Home > Learning Center > Best rugs
Walk away with the best rug
By Radonna Fiorini
Journal and CourierWhether practical or decorative, area rugs continue to be popular. But not all rugs are created equal, and a number of factors should be considered when buying one of these accent pieces.
The choices of material, patterns, colors and type of construction now available can be confusing, says Dave Borga, manager of Reifers Rugs & Carpets in Lafayette. But the educated consumer can walk away with a product that not only meets their needs today, but will last for years to come.
"A good quality, handmade Oriental rug is the cheapest floor covering you will ever buy," says Steve Sarver, a certified rug appraiser who owns Reifers and Sarver's World of Rugs in Indianapolis.
While good rugs often are more expensive than other floor coverings initially, when properly cared for they can last a lifetime and often increase in value, Sarver said.
They may never need to be replaced and are portable, unlike wall-to-wall carpeting that stays with the house and generally is replaced every 10 to 15 years.
When rug shopping, take your time. Rugs are offered many places and sometimes prices are exaggerated, then marked down to make them appear to be a bargain, Sarver said. So shop around and compare prices.
Buy from a dealer who can tell you how different rugs are made, how to care for them and what you can expect as to longevity and value.
"Rugs are not considered art, but they really are," Sarver said. "It's just unbelievable what goes into the making of a handmade rug."
While many good rugs increase in value, don't buy a rug as an investment, unless it truly is of such unique character and desirability that it is identified as investment quality going in, he said.
Both hand- and machine-made rugs are readily available in many styles and sizes, and custom rugs can be made to almost any size and in many shapes. Even carpeting, cut to size with bound edges, can serve as an area rug, said Borga.
And there are now many contemporary rug patterns available as well as the traditional Oriental patterns that have come from such countries as India, Pakistan and China for years.Comparison shopping will quickly reveal differences in quality and construction. Here, Borga offers a primer on different types.
Synthetic machine woven -- The least expensive available. At the low end, these are considered utilitarian and disposable. The cheapest are thin with muddy patterns. Better quality synthetics are more durable, have a denser weave and crisper pattern but will not be as soft as wool. A chemical backing helps hold the fibers in place.
Wool machine woven -- These vary greatly in quality, durability and price, but a good one can last up to 25 years. Wool is soft and produces cleaner patterns. Some traditional hand-knotted patterns are reproduced by machine. A latex backing stabilizes the fibers.
Handmade wool -- There are two main types of handmade wool rugs -- hand tufted and hand knotted. Hand tufted generally is less expensive but also less durable. They have a latex backing.
Hand knotted is the most durable as each piece of yarn is tied to a fiber backing and the pattern shows on both sides. Often the backing fiber is tied off as fringe and a binding is hand sewn on the edges. Some rugs have 200 or more knots per square inch.
Hand-knotted rugs may have a dense, flat pile or a carved design that may take from a few days to a year to produce, depending on the intricacy of the pattern. Flat weave rugs also are popular and can be reversed.
Hand-knotted silk -- These are quite expensive but very durable. The rug pile will mat if the fibers regularly get wet, but otherwise they will last as long as wool. Silk fibers often are used in wool rugs to add a sheen to the pattern.
Sisal and jute -- These rugs made from plant material are durable but more course than wool. They should not be used in a damp setting as water can spot and discolor the fibers. The same look is available in synthetic.
Braided -- These can be wool or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. Some companies offer other shapes besides the traditional round or oval and can customize colors, design, shape and size. Bright chenille fabric is popular along with the traditional wool tweed style.
http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060121/LIFE04/601210312
Area rugs | Oriental | Learning Center | Site Map | Links | Contact | Home
Copyright © 2010