How to Buy Persian Silk Rugs

Measure the space where you will place the rug. Bring these measurements with you when you shop to avoid purchasing a rug that is too large for your space.

Decide whether you want a handmade or factory crafted rug. Handmade rugs are a more valuable investment. If you plan on reselling your carpet in the future, a handcrafted rug can be sold at a higher price than a factory crafted rug. According to Kwintessential, hand woven rugs usually take about 3,000 hours of weaving, whereas factory rugs can be made in just a few minutes. (See Reference 2.)

Find a reputable rug dealer. It can be difficult to determine whether a rug is handmade or factory crafted, so it is important to shop at a reputable rug store. Bukhara Carpets notes that it is "extremely important that you deal with a reputable rug dealer who has a substantial stock, preferably specializing in hand knotted rugs, with many years of experience." (See Reference 1.) Purchasing your rug from a professional will ensure that you are buying a high quality rug.

Examine the rug. Visually inspect the carpet before you purchase it. Ensure that there are no loose fibers, tears or small stains. If you bring the carpet home and later discover an imperfection, the store may not allow you to exchange the rug.

Ask about return policies. Inquire as to the store's return policy. Some stores do not allow returns on high priced rugs, whereas others will let you bring back the rug within a certain time period. Even if your store does not allow returns or exchanges, save your receipt for your own records.