Month: October 2019

Key Indicators and Quality Hallmarks in Oriental Rugs

Posted on by scott

The two materials used to make oriental rugs are wool and silk. The rugs made from wool are not as treasured as those made from silk but they last longer.

The popular replica oriental rugs in the market today are made from artificial silk. The artificial silk is made by dissolving cellulose inside a thick yellow substance known as viscose. The viscose is then passed through a chemical bath through tiny holes to make long filaments and then it is wound into a thread. The artificial silk rugs do not last because of the quality of the fabric and it quickly loses its luster shine fast. The material is not as durable as wool.

Look at the Rug Closely

Before you buy an Oriental rug, look closely at its weaving. The weaving should be tight. It should have more than 200 knots per square meter. You can even find some with up to 500 knots or more. The weaving must be particularly detailed, closely clipped and it must be made with an authentic silk fringe which is meant as an extension of the rug design. It shouldn’t be seen on the rug or at the end of the rug. You will notice that the artificial silk oriental rugs usually come with medium weaves which are normally less than 250 knots per square inches and there are also some that come with even less than 150 knots per square inch. These replica rugs have cotton fringes but you know the original when you see a silk rug with real silk fringe.

How to Field Test an Oriental Rug

These are the three tests you can use to distinguish a fake from a real Oriental rug. These tests will require you to damage part of the rug. You will need to seek the permission of the seller before you can take any of the tests. You should only test rugs you know you are going to buy eventually if it is authentic. Sellers that know they have an authentic product will not refuse and will have to fear to accommodate your requests. If the seller refuses, then there is a possible chance that they have something to hide.

Rub it

If you rub the pile of silk on your palm, you can tell if it is real silk or artificial. The original Oriental rugs feel warm while artificial silk will be cool on the hands.

Burn Test

You can pull off a small piece of the fringe for the burning test. If the ash produced is smooth and it smells like burning paper, then it is artificial silk. Oriental rugs will have flaky black ash and smell like burning hair.

Dissolve It

By mixing copper sulfate with glycerine and caustic soda until you get a clear liquid, you can dissolve the piece of silk in the solution. Natural silk will dissolve real silk but if other materials like cotton, rayon or nylon are inserted, nothing will happen

The Basics of Oriental Rugs

Posted on by scott

Floor coverings are essential for each room of a home, or business for that matter. While there are many types to choose from, one of the most exquisite is an oriental rug.

Decorating with Oriental Rugs

These types of rugs can serve several purposes. One of the most common reasons they are used is to enhance the décor of any room. They are an excellent choice for the living area, and they can become the focal point of that room. The rest of the furniture can be in other colours, and a great addition would be a neutral coloured ikea ektorp sofa cover, which would be enhanced by the bright colours that can be found in many of the oriental rugs.

Taking Care of Oriental Rugs

Anyone who is going to invest in oriental rugs needs to have a good understanding of how to care for them. If they study this and apply what they learn, then these types of floor coverings will last for many years.

The History of Oriental Rugs

Most people enjoy the vibrant colours of these types of rugs. They know that an authentic rug of a particular period has been made with great care. What a lot of people don’t know is the history behind them, which is quite intriguing. By taking the time to learn this, it can help when an individual goes to buy one of these rugs.

Handmade and Machine Made Rugs

For those who genuinely want to buy a handmade oriental rug, there are some things that they need to look for. The handmade rug should be comprised of hand-knotting. During the process of making these rugs, different tools are used. One is a loom which is designed for this type of rug crafting. The size will depend on the measurement of the finished rug. When it comes to the knots, there are different components to them, and these should be studied carefully by the individual who is thinking of buying a rug.

Using Oriental Rugs as Tapestries

While oriental rugs make unusual floor coverings, they can also be used as beautiful forms of art which can be hung on the wall. When doing this, there is a particular way to go about it, so the rug is not damaged at all. It is recommended that the rug be hung on a rod that has been slid through its casing.

No matter what one wants to do with their oriental rug, they should take the time to shop for them carefully. The internet is one resource where they can be bought, as well as many online stores specialising in carpets, which will often have a selection of rugs.