If you are planning to use oriental rugs to decorate your home, you can't go wrong with Persian rugs, considered by people-in-the-know to be the finest oriental rugs on the market. They originate in Iran, formerly known as Persia, a country that has been producing fine carpets since the fifth century. Iran still constructs more hand made carpets than all other rug-making countries combined, and rugs are Iran's biggest cultural export. Certainly when you talk about cheap area rugs, "Persian" is not a name that springs to mind, but it is amazing how affordable they can be if you shop carefully, and know what to avoid.
Factors That Determine Price
* Age - antique or reproduction
* Production methods - hand made and hand knotted or machine woven
* Density - number of knots per square inch
* Type of fiber - natural or synthetic
* Country of origin - made in Iran or manufactured elsewhere
* Intricacy or originality of the design
Unless you have an unlimited budget, stay away from antique Persian area rugs. If, however, you want and can afford rugs that are heirloom-quality, make sure all are accompanied by documentation attesting to age and value. Hand made, hand knotted rugs are more expensive than machine woven because tightening each knot by hand makes the carpet far more durable than if made by machine. As well, the more knots per square inch, the more expensive. Since the number of knots also determines the density or quality of the carpet, and with a range of 40 to 1,000 knots per square inch, the number of knots creates big differences in both quality and price.
Wool rugs made in Persia are among the finest you can buy, since wool is soft and durable and the yardstick by which all other fibers are measured. Persian rugs used to be constructed with sheep's wool and cotton blends, or wool with silk blends. Today, synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene or olefin, have been added to the rug-making process so that these beautiful rugs are more affordable to the average consumer. As well, there are many countries in Asia, Europe and North and South America that manufacture "Persian rugs." In the USA, for instance, Karastan has perfected a weaving process to reproduce not only the classic patterns from Persia, but also to show the pile yarns through the back of carpet just like the hand woven originals. As well, this company boasts a technique that reproduces the exotic colors of the originals.
How to Choose
* Size and shape - Rectangular and square carpets are always popular, but if a room is full of angular furniture and features, round or oval carpets are good choices. Measure so that you know the exact size of the area you want to cover, and if you have trouble visualizing it, place sheets or other materials on the floor folded or cut to size to be sure.
* Color - Choosing rugs from the color palette that already exist in the room works well, but you needn't restrict yourself in that fashion. You can liven up a bland room with dramatic contrasting colors, or select neutral earth colors if the room is already very colorful.
* Pattern - Rugs with a center medallion or a central scene is not a good choice if the rug is going to be partially hidden under a table or a bed, in which case, repetitive patterns or interesting detail in the border works better. Geometric designs are very suitable for contemporary decors, and curvilinear works well in more traditional homes.
* Cost - If price is not a concern, you can buy hand woven, hand knotted, wool Persian rugs exported from Iran. If you want an inexpensive good quality Persian rug to add beauty and comfort to your home, look for one made of synthetic fiber that has been machine woven in North America. As well, shop for your rugs online and take advantage of the discount and wholesale prices made available by online retailers.
Transform your home with Persian rugs. You will impress everyone, including yourself, with your good taste.
About the Author:
Scott Gray is currently a home decorating enthusiast and freelance writer who enjoys providing tips to consumers who are looking for an area rug including custom braided rugs and seagrass area rugs.
