Oriental Rugs

Buying an oriental rug  is a big investment. It can completely alter the color and feel of the room and enhance both. Oriental rugs have a long history and, if properly cared for, will last more than one lifetime. (It's the perfect heirloom.) For the nascent rug buyer there's a few basics to keep in mind when shopping for one.

Materials: Try to go with natural fibers and materials in your rug, rather than synthetics, which aren't as durable and have the tendency to release chemical gases over time. Natural fibers also won't contribute to allergies or pollution (due to chemical gas release as the synthetic fibers break down). Wool, cotton and silk are the fibers to look for.

Knots: Knots are a good indicator of quality in an oriental rug. Knots are usually measured per square inch, giving the abbreviation "KPSI." As a general rule, the more KPSI the higher quality of the rug. The higher number of knots is generally indicative of a more experienced crafter.

Imperfections: Unlike your wall-to-wall carpeting, imperfections in oriental rugs are not exactly a bad thing. For one, imperfections usually indicate the rug was handmade. There is also a belief that oriental and Persian rugs  are intentionally made with imperfections to quell potential spiritual unrest, lest the crafter try to usurp a supreme being's position (thus becoming "perfect" themselves). Regardless, imperfections are a good thing in this case.

Price: The bottom line. Be aware of what you're paying for. Oriental rugs can often be marked up many times by different dealers and there doesn't seem to be a quick and easy scale. Things to look for: pattern, KPSI, materials, size, style, country of origin and labor quality.

Authenticity: To make sure you're getting an authentic rug, request a certificate of authenticity which will validate all the factors you look for when purchasing a rug (KPSI, country of origin, materials, style etc.).

When you're ready to go shopping, make sure to bring some color images of the rooms in which you're likely to place the rug. It will make color matching (color swatches are also handy here) a lot less painful than drawing from straight memory. Also take into account the type of furniture, appliances and decorative accents, such as photos or paintings, in the room. You want your rug to be balanced with the rest of the room.