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Antique rugs are worth considering and are available in
many beautiful designs and styles for you to look at. Within this section we focus on
two of the most popular types of antique rug: the Aubusson rug (from France) and
the Persian rug (from Iran, formerly Persia).
Antique rugs, unlike modern rugs, are not going to reach you in perfect
condition. One of the most appealing and charming qualities of this type of
product is that it is steeped in history, and that usually means it will have
encountered a certain amount of damage and wear & tear.
In spite of this, you should still be able to find an antique rug in a
relatively good state. Here are some of the things to look out for when shopping
for an antique or Oriental rug:
Antique rugs should be professionally cleaned before
assessing it's value. If possible, ask the person or the company that you are buying the item
from to get it cleaned in advance. Dirt is not necessarily a bad thing, and it
can sometimes even help you to get a better price out of the vendor. However
other problems associated with antique rugs and carpets, such as excessive wear
and tear, sun damage and substandard reparative work can go unnoticed if it is
very dirty.
With an antique rug, the more even the pile is, the better, so make sure you have a close look
to see whether it is more worn on one side than another. You should also check whether the rug shows
signs of previous repair work. If this is the case, check that it has been fixed properly. For example, if the
repair was carried out to fix a worn area, ensure that the rug has been rewoven
in a manor that is sympathetic to style and technique of the rest of the weave.
If you are buying the rug over the internet, or unseen for any other reason,
always ask the vender to assess the rug’s condition. This way, if you are
unhappy with the product when you receive it, there is more scope for a discount
or even a refund.
Antique rug reproductions are available when budget is a concern. These look
remarkably authentic and can serve the same purposes as an original. Prices vary
per manufacturer, and differences in quality can be experienced. Through the
many technological advances that have been made in the manufacture of area rugs
today, much can and is being accomplished in design and creativity. Because of
this welcome trend, reproductions have gained in popularity and have gradually
become more affordable, making them a lot less expensive than their original
counterparts. Of course, the investment value is also forfeited when one
purchases a reproduction , but none-the-less, the design statement is still
achieved and the end result is a room greatly enhanced with beauty and
originality.
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