There are a few basics you should know about carpets. Once you understand how to determine what makes a carpet valuable, you will have a great chance to buy the best rug.
Carpet fibers usually consist of wool in most middle and upper end floor mats. High-quality carpets can also have silk. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic, polyester, nylon and olefin (polypropylene) can be found in more economical carpets. Cotton, sea grass and sisalian carpets are often moderately priced. Your most stain resistant carpets will contain synthetic fibers, but will not feel as soft and luxurious. All other natural fibers are susceptible to staining if the stains are not cleaned immediately.
What are you looking for in the carpet? The quality of wool, the type of dye and knots. Just because a carpet is expensive does not mean that it has good dyes or is well built. Make sure you know what it is and first inspect the store. First of all, be careful with buying outside the US.
The quality of wool fiber strongly depends on the type of dye used. Thin wool is a vegetable dried with fruits, roots and plants. Cheaper wool and nylon can be dyed with synthetic dyes. The carpet should always be tested for color resistance by picking up a damp white cloth and gently rubbing it into the fiber. If any color is transferred to the fabric, the dyes are unstable. Also look closely at the fiber to check the integrity. Make sure that it does not unravel. Very thin woolen fibers often look as soft as silk, even to an experienced rug professional.
The design is also a key factor. To determine if a handmade rug is made, turn it upside down and look at the back. If you do not see the picture as clearly as on the face, it is not made by hand. If he passes this first test, look at the fringe. The fringe should be a continuation of the yarn inside the carpet and should not look like it was sewn separately. Many claim that they are sewn by hand, but sewn by hand with a machine. You can expect to pay at least $ 500 for a small handmade 3x4 rug.
READ WITH fabric pads. These rugs have something to hide. The fabric covers either the flaws in the handmade rug, or even worse, the glue that holds the backing together. Glued bases tend to burst when they are moved or cleaned.
If you are looking for an alternative to manual work, you can look at Karastan. These woolen carpets carefully cover carpets, are cheaper in price and rarely have problems with cheaper woolen carpets. If you are not willing to invest several thousand dollars in a mat, this will be your best bet.
Ask the right questions. Educate yourself. Good luck with your search for the perfect mat.
