When you buy oriental rugs online you looking for decorative pieces that you can add to your home. Rich with history and tradition, most are woven or braided in Turkey or Persia. Before buying an oriental rug, you will want to check its authenticity. An authentic oriental rug is a rug that is handmade. Handmade rugs are far more durable than factory made rugs, and will last you years. When you go online to look for a rug, make sure that the rug has the following characteristics:

Country of Origin

Look for a tag sewn into the rug that tells you where the rug was made. Although the top producing countries for genuine oriental rugs are Turkey and Persia, countries like Afghanistan, Nepal, India and China are also places that produce fine handmade rugs. Country of origin is only the first step in identifying the quality of the rug. Just because it was made in any of these places, it does not mean it was hand-made authentically. It could have been made in a factory, so look for the following indicators as well.

Quality of the Rug Material

Good quality wool or silk is fine to the touch when you rub your had across it. Authentic antique rugs are more than 100 years old and are made strictly with cotton, wool or silk fibers. When you run your hand across the rug, check and see if there are any bumps or fuzzy spots, this means that the rug was not made with quality wool. Good quality wool is taken from live sheep. Taking wool from a dead sheep gives it a brittle quality. After use and normal wear and tear, the rug will start to shed its fibers. It is worth the money to invest in an authentic rug of good quality, since oriental area rugs tend to be much more expensive anyway. Take note that rugs of lower quality include “artificial fibers”. Even though it may be a silk rug, the term silk “blend” means that there are artificial fibers included in the material. These fibers make the rugs cheaper to make, but ultimately lessen the value and quality of the rug in the end.

Quality of Rug Design

Check the fringes of the rug. When a rug is handmade, the fringes are the stable points in the rug and run all the way through, as the other threads are woven through them. Machine made rugs are woven before-hand while the fringe is sewn on afterwards. Different designs on the rug itself will identify to you which tribes in the country made the rug. There are certain geometric patterns that are common to different areas within the country.

When you redo a room or purchase a new house, you want to make sure that everything is perfect including the floor. When you buy Oriental rugs to finish the look, you need to know what you are looking for.  It is important to know how to buy Oriental rugs as they can be very expensive and are oftentimes the focal point for the room that they are placed in.  These types of floor coverings can range in both cost and quality and because of the wear and tear that they can be subjected too, getting the best quality for your money should be of utmost importance when you pick one out.

Check the Store Reputation

Whether you are going to purchase your Oriental rug online or in a traditional store, it is important to do your research.  You will want to talk to former customers of the seller to see what their experience was both before and after the sale.  The internet is perhaps the most powerful tool that you have at your disposal to check a retailer’s reputation.  People like to leave reviews, both good and bad, they like the idea of their opinion being able to help other people and the internet makes that possible.  Take the time, go online, read the reviews that are posted.  Making sure ahead of time that you are dealing with someone who is conscious of both your time and money will help to make the buying experience a much happier one for you.

Check the Quality of the Rug

When you have decided what rug store you will buy the Oriental rug from, it’s time to focus on the quality of the rug itself.  Rugs, like other products come in a variety of sizes and quality, these affect the ultimate price of the item.  Research Oriental rug manufacturers, read their reviews, find out what current customers and rug owners are saying about rugs that they have already purchased.  While you may be looking for a cost effective solution, you do not want to end up with a rug that is of inferior quality that will fray and fall apart.

Find the Best Deals

Because Oriental rugs can be so costly, you may need to find deals to realize your dream of owning one of these masterpieces.  If you prefer to shop in traditional stores, you may be able to find some good deals on one-of-a-kind rugs as well as on discontinued styles.  Depending on where you will be showcasing the rug in your home, you may even be able to use a slightly damaged rug, if the quality is high.  Another option to save when you buy Oriental rugs is to shop online.  It may seem odd to purchase such a large piece online, but a lot of retailers offer great discounts and even free shipping.

Buying oriental rugs can be a great way to add style and flair to your home. When you buy oriental rugs online, though, you have to be careful about what you’re getting and whether the cost of the rugs is what you want to spend for the quality you’re getting. It can be harder to tell quality, exact color, and other specifications online, so be sure that you take everything into account and that you are careful about the company you choose to buy from. Then you can have peace of mind.

How Much Should You Spend?

The amount you should spend on an oriental rug will depend on several factors. Not everyone has a large budget, but even those people who have smaller budgets and can’t spend a lot of money on a new rug can consider oriental rugs that look nice and stylish in their homes. It’s also possible to find used rugs that have been cared for well over the years. That way they still look nice but they don’t cost nearly as much as they otherwise would if they were new. No matter what you can afford, how much you spend on your oriental rug will have to be a personal decision.

Colors and Styles are Important

You want to buy oriental rugs online that look good with the colors and styles you already have in your home. Fortunately, there are many online stores to choose from, so you’ll be able to find something you like without too much trouble. Take your time and look through the online stores that are available to you. You don’t have to choose the first thing you see, or buy from the first store you find. Consider the other options you might be able to find if you spend some more time looking. You can always come back to the first thing you liked if you don’t find anything better.

Find Out What Others are Saying

If you consider the reviews of others, you might be able to buy oriental rugs online more easily - and for a better price. Reviews don’t tell you everything, of course, but they can give you a good idea of whether there were problems with a particular seller or if there are great prices to be had at specific stores. It’s always a good idea to take into account what other people have experienced with a particular seller before you make a major purchase.

There is something so elegant about an oriental carpet. Whether you want to enhance your living room, glam up your family room or make a statement in your bedroom, when you order oriental rugs, you are joining a long line of people who appreciate the art and beauty of such floor coverings.

While rug Oriental rugs were used hundreds of years ago to make the floors more comfortable for sitting, or to grace the tents of sheiks, today they are high fashion items in the home décor industry. In every color imaginable and in many shapes as well, these flooring gems require a bit of special knowledge to shop for.

Know Your Product

Before you get online or head to a local store do a bit of research. Learn about the different designs, many are traditional, the colors and styles. Figure out which would look best in the space you are considering. Take time to investigate a reasonable price range for the rug you want.

If you want and authentic rug that was hand knotted, with hand-dyed yarn, expect to pay top dollar. Consider a semi-antique or antique carpet if you want your new floor covering to be truly unique. If your goal is appearance rather than authenticity, a rug made in India or Asia will give you the look without the price tag. It all depends upon your goals.

Shop Online

Just like so many other products, the oriental rugs you find online are generally less expensive than those available at local stores. It is an economic issue. The overhead costs of maintaining a store online are much lower. Of course, you don’t get to touch and see the rug you are considering up close and personal, but a good vendor will make sure to provide lots of pictures in lieu of actual experience. Even better, you don’t have to deal with salespeople who want to negotiate the price forever.

To know which stores to visit in your online rug expedition, do a bit more work and read some reviews. Look specifically for customer reviews. Folks who have already shopped at the stores you are considering write them. This will give you a good idea of how the store does business and if they actually send out the products they show online.

Be Selective

As much as you may love oriental rugs, try not to go overboard. The price along is likely to help you there, however, keep in mind that one larger, detailed rug may be just the pop of color your room needs, but too many rugs may just clutter up your space.

With a bit of effort you will be able to order oriental rugs from the best dealers in the world, from your own home, without having to haggle, barter or deal with salespeople at all.

Area Rugs are made in a variety of ways with a rich history behind each method. Area Rugs are made through a variety of techniques. Every method creates a quality rug, so it really depends on what kind of look you prefer when shopping for a rug. Today, rugs are useful for keeping the dirt off the floor, but they also add character and warmth to the room. Rugs have been used for thousands of years for these same purposes, the earliest dating back to 4th or 5th century BCE. Rugs have historically been used for both practical and aesthetic purposes. The most common ways to make rugs are through weaving, braiding, hooking and tufting.

Woven Rugs

Weaving is the most reliable and ancient method for making rugs. Handmade woven rugs can take anywhere from months to years to complete, depending on their quality. A thin thread like silk takes longer to make than a wool thread. To create a woven rug, long thick threads that run the length of the carpet are attached to a loom. Wefts, the threads that cross the threads on the loom, are woven through. The Knotted Rug Technique uses colored knots in conjunction with wefts to made intricate patterns.

Braided Rugs

Braided rugs are low cost and very durable. They are made by braiding thick wool, yarn or scraps of fabric together. These braids are then sewn together to make different shaped rugs. Braided rugs were very popular during periods of economic strife because they could be made with virtually any material. Rugs from the colonial period are often braided for this very reason.  These rugs are great to look at because of their texture and varying colors and patterns from the different materials used.

 Hooked Rugs

Hooked rugs begin with a burlap or linen base. Yarn is then hooked through the holes in the base. You’ll notice that most carpets employ this hooking method, which results in one of the cheaper kinds of rugs. Burlap is very cheap and scrap yarn can be used. The hooking method is fairly easy to reproduce in a factory setting. This is why it is one of the most common styles of rugs available in stores. However, handmade hooked rugs can take years to finish and are much more expensive.

Tufted Rugs

Tufted rugs are created by injecting tufts of material like wool into the base of the carpet. A second base is then added to secure tuft ends. Tufted rugs are the easiest to reproduce in a factory and you will find them in outlet stores for very cheap prices. Of course, any handmade quality tufted rug takes much skill and time to make, resulting in a higher price.

If you want to successfully buy Oriental rugs online you need to know a bit about the product and the market.  Fortunately, you don’t have to spend days in class studying the topic.  This guide will help you make the best choices and get the rug you paid for.

Not All Oriental Rugs are Persian

Often used interchangeably, these two designations are not the same.  While all Persian rugs are Oriental, not all Oriental rugs are Persian.  This is because Persian rugs come strictly from the area now called Iran; however, any rugs that come from the area traditionally known as the “orient” are Oriental.  This area includes many countries; Afghanistan, Turkey, Armenia, Pakistan, Tibet, Kurdistan, you get the idea.

Plan to Pay for Quality

Oriental rugs can easy reach six figures.  That doesn’t mean you can’t get a nice rug for much less, but expect to pay for quality.  You may end up paying a lot more for an older rug than a new one.  This is because a well made, well maintained antique involved a lot more work than that new one.  Look for sharp lines in the design and good condition if you are considering an older rug.

Things to look for in any rug are knot count, how well the artist adhered to traditional designs from their area and the dyes used.  Good rugs are made with vegetal dyes rather than chemical ones.

Learn About the Different Regions

Each area which manufactures Oriental rugs has a different tradition. This can be reflected in the design, the materials used and the pile.  Today there are more rugs that reflect the global nature of the market, but if you find an antique Egyptian rug made of silk you should really question its authenticity.

By learning about different regions you can narrow your search.  For example, Kilim rugs are traditionally muted in color and flat woven.  Persian rugs are deeply hued, have a medium pile and intricate designs.  A Tabriz looks completely different than a Gabbeh.  Before you start shopping you should know what you want so you don’t have to peruse hundreds of inappropriate options.

Find the Right Dealer

This may be the hardest thing to do if you go it alone.  Unless you know someone who has invested in Oriental rugs you are going to need to spend some time finding reviews or recommendations.  The best way to narrow your options online is to check customer reviews.  Find those written by people who have actually made purchases. 

When you buy Oriental rugs you are experiencing the ultimate in “buyer beware.”  However, with a bit of knowledge and effort, and a good set of reviews you can find exactly what you want.

If you are in the market for a high end, top quality rug, then you have probably heard of the online retailer, eSaleRugs. If you were not familiar with the site before, then maybe your first exposure was when you searched for Persian or Oriental rugs and eSaleRugs was on the top of the search list that popped up. Either way, you may wonder exactly what this site offers and why you should, or should not buy a rug from them.

Reputation Is Everything Online

When you are thinking about buying a product, any product, but especially one that can be as expensive as a rug, it is important to think about the reputation of the site. The reputation of an online company is just as important as the reputation of any other type of business. It is earned in the same way also. When you find a retailer who enjoys the type of reputation that eSaleRugs enjoys, you can feel comfortable when ordering from them. However, it is always wise to do your own research as well. Read the reviews that past customers have left and if possible actually ask questions of those customers. This extra information will help you to feel more comfortable when you get ready to hit the buy button.

Selection Is Key

When you are shopping for something that as much of a focal point of a room as a rug is, the selection is very important. Thankfully, eSaleRugs has you covered in that department—they carry everything from Persian rugs to Oriental masterpieces, from runners to full room sized rugs. If you are in the market and looking for the perfect flooring accent for your home or office, eSaleRugs is the premier place online to purchase it from. While you are at the site shopping for the perfect rug, take a minute or two to notice just how many different kinds are available to choose from. You may start out looking for a Persian rug and end up falling head over heels for a hand knotted rug, one from their exclusive collection or even fall in love with a shag rug. You just never know until you look around a bit.

Bottom Line

Shopping at eSaleRugs not only offers great quality and selection, they also offer discounts of up to 75%, which can add up to some serious savings. They also have great 24-hour customer service, available seven days a week, a 30 day no hassle return policy and, if that weren’t enough, the rugs ship in one day.

When you are ready to buy Oriental rugs online, there are a few precautions that you can, and should, take to ensure that you get exactly what it is that you are paying for. While you are getting ready to buy Oriental rugs online, it can be quite an exciting and fun time to shop, just be sure that you are not buying the Oriental rug on impulse, or you could very well end up regretting the decision to buy later.

Do Your Homework

Before you decide to buy Oriental rugs online, it is imperative that you do your homework. Do real research, don’t be tempted to do a quick search by reading a couple of reviews and then make a decision. Given the price that usually accompanies Oriental rugs, it is important to really dig deep into the sales and quality history of a retailor before you choose to buy from them. A quick search for reviews of the online store that you are thinking about purchasing from, should quickly yield plenty of reading material and opinions for you to consider before spending your hard-earned money. It is generally safe to throw out any overly spectacular as well as any extremely horrible reviews, this is because the majority of the reviews will be more moderate and nature and will be the bulk of information that you will use to make your decision.

Does The Retailor Have a ‘Real’ Store?

While you may want to buy Oriental rugs online, if, after reading reviews, you have narrowed your choice of online sellers to one or two, it may be a good idea to see if they have a brick and mortar store. The reason for this, is because, even if you intend to do the complete transaction online, the more information that you can get about the company, the better. By being able to visit a ‘real’ store, you will get a sense of their level of customer service, you will be able to see, in person, the quality of rugs that they carry and you will know who to contact if there is an issue with the rug that you receive.

Wait For Sales

Now that you know the exact store to buy from and the perfect rug for your home, you may find that it’s a good idea to wait for a discount or sale. The best way to find out about the sale is to sign up for email and newsletters from the seller. Often times, online stores have flash sales, unadvertised sales or newsletter only discounts. You do not want to be in a position where you miss out on savings simply because you didn’t opt into an email service.