How to Tell a Quality Rug From a Cheap One

Initial Inspection

• Lay the rug flat on a floor and take note of its shape. A quality rug lies level and is relatively symmetrical at first glance, while a cheaply made rug bends in awkward places and gathers up from the floor. The color of the rug is also an indication of quality: Look for bright, crisp hues and well-defined designs. Any bleeding between colors is the result of shoddy workmanship.

Weaving Method

• When comparing rug quality, ask specific questions regarding the weaving method used, and check the label on the rug. A hand-woven or hand-knotted rug is the finest variety, made by experienced rug weavers. A hand-tufted rug, constructed by shooting fibers through a backing with a mechanical gun, is a step down. Retailers may attempt to pass this off as on par with woven or knotted varieties. If the rug's label says it's handmade, ask how it was specifically woven to best determine quality. Well-made machine-woven rugs are durable, beautiful and a perfect option for many households, yet they are significantly cheaper than a quality hand-tufted rug.

Materials

• Read the label and talk to the retailer to determine the rug's material. High-end rugs are woven with natural fibers, with a preference toward wool and silk, but there are variations in quality. A subtle, reflective look and lack of roughness indicate a high-end wool rug, while a noticeable sheen and unparalleled softness indicate a high-quality silk rug. With wool, avoid anything too rough or overtly shiny. Check the tags of silk rugs. If it says “art silk” or features another qualifier in front of the fiber, it is not real. Cotton rugs are soft and relatively inexpensive, but they don’t hold up as well as wool rugs. If you need something durable, sisal is perfect. Synthetic fibers such as acrylic, nylon and polypropylene make for a decent rug, but they don’t have the same value as natural materials.

Knots Per Inch and Pile

• Marketing plays a major role in how the quality of a rug is determined, so don't be fooled by common tricks when you compare products. Manufacturers categorize rugs based on knots per inch, ranging from 30 to 290; as with thread count, the more knots per inch, the better. Retailers play up a thick pile, yet a quality rug is thinner than you may think, and buying a rug based on how thick the pile is doesn’t ensure quality. Instead, look to the weaving method, material used and the look and feel of the rug rather than how “plush” it seems.