Rugs are available in a variety of patterns and designs. If you’re looking for foolproof ways to buy area oriental rugs, and more specifically Turkish rugs, then you came to the right place. Here is everything you need to know about Turkish rugs and what things to look out for when you’re purchasing one.
The Quality
Turkish rugs, also known as Anatolian rugs, are big on quality. They are extremely luxurious in look and feel and there’s just something about Turkish rugs that most oriental rugs don’t have.
Because they’re handmade, the quality is exceptional and if you’re looking for a great Turkish rug, then the quality can be a dead giveaway about the authenticity of a certain rug.
The Price
You may have to bite the bullet when buying a Turkish rug because it is going to be expensive. These rugs are not here to play. Turkish rugs are considered to be a luxury and antique item and they come with a hefty price tag. A small Turkish rugs cost may cost a few hundred or a thousand dollars whereas bigger and luxury Anatolian rugs can cost you several thousand dollars.
While these rugs can be a huge splurge, it’s still worth buying them because they’re going to last you a very long time.
The Knotting Technique
The next most crucial identification factor of Turkish rugs is how the strands are woven. Turkish rugs have a pretty unique knotting pattern, which is known as a double-knot. The strands are knotted around each other twice and the pattern can be seen from underneath.
The double knotting of the strands also impart strength and durability to the rug and this feature is one of the main reasons why these rugs are not only luxurious but durable as well. So, if you’re on the lookout for an authentic Anatolian rug, then make sure that you’re paying attention to the knotting.
Check The Back Of The Rug
The back of a rug can tell you so much about its authenticity. As far as Turkish rugs are concerned, because of the way they’re knotted, there’s going to be a specific pattern on the back of the rug that can be a giveaway of its authenticity.
If you’re looking at different rugs, then keep in mind to check the backs as well because you want to be able to see that characteristic pattern. The knots will be uniform and the design will be a mirror image of the front, but it will be a bit washed out in the back because of the knots.
The Type Of Rug
Turkish rugs are mainly of two types based on the way they’re knotted. One is called the symmetric knot rug or Turkish knot. As the name suggests, a Turkish knot is symmetrical and you can see the difference clearly if you peek at the back of the rug. The knots will be straight and defined.
The second type of Turkish rugs based on the knotting technique is called the Iranian knot. The Iranian knots are asymmetrical but the patterns are just as beautiful and unique. The type of rug you choose is based solely on your preference and what looks pleasing to the eye.
Is It Handmade Or Not?
An effective way by which you can find out whether the Turkish rug you’re buying is handmade or not is to look at the backing of the rug. This time, however, you want to closely inspect the shape and arrangement of the knots.
If the knots are asymmetrical and they are tied in between each stitch, then the rug is handmade. The tying of the strand is necessary to keep the rug from unraveling or fraying prematurely and that can only be done by hand. As for machine-made rugs, the back of the rug will have straight lines and loops, instead of intricate knots.
The Color
The colors of authentic Turkish rugs are also quite vibrant and rich. The reason is that the makers of rugs choose natural vegetable dyes that are not only bold in appearance, but they’re also going to last longer, and, on top of everything, the colors will not bleed into one another either.
So, when choosing an Anatolian rug for your home, you must inspect the general appearance of the rug. When you’re spending a lot of money on an authentic Turkish rug, you might as well do your proper research and get the best possible article for your home.
The Material
Turkish rugs are usually made out of wool so don’t be fooled if someone comes up to you and tries to sell you a rug that’s made out of cotton. Turkish rugs have a reasonable pile to them and all of this is owed to the wool that the crafters use to weave the rug. So, the next time you’re out buying a Turkish rug, make sure that you’re looking for a rug that’s completely made out of wool.
The Pattern
The patterns and designs of Turkish rugs are also unique and they can be a good indicator when you’re trying to buy a rug for your home. The patterns are different for different types of rugs, but there is a good mix of minimal designs, rich and bold floral patterns, and beautiful embodiment of culture and stories weaved into the canvas by the hands of a skilled worker.
The fringes of these rugs are also unique and you’ll fall in love with the simple yet intricate designs of Turkish rugs, so much so that you’ll be tempted to buy every single pattern.
Pick The Right Size
This tip is super important to remember as well because you don’t want the ratios to be wrong. When you’re buying a rug, regardless of the fact whether it is Turkish or not, you must figure out the best size for your room. You want everything to look proportionate and symmetrical.
A good rule of thumb to follow is that you should always get an area rug for your room first and see how it looks because sometimes, floor-covering rugs, especially in the Turkish variety, can look very overwhelming and everything can be thrown off balance.
Moreover, take dimensions of the room you want the rug for and where you want to place it. If your room is bigger, you can even place multiple rugs creating sections in the room. For smaller rooms, measurement is more important because a rug that fills the entire floor of the room might not look good.
Rug Guarantee
Yes, Turkish rugs are expensive, but one silver lining is that these rugs come with a guarantee. If you buy a Turkish rug from an authentic seller, you’ll get a guarantee certificate as well which screams legitimacy. If you don’t want to get scammed, you must go for a rug that is sourced and retailed in an authentic rug store.
The certificate of guarantee will give you all the details about the origin of the rug, patterns, designs, the story behind it, and the colors used in the dyeing process.
Conclusion
Turkish rugs are some of the most beautiful and popular kinds of rugs out there and they can elevate the look of your room. So, the next time you want to ensure that you’re buying a Turkish handmade rug Virginia, keep these tips in mind.
