Rugs get quite a bit of use. They are constantly being walked across by people and pets, and it’s likely that they will get something spilt on them at some point. Rugs can present quite a costly piece of furnishing, too. As a functional addition to your home, and one that has to be used, you need a good quality rug that will last for a long time, but that’s also available for a low price. What do you need to know?
Some things are common to all rugs, however they’re made. The pattern should be even, without any fading, and the dye should cover the rug evenly, without any pale or dark spots. Make sure that, on a quare or oblong rug, all sides measure up square, without any twists. When laid on the floor the rug should lie flat, without any edges or corners curling up or down.
Handmade rugs
For the absolute last word in rugs, you need a traditional hand weaved one. Many of these rugs are still made in their traditional homeland of what was once Persia, and they are true works of beauty.
Buy a rug that has been made in the traditional way of hand knotting and it will last for decades without showing any severe signs of wear. Most of these rugs will be made of wool, which is the most practical and durable material available. Quality wool should feel soft to the touch, but also be firm when brushed against.
It’s always best to buy through a dealer to make sure you get the best quality for the best price. Use a well-established, trusted dealer to be sure that they aren’t using exploited labour from poorer countries to make their rugs. A dealer will be able to help you choose the right rug, but it’s handy to have an idea of what you need beforehand.
With traditional hand knotted designs, the higher the knot count per square inch, the more durable the rug will be. You should be looking for something upwards of 200 knots to get a high-quality rug that will last.
There’s no reason to accept any major flaws in a handmade rug, and if it’s badly made then it won’t be worth the premium that traditional rugs command. However, these rugs represent a unique art and weeks of dedicated work, they will have some small imperfections and won’t be as perfect or uniform as mass produced rugs. This is what gives them their individual character, and some small defects are to be expected.
Machine made rugs
Most of the rugs that are readily available online and in high street stores will be machine made. That’s not to say that mass-produced rugs can’t be good quality, as many are, but they won’t have the same level of craftsmanship as something that’s handmade.
It’s common for rugs made in factories to use synthetic fibres, often acrylic or nylon, this isn’t as durable as wool but it is cheaper, and generally goes with the shorter lifespan expected from mass produced rugs. Wool is available, as is cotton, which is becoming more popular for its sustainability, but for any budget option, it’s likely they will use nylon.
Take care when buying fluffy or shaggy rugs. Going for a cheap option can often be a false economy as most of it could end up in the vacuum cleaner after a couple of weeks. Make sure that the fibres are durable and that it isn’t already fraying around the edges or “shedding” before you buy.
