping for one. How can you know for sure you’re going to buy a good quality Oriental rug?

We’re here to help you! Here at Serafian’s, we don’t just sell Oriental rugs. We take pride in also educating our shoppers. Here’s what you need to know so you can feel a peace of mind that you’re buying a good quality Oriental rug in Albuquerque:

#1 Wool Quality

One of the most important factors in the longevity and beauty of a rug is the quality of the wool. The best Oriental rugs are hand-woven with Persian wool. This is why Iranian rugs have always been the most sought after rugs in the world. The best wool is called “kurk”. Kurk comes from the first shearing of lambs between nine and 14 months old, and only from the softest parts of their body. Kurk wool has a very soft feel, but is exceptionally strong.

#2 Knots Per Square Inch (KPSI)

The number of knots within a rug determines the density, durability, and clarity of pattern. The more knots, the higher the quality- it’s that simple! Less knots means a looser weave, and a looser weave means the rug will be less able to withstand and uphold against your everyday foot-traffic without incurring visible damage. A higher quality rug with a higher KPSI will look fabulous for years to come.

#3 Handmade

You want an Oriental rug that is handmade, not made in a factory by machines. How can you tell the difference? One way is to look at the fringe. If the fringe is sewn on, the rug is probably machine made. If a rug is handmade, you’ll be able to tell by looking at the pile, or the main fabric of a rug. This should be made of tufts of yarn that have been individually tied into the carpet. These knots can be seen on the back of the rug as small, individual squares. Machine made rugs lack this kind of definition.

#4 Attention to Detail

A sharp pattern means more time and hand-labor was taken to build a clear and precise design and therefore the rug is of higher quality. The amount of time and labor spent on creating a handmade Oriental rug varies from design house to design house and from country to country. Authentic Persian rugs have earned the reputation of being the highest quality Oriental rug due to the fact that they have perfected weaving techniques used in Iran. 

There are many things to consider when investing in a good quality Oriental rug, and it’s not always a simple task to choose the best carpet for you. If you have any more questions or you’re ready to buy your rug in Albuquerque, we want to hear from you!