How Do You Choose An Oriental Carpet?
Oriental rugs bring a richness to a room not easily matched by any other floor covering. For thousands of years, Asian artisans have woven rugs in distinctive patterns from individually knotted strands. Careful shopping involves knowledge and scrutiny of pattern, material and craftsmanship. Measure your space carefully so you know what size rug will fit. For stair runners, measure and count the number of risers. Bring a photograph of the room where the rug will go so you can choose the colors and pattern. Patterns include geometric, floral, pictorial and decorative. Opt for wool for warmth, softness and resilience. Consider less-rugged but sensuous silk for luxury, low-traffic areas and warm climates. If a rug is labeled as art silk, it’s actually rayon. Ask what the country of origin is. Traditionally, Persia (now Iran) produced the finest rugs. Genuine Oriental rugs come from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Romania, Albania, Moroc
