Are you thinking of ways to bring glamor and chic to your home? Then look no more because the answer lies in a kind of floor decor. Literally and figuratively on the floor. It’s no other than Oriental rugs. That’s right. They are the simple solution to a common problem of enhancing one’s home. Don’t be fooled by the “simple” term. Using an area rug, especially as elegant as an Oriental style is as effective as remodeling your entire house. No kidding!

What is an Oriental rug made of? They can be made from a variety of fibers. The fiber choice plays a big part in the price that you will pay. Silk and wool threaded rugs are the most expensive whereas cotton, sisal and synthetic materials cost far less. Unfortunately, the more luxurious the rug is the least durable it will be. Synthetic fibers resist staining and stand up better under wear and tear.

The quality of an Oriental area rug is based on the dye used to color it. Those made of fine silk and wool are dyed with natural dyes. Plant roots, vegetable and fruit dyes give wool and silk rugs beautiful and lustrous colors not found in synthetic materials. Synthetic dyes are used to color Orientals of a lower quality.

These rugs can be made by hand or machine made. If you can distinguish a pattern on the back, then you know it has been made by hand. Machine made Oriental rugs can give the appearance of a hand knot while being more durable. Some handmade pieces have a soft cloth backing. This cloth is usually cotton. Before purchasing one, ask to remove the backing to check for flaws. Ensure that the backing has been sewn as glued-on backings do not last long.

Moreover, authentic Oriental rugs made by hand also have a handmade fringe. Imitations have a sewn fringe instead, so this is also one element you can look at when buying an Oriental rug for your home.

Shopping for an Oriental area rug can be fun. Plan to take a friend along and make a day of it. If you are lucky enough to live in a large metropolitan area you may be able to find authentic importers whose rugs come straight to them from the source, one of the Middle Eastern countries where Oriental carpets are made.

Looking for a genuine Oriental rug should be savored and treated with love. The enjoyable thing about scouting for the real deal is the information you can acquire by chatting up the seller or dealer. Oriental rugs are highly regarded by carpet aficionados and collectors. This kind has existed for centuries and has not lost any of its value. In fact, Oriental rugs are getting more popular and expensive because of high demand. A real worth for the money.

Lastly, plan to bargain for the piece you have set your heart on buying. Set your budget before entering the shop. You can go back and forth with the dealer to determine the actual price you will pay. Authentic Oriental area rugs are usually twice the price of less expensive imitations.

Don’t be ripped off by imitations. Be sure to buy authentic traditional oriental rugs directly.