The art of purchasing knotted Oriental rugs is something that professional rug dealers take years to master. Buyers look for a variety of characteristics including size, colors, quality, and characteristics. Consumers look for the same things, but on a different level. After all, they are purchasing according to their own tastes, while professional buyers are seeking rugs for numerous buyers. Both buyer and consumer know that size is among the most important issue. The dealer needs the rug to fit into their inventory while the consumer wants the rug to complement their needs at home. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for when buying these priceless masterpieces.

Standard Rug Size

Knotted Oriental rugs are available in the following standard sizes:

●2×3 feet.
●3×5 feet.
●4×6 feet.
●5×7 feet.

When a buyer is considering Oriental rugs for their inventory, they need to determine which size sells the best and how much room they have to comfortably keep them in stock. For the consumer, the size of the rug depends on where it will go. From the bedroom to the living room or an office space, there is a perfect size Oriental rug for any spot.

Color Areas

The very best Oriental rugs are naturally colored with vegetable dyes. As the second most important characteristic for both dealers and consumers, the following are color areas to look for:

• • Field and main border color
  • Secondary and accent colors
  • Rug colors need to be blended, complimentary, and work together perfectly!

One wrong color and the rug will not work perfectly in the room to fit in with other colors. You want your Oriental rug to complement the décor, not take away from it.

Styles & Patterns

In addition to color and size, style and patterns are very important. Style is crucial because it combines pattern/design and the overall look. Be aware that the woolen yarns and wash finish will also influence the look of rugs.  The basic 3 styles are:

• • Contemporary
  • Transitional
  • Traditional

To complicate matters, there are more “looks” than “styles.” That means that the majority of rugs normally fall into one of the 3 styles above.  A few examples of different “looks” or “rug types” are:

• • Tribal
  • Berber
  • Flat woven
  • Braids
  • Chenille’s

Making the Best Choice

Just as professional buyers want to make the best choice, as a consumer straight, cleanly woven and the overall finish should always be evaluated. It is easy for dealers who have spent years perfecting their craft viewing and comparing thousands of rugs. As a consumer this can be hard due to lack of experience. It’s a good idea to rely on your rug dealer for expertise. Give us a call, we can help!