Silk Rug Shopping Guide

Buying silk rugs or silk carpets is similar to making an investment. This type of rug is generally more expensive than other rugs. The price of a silk rug varies according to origin, design, and the manner it was made. Therefore, it is very helpful to know some facts about silk rugs before finally making a purchase.

Famous and high quality silk rugs are made in China, Persia, Turkey, and India. Chinese silk rugs can feature designs influenced by Buddhism and Taoism. Chinese symbols like yin, yang, and dragons are usually a part of their overall design. Persian rugs carry nature-themed designs; hence, they are more decorative and colorful. Turkish rugs, though very similar to Persian rugs, usually have a more human oriented theme. Kashmir rugs from India are characterized by a tighter and very fine weave.

Workmanship greatly contributes to the total value of a silk rug. Machine-made silk rugs are less expensive and are available in several designs. However, they are usually less durable. Hand-woven silk rugs are more expensive due to the high cost of manual labor. Usually, it would take 6,480 hours for a skilled weaver to finish a 9 X 12 foot area rug. Handmade silk rugs are custom-made which makes every design unique and original even if the pattern is repeated. These rugs tend to last longer than machine-made ones. They could even last for generations especially if they are well-maintained.

Before shopping for a silk rug, it is always good to decide your purpose for buying the rug. Will you be mounting it as wall art or will you use it as a floor covering in your hallway? How you are going to use your rug will determine the size that you need. Living rooms and dining rooms usually require larger area rugs than narrow hallways.

You must also take note that silk area rugs are not suitable for high traffic areas. If you are planning to get a silk rug for your hallway, you might want to get a more durable rug such as a sisal rug or a wool rug. However, if you really want to have a silk rug in your hallway, make sure to shift the position of your rug every six months or once a year to keep the piles in good form. Silk rugs are also prone to stains. Since silk rugs are very delicate, you might want to get a trusted professional cleaner to do the cleaning for you.

If you want to have the best quality silk rugs, you have to find a reputable store. A good rug store has long years of experience in the rug business, knowledgeable staff, excellent customer service, and usually doesn’t misrepresent artificial silk for real silk. If you are a first time buyer, try to consult with more experienced buyers. Try to conduct your own research as well. A lot of online stores offer quality silk rugs with reduced prices and free shipment.