Oriental rugs are a good option for people who are looking to purchase a work of art that is both beautiful and functional. Turkish rugs come in a variety of price levels and hold their value well. At the high end, a Turkish rug can cost more than four thousand dollars. But a smaller rug made by machine can be much more affordable, around forty or fifty dollars. An antique rug, if you can afford it, can become a treasured heirloom that maintains its worth for years to come.
Even though Turkish rugs got their name because they were popular in Turkey, they are actually made in many areas of the Middle East and Africa. If you decide to travel to this region to shop for rugs, be sure to enlist the assistance of a reputable expert to help you make your purchase. Many shop owners actually work with local guides to sell their rugs and give a percentage of the sale price to these guides. This means their prices are somewhat inflated.
Before you buy your rugs be aware of the difference in machine made and hand made. The weave will either be perfect or have some irregularities (gaps between the knots). A true hand weave will usually be the one with imperfections. The edges and fringe are another clue to quality. Mass produced rugs are usually not as full or not completely finished.
Turkish area rugs of the highest quality are luxurious and thick, and are one hundred percent wool. Among the better rugs some are made from a silk and wool blend. The low end of the quality spectrum in these rugs are made from cotton. These will have visible wear much quicker, and they do not retain their resale value well. One way to be certain whether or not a rug that you are looking at is a high quality wool rug, or one of the cheap cotton imitations, take a good look at the fringes. The high quality wool rugs are wool one hundred percent, so a cotton fringe indicates that the rug is not made of wool.
Finally, don't be afraid to take your time looking through what the rug dealer has to offer. The merchant will consider the fact that you are taking time to look closely at his wares as a sign of respect. Once you have selected a rug, you don't have to accept the first price the merchant quotes you. They expect people to think of that price as a starting point for negotiations. But, the best selection and the best deals can be found by purchasing your oriental and Turkish rugs online.