Main Website click here   

PERSIAN RUGS INFO Click here

Persian Rug E-mails

Persian rug - faq11

Persian rug - faq12

Persian rug - faq13

Persian rug - faq14

Persian rug - faq15

3. How to choose the right rug?

Well, I guess I’m suppose to tell you why you should spend all your money on Persian rugs, but since I’m one of the worst sales people (and proud of it), I want to give you some helpful tips about picking the right rug.

The most important advise I can give you is:

ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU CAN THINK OF

Why am I telling this? As I mentioned before, I’m one of the worst salesman you will ever come across. Actually, the reason I say this is simple. The more retail stores you go to, the more likely you will come across salespeople who have just graduated from the University of Used Car Salesmen. If I'm wrong, please feel free t to let me know. I do not pretend to be a used car salesman and I do not have the time and patience to belittle you or my merchandise, so what you get are straight forward no nonsense answers. Many retailers will start at one price and then through so called savings, discounts, and other gimmicks will lower the price by half or more. How do you know what a rug is worth, if you don't know how much you should pay for it? If in doubt, walk away.

When choosing a rug, take a look at your home and how you treat it. Basic rule is that the rug should match in quality and price of the furniture in the room. 

If, for example, you have several children or pets and your primary concern is keeping your floor or carpet from being ruined, then buy an inexpensive rug that will serve more as a utility rug rather than a luxurious piece. This way you don't spend a fortune and you will still have a nice rug to look at and if your kids run over it with muddy shoes, so be it. A standard Nain or a rug in that quality will do you just fine.

On the other hand, if you evicted the kids by means of college, job, or marriage and can finally enjoy the peace and quality that you have dreamed off, then you are probably ready for a nicer rug. This is also the case for the kids who made it, and are looking for something special in their own homes. Basically, you are looking for a quality and luxurious piece and you took great care in arranging your home, so the rug needs to be of equal statue. A nice 50 raj Tabriz or similar will do you just fine and it has the looks and quality that you would like. And if the grandkids come over for a visit, no big deal. Remember, the more expensive a rug, the better the quality and the longer it will last. 

The last category is reserved for the best of the best. These are rugs that will make you scratch your head and say WOW. Among them are rugs from Qom (pure silk), 50+ raj Tabriz, Isfahan, Hereke, or other rugs that are extremely fine and valuable like the metal rugs in my galleries. These type of rugs typically have a silk foundation, and are either made of pure silk or have a large amount of silk added to the design and not just the wool. Some clients have spend a great deal of time and money in designing their homes and typically have a formal area that requires something very special. If you are such a person, than work with the retailer or designer, and place close attention to the rug. A few numbers here and there can put a big dent in your checking account. The very high end rugs can look and feel very similar, so it's really important that you are working with someone who knows what he or she is doing and can point out the differences.
Special note: Some designers like to deal with certain retailers and often there is typically a kickback involved. I have dealt with some very fine and outstanding decorators and also with a few that are somewhat less then honorable.  

What is a good price limit on a rug?

Assuming you are looking for a standard size rug, let’s say about 10 feet by 7 feet.

A nice rug, made of wool and perhaps some silk highlights should cost no more than $900.00 unless you plan to make a salesman very happy.  At this level, the prices can vary greatly depending on the quality and the design of the rug.

A high end rug made of Kurkwool and silk can cost about $3500.00 and more depending on the quality and make.  For example, a nice Tabriz rug can cost from $3000.00 to $4000.00 even though it has the same quality but due to the difference in design.  At this level, the color and design become as important as the quality and the rarer the rug, the more you will be expected to pay. Keep in mind that these rugs will probably be passed down to the next generation and most clients who buy these rugs, buy them for live. The main difference between these and the cheaper rugs are looks and quality. Whereas the cheaper rugs are made to be primarily practical, the finer ones like the 50raj high end Tabriz rugs are meant to be durable and luxurious.

As to the best of the best, well the sky is the limit. But before you start writing the check, please do your homework first. Make sure you either know your stuff or deal with someone you can trust. In that size, depending on the rug, you can expect to pay at least $4000.00 and up.