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When choosing a rug, the most important factor
is the instant aesthetic appeal - whether or not you like
the rug. However, there are a number of key variables
that need to be considered when making your selection.
Awareness of these variables can help you make an informed
selection that's right for your needs.
Color
In recent years, rug-producing countries have started to
use more modern color palettes to suit the changing global
tastes so there should be no problem finding colors that suit
other furnishings in your home. There should be an overall
tonality in the room so ensure that a single color from the
furnishings is echoed in the rug. In many ways, color is more
important than design. An atypical design will still blend
into most rooms providing that the colors match.
Design
Curvilinear designs are usually more intricate and floral
inspired. They typically look their best in a classically
furnished room. The more opulently decorated a room, the more
a curvilinear rug will enhance the effect. This design will
also add richness to a simple room but may not be an ideal
choice for a rustic interior.
Geometric designs are very compatible with most rustic looks
and modern lines. They might even add a contemporary feel
to a classical room; it all depends on the general tone and
décor of the room. Repeating designs consist of a single
motif or group of motifs repeated throughout the rug. The
pattern will look the same from all angles, which allows for
more freedom in placing the rug and furnishings.
Centralized designs employ a single central motif, usually
a medallion. Vertical and horizontal designs run one way along
a rug. These designs are usually prayer rugs or pictorial
carpets and are also commonly used as wall hangings.
A highly recommended approach for decorating is to start
with a carpet and then match your paint, wallpaper and fabrics
accordingly.
Size
Size is not just about space in a room, it also depends on
the décor and furnishings, as well as the strength
of color and pattern in the rug.
Choosing the right size of Oriental
and Persian
rug for your home depends on the amount of floor to
be covered and the overall décor. Small rugs are
typically great accent pieces and can go well in kitchens
or as an accent between sofas and chairs. Medium and large
rugs are versatile and can be placed under or around furniture,
and still leave a portion of the floor exposed. Area
rugs or Palace size rugs can provide extensive floor
coverage without the hassle and inflexibility of wall-to-wall
carpeting. Runners are obviously a great choice for narrow
spaces such as hallways or staircases, but also very convenient
at the end of a large room.
Material
When shopping for Oriental rugs, quality materials are always
important. These rugs should be made of all-natural fibers.
The only exception to this rule is the occasional use of small
quantities of gold or metallic thread in some workshop and
master workshop rugs.
Wool, cotton and silk are the main materials used in construction
of Oriental and Persian rugs. Wool is the most widely used
material in handmade rugs and carpets because it's soft, durable
and easy to work with. Good carpet wool needs to be soft,
strong and springy.
Cotton is normally used as a foundation because it is strong,
doesn't lose its shape and can be spun into strands thin enough
to allow fine weaving.
Silk is the finest material of which a rug can be woven.
Silk is used either on its own or in combination with wool
in a number of individual weaving groups in all major rug-making
countries. Great care is required for a silk rug. Because
of the cost of the silk, it is used only when great detail
is required.
Price
The amount you pay for your Oriental rug should depend on
how much you can afford so make sure to determine your ideal
price range before you begin your selection process.
Most people think that all Oriental rugs are prohibitively
expensive. This is not necessarily the case as price is determined
by a number of factors, including the cost to purchase the
rug and the country of origin, as well as shipping, import
tariffs and wholesaler overheads. And of course, a key factor
in the purchasing of a rug is the desired profit margin of
the individual retailer.
Retail prices are dependent on supply and demand and the
basic costs which must be recouped for retailers to stay in
business. This is one of the main reasons that there are often
significant discrepancies in price for almost identical rugs
by retail outlets.
The closer you can get to the source of the rug, the less
you can expect to pay. Ideally, look for a rug retailer who
imports directly, or who purchases from a direct importer.
The less 'steps' an Oriental or Persian rug has to go through
before it gets to you, the more of your money goes towards
the rug itself, and not the various mark-ups.
Prices and quality are normally connected with some exceptions.
The general rule is that the better the rug, the more its
estimated price value. Antique rugs (100 years or older) are
rated highest in this category, though semi-antiques of 50
or 60 years of age are also highly prized.
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