One of the finest aspects of buying oriental carpets from RugKnots is the outstanding customer service. We are always one email or chat away, from the moment you browse our rugs through the end of the simple process. We know you've had questions, and we've got answers for you. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning oriental rugs. This will assist you in learning more about oriental rugs and make your oriental rug purchasing experience even more enjoyable. 

All you need to know about oriental rugs

Authentic Oriental rugs, arguably the highest quality rug available for the home, are investment pieces that, when properly cared for, may be passed down from one generation to the next. They're literally walkable art, and they're one of the few remaining high-quality old-world artefacts you can buy and enjoy for your house.

Unfortunately, authentic rugs can be difficult to come by, and many purveyors of counterfeit rugs attempt to swindle unsuspecting buyers into believing it’s the real thing. It’s illegal, but not usually enforced by law enforcement. A quick search online nets dozens of merchants claiming to sell fine Oriental rugs, but only a small handful seem to be in possession of bona fide Oriental rugs.

History:

An authentic Oriental rug is a densely woven carpet made entirely by hand. Although there is no evidence of how old they are, the oldest Oriental rug discovered intact is one discovered in Siberia in the 1940s by a Russian archaeologist. The Pazyryk rug, as it is known, dates back to the 5th century BCE.

Persian Vs Oriental Rugs

One of the most frequently asked questions is what is the difference between a Persian and an Oriental rug. The simplest approach to respond is to point out that while all Persian carpets are Oriental, not all Oriental rugs are Persian. The term "Persia" alludes to modern-day Iran, while "Orient" refers to the entire geographic area in which these hand-knotted rugs are manufactured. The carpet must be created in Iran to be classified as a Persian rug. An Oriental rug is one that was manufactured in Afghanistan, Turkey, India, or another nation in the region.

Who need to buy an Oriental Rug

While many people appreciate Oriental rugs, they are truly only ideal for persons who can afford the price and value of owning one. Given the high expense of an Oriental rug, it goes without saying that you should consider it not only in terms of price, but also in terms of your lifestyle. Oriental rugs are also often fashioned in classic or tribal patterns, which appeals only to those who enjoy those styles.

The best Oriental rugs are made with the intention of being passed down as an heirloom or a design showpiece. Silk rugs necessitate a significant amount of frequent upkeep and care. It's crucial to keep an Oriental area rug clean because filthy rugs show dirt quickly and aren't well suited to intensive cleaning. As a result, they're not the ideal solution for people who have pets or children, and they're also not suitable for high-traffic or moist regions. Finally, a carpeting that is prone to dirt, spills, and soiling may be a waste of money. To make matters worse, in the event of a flood or other disaster, insurance may not cover the cost of a costly Oriental rug.

Real Vs Counterfeit

Because there is a limited quantity of rugs, counterfeiting or manipulative marketing is widespread. If you're looking for a famous painting, you're more likely to find a print of the original than the actual McCoy. The difference between rugs and paintings is that most dealers don't expect you to believe that a Picasso you see in a department store or junk shop isn't genuine.

Oriental “style” rugs are now abounding to capitalise on an unsuspecting customer. These aren't genuine rugs; instead, they're:

1. Oriental rugs created with low-quality materials or with unethical labour.

2. Oriental rugs offered as a replica or claiming to be the real thing.

It can be difficult for the untrained eye to tell the difference between real and synthetic rugs in many circumstances. As crucial as it is to look for the hallmarks of an Oriental rug, it is critical to buy it from a reputable source if you are unfamiliar with the rug.

How to Determine the Authenticity of Oriental Rugs

Here are some tips that will help you determine the authenticity of your oriental rugs:

1. Purchase from reliable sellers who can provide you with references and favorable feedback.

2. Pressure sales, discount sales, and furniture stores should all be avoided. You'll almost certainly wind up with an imitation rug unless you go to a professional rug merchant who only sells excellent carpets or luxury furniture.

3. If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn't. Oriental rugs that are inexpensive are a solid way to determine quality and authenticity. To put it another way, you get exactly what you pay for.

4. Pose inquiries. Any reputable Oriental rug dealer or private seller will have extensive knowledge about carpets and will gladly share it with you. They'll be able to tell you where it came from, how it was created, by whom, and what the hallmarks are. They recognise the importance of expressing the worth of an authentic artwork.

5. If you're looking for a vintage or pre-owned rug, check for reputable re-sellers and after-market dealers, go to an auction like Sotheby's or Christie's, or employ a rug expert to help you choose a genuine rug.

6. If you're buying a rug online or from a private seller, insist on having it inspected by a professional to ensure its authenticity. If the expert determines it is a fake, get a written guarantee that you can return it for a complete refund. Keep in mind that online transactions made with a credit card or through Paypal may only be insured up to a certain amount. Prior to making a purchase, double-check the quantity. You don't want to submit a claim only to discover that you're only covered for a fraction of what you spent for the rug.

7. Turn the carpet over to look for the pattern. Persian and Oriental rugs are handcrafted using patterns passed down through the generations. It's a good indicator of authenticity if you can see the pattern markings on the back of the rug.

8. Turn the rug over to examine the pile's foundation. Rows of knots, which are also marks of authenticity, should be visible. Backings hide the knots and should be avoided at all costs.

Ways of field testing an Oriental Rug

Here are three field tests that can help you tell the difference between real and false. Please keep in mind that these tests will cause little damage to the carpeting. Before conducting such experiments, always make sure to obtain permission from the seller. Our recommendation is that you only examine carpets that you have made a commitment to buy if they are authentic. Most respectable sellers will gladly accommodate you if you have nothing to fear. If the merchant refuses, there's a good chance they're afraid of something. In such a scenario, offer to pay for the rug in advance if they provide you with a written assurance that you will be able to return it for a full refund if it turns out to be a fake.

If you're buying something online or from a private seller, this is another way to confirm authenticity. Offer to buy the rug on the condition that it be inspected by an expert or that you receive written proof that you can return it for a full refund if an Oriental rug expert inspects it after the transaction and concludes it is a fake.

1. Check by rubbing

It is frequently said that vigorously kneading the pile with your open palm may distinguish real silk from counterfeit silk. The real Oriental rug is warm to the touch, whereas the counterfeit silk rug is chilly.

2. Test by burning

Burn a little piece of fringe that has been clipped off. Take note of the ash's appearance as well as the scent of the smoke. If the substance is fake, the ash should be smooth and powdery, with a scent similar to burnt paper. If the sample is a genuine oriental silk rug, the ash should be blackened and flaky, and the smell should be similar to that of burned hair.

3. Disolving test

The most reliable test for an Oriental rug is the last step, though we don't advocate doing it yourself. This test distinguishes protein from cellulose or petrochemicals chemically. A solution of 16 g copper sulphate (CuSO4) in 150 cc of water is added to 8-10 g glycerin at room temperature, followed by caustic soda (sodium hydroxide: Na OH) until a clear solution is formed. A little sample of natural silk will disintegrate in this solution, while cotton, rayon, and nylon will remain unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oriental Rugs 

We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions about oriental rugs for your convenience. Look over the list of questions below to see if one of yours is included and answered. If your question isn't answered, please leave a comment or send us an email. This list will be updated on a regular basis. Please let us know what you think so that we can make it a useful resource for everyone.

1. What rug shape should I use for a rectangular room?

This answer is contingent on the type of furniture you intend to place in the room. Dining rooms are the most common rectangle spaces that we decorate. And here's a solid rule to remember when it comes to dining room tables: If the area rug is the same shape as the table, it will look best - round with round, rectangular with rectangular.

2. What shape of rug should go under a round table?

If you lay the same shaped rug under that shaped table, it will look the finest. Under a circular table, round carpets will look fantastic. Place the table in the center of a circle rug for a round table. In a spacious room with a square or rectangular rug, center or off-set the table to fit the space.

3. Can you put a round rug under a rectangle table?

Yes, a round rug can be placed beneath a rectangle table. This isn't, however, our first suggestion. If you want to lay a round rug under a rectangle table, make sure it's big enough to go all the way around the table.

4. What does a 40 pile high rug mean?

To begin with, the word jumble can be perplexing. The density of the fibers is referred to as pile. As a result, a shag carpet has a long, thick pile. A simple way to remember this is that carpets have a pile of fibers, just like you may have a pile of papers. The pile height is usually mentioned in a rug's description. The higher the pile height, the longer the fibers are. A rug with a pile height of.40 has fibers that are 4 tenths of an inch tall, which means it has short fibers. Shag carpets typically have a pile height of.4-.75 inches.

5. Is polypropylene healthy for carpets?

Polypropylene should never be substituted for organic wool (olefin). Keep in mind that polypropylene carpets contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Because their immune systems are susceptible, VOCs can be especially damaging to young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The presence of VOCs in synthetic rugs is something you and your family should consider.

6. How to determine the quality of hand-knotted rugs?

Oriental rugs are hand-knotted with wool rather than machine-woven from synthetics. We recommend taking your hand-knotted rug to an appraiser if you wish to determine its quality. There are a few simple tests you may perform at home to see if your rug is genuine. There are a few factors to think about when it comes to quality.

1. Weave tightness: the tighter the weave, the more wool was used in its creation. High quality can be determined by the number of knots per square inch.

2. Wool quality is a significant factor in a rug's appearance, durability, and value. The longer the wool lasts, the more natural lanolin it contains. A rug shouldn't feel dry to the touch, and it shouldn't run or shed color.

3. Push your finger into the pile of the rug to see how dense it is. The denser the pile, the more durable the rug.

7. How can wool rugs feel like silk rugs?

Combining wool and silk is the greatest approach to make wool carpets feel like silk rugs. Wool is one of the most commonly used rug materials. Silk, on the other hand, is extremely rare. This explains why silk rugs are so much more expensive.

8. What is the cost of an oriental rug?

The cost of an oriental rug is determined by its size, materials, and location of purchase. A rug made of synthetic materials will be substantially less expensive than an organic wool rug. Almost all wool oriental rugs in showrooms are priced to cover the cost of the showroom and the salaries of the salespeople. We sell our rugs at factory-direct prices at RugKnots. Our online store's prices list retail prices first, followed by our prices.

9. What is the best way to clean my wool rug?

Having your wool rug professionally cleaned is the most reliable approach to care for it. Other options include self-cleaning, which might be challenging but can be done if desired!

10. Is it possible to use the same wool area rug all year?

Yes, you can use the same wool rug throughout the year. Your wool rug will survive for generations if properly cared for. Will you want to keep the same rug for the entire year? That is a different issue. It's so much fun to use the darker red Bokhara rug in the winter and then change the look of the space in the spring and summer with the lighter-washed Peshawar rugs.

11. Will my wool rug be damaged by high temperatures?

Yes, to put it succinctly. Heat can harm the wool strands in your rug in the same way it might harm your hair. This is why steam cleaning wool rugs are not recommended.

12. Can babies be harmed by playing on an olefin rug?

Olefin (or polypropylene) rugs are constructed from the same materials as plastic rugs. They emit "volatile organic compounds," or VOCs, over time. We advocate 100% wool rugs for a baby's developing immune system in the long run.

13. Is it necessary to air out an area rug?

There are numerous advantages to airing out your wool area rug. In fact, the sun's UV rays are one of the most effective methods of removing odors from your rug.

14. How can I remove the musty smell from Oriental rugs?

Things are preferable to air it out outside. You can also use charcoal, vacuuming, or even cat litter to get rid of odors in your wool rugs.

15. What is the best way to clean oriental rugs?

There are numerous ways to clean Oriental, wool, and silk area rugs, just as there are numerous ways to clean clothing. Cleaning methods differ in their benefits and drawbacks, but the cleaning technician's competence and commitment are the key to great cleaning results. The cleaning method chosen will be determined by a number of factors, including the rug's construction (handmade, tufted, machine made, etc. ), the type and degree of soiling, the reason for cleaning, and whether or not the area rug has been contaminated with pet urine, has stains, or has insect damage. The most important thing a rug owner can do to preserve the value and beauty of their Oriental rug is to choose a cleaning firm based on experience and qualifications, and to ensure that the company only cleans and repairs Oriental rugs. Too many carpet cleaning firms attempt to clean Oriental, wool, and silk rugs without the necessary ability or knowledge, and as a result, the rugs shrink, the colours bleed, or they are completely destroyed.

16. How to take care of an Oriental rug?

Silk Oriental carpets need a lot of attention and care to stay in good shape and last a long time. A silk rug should survive for generations if properly cared for. You'll be lucky if it lasts more than a few years if you don't take adequate care of it.

Here are some suggestions for keeping your silk rug in good condition.

The placement of furniture helps us navigate our homes organically. To get around the house, we'll walk in the same path over and over again. Walk your furniture on a frequent basis to avoid major wear on the rug. This will allow you and your guests to change the way you move around the house. You can use rug pads under your furniture as rug pads minimize slippage. If you want to keep your rug in the same location for a long time, rotate it every so often. If you don't walk on your rug much or if there's furniture covering most of the surface at all times, consider moving your sofa once per week to help spread out wear and tear. A protective rug pad will allow you to do this.

Over time, sunlight can cause an Oriental rug to fade. It is strongly advised that it be kept out of direct sunlight. If you do store it in a sunny location, rotate it every few weeks to ensure that any fading is evenly distributed and not concentrated in one area.

If your rug's fringes become knotted, don't take the easy way out and try to brush or comb them straight. Carefully flip the rug over, even if it takes some effort. The rug fringes should naturally fall back into place due to the rug's knotting. You can use rug pads, felt, or similar material to protect the back of your rug.

Vacuuming your rug on a regular basis is necessary to maintain it free of dirt and debris. Small particles of dirt and dust can wear the rug down and become stuck between the fibres over time. For the body of the rug, use a high-quality vacuum such as a Dyson with no aroma infusers or filters and the nozzle and brush accessory to gently suction the rug in the direction of the grain rather than back and forth, which can damage the rug. When vacuuming the fringes, this is very crucial.

1. Spills should be cleaned up right away with distilled water rather than carpet.

2. Using paper towels, swab the area with cleaner.

3. If the rug becomes wet, dry it right away.

4. To protect your carpet from wear and tear, use a carpet pad.

5. Bugs are attracted to silk rugs and can destroy them, so keep them outside.

6. A skilled oriental rug cleaner should deep clean your rug once a year.

17. Do oriental rugs have more knot count than Persian rugs?

Oriental and Persian rugs have the same knot count, but Persian rugs are made of silk while Oriental rugs are made of wool. Some oriental rugs have thicker wool fibers which means their knot count may be low, while the Persian rug may look thinner but have a higher knot count.

18. Is an Oriental tufted rug worth the investment?

Yes, Oriental tufted rugs are worth the investment. They can last for decades if they're cared for properly. Most oriental rugs are handmade, and the construction doesn't allow for a perfect rectangle. If you're looking to buy new Oriental and area rugs it's best to go with one that has at least 100 knots per square inch. However, it is essential for you to identify oriental rugs that are superior in terms of quality.

19. Can I use professional cleaning for my oriental rugs?

Oriental rug cleaning is best done by a professional. You can hire either an interior cleaning or exterior cleaning service to steam clean your oriental rugs safely and effectively. Most Oriental rug care professionals will come out and inspect the area for free before quoting you a price, so make sure you take advantage of this offer if it is made available to you.

20. Where can I place an oriental handmade rug?

You can place your oriental rug in any room that is largely empty. Oriental rugs are beautiful works of art and they deserve to be seen by as many people as possible. However, it's important for you to make sure the flooring underneath is protected from scratches or stains before placing a handmade oriental rug on top of it. Oriental hand-knotted rugs with a cotton foundation and silk pile will be the most fragile and prone to stains.

Thank you for visiting RugKnots.com! If you have any queries that aren't answered in this post, please let us know in the comments or by email. I hope you enjoyed our blog and that we were able to answer any questions you had! For more information please email us at info@rugknots.com or call us at (240) 252-5452. We are happy to answer your questions!