As I tell all my customers, the most important decision you can make in selecting an Oriental rug is choosing a dealer. That one decision will determine whether your investment in a quality rug will be an experience that gives you as much pleasure as it should. If you've found someone you're comfortable with, there's no "set of instructions" that cover all situations that come up when buying a rug. But listed below are 10 steps I and my staff hope will be a convenient checklist to help ensure you get what you want.– Sy Mahfuz, Persian Rug Galleries
1. Move out of your home
No, that's not a joke. Before you embark on your search for just the right Oriental rug, try to look at your home as if you're seeing it for the first time. What colors are emphasized overall, and what variations are present in each room? The colors, designs, and patterns of a quality Oriental rug act as a base for any room. Consider the floor a fifth wall - how would you want to decorate it? Also, don't forget to make measurements of the room sizes so you're able to make the most of your visits to Oriental rug dealers.
2. Drop in for a visit
In today's world of instant purchases over the Internet, there's still no substitute for taking the time to personally visit the showrooms of several Oriental rug dealers. Yes, look through the phone book and clip any ads that catch your eye. But get recommendations from friends, neighbors, or co-workers. Word of mouth is still the most reliable guide to finding a dealer who's right for you - one who will help you not only seek value, but stand behind what the store sells and help you care for the rug over the years.
3. Ask, ask, ask
Though you could spend a lifetime learning about the art of weaving fine Oriental rugs, chances are your life is busy enough without trying to master the rug business. Find a dealer willing to share his or her expertise with you - one who's especially willing to answer your questions in language you can understand. You want to find someone you can trust to be your guide into this world of fascinating fabric art.
4. Don't emphasize budget over beauty
Buying an Oriental rug is not like buying, say, an appliance for your home. A quality Oriental rug is a thing of beauty, an investment, and a potential family heirloom all at once. It's certainly not an impulse purchase, but if you want a rug that you'll find truly satisfying in your home, encourage yourself to respond to your emotions. Time and time again, we've seen customers simply fall in love with a rug whose design, texture, and colors appeal to them on a purely emotional level. Yes, price is important, but it's not the only element to emphasize.
5. Take your time
Once you've selected a dealer to act as your guide into the world of fine Oriental rugs, take your time in deciding what you want. Many of our customers make multiple trips to our showroom before they're ready to make a decision. It's not uncommon for us to spend ten to 12 hours with a customer.
6. Try the rug at home
A reputable dealer should be willing to allow you to bring one or even several rugs home so you can see what they look like where it counts. There's simply no substitute for giving the rug a try in your home to know for sure if it's the right one for you.
7. Get insurance
When you've decided on a rug, check your homeowner's insurance policy to see if there's a "fine arts" portion and if it covers Oriental rugs. If it doesn't, talk to your agent - establishing coverage for your rug in the event of damage or loss is an essential part of owership. Also, make sure your policy calls
8. Buy a small wet/dry vac
I'm not in the appliance business, but I've come to believe a small wet/dry vac is an essential accessory for any rug owner. Spills happen - they're a fact of life. The good news most stains can be completely removed without damage to your rug. But the other side of the coin is that you need to get a lot of water on that stain (unless it's oil or grease) as soon as possible, which means a portable wet/dry vac is indispensible. For more information about stain removal, visit the Cleaning and Repair section of this Web site.
9. Establish a maintenance plan
Just as you regularly service your car to keep it on the road, you really need to have your Oriental rug professionally cleaned to preserve its value. When you buy a rug from Persian Rug Galleries, I'll make sure you get a postcard reminder when it's time for your rug to be cleaned, which we recommend be done every five years or so.
10. Enjoy your rug
This means different things to different people, of course. I tell people to take care of their rug, but there's no need to be over-cautious. A fine Oriental rug is a durable and hardy creation that adds beauty to your home and enjoyment to your life. You shouldn't be afraid to walk on it or use the room it's in for any purpose whatsoever. Make it truly a part of your living home - that's what it's for!
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