What You Need To Know Before Buying Area Rugs
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Considerations to Finding the Right Area Rugs to Buy
You’ve come to this rug shopping guide because you’ve been weighing a decision for some time, but now you’ve made up your mind. You’ve analyzed it from every angle, and now you’ve finally made the decision, the big decision: you’ve decided that you want to go shopping for an area rug for your home.
After all, there are precious few things better at tying an entire room together than a beautiful rug – especially if you are considering to buy an antique rug. However, you find that rather than excitement, you are feeling overwhelmed and lack certainty. Especially if this will be your first time buying an antique or vintage area rug. But it’s OK – soon you’ll be finding the perfect rug for you and everything will be right in the world again. When you embark on the quest for finding the right area rug to buy, there is certain information that you should keep in mind.
First, it is important that you look after your own needs and your own personal taste. In fact, if you approach the process of purchasing an antique rug with just this one idea in mind, you will soon be on the track to finding the right rug for you.
Tips on Buying Rugs and Determining their Value
In this article, we’ll answer your frequently asked questions about buying antique rugs. Topics covered include: Things to consider before buying an antique rug, where to buy antique rugs, how to get the best value for your money, and information about rug appraisals and evaluations. We’ve divided the article into three sections of information. Click the section that interests you to see frequently asked questions on that topic.
Section 1: What should I consider before I shop for an antique rug?
Section 2: Where and from whom should I buy an antique rug?
Section 3: What do I need to know about appraisals and my rug’s value?
Section 1: What Should I consider before I shop for an antique rug?
I want to buy an antique rug but I am unsure on how to begin shopping for one.
One of the most asked questions we receive is: “I want to buy an antique oriental rug but don’t know where to start and what to look for”. So with that in mind we have decided to tackle this question head on!
First of all, one needs to understand that antique rugs and carpets are collectible items. They are sought after by collectors, dealers, interior designers and private clients. They are magnificent works of art and as the years go by they are becoming rarer.
So let’s start with the basics – in order for a rug to be considered “antique” it needs to be at least 80 years old. This is contrast to paintings or furniture which need to be over 100 years old.
The simple explanation is that rugs are expected to be used & walked on not just looked at (since most people will never walk on a Wassily Kandinsky painting, chances are that it will survive for a longer period of time).
What do I need to consider before beginning the physical search for the perfect rug?
Here are a few points that you would need to consider before embarking on your quest to find the perfect antique oriental rugs:
Budget: Where you buy and from whom are equally important factors. Antique rugs range tremendously in price – some of the reasons for this are as follows:
Quality – It takes longer to weave a new rug if it has more kpsi (knots per square inch) so naturally the finer a new rug is, the more expensive it will cost. Antique rugs are different as the KPSI will only impact the price if you are comparing the quality of two pieces that are pretty much identical in every other way (the finer rug MIGHT cost more in that instance).
Size – With new rugs – the cost / price is directly proportionate to the size. The bigger the rug is, the more expensive it will be (as long as you are comparing to pieces from the same exact production line). With antique rugs – this is not the case. For example, recently a piece sold in Christies London for nearly $10,000,000 and it was about 5′ x 8′ (The $10,000,000 Rug)… Antique rugs must be evaluated individually (based on a slew of factors – some of which are included in this article).
Condition – Please note that some repair and restoration should be expected when looking at antique rugs, but the general rule is that if the rug is in good condition it will cost more than if it were in poor condition.
Age – As a general rule – older pieces are generally more expense. The age of a rug is not the major factor when pricing a rug unless one is considering an early piece (from the 1800’s and earlier) and even then there are other factors that need to be taken into account.
Current Interior Design Trends – While beauty might be in the eyes of the beholder, there are trends, looks, colors and patterns that will determine if a rug is considered “hot” or “not”. America for example is a decorative market – this means that “we” in the USA are driven by colors and pattern more so than by quality or “how good” the piece is in its essence. While the Europeans demand is for somewhat opposite since they want an honest to goodness good piece and the colors / pattern are less of a factor. One example that exemplifies this point is the fact that antique carpets in America (not in Europe) a rug that has a central medallion motif will cost much less than the rug that has an allover designed. Rugs that have well defined central medallion designs will generally cost at least 30% less than those that have an allover design.
Below are two carpet images – the one one the left features a central medallion design and the one one the right has an allover pattern.
Both of these are antique Oushak rugs from Turkey. They both have the same general color scheme and are about the same size but since one has medallion it is far less expensive. The reason for this discrepancy in price is simple… in the USA we are fixated on centering everything – so if you have a rug with a central design most people / interior designers feel compelled to make ensure that the central design in the rug will perfectly aligned with the room and furniture which makes it harder to place.
Are antique rugs really more expensive that newly made contemporary carpets?
The simple answer would be not necessarily. One of the greatest misconception surrounding antique rugs is that they are expensive. Funnily enough, in reality some antique rugs might be less expensive than a new rug. Let me explain… any decent to good new rug production will cost at least $80/ft2 – while the more exclusive productions will cost much more (unlike antique rugs, the new productions are priced by size – the bigger the rug — the more square feet — the more it will cost).
So based on the above mention, a 9’ x 12’ new rug that costs $80/ft2 will cost the retail consumer about $8,600 (please bear in mind that the rugs in this price range are not necessarily commercial grade, but, at the same time, they will not be the best of the best either).
In the high-end furniture market it is not unheard of for a 9’ x 12’ rug to sell for well over $20,000 so my question is simple: If someone is willing to spend a substantial amount of money in a piece then why not get something that has some intrinsic value (not to mention the obvious fact that new rugs will never have the patina or class that the antique rugs will have)?
New modern rugs have no real resale value so it is as if you bought a new $20,000 couch — once you take it home it will not be worth anything near to what you paid for it.
Why Buy New Rugs When The Antiques May Cost You Less?
People compare new rugs to antique carpets all the time… Antique rugs have a beauty that many consider difficult to match. The designs reflect centuries of both cottage craft and highly developed artistic traditions. Antique Oriental rugs are hand-knotted in unique patterns that intertwine and play on color, texture and motif.
View our entire Consumer’s Guide to Buy Rugs below:
The materials, whether silk, cotton, wool or something else, are generally of high quality, durable and resilient.
Carpet dyes are made from natural materials available to weavers in their home environments, so colors are unique from rug to rug and region to region. As they age and are used, antique rugs develop a sheen and luster that enhance the color palette and character of the piece. Because antique rugs are rare, they tend to be expensive.
New rugs are less than 30 years old. Modern contemporary new rugs often build on or incorporate the traditions of antique rugs, using motifs, patterns and colors that are associated with a particular type of rug. Over time, these carpets also develop their own patina and character. Though not always the case, many of the new rugs tend to be less expensive than antique rugs.
Many new rugs are the products of innovative artists and weavers. Spectacular pieces are being made by Scandinavian rug weavers, who experiment with texture, wools, color and design. Moroccan workshops are producing rugs with bold yet simple designs that blend with interiors of all types.
The weaving traditions of Persian rugs have been kept alive through the workshops of innovative master weavers such as Fathollah Habibian. Habibian has built on the timeless beauty of the antiques and created the spectacular modern Persian carpet genre of modern Persian Nain rugs.
If you are trying to decide between old and new, the most important consideration is how a rug affects you. Each rug, whether antique or new, has a character. Particular nuances of color, motif or texture in one carpet may be more appealing to you than another. The age or pedigree of a carpet is not as important as how it appeals to you and how well it can be integrated into your living or working space.
Each rug can be looked at as a piece of art. Try to explore what attracts you to a carpet and learn more about what elements make a piece unique or stand out. Seek out reputable carpet experts and use their expertise and knowledge to help expand your own. You will be able to select rugs that complement your taste, set a mood and give vibrancy and cohesion to your living space.
Why Buying New Rugs May Cost You More Than The Antiques?
An eye catching area rug is the perfect addition to any space. An important question to consider while searching for the perfect piece is whether to buy a modern contemporary rug vs a vintage antique carpet. There are many factors to consider, including the cost, which, for most people, is one of the most important things to consider when making a purchase of this nature.
Considering the cost alone, buying rugs, that are antique, may seem like the expensive choice but the truth may just surprise you. The prices of antique and vintage rugs have dropped significantly in recent years. On the flip side, the prices for many of the good productions of contemporary modern rugs have escalated tremendously. While this may seem counter intuitive, there are reasons why the antique rugs may be less expensive than the newly made rugs of today.
Some of the factors that may contribute to the escalating prices of newly made rugs are things like fuel costs, labor costs, taxes, costs of materials, paying the manufacturer, paying the wholesaler, paying the rug retailer and so forth. So once you start adding up the production costs and the number of hands it goes through, you end up with a product that is made today but costs more than buying an antique rug.
Antique rugs, due to the history associated with them, will always have some level of intrinsic value. The opposite is true for modern rugs, which lose the majority of their value once you take them home. An antique rug will hold it’s value over time due to the nature of the rug itself. This makes an antique rug a better choice in the long-run because of the rug’s intrinsic value. Vintage, historic, and antique objects will always hold a certain level of value simply due to the fact that they have been preserved as long as they have.
The history associated with antique rugs is what makes them truly special. Every antique rug has a unique story, and this is apparent just by looking at the rug. It is obvious that the antiques were woven with a lot of time and care.
Any rug can accent a room. That said, an antique rug can be a true enhancement (not merely an addition) as well as a great conversation starter. These rugs have a monetary value, due to their status as antique, but the sentimental and historic value is just as important. An antique rug is constantly telling a story, and bringing an antique rug into your home continues the story and life of that rug.
Though some modern rugs may be beautiful to look at, they will never have the depth, patina, soul or feel of a true antique. The stories of these rugs are visible in the way these rugs were made, and it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for modern rugs to reproduce that.
If you are looking to buy a beautiful rug and don’t have too much to spend then not to worry! We at Nazmiyal have just launched our clearance rugs on sale section which will have even bigger discounts than our regular rugs on sale.
Price aside, buying modern rugs may complete the look of a room or home, but buying an antique rug will truly bring that room and home’s interior design to life.
How do I decide which antique rug to buy?
Establishing A Rug Budgets: For most people, the rug will be one of the most expensive items in the room (if not the most expensive item). In all actually the rug will set the decorating tone for the room so you should strive to get something you love. Sometimes it is better to wait a bit and if needed – save up a little more so that you don’t end up spending a considerable amount of money for something that is just okay. In the long run, people who just buy antique rugs solely because it is the best one they have seen for their budget end-up kicking themselves for not spending a little bit more for something they truly love and adore.
Size: Before you physically go out shopping you must first determine the size that is needed. Measure the space that you would like to cover and then make sure to see how much you deviate from that “perfect size”. The more flexible you are willing to be with the size – the more options you will have to see. Please note that there are absolutely no rules about placing a rug in a room and we can say from personal experience that we have seen people buy antique rugs that are bigger than the actual room and on the flip side we have also seen people buy a 6’ x 9’ for a 20’ x 40’ room so keep an open mind. (If you are able to find a piece that speaks to you and you love the colors, style, design and price you should not rule it out right away based on its size – the first thing people usually compromise on is the size).
Look / Feel: As mentioned above, rugs are usually one of the most expensive item in the room so it really makes sense to start from the rug (this is in line with most high-end interior decorators who will always opt to start the design process by first finding the right rug). For the most part, finding that one perfect rug is not as easy as finding the perfect fabric – there are far more fabrics that you could find to work with rugs than vice versa. The easiest way to establish your taste is to see what types of rugs, colors and patterns are out there and the fastest way to do that would be by starting online. The internet is a great tool for learning and establishing your taste.
This is why we, at the Nazmiyal Collection, have invested so much time and energy into building our online gallery and website. Not only can you spend hours browsing the collection (which is one of the most comprehensive ones) you will also find one of the largest online sources of information about these great works of art. You can also stop by your local rug dealer to see some pieces in the flesh and get a feel for the different textures, patterns and price points. Or read an article with tips for your purchase.
A Few Tips to Make Your Antique Rug Purchase Easier
How To Buy the Right Antique Rug – We have a few tips to make the process easy, and enjoyable. If at all possible, start the design of a room by first finding the perfect antique rug.
There are many fabric swatches that will complement any fabulous rug but while not impossible, it is more restricting to find rugs that you love that will work with fabrics. To begin the adventure of buying antique rugs two things must be established before we have fun.
We need to know size, and you need to establish a budget. Measure your room; determine the minimum and maximum size you can use. Determine the use of the room. Are your purposes and / or aesthetic sense served better by one large rug, or several smaller rugs?
Once you have determined the size and budget, the adventure of finding the right rug for you can begin. If you have already picked a color scheme, or are buying a rug for an already furnished room, make sure you bring swatches with you.
Once you have selected a rug, or rugs, most reputable dealers are happy to have you view the rug in your home, before finalizing the sale. Usually the moment you see the rug in your space, you will know if it is the right one for you. The end product, the purchase, should be as enjoyable, educational and fulfilling as the search itself.
Buying a Rug and Interior Decoration
Buying Rugs For The Home vs. Shopping for a Business
Rugs For The Home vs. Business – Rugs meant for a business environment will meet different requirements than those for use at home. A rug in a business setting is to some extent an expression of the image that the business seeks to project, so it may require something formal, reserved, or bold and playful; it all depends.
But a rug for a place of business will need to stand up to considerable traffic, so it should above all be durable. Such commercial needs will generally be met by new rugs, but certain types of business, those that seek to project tradition and refinement, may require an antique.
Rugs for use at home should reflect the taste of the owner, and in a very profound and personal way, since they provide a constant feature or part of one’s private environment. But here too, there are practical considerations.
If the rug is needed for insulation or to absorb sound, a thicker, perhaps more coarsely woven rug may be required. If it is primarily intended as a home furnishing, a new rug may be the right way to go. If one is a rug enthusiast, it may be worth the added expense to look for an antique.
Shopping for Antique Rugs vs. New Rugs
Buying Antique Rugs vs. New Rugs – When shopping for a rug, there are lots of factors and criteria that a buyer should consider. One of the most important such criteria is the age of the rug. Some shoppers may be inclined to buy an antique piece, while others may be more inclined to purchase a new rug.
Of course, as is often the case with this sort of issue, there is no “correct” or “incorrect” decision – rather, whether a shopper decides to buy an eighteenth century rug or a carpet that is modern, as in – literally brand new should depend upon that individual’s own personal tastes and needs. Those who have a passion for rugs may well be concerned with the age of a particular piece, and for various reasons.
Enthusiasts and aficionados will sense that older antique rugs will have greater quality and more personality than newer rugs. Such individuals may also be interested in the investment potential of antique rugs, which will generally hold their value or actually appreciate in value over time. Of course, one does not need to have a particularly deep passion for rugs and carpets to be interested in such investment potential – there are certainly those shoppers whose desire to buy an antique rug is motivated primarily by the desire to make a profit.
And of course there’s nothing wrong with that! Meanwhile, those individuals who are in the market simply for an attractive and practical floor covering would most likely by best served by buying new rugs. If well made with good materials, a new rug will meet such needs eminently well. At the end of the day, you should remember that the rug you are shopping for is going into your home, and, above all other things, it should be something that you love.
Section 2: From Whom and Where To Buy Rugs?
What should I consider before I shop for an antique rug? | What do I need to know about appraisals and my rug’s value?
Which rug dealer should I buy my rugs from?
Why just putting into google: “Where to buy rugs near me” is not as helpful
Once you have established the budget, size range and general look / feel that you want then you are ready to start shopping. Educating yourself about what to buy is as important as educating yourself on where (or from whom) to buy.
If you are looking at antique rugs you must make sure that you work with a dealer or gallery that has a good amount of inventory as well as a good reputation (both of these points are extremely important).
Most of the smaller dealers might only have one or two rugs that may work, a more established dealer who has been in the business for a while will probably have a large selection to chose from.
Reputation is also extremely important so don’t be afraid or feel embarrassed to ask for references, doing some research online or simply asking around – especially if you are looking at high priced items.
Once you have narrowed down your search, know what you are looking for and have a feel for the type of rug you want then it is your responsibility to compare prices.
This can be achieved by physically going to more than one dealer or simply searching the internet. Once you have found the rugs you think will work – make sure you try them out in the space before you commit to buying anything.
Lighting, furniture, fabrics all affects the how a rug will look in the space but once you lay it down in its spot you will know for sure if it is the right piece. While some dealers might charge and others don’t, almost all local dealers will be willing to bring over the rugs in your house and lay them down for you to see.
With that said, if you are buying your rugs online then you might be surprised to learn that some of the most reputable dealers might even offer to cover the shipping to you.
Also, (and this is a big one) you must make sure to read any shipping and return policies as well as any satisfaction guarantees that the dealer offers. Examples of such policies can be found below: Satisfaction Guarantee
What Should I consider before moving forward with purchasing the carpet?
Some rug dealers might ask more for rugs and some might ask less but if you know what you are looking for and have done your due diligence you should feel confident in your choice.
Before paying for the rug it would be wise to make sure to have the dealer go over the condition with you and ask him to put it in writing along with the age, description and price.
Some of the better antique carpet dealers (those who stand behind their prices and pieces) might even be willing to take in the rug for store credit if down the line you want to upgrade your rug for a better piece or just want a new size or look (if the rug has not been damaged then for the most part – dealers should be willing to stand behind the rug and price).
If you are looking at the higher-end area rugs that are antique, you might want to have it looked at by an independent appraiser prior to finalizing the sale but with that said – no one could ever know the true value better that the dealer who buys and sells them on a daily base. Remember that it is your money and it is important that to make sure that you have been given a fair deal.
Asking a different rug dealer to evaluate your rug (prior to purchasing it) is not a wise avenue to pursue since 9 out of 10 times you will not get the real information. You can always call up a reputable antique appraisers association and ask them to recommend an independent appraiser in your area.
If a dealer is honest he should have no problem with you wanting to have it looked at. If you get the feeling (at any time) that the dealer is apprehensive or gives you the run around about having it appraised then that should set off an alarm and it would probably be better to walk away.
Should I buy antique rugs from a going out of business sale / GOB ?
Going out of business sales are almost always misleading. Since antique rugs will always have a market and value (unlike new rugs), a 75% off price tag should be taken with a grain of salt. Again – an educated consumer is the best consumer and if you have done your research then you will know if you are truly getting a fair deal.
One other thing that you need to take into account when buying anything from a going out of business sale is what might happen once the business closes down. It is always best to have someone who will be there for you down the line something happens to it or if you would simply like to trade your rug in (GOB’s will always have a big sign that all sales are final so – buyer beware!!!).
Should I buy antique rugs and carpets at auction or from a rug dealer?
Like with anything else in the world knowledge is power. If you know what you are looking for, have done your research and are familiar with the prices then you could find good deals in both places (dealers and auctions).
If you are thinking of buying your rugs from an auction house, there are some things you should think about first.
What should I consider before deciding if to buy my carpets from an auction house vs. a rug dealer?
You might not have the option of trying it out in the space before you buy it.
Restoration – All reputable dealers will take care of any restoration or cleaning that is needed prior to the rug being delivered and laid down in your home. When purchasing items at auction it is up to the consumer to get the piece restored, picked up and delivered (all of which will cost you money).
Delivery – Dealers (if they are local enough) will usually come to your house, move the furniture, place the rug and move everything back – a service that most reputable dealers do not charge for. For items purchased at auction – the consumer would have to arrange all of those things.
Some dealers will be willing to buy the padding for you (and make sure it is trimmed down to match the actual size of the rug). This will save you a little bit of money and energy (since you would not have to crawl on the floor and trim it yourself).
If you are buying at auction, don’t forget to calculate the buyer’s premium which can vary from auction house to auction house.
Since you will be responsible for any and all services that the rug might need it would be wise to get an estimate for the restoration charges.
Getting swept up in the moment is something that happens all to often. Therefore you should always have a price in mind before you start bidding and hope that no one else likes it as much as you! Last thing you want to do is over pay so make sure you set a cap (and don’t forget to factor in the commission that the auction house will tack on to the hammer price).
So the bottom line is that if you know what you are doing then you can find good buys from auctions houses as well as rug dealers – but again knowledge is power!
Section 3: What do I need to know about appraisals and my rug’s value?
What should I consider before I shop for an antique rug? | Where and from whom should I buy an antique rug?
What are the values of antique rugs and what do the appraisal values really mean?
In closing we would just like to comment on a question that we get every single day – “what is my rug worth”? The truth of the matter is that is a loaded question and a slippery slope.
We have already established that antique oriental rugs vary in price / caliber. But there is also the supply and demand aspect as well. Since tastes and decorating styles are always changing it would be impossible for “regular people” to find out on their own the true value of a piece on their own.
Say a person inherits a rug that is 12′ x 18′ and they were told that it is a Persian Tabriz from the late 19th century – we wouldn’t be lying if we said that it could be worth anywhere from $1,000 – $1,000,000.
Opening up an auction catalog or trying to compare your piece with other rugs you think are comparable will get you nowhere and fast.
The easiest way would be to simply call a reputable dealer, send them some images and let them know what kind of an appraisal you would like to receive.
What do the different appraisal values actually mean?
- Cash value – is how much a dealer would be willing to pay for it today.
- Auction Value – What will an auction house be willing to take it in for / reserve it for (the reserve price is the min price that a piece needs to fetch before it sells. If it does not sell then the consignor — you — will most likely need to pay for illustration charges, insurance and pickup and delivery fees).
- Fair retail market value – Would be the price that a person would expect to pay if they were to walk in to a rug retailer store and see that rug.
- Replacement Value – Is the value that you would need to insure the item for if god forbid the rug is stolen or damaged (since it is very hard to estimate future values – this type of price estimate should be a higher value than the other types listed above).
How much should an antique rug appraisal cost?
A full written appraisal would cost you at the very least $500 if not more (and would most likely require the appraiser to see the rug in person). A verbal appraisal will usually cost around $100- $200 (and can rely on emailed pictures only).
The reason that a full written appraisal costs more than a verbal one is that once the appraisal document is signed and delivered it is considered a legal document and the person who supplied it might (at a later date) get called into court to testify and lay his credibility on the line.
Here is an example of what you should do for a verbal appraisal: Antique Rug Appraisals
It would be extremely difficult to estimate the value of a rug you are trying to sell without having it assessed by someone who deals with these pieces every day. As we have mentioned before, an antique rug’s value is not easily determined (there’s no way to generalize any group of rugs and say that since a rug is a certain size, has certain dyes, and has a certain design it is worth “X” amount of money).
One would really have to understand not only the rug itself but the current market demands as well. The antique rug market is a niche market and very similar to any other art form – they are very subjective and are constantly changing. The bottom line to selling an antique rug is to be educated.
When Going Rug Shopping – Recognizing What Rugs You Love
If you’ve decided to buy an antique rug, there are a great many things that you should consider. After all, buying an antique rug is not unlike buying a beautiful painting, or any other work of art: if you are not used to the process, you might be a little bit lost regarding where you should begin.
Really, the most important thing that you should consider when buying your antique rug is: do you like it? Some buyers have an instinctive approach when shopping for rugs — whether or not they are well informed regarding the history and provenance of individual pieces, they can readily sense what appeals to them and what does note budget, should you just buy the most expensive piece you can find? Should you buy something that is especially old? Or perhaps something that you think is an “important example”? These are the sorts of questions that might occur to you at first, but, really, you should dismiss them as soon as you can.
Others, however, may be overwhelmed and confused by the wide range of choices available. If you find that you fall into the latter group, it can be very helpful to consult well-illustrated books on the history and typology of rugs simply to get an idea of the range of patterns and colorations before wearing out the shoe leather. But in doing this sort of research it is important to take note of what does appeal and to you and to remember the names or labels applied to the rugs that seem attractive. By learning to recognize what you like and to communicate such preference to dealers, it becomes far easier to shop for the rug. At the end of the day, this rug is for you, and it should be something that you love.
Learn about the market and about the piece you are trying to sell, find a good rug dealer that will be willing to be straight forward with you, get the rug appraised by an independent appraiser (but keep in mind that they will probably give you a retail value estimate — it will be difficult to sell it at that price so don’t be disappointed if you get offers for half or even less of the retail value), and spend some time researching antique rugs in general. Following these guidelines will ensure you get top dollar for your grandma’s old rugs 🙂
What You Should Know If This Is Your First Experience Buying Antique Rugs
So you’re looking for a rug for your home, but you’re not sure what to do to get started. You took to Google and ran your searches. You went to Facebook and even joined some online groups. You spoke with people you trust. Despite all this, you are still a little wary. You love rugs – you appreciate their artistry, their history, their uniqueness, and you want to make sure you find the right piece at a fair price.
So what’s next?
First Antique Rug Buying Experience Check List:
– For Starters, You Should Establish Your Taste.
Rugs, like people, come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some may be more tribal, others more traditional. It’s important that you have at least a general idea of the look you are seeking to achieve. Finding an image online may be helpful for both you as well as for your rug dealer, and can serve as a great starting point. Don’t be surprised, however, if you come in looking for fine and intricate carpets but fall in love with a tribal and casual one. At the end of the day, you should buy an antique rug with your heart, just like you would buy a painting.
– Make Sure You Have the Absolute Minimum and Maximum Sizes You Can Use:
Unlike fabrics, antique rugs can’t be made in any size. By being as flexible as possible in size, you will open yourself up to a far greater range of choices. Unlike new rugs, antique rugs are not priced by size. Some larger rugs may be less expensive than some scatter size pieces. This is important to keep in mind when you are conducting your search.
– Establishing a Rug Budget
Of course you want something nice, but you also don’t want to break the bank. Many people are wary about giving a rug dealer a budget, but, at the end of the day, you have to trust the people with whom you choose to do business. An honest rug dealer will never jack-up prices just because you have a bigger budget. By stating your budget up front, you ensure that the rug dealer will be showing you pieces that you can afford to purchase. Nothing is worse than falling in love with something only to find out it is far beyond your reach.
– Picking the Right Antique Rug Dealer:
What you buy is as important as who you buy it from. Every business is unique, and each will have its own approach to selling you a rug. It’s important for you to ask lots of questions and to compare prices. Don’t be afraid to speak up! Buying an antique rug should be an enjoyable, informative and transparent experience.
Here is a list of things that you should keep an eye out for (and should be especially wary of):
Going out of business sales – these are mostly gimmicks and you are not assured a good buy. Also, you will have no one to turn to if you ever have a problem down the line.
Value – Any dealer that tells you that the price of an item will surely go up over time is misleading you. Value is determined by a complex set of factors and, since no one has a crystal ball, a dealer who assures you that the value of a particular piece will increase over time is probably just trying to push you into buying something.
Buyback – If a dealer promises you that they will buy a rug back from you down the line, they are more than likely not being truthful. In these cases, you can always call them out on it and ask for them to put such an agreement in writing.
Buying antique rugs and carpets can seem like a daunting or difficult task, but, if you do your homework and follow the general guidelines that we have set out for you here, you’ll find that the entire process is edifying, exciting and enjoyable. Antique rugs and carpets are a unique art form, the beauty of which has elevated interiors around the world for countless centuries.
Further Information to Consider When Buying Rugs
Some people buy a rug purely as a household furnishing. For them a rug is an integral piece of a larger puzzle, like a sofa, table, or a drapery. Others have what may be called a passion for rugs. They are rug enthusiasts, rug lovers. They like the very idea of rugs. They may be quite knowledgeable in terms of rug history or typology, or they may have a purely visual interest and response to the rug, a reaction that perceives the individual personality inherent in all handmade rugs, especially antique ones.
To a rug enthusiast, the rug is more like a painting. It is a focus for detailed attention. It should go with the accompanying décor, but it is not immediately subordinate to it. For this type of individual interested in buying antique rugs, there are various levels of concern and interest.
We are currently in the midst of a major revival of traditional, hand-made rug weaving virtually throughout the rug-producing regions of the world. This movement began several decades ago in Turkey, initially at the instigation of European rug aficionados like Rainer Boehmer.
Known by the acronym DOBAG, or Project DOBAG, the goal was not only to reproduce more authentically the range of designs current in Turkish weaving up through the nineteenth century, but to do so in hand spun, vegetable-dyed wool.
While it took a few years for weavers to recover the knack of using hand spun fibers and combining the varying shades of color inherent to vegetable dyes, the results were impressive and they began to sweep the new rug market. Soon weavers were producing vegetable-dyed, hand-spun copies or close adaptations of various nineteenth century rugs types in Afghanistan, India, China, and Iran.
By the late nineteen nineties, such production had become standard, largely supplanting the less authentic design trends and synthetic dyes that had come to dominate oriental rug weaving throughout the twentieth century. Consequently, it now seems to many potential rug buyers that they no longer need to go to the expense of buying an antique rug.
Nowadays it is possible to acquire new rugs with the same sort of color, design, wool quality, and technical standards of the ones produced a hundred years ago or earlier in perfect condition for a fraction of the price. But is this really the case? Are new rugs of this sort really the equivalent of the ones they are copying or recreating?
The answer depends on how closely one looks, or, to put it differently, how discriminating a buyer one is. For the vast majority of rug buyers, new rugs, will suffice. In fact, many new rug buyers made be satisfied with machine-made rugs.
Certainly, customers looking for quality modern designed rugs will inevitably be drawn to new production pieces. But for those who enjoy traditional oriental carpets in Persian , or pieces of tribal and nomadic type, the pieces that are currently being produced will only meet their needs to a point.
There is more to a rug than the specific configuration of its design, and while the use of handspun wool and vegetable dyes may recover traditional techniques, there is no substitute for the effects of time. What new rugs can never recreate, however well-made they may be, is the cultural milieu in which they were produced, the environment and experience that directly governed the weaver’s approach to pattern and design.
And new rugs, so long as they are new, cannot have the delicate patina of the color and the polished surface that give antique rugs so much of the appearance for which they are prized. That only comes with time.
Let us expand a bit on these last two points. Cultural milieu or experience is extremely difficult to quantify and explain, but there can be no doubt that this is what imparted so much of the distinctive character that antique rugs still project to a discerning viewer.
Rug weaving and design were an integral part of the culture of the people who made them up until the early twentieth century. Rug weaving was analogous to the traditional music of their culture or to their literature and mythology. It was part of their cultural or social structure.
Today little of that culture remains intact as a living phenomenon, It has been supplanted by a new cultural outlook permeated by western conceptions arriving via film, TV, and the internet. The people making rugs today no longer think and observe the way their ancestors did. Consequently they can never produce traditional culture as a living, creative activity in the manner of their forebears.
They can attempt to replicate it for commercial purposes, and they may even come remarkably close, but it can never really be the same. That is why a discriminating rug enthusiast cannot be satisfied by a new rug. There is a certain quality of life that affected the way old rugs were designed and made that cannot be recaptured today. In the same way the passage of time affects rugs materially or physically. This is not always a good thing.
Rugs wear down over the years. They can be affected by dryness and damp. They can become damaged and in need of repair. But over time antique rugs that have been properly cared for also acquire qualities that are admired and prized.
Unlike many of the synthetic colors that came into use in the later part of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, natural vegetable dyes are remarkably resistant to fading, but they do soften or mellow a bit, especially at the tips of the fibers of the pile.
This “patina” effects the play of light on the surface, varying the appearance of the colors, making them more translucent, and imparting a quality of depth, especially in conjunction with the irregular textures of high-quality hand spun wool.
Even a certain amount of wear is desirable. The shorter the pile, the crisper the design appears to be. The slow wearing of the pile also polishes it, making it even more lustrous and velvety. Only time can confer this gracefulness of age, as one may put it.
All the special qualities that make antique rugs desirable create market demand, which, in turn, intersects with rarity and availability to establish market price. Antique rugs are more expensive than new rugs because their number is finite, and because it becomes increasingly difficult to supply the demand as rugs are purchased and disappear into private collections.
Those who can appreciate the qualities and distinctions outlined above have long known that they must be willing to pay for them competitively, hence the higher price of antique rugs. But there is a silver lining here, so to speak. Antique rugs hold their value and even appreciate over time.
If properly maintained by their owners, they can easily be resold or traded in against a new purchase. They are an investment, like any other fine antique or a piece of real estate. New rugs offers no such opportunity. They may someday be prized as antiques; only time will tell. But the day after they are purchased, they are worth considerably less than they were before.
In my opinion, the pleasure that an antique rug offers to an informed and appreciative viewer makes it well worth the price. But when one takes into account the investment potential of a fine antique rug, the reasons to acquire one increase dramatically.
Even those who are indifferent to the aesthetic qualities of antique rugs can see the financial advantage in acquiring them. But for those who can appreciate their beauty, antique rugs make a far more desirable and useful investment than a stock portfolio. Buying antique rugs is a fun and exciting experience, the fruits of which may be a gorgeous antique rug all your own.
Shopping for and Buying Antique Rugs and Carpets Online
Buying Antique Rugs and Finding a Rug Sale Online
So you want a great antique or vintage rug with a cool price. Imagine finding a rug sale online right now. That would be perfect, wouldn’t it? Creating a classy interior on a budget is the stuff of miracles, and a cache of discounted rugs could make a real miracle happen.
At Nazmiyal Antique Rugs, shoppers have access to an unparalleled selection of fine carpets from around the world. In addition to an enormous selection of regularly priced antique carpets, there is a limited selection of rugs that are on sale. These impeccable and highly decorative pieces are marked down to make room for new items.
Now, shoppers can find exquisite hand-knotted carpets and kilims at competitive prices. To get the best deals, shoppers should check the online rug sale page frequently and sign up for email alerts. Rugs sales online are a true win-win. Take advantage of the great deals today.
Our Antique Rug Website is Your Virtual Showroom:
An online rug website has a lot of jobs to do. At Nazmiyal, our rug website is a virtual showroom that customers can access anywhere, anytime. This digital gallery showcases a massive selection of carpets with high-definition images, vivid descriptions and educational resources. Click here to learn how to search for rugs online
Now, people don’t need to travel to New York City or around the world to find the best rugs because they’re available online and accessible to everyone. Shoppers can email an item to a friend, like an item on Facebook, pin an image to their Pinterest page or add an item to their wish list. Our thorough, informative and educational rug website is your passport into the world of handmade carpets.
Nazmiyal: The Definitive Oriental Rugs Website
Our unparalleled online carpet gallery includes thousands of carpets from hundreds of regions around the world. More than 400 years of carpet history are encapsulated in this definitive catalog. Collectors can explore their favorite geographic niche and discover new favorites. Our unmatched selection of Oriental rugs includes Chinese art deco rugs, Indian rugs and Persian carpets as well as Caucasian kilims and Turkish rugs.
Shoppers are also invited to view an amazing collection of carpets from East Turkestan, Inner Mongolia and Tibet. Browse through our collection to experience the ultimate Oriental rugs website.
Nazmiyal’s Website Is The Best Online Rug Store
An online rug store has to deliver superb service and outstanding products to succeed. At Nazmiyal Collection, operating an online rug gallery is about offering customers the best service and the best selection along with the knowledge and expertise that make shopping easier. Customers at this online rug store can experience the best of the best without sacrificing anything. Over the internet, it’s even more important to offer customers a holistic shopping experience.
That’s why Nazmiyal provides educational articles, informational blog posts and community resources. As the internet’s leading rug store, Nazmiyal Collection stands behind their customer-first guarantees and policies. Customers always have the option to return the item after seeing it in their home, and each purchase is covered by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Buying from an online rug store doesn’t get better than this.
Shopping for Area Rugs and Buying Antique Rugs Online
Buying area rugs online is easy, safe and guaranteed. Most people who haven’t purchased a rug online aren’t quite sure what to expect. Nazmiyal Collection is a trusted carpet store with a brick and mortar gallery in New York City. As a respected carpet dealer, Nazmiyal stands behind each item and offers customers a complete satisfaction guarantee and an accommodating return policy.
This gives shoppers the option to return a rug after seeing it in their home. High-quality photographs that allow buyers to zoom in, examine the colors and study the designs offer shoppers a complete look at each item in the catalog. Customers are also welcome to request more information about any product.
Antique carpet experts are available to provide personalized assistance and recommendations based on a client’s unique needs. In short, Nazmiyal does everything possible to make the process easy. Shopping for online area rugs is a great experience at Nazmiyal Collection.
Buying Area Rugs Online
Today, people can buy area rugs online from anywhere around the world. The internet is a true global marketplace where international commerce is remarkably easy. People buy everything else online, so why wouldn’t they buy carpets? Not long ago, buying a carpet online was a shocking concept.
Now, it’s the best way to do it. Customers today have access to a remarkable assortment of antique carpets and textiles from around the world. Only 30 years ago, some of these regional handcrafts were virtually unknown. Today, they can easily be viewed, categorized and published on social media sites where people will show all of their friends.
Architects, designers and regular people can discover a complete world of carpets online and make a purchase almost instantly. Once shoppers buy antique rugs online and discover the ease, comfort, selection and other benefits, they won’t want to buy carpets any other way.
Buying Rugs and Traditional Carpets Online
For shoppers seeking competitive prices and a superior selection, buying traditional rugs online is the best option. Traditional area rugs have a timeless style and intrinsic beauty that makes them an excellent choice for classic spaces. Searching for the perfect area rug with tasteful decorations, the perfect color and an exact size can be like a wild goose chase, but when shoppers go online, it’s easy.
Antique Rugs are already classified by their size, style, origin and colors. This alone saves so much time. Then, shoppers can view all of the rugs that match their criteria instantly. Chances are that there will be a beautiful variety of carpets that fit these specifications. More options and more styles are great perks for discerning shoppers. Buying traditional area rugs online is the best option for decorators or homeowners searching for the perfect rug.
Establishing a Budget for Buying Area Rugs Online
While there are very many factors and criteria that one should consider when purchasing a rug, there are few more important than personal budget and price. The establishment of a realistic “rug budget” will go a very long way in helping you determine which rug is best suited to your own unique, individual needs.
While budgeting is a very personal practice, there are two general factors that everyone should note when establishing a rug budget: first, how much can you afford to spend; and, second, how much ought you have to spend to get the rug that you want.
The first of these two factors will depend on your own personal financial situation. The second factor, meanwhile, is heavily informed by the type of rug for which you are shopping. This is sort of where the situation can become complex, because just how much you ought to be paying for a particular rug depends on a myriad of factors, including but not being limited to the rug’s size, age, quality, rarity, condition, and the current market demand for similar pieces. While deciding how much to spend on a rug is ultimately based on an individual buyer’s personal resources, it also involves a certain degree of learning or education on the buyer’s part.
If you are interested in potentially purchasing an antique rug, it is important to do some research — this will help you to discover the general market cost of the sort of piece in which you are interested, and it will also help you to adjust to the realities of cost and pricing of antique rugs. After you have done your research, you can then decide to spend more or to settle for less, and to strike a balance among the various trade-offs. The more realistically you approach your rug budget, the more effective or efficient the search for a rug becomes.
In addition to the above comprehensive guide to buying antique rugs, you may also want to look up the following articles as well:
Handmade Rugs | Antique Rug Durability
Formal Vs. Informal Rugs | Antique Rug Books
Tapestries and Rugs as Wall Hanging Art
This rug blog which features our ultimate guide to buying area rugs was published by Nazmiyal Rugs