Buying Oriental Rugs - 101

Here we will do our best to help you distinguish between the rugs you see in the local low-cost warehouse type stores and authentic hand woven imported rugs.

How are rugs priced?
What country makes the best rugs?
Why are handmade rugs so expensive?
Where do your rugs come from?
Is child labor used?
Why do rugs have color change throughout them?
What’s the difference between Natural dyes and Chromium?
Can I get a good deal at a going out of business sale?
Do I need rug pads?
Why should we buy a rug from The Oriental Carpet?

How are rugs priced?

The are several major factors that play a role in the expense of an oriental carpet. Since all of our rugs are hand knotted the first and major expense is labor. How long did it take to make the rug? The longer it takes to make the more expensive it will be. We determine this by knots per square inch. The more knots, the more time. The more time, the more money. This shouldn’t be confused with quality. Knots per square inch determine price and intricacy of design.

What country makes the best rugs?

This is a difficult question to answer. All countries make good and bad rugs. I wouldn’t say that one stands out above the rest. If you compare the best that every country has to offer, they would all be close in standards. After all they are hand- knotted so it’s really the quality of the wool that they use thats important.

Why are handmade rugs so expensive?

We don't believe they are. Handmade rugs are meant to last for generations. If you take this into account we believe it’s actually the least expensive form of floor covering available today. We have 8 x 10 rugs that we sell for less than $1000. In comparison the cost for a well-known machine made rug will be much more than that.

Where do your rugs come from?

We directly import from India, Pakistan, Nepal and Iran. Being a direct importer enables us to accomplish several things. We can pick out every rug that we have in inventory, which enables us to have the best every producer has to offer. Being a direct importer also enables us to keep the prices reasonable. Two very good reasons to purchase your rugs from us.

Is child labor used?

We are part of the care and fair program, which assures all of our clients no child labor, is used. Our producers in Nepal and Pakistan actually put a great deal of profits back into the local community to support schools and education. Care and fair has taken great strides in helping to develop these countries.

Why do rugs have color change throughout them?

This is known as abrash. Originally all rugs were woven with natural dyes. Dyes that come from plants, vegetables, fruits, nuts and insects. Since the wool is not dyed all at the same time there will be an inconsistency in colors. This is very common and most clients like this change especially when trying to match colors to fabrics.

What’s the difference between Natural dyes and Chromium?

They both have their advantages. Natural dyes over the years acquire a soft patina, which is difficult to achieve in new rugs. Though there are not as many colors to choose from and they are usually more vibrant and have a distinct feeling when seeing the rug. These dyes are much more subject to sun fading so make sure you rotate your rug to achieve even exposure. Chromium on the other hand is much less subject to sun fading. They do not change colors over the years, which again has its advantages and disadvantages. They are usually many more colors to pick from in chromium dyes.

Can I get a good deal at a going out of business sale?

Probably not. Most Going out of business sales are staged from the days the store opens. Legitimate rug dealers are in a constant battle trying to fight these scams. Most going out of business sales are 3rd and 4th choices of rugs dealers, which they cannot sell. I can't say you will never get a good deal since beauty is whatever you perceive it to be but odds are certainly against it.

Do I need rug pads?

I have never seen an application were a rug pad helped the longevity of a rug. I believe pads should be used for 2 distinct purposes. If you are wishing a more comfortable feeling a nice thick pad can help achieve this. I usually recommend this in family rooms where there are children the main room that’s used in the house. The other reason would be safety. Runners seem to have this as there major issue. Keeping the rug in place to prevent anyone from slipping on the rug.

Why should we buy a rug from The Oriental Carpet?

Service, Selection and Price.
We stand behind everything we sell. We are one of the oldest rug dealers in the San Francisco Bay area.

Our clients have purchased, traded and have had there children grow up on our rugs. Our clients are not one-time shoppers but come back to us for cleaning, repairs, appraisals and carpet pads. We think of our customers as lifetime not one time. We will recognize you when come into our store and you will recognize us. All of our employees have been here for no less than 7 years and are like family.