Criteria for Buying Rugs & Carpets

Choosing a Rug and Interior Decoration

• Comfort vs. Appearance

While rugs and carpets appeal most immediately on a visual level as designs comprised of line and color, they are nevertheless tactile three dimensional objects that function as cushioning and insulation as well. It is important for buyers to consider the extent to which this aspect of the rug is also important. If it is, higher pile village or tribal weavings like Gabbehs or certain Tibetan rugs will be more appropriate than many other types of rugs, which are made with lower pile to emphasize the precision of the drawing in the design. Various new rug productions are also made in thicker pile with a notable cushioning effect. However, antique rugs may be less appropriate for those who desire high, cushy pile, since even if in good condition, they tend to have lower pile due to wear.