4 Questions to Have in Mind When Shopping for Oriental Rugs

Shopping for Oriental Rugs in Albuquerque

When you’re looking for the best type of rug in the world, you are shopping for an Oriental rug. This much you know. It’s no wonder that Oriental rugs are sought after by the entire globe. They are known for extremely rich color combinations and unique designs. Because each rug is handmade, they are known for their tremendous variety in design, color, size, and weave. What you don’t know, however, is exactly which rug you want. This isn’t bad news; it simply means it is time to go shopping!

When you are shopping for a new Oriental rug, you’ll want to have a few questions in mind to ensure you are happy with your final purchase. A few ideas to get you started thinking include:

Was this rug made by hand or machine?

You want to avoid knock-offs. Genuine Oriental rugs, like those sold here at Serafian’s, are always woven by hand. That means the back of these rugs will always feature a series of knots that are hand tied by the expert artisan weaver. 

What makes this Oriental rug so valuable?

Rugs made of special wool and handcrafted in certain areas of the world cost more than the others. There are five important elements that influence the true value of an authentic Oriental rug. These are weave consistency, age, knot density, technique, and the fiber used. Be sure to get a detailed explanation of each element before buying the rug you have your eye on.

Can you explain the knot density?

Speaking of knot density, it is crucial for you as a rug buyer to understand knot density. This factor would reveal the durability and strength of a rug. Each type of rug has its own density rating. Pakistani rugs are evaluated with a ratio by knot count per square inch. The numerator indicates knots in a horizontal inch while the denominator represents the knots lying on a vertical inch. As a quick example, 16/18 is known as the best quality while 12/12 is of average quality. 

Do I need a rug pad?

While an Oriental rug pad may seem like an after-thought, it is absolutely essential for protecting both your floors and the rug you love. When it comes to valuable Oriental rugs, a high-quality rug pad is an absolute must! The most important reason is that it helps to increase the life of your rug by protecting it from wear and tear. 
Those in Albuquerque, New Mexico have the experts at Serafian’s for all of their Oriental rug needs and questions. We want to make your shopping experience a successful one. This is why we aim to educate our shoppers, not simply sell to them. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us anything else you’re wondering about. We’re happy to answer them all!

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