Purchasing an oriental rug for your living room, dining room, or any other room in your home might be a daunting undertaking. There are numerous possibilities, whereas previously you had to travel to Turkey or India to handpick your carpet from a carpet bazaar. Choosing a rug usually entailed spending hundreds of hours in a rug showroom, flipping through large heaps of numerous options whose full pattern would blur with so many of them being flipped through in such a short period of time. The good news is that the carpet sector has moved to e-commerce websites. A small number of carpet stores have now made finding the carpet of your desires a simple, interactive process. Hundreds of individual rugs can be found on certain faceless sale sites, with little information about the traders' identities. Others focus on the makers' remarkable character and experience while only selling a much smaller, hand-selected group of extraordinary products. That is why finding the best seller is so challenging! It's easy to become swamped in a tempest of jargon defining numerous styles, patterns, locales, and processes of manufacture in an industry that has long been veiled in secrecy and participates in foreign cultural rituals. Those online oriental rugs merchants who take the time to share their knowledge with potential consumers are doing themselves and the industry a favour. The following is a short selection of some of the top websites for researching and purchasing wonderful oriental rugs – Persian rugs, Pakistani rugs, Moroccan carpets — these high-quality antique rugs vendors have them all. These sites, which range in size from small, discerning galleries to bigger, well-known dealers, not only sell magnificent carpets but also provide visitors with a wealth of instructional materials to help them understand the complex world of oriental rugs.

Best Websites for Buying Oriental Rugs

Stark Carpet

This site categorises its rugs by geography, as well as design and sourcing, and includes a teaching tool for rug beginners.

ABC Home

This New York City business, which is now a tourist attraction and is located on Broadway, lists a large portion of its merchandise on its website. You'll find everything from silks to classics, handwovens to flatweaves, but ABC's Color Reform overdyed collection is one of the finest buys. An upgrade to worn-out antique carpets that breathes new life into them.

Safavieh

Safavieh is a well-known carpet brand with a large assortment. Its website streamlines the process, making sorting rugs by colour, pattern, shape, or size a breeze.

RugKnots

RugKnots is the perfect place for oriental rugs and any other rug collection! RugKnots has been handcrafting, importing, and delivering the greatest quality area rugs from Pakistan's heartland for over 30 years, where expert artisans have passed down traditional oriental carpet hand knotting secrets for generations. RugKnots provides free shipping and a 30-day return policy with a full refund - including return shipping charges! RugKnots sells factory direct area rugs in order to keep their overhead costs low and pass the savings on to you. The best aspect about RugKnots, and what makes it special, is that 15% of every rug purchase is contributed to The Citizens Foundation, which helps establish schools in Pakistan's rural areas. This is a great reason to shop at RugKnots because you can get a rug and exercise social awareness all at the same time!

Nomad Rugs

All of the low-key, minimalist web design and well arranged photographs have me enamoured. It was clear right away that lurking behind the aesthetic pleasure of browsing Wahlgren's site was a wealth of facts and stories highlighting his expertise in the field of oriental rugs. "Learn" is the title of one of the site's main pages. Travel photos from carpet-producing countries mix with personal experiences, advice on locating rugs you like, and links to a slew of other excellent oriental rug websites. The catalogue of approximately 100 terminology defining the people, processes, and materials of oriental rug lore is probably the most amazing element. And then there's the rugs themselves! From tribal kilims to large Persian carpets and historical relics, Nomad Rugs has a great collection of exquisite oriental artefacts. Wahlgren has clearly gone a long way from his humble beginnings selling rugs out of his garage, but he retains the same admirable enthusiasm and love for the art form that must have piqued his interest in the first place.

Peter Pap Oriental Rugs

Peter Pap Oriental Carpets, based in San Francisco, completes the trio of Bay Area rug traders who have made a name for themselves on the internet. Pap emits an actual interest with and appreciation for the art of the oriental rug, as well as the craftsmen who manufacture them, with over 35 decades of business expertise. Peter Pap complements his extensive inventory with a series of informative articles that take readers through the beauty and history of oriental rug weaving. Pap's inventory is dominated by vintage — and thus expensive — oriental rugs, several of which cost well over $10,000. Pap's well cultivated taste and enthusiasm for the art of photography is evident in every detail, regardless of expense.

It's extremely inspiring to witness a new generation of oriental rug collectors who have successfully transferred their years of business experience to the online platform. Each of the aforementioned websites comes highly recommended; even a cursory look through their inventories is a visual (and informative) treat. If you're looking for more rug sites to visit, please contact us at RugKnots. We're always hauling around the oriental rug cyberspace, and we'd love to assist you find the web resources you need to expand your knowledge and curiosity about handmade carpets before you put them in your shopping cart!

Here are some frequently asked questions about oriental rugs

1. What are oriental rugs?

Oriental rugs are a form of floor covering that has its origins in the Eastern Mediterranean. They've been manufactured for centuries and available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours. Oriental rugs are frequently composed of wool or silk. They provide a place with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

2. Is an oriental rug worth the investment?

Oriental rugs are an excellent investment because they may last for years. They also provide a touch of elegance to any space in the house. These carpets are suitable for use in the living room, bedroom, or even the kitchen. The nicest part about these rugs is how affordable they are, and how easy it is to select one that matches your own taste. Oriental rugs add a classic and charming touch to any space.

3. Are oriental rugs old fashioned?

Oriental rugs are not out of style and may be found in many households. They've been around for a long time because they're stylish, functional, long-lasting, elegant-looking, and inexpensive. Oriental carpets can also be used to give colour and elegance to any area in the house. Oriental carpets are the way to go if you want a rug that will endure a long time. There is no other style of carpeting that has the same amount of history and elegance! These dark red carpets have dramatic patterns that will never lose their beauty, with Bokhara or Peshawar motifs dating back centuries, so don't hesitate to pick one up today. If your home is already decorated in mid-century modern themes, it may be time to invest in a Ziegler rug; their prints can blend in with practically any room design without clashing... ideal if you want an area rug but aren't sure where it should go!

4. Is there any difference between Persian rugs and Oriental rugs?

Although the terms "Persian carpet" and "Oriental rug" are frequently used interchangeably, they are not interchangeable. These two designations used to refer to where a rug was made: Persian rugs were made in Persia (now Iran), whereas Oriental carpets were historically made in Asia. When it comes to carpets, many people confuse the terms "Persian" and "Oriental," because historically, the distinction was based on geographical region rather than manufacturing style or quality; for example, traditional Eastern-style oriental rugs have been produced all over Asia since ancient times. For generations, Persian rugs have been a favourite choice among rug buyers. They are popular in houses throughout Europe and the United States because of their beauty and simple design, which mixes well with any home décor taste. Weavers from Persia were the first to create Persian carpets (now Iran). However, because there is also an Oriental category that incorporates similar styles, this term has become misunderstood throughout time. In today's words, "Oriental" refers to only one style of carpet, whereas "Persian" refers to all varieties of carpets, including Orientals - so be careful next time you're out shopping!

5. How can I clean a pet stain from my oriental rug?

A pet stain can be depressing to anybody who looks at it, and cleaning a rug that has been in your family for generations might be difficult. However, there are a few basic methods for removing pet stains from oriental rugs. Rinse and blot with a dry towel or rag if the pet stain is still fresh. Cleaning should be done from the bottom of the rug upwards so that any remaining liquid can be readily wiped away. On an oriental rug, do not use soap because it has been known to leave a residue that attracts dirt over time! It will be more difficult to remove a pet stain if it has been there for a long time. In this scenario, you'll need to pour dish soap over the stain and let it soak overnight or for many hours to dissolve it. After that, dab up any extra liquid with towels until the rug is only covered with dry stains. The area can next be cleaned with a commercial pet cleaning product or any liquid dish detergent.

6. Can I clean my rug with a professional cleaner to remove urine spots?

No. Urine is acidic, and it will eat away at the wool in an oriental rug, turning it yellow or dark brown over time. Instead, use a professional to clean any other type of stain on your rug. To avoid lasting stains, clear a urine stain as soon as possible. To remove urine from oriental rugs, saturate the damaged area with a water and vinegar solution. Rug cleaning can be difficult, so get a professional to assist you in removing any stains other than urine. If your rug has dog or cat urine on it, soak up as much of it as you can with towels until only dried spots remain. The area can next be cleaned with a commercial pet cleaning product or any liquid dish detergent.

7. How to remove bad smell from oriental rugs?

Because of pet stains, the carpet or rug may have an unpleasant odour. The first step is to remove the stain using a mix of water and vinegar. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can use a commercial pet cleaning product, but make sure there are no additional spills on the oriental rug before applying any cleaning product. After that, dry the area with a clean cloth or towel and use odor-removing chemicals like baking soda, vinegar, aromatic oils, or charcoal briquettes to remove the odour.

8. Will cleaning an oriental rug ruin the fabric of the rug?

The fabric of an oriental rug will not be ruined by cleaning it with a water and vinegar solution or a commercial pet cleaning product. When cleaning your carpet, it's best to use only water so that the dirt doesn't get dispersed around the carpet/rug, making it more difficult to remove stains afterwards.

9. Would the dyes of my oriental rug fade due to excessive cleaning?

The dyes in an oriental rug will not fade with repeated cleaning, but the pile may weaken and flatten. After every few weeks, clean the rug with a water and vinegar solution or a commercial pet cleaning product. As a result, you don't have to be concerned about the colour fading.

10. Are Oriental rugs machine washable?

Rugs made of synthetic fabric, which is commonly a blend of nylon and polyester, are machine washable. Because these fabrics don't shrink or fade as much as cotton, you can wash them (on a soft cycle) without fear of ruining the rug. You should not, however, use a dryer. Yes, oriental rugs made of wool and cotton can be washed in the washing machine. Vacuuming and spot cleaning stains are the finest ways to care for an oriental rug. The vacuum will remove ground-in dirt that is difficult to remove with only a dry cloth, so do this at least once a week - or more if your pets are very dirty (and you have the time).

11. How can I tell if my oriental rug is authentic?

Oriental rugs are a high-end buy that should be genuine. The materials, pattern, and production methods of an oriental rug can all be used to verify its authenticity. Examine the materials in your rug to see if it is genuine. A real oriental rug should be manufactured entirely of wool, have a long lifespan due to the design's quality, and be hand-knotted. An authentic oriental rug is also a type of vintage rugs with a square inch up to one million knots. The knot count and weaving process of these authentic rugs make them cost a lot more than other rugs. These are hand-woven with artificial silk or natural wool and the knots per square inch can range anywhere from 80 to 800. The design elements and natural fibers used in the ornamentation of oriental rugs are what determines its quality. Many people have their doubts buying Oriental Rugs online because they want to see it before purchasing, but this is not possible when purchasing an authentic oriental rug. A better option would be to get a replica if you can't afford one or are unsure about making such a large investment. Oriental rugs are known for being reliable and durable, but it is imperative that you buy from a reputable dealer to avoid getting ripped off by fake products.

12. Are oriental hand-made rugs made of synthetic mterials?

Yes! Oriental rugs are made of high quality wool with aniline dyes rather than chemical dyes. These rugs have vibrant colors and are better than machine-made rugs. The best wool pile makes this rug buying option worth the investment. The rich colors makes the natural dyes look gorgeous and the high knot count makes the rug very durable.

13. What are some of the common oriental design styles?

Oriental rugs come in different designs and colors, but here are some of our favorite designs:  "Bokhara", "Heriz", "Kashan", "Nain", "Qom" and other styles of rugs.

14. What type of dye is used in machine-made rugs?

Machine-made oriental rugs use chemical dyes and the wool pile isn't as thick or dense, therefore offering a less luxurious feel compared to handmade Oriental Rugs. The high knot count also makes these types of rugs more durable than their cheaply made machine-made counterparts.

15. Are shag rugs known as oriental rugs?

Shag rugs are not actually oriental rugs, but rather a low-quality imitation of an Oriental rug. When determining quality of a silk rug, one of the best ways to do so is by touching it.  A shag rug will feel coarse and not as soft compared to a high-quality oriental silk rug. If you are looking for cheap rugs or fake rugs with oriental style then choosing a shag persian rug is the best choice. These beautiful rugs are available in different sizes and colors.

16. Can you dye a silk rug?

Yes, it is possible to dye silks and other natural fabrics as long as they have been properly conditioned before dying by following the manufacturers instructions carefully. Make sure that you keep your rug away from direct sunlight once dyed. It is a better option to keep your dyed rugs away from deep cleaning and harsh chemicals to protect the gorgeous art silk fibers. You can contect a rug expert to deal with the dying process.

17. Where can I get fine rugs online?

The problem of buying online is that you often cannot see the real color of the product. It is also difficult to find a store with high quality rugs which are made by hand, as they tend to be more expensive and rarer nowadays. If you want to buy a turkish rug or any tribal rugs online, you can buy it from a reliable website.

We've compiled a list of all the red flags to look out for while purchasing oriental rugs. When you buy from RugKnots, you don't have to be concerned about such red flags because we are the most reliable online area rug retailer. You can also email us if you have any questions! Please contact us at info@rugknots.com or (301) 660-7046 for additional information. We'd be delighted to address any queries you may have!