Posted on July 27, 2020 by Behnam Rugs

Size, Design, Color, Budget, Traffic

When it’s time to purchase a new rug, a well-informed shopper will be happier with their purchase than an uninformed one. There are five things you should keep in mind when shopping for a rug. These things will make the process easier for you and the rug gallery salesperson.

Size

First, measure the room you want to place the rug in. Find out the largest size of rug that will fit in the room, as well as the size of rug that will look too small. And of course, measure the “perfect” amount of space you would like your rug to take up. It’s important to take these three measurements so that you don’t purchase a rug that won’t fit. There is no set rule that dictates how large or small a rug should be, it just has to look good to you.

Because handmade rugs are one-of-a-kind, you may fall in love with a rug that’s a bit larger or smaller than the “perfect” size. If you know the dimensions of the room like the back of your hand you can often make a less ideally-sized rug work. Also, take multiple pictures of the room, that way you don’t need to try to remember the shades of furniture and décor. It can also help the dealer choose colors that will match the room.

Design

Next, do some research to determine the designs and styles of rug you like. Handmade rugs come in many designs, such as Persian, Oriental, modern, transitional, and traditional. Are you looking for something with a central medallion? Do you prefer geometric, tribal, or pictorial rugs? After you narrow down the design you like, you need to determine the styles you like within that design group.

Persian rugs, for example, come from numerous different cities that each have their own unique look. Maybe you find you like the flat weave look of Kilim or Soumak rugs. Or maybe an antique Oushak is more your taste with its unique color palette and geometric design. When you know the designs and styles you like going in, the salesperson will be able to serve you better. It’s helpful to do a bit of online shopping and research to better refine your tastes.

Color

On a related note, keep in mind the colors that you like, as well as the colors that will best complement the room the rug is going in. Most reputable galleries will allow you to take the rug home with you for a day or two, to make sure the colors look right in your home. A rug that looks vibrant under the showroom lights may actually be too dark for your home or furniture. Take note of which colors you don’t want in your rug to make the process simpler.

Note that red, cream, and navy are some of the most common rug colors and that galleries are likely to carry more inventory in the most popular colors. If you have a specific, unique color palette in mind, you may have fewer options to choose from. Nowadays, it is easy to find traditional rugs in modern colors, as well as modern rugs in traditional colors.

A proper rug dealer will have a large amount of inventory in a variety of sizes, styles, colors, and quality levels. In addition, keep in mind that there are many different color and style combinations, ensuring there truly is a perfect rug for every shopper.

Budget

Have a budget in mind so you don’t waste time looking at rugs outside of your price range. Once you set your budget, share this information with your salesperson. To get an idea of the price ranges for rugs of different sizes and quality levels, keep reading. For an 8×10 machine-made rug, expect to pay between $500 and $1,200. For a medium-quality handmade rug, the cost will range from $1,200 to $3,500. For a high-quality handmade rug, expect to pay $4,500 to $8,500, or higher.

Rugs generally come in one of three levels of quality. There are low-quality rugs, which have coarser weaves and lower knot counts, medium quality rugs, which have higher knot counts and levels of detail, and fine rugs, with exceptional detail, softness, and very high knot counts. The quality level affects the appearance of the rug, as well as the price. In addition, handmade and machine-made rugs will come in different quality levels and materials.

Traffic

Finally, consider the amount of traffic the rug will receive. A high traffic area, for example, should not be decorated with a viscose rug. Traffic also plays a part in the amount of time a rug can go without washing.

The more information you gather and share with the rug salesperson, the more individually curated the selection of rugs they will present to you. Make an appointment to stop by the Behnam Rugs showroom by calling 972-733-0400, or fill out our rug request form to see if we carry exactly what you are looking for ahead of time.