Are you afraid of paying a lot of money for a rug that’s not high quality?
The last thing you want to do is invest in an expensive rug and have it fall apart after a few years of wear and tear.
To be sure you’re purchasing a rug that will last, you need to know how to spot a superior quality piece.
Check out Tufenkian’s tips on the best ways to identify high-quality area rugs.
Material Matters
Rugs made from natural fibers such as wool and silk maintain their integrity longer than those made from synthetic fibers. Wool is a vibrant and resilient material. Its durability and stain resistance add to the longevity of wool area rugs.
Silk is also a durable natural fiber that’s stretchable and lightweight. Even though this material is thin, it’s strong with excellent elasticity. Silk is highly sought after for its soft, luxurious feel and beautiful appearance.
Construction Is Key
Hand-knotted rugs have longer lifespans than machine-made rugs. If properly maintained, a rug knotted by hand can last for several decades, even centuries. Much time and effort go into the process, which results in a timeless work of art.
A machine-made rug’s lifespan is about 20 years. These rugs can be made quicker at a lower cost, but they’re mass-produced and not unique. A slow process, completed by hand with attention paid to every thread, results in a better-made, one-of-a-kind product that showcases not just the beauty of the design but also the touch of the artist’s hand..
Keeping the Color Intact
Compared to synthetic dyes, natural dyes resist fading in sunlight. There are 400-year-old natural-dyed rugs that look just as vibrant today as they did when they were made. Color retention is significant if you’re looking at carpets such as floral area rugs or abstract area rugs that are rich in color.
An excellent way to tell whether a rug was naturally dyed or synthetically dyed is by digging into the roots. If the foundation is much darker than the top, the rug was likely synthetically dyed.
Tufenkian was one of the first manufacturers to switch to top-quality Swiss metal-complex dyes, which provide a wide range of fade-resistant colors. Our process utilizes chromium metal, a naturally occurring element, to create dyes that will never run or fade and allow the natural character of the wool to shine through.
What About Pile Height?
Pile height is measured by the depth of the rug’s fibers. Low-pile rugs tend to outlive mid and high-pile rugs. That’s because they’re less likely to get snagged, gather dirt, and absorb stains.
A mid or high-pile rug is not necessarily low quality—it all depends on the carpet’s purpose. If foot traffic isn’t a factor, a mid or high-pile rug tucked away in a bedroom or office can last a long time.
How to Identify High-Quality Area Rugs
Now you know what to look for when shopping for high-quality rugs. With these guidelines, you can be confident your next purchase will be worth the money and live up to your longevity expectations.
Tufenkian’s Artisan Carpets become more beautiful with age and endure from generation to generation. An extraordinary level of hand-craftsmanship goes into every rug. Their modern designs are classic and timeless.
Explore our collections online and try out one of our rugs in your home. If you have more questions, you can talk to an expert in one of our showrooms to find a high-quality carpet you’ll enjoy for years to come.
