The more you know about oriental rugs, the more you’ll appreciate the artistry and workmanship that goes into every carpet. You’ll also be better equipped to get the most value for your money.
Oriental rugs are woven on a loom, with strands of wool or cotton called warps stretched from beam to beam (top to bottom). The weaver makes horizontal rows called wefts, weaving in and out between the warps. Tying the warps together with a piece of wool then creates the pile. Knot by knot, row by row, the weaver works, taking about six months to produce a 6 x 9 carpet.
You’ll notice that each rug has a “direction” due to its being woven on a vertical loom and the ends of each knot being pulled down while cutting the yarn. If you are standing at the top end, the rug will look markedly lighter than looking at it from the “bottom” end.
After weaving the bottom rows of kilim (flat weave), the weaver cuts the warps from the loom, making the fringe.
Before you begin your search, it helps to know some terms identifying the parts of a rug so you can describe what you seek. The main background of the carpet is called the field.
When you go shopping, have an idea of your preferred field and borders colors, or bring fabric samples or pillows with you.
Many rugs have a diamond-shaped or round motif in the middle called a central medallion. If your furniture will be placed asymmetrically on the rug, you may prefer a rug that has an all-over design.
Before you go shopping, measure your space and bring a diagram of the room with you. From the exact dimensions of the room, determine the rug size by subtracting two to three feet of floor to show on each side.
After you’ve seen many rugs, your favorite types will become apparent. See as many of them as you can and get to know their price range.
For the most part, new rugs are sold by the square foot; antique rugs are sold by the piece. Rugs of the same type will vary in price due to their differences in color balance and quality of design, but prices for the same type of rug should not vary more than 20%. If it’s not obvious why one rug is more expensive than another, ask us!
Don’t buy a rug until you find one you love. Examine it carefully, keeping in mind that hand-made items inherently have inconsistencies. Has it been sheared evenly? (Are the cut pile ends smooth?) Are the colors balanced? Do they blend harmoniously? That bright color that stands out now may not seem as appealing after a while, and may detract from its value should you want to sell the rug in the future.
Knot density (for strength) and fineness (for clear design definition) are important indicators of quality for which some countries use different terms. To test knot density, push your fingers down to the base of the pile; if the knots feel tightly packed, as in Bidjars, the rug will be extremely durable. To determine fineness, compare the backs of different carpets. Each “bump” is a knot. Small knots allow for well-defined curves and fine lines in the pattern, but you’ll also pay a premium for them.
Pakistani rugs are referred to in knot count per square inch horizontally by vertically. (16/18 quality is a fine quality, 12/12 a lower quality). New Chinese rugs are measured in lines (warps) per 10 cm. of wefts. Indian rugs are measured in terms of warps per inch by wefts per 10 cm.: 5/40, 9/54, 12/60, 14/70. Most others are described in terms of knots per square inch.
You’ll find Persian rugs from Tabrizes at 400 knots (very fine) to Herizes at 50 knots (coarse) and Tibetans from 60 to 120 knots per square inch. Keep in mind that in bold geometric designs knot count is less important than in detailed florals.
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