Monday, October 13, 2008

Turkish Rugs: What to Look For

By Caroline Hartford

Oriental rugs are a good option for people who are looking to purchase a work of art that is both beautiful and functional. Turkish rugs come in a variety of price levels and hold their value well. At the high end, a Turkish rug can cost more than four thousand dollars. But a smaller rug made by machine can be much more affordable, around forty or fifty dollars. An antique rug, if you can afford it, can become a treasured heirloom that maintains its worth for years to come.

Even though Turkish rugs got their name because they were popular in Turkey, they are actually made in many areas of the Middle East and Africa. If you decide to travel to this region to shop for rugs, be sure to enlist the assistance of a reputable expert to help you make your purchase. Many shop owners actually work with local guides to sell their rugs and give a percentage of the sale price to these guides. This means their prices are somewhat inflated.

To make sure you choose the perfect rug, you need to give it some scrutiny. Meticulously inspect the weave of the rug. It is most likely machine made if the weave seems flawless. You will find an irregular weave on a genuine hand woven Oriental carpet, suggest that there may be minor spaces among the various knots. Cut-rate mass produced rugs typically bear ends which are improperly finished or possess skimpy borders.

The best quality Turkish area rugs are very thick and luxurious and made with one hundred percent wool. Some of the better rugs are may be constructed with a blend of wool and silk. On the other end of the price and quality spectrum are rugs that are made with cotton. These rugs will show wear much more quickly and do not have a good resale value. To determine whether you are looking at a wool rug or a cheap cotton imitation, take a close look at the fringe. Wool rugs will be wool down to the last thread, so if the fringe is cotton, the rug is not wool.

Take as much time as you need to look through all of the rugs offered, without worrying that you are bothering the dealer. He will actually consider it a sign of your respect that you are being so careful. You should also be aware that bartering is expected, and the first price the merchant suggests is not set in stone. You will find the best selection and prices if you buy oriental and Turkish rugs online, however. - 15252

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