Rugs and carpets can add a certain allure to a room's decor. These can bring in balance, symmetry, colour, style and even visually segregate functional zones in a larger room. Highly functional in nature and aesthetical in design, antique carpets have been a part of home decor for centuries. In fact, even small 9 x 12 handmade carpets can take up to 3000 hours of work, depending on its intricate detailing and colours. It takes more time for the design, dye preparation, spinning the wool and setting up the loom, which is why these are also the most expensive.

Since not everyone can own handmade carpets, today you will find a wide variety in machine made carpets. These are the commonly seen designer carpets that are perfect for busy homes – they have class and style and are also easy to maintain while being within the budget. But for those who like things traditional and luxurious, nothing beats the look and feel of Persian carpets. These are also called Oriental carpets and originated in Iran. Many antique carpets are Persian carpets and Persian weavers have histrionically been leaders in design and quality. Traditionally, all carpets were woven on a hand loom strung with vertical threads made of cotton, wool or silk. Tying loops around these created the knots and the design of the rug or carpet. Each knot was tied and individually cut by hand which is also why one carpet could take years to create. However today, leading rugs and carpet manufacturers have high-tech machines that do the same job, only much faster to churn out several stylish pieces every day. The reason was that handmade carpets are becoming lesser in demand; they are a lot pricier and only adorn the floors of the rich and famous today.

What most people want when they buy carpets online is to find something they will cherish for years. One of the most important factors in evaluating a carpet is the colours and their combinations. A good carpet will be pleasing to the eye, some even improve and enchant the longer one looks at them and there is a sense of depth and balance in the colours and layout that is achieved through skill. That's what makes one carpet more pricy and coveted than another, and basically what expensive Turkish carpets and Persian carpets have to offer. Another important factor is the quality of the wool. A carpet woven with excellent wool can easily survive 50 years or more with very little wear, particularly if cared for properly. Good quality wool in expensive carpets will actually improve the more it is walked on and will develop an antique patina or sheen that is highly sought after by rug collectors.

This is why, when you buy rugs and carpets, it is important to touch the wool and rub the palm of your hand across the face of the rug. It should not feel overly dry or stiff and its weight will also tell you more about the quality. Good carpets and rugs will spark your interest and demand your attention. The longer you look at it, the more its beauty and many nuances will be revealed. Always take your time when making a purchase.