Buy from an online site   

​Online sites such as ebay and craigslist are good options if you are looking for a common type of rug. Otherwise, they mostly cater to antique dealers and rugs of cheap quality.

​​​​Should you buy new or old Oriental rugs?

Without a doubt, in the current market, it is much more advantageous to purchase an Oriental rug from a private party than a new rug from a store... ​​

Buy from a rug dealer  

​​​​​Buying from a reputable rug dealer has the advantage of being in person, and normally allows a free trial period. But you will pay a hefty premium to cover the dealer's overhead costs. Beware of so-called huge discounts or fire sales.

What to watch for 

When buying an antique Oriental rug, you should examine how fine the weave is, the quality of the wool, the design, the colors, and of course the condition of the rug, specifically:
       1. Damage and wear. Minor wear is acceptable in older pieces.
       2. Color runs. Check if strong colors, especially red, have spilled over adjacent light areas.
       3. Fading. 
       4. Stains. A few dime-sized stains can be ignored. Larger stains should be avoided.

Buying an Oriental Rug

What to Buy

​​​Buying an old Oriental rug

Old Oriental rugs have already been tested, so you get what you see. They reveal their quality and begin to acquire beautiful nuances in colors and a character. Moreover, you can buy an older rug from a private party for a fraction of the price in an Oriental rug store even when it is indistinguishable from a new rug. 

Where to buy an Oriental rug​ 

Buy an antique rug at an auction   

​This can be a good option, but you must be knowledgeable in Oriental rugs, and you still pay a significant premium to the auction-house.

Buy from our gallery    

​The rugs in our Gallery belong to private parties; they are handpicked by our experts; and we charge a minimal 5% commission. One drawback is that the purchase is online, and we charge a nominal shipping fee if you return the rug.  ​

​​​Buying a new Oriental rug

​Admittedly, a new Oriental rug purchased from a store will look fresh, clean, and springy. But after a few months, you will be hard-pressed to see the difference with an older Oriental rug that was well-cared for. 

​Buying a Persian rug of good quality is a significant investment which can run from a few hundreds to several thousands of dollars. It requires therefore careful consideration.  We can help, contact us.

What type of Oriental rug to buy

While there are recognizable brand names, each rug must be examined on its own merit. The current market offers a golden opportunity to acquire certain vintage Oriental rugs that for now are highly under-valued. This is the case for Peshawar rugs and fine vintage silk rugs, as the new generation has not yet discovered them.