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We Know: How to Buy an Area Rug
About Area Rugs
Area rugs can be more comfortable to walk on than a cold, bare floor, but they can also be decorative accents. Some
area rugs, particularly hand-woven Persian or Oriental rugs, become family heirlooms. Area rugs come in all price ranges
depending on the material used, the quality of the weave, size, and other factors. Expect to pay as little as $50 for a
machine made rug of cheap material and as much as $5,000 for an imported, quality area rug.
What to Look for When Buying an Area Rug
When shopping for an area rug, keep the following in mind:
- Verify authenticity. Area rugs that are true Persian rugs come with a certificate of authenticity that includes
information about the piece such as its age, knots per square inch (KPSI), size, value, and where it was made.
- Knots per square inch (KPSI). Generally, the more knots per square inch, the higher the quality of the rug.
- Weaving mistakes. Many traditional hand weavers will intentionally include a mistake when making the rug as they
believe that mortals are not capable of creating perfection. It's also believed that these mistakes make each rug unique.
- Non-slip backing. If the rug does not have a non-slip backing such as latex built into it, consider purchasing
one separately which you can lay beneath the rug.
Types of Materials
Area rugs are made from a variety of natural and synthetic materials, including:
- Hemp or Mountain Grass. Naturally earth tone in color, stiff, and more often used as a decorative piece as they
can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot.
- Seagrass. Less expensive than many other types of natural materials, it does well in humid conditions and is
very strong.
- Polypropylene. A synthetic fiber that is very stain and water-resistant. It's also one of the cheapest types of
materials.
- Acrylic. Withstands moisture and sunlight and is resistant to mildew. Acrylic rugs are good in humid conditions
such as bathrooms and pool areas.
- Nylon. A strong and stain-resistant synthetic, nylon area rugs last a long time.
- Cotton. More comfortable than many other materials such as wool, though it may not last as long, cotton area
rugs are available in many colors.
- Wool. The most common material used in area rugs, wool is known for its strength, comfort, and stain-resistant
qualities. It lasts long and is available in many colors.
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