Oriental rugs are one-of-a-kind, handmade masterpieces that are works of art for your floor. Most people acquire their rugs through one of two ways – they buy their own or they inherit them.
If you’ve purchased a new rug, chances are it will stay looking as good as new for many years, even after you’ve handed it down to the next generation. And, as you know it will be a good investment that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
If you inherited one from a family member or from someone’s estate, consider yourself lucky. Older Oriental rugs are like rare treasures – exotic and valuable. One downside to older rugs, however, is that they are more likely to look worn and damaged, especially if they weren’t cared for the way they were supposed to be. Another downside could be that you just don’t like the look of the rug you’ve inherited.
There are some steps you can take, whether you want to keep or sell an old Oriental rug:
Get It Appraised
The very first step is to take it to a knowledgeable rug dealer, such as J & J Rugs, and have it appraised. The appraiser will ask if you know the original purchase price and whether you know the exact age of the rug and if there are any interesting historical stories attached to it. They will also look the rug over to determine its condition, so as to give you a correct estimate.
Get the Damage Repaired
Some rugs will eventually have some worn spots. This is especially true if they have been used in heavy-traffic areas, or if they have sustained water damage, or have been lying under heavy furniture for far too long. An expert craftsman can repair most types of damage without any noticeable signs of repair.
Get the Rug Professionally Cleaned
All rugs should be professionally cleaned at least once a year, regardless of age. Don’t give your rug to any rug cleaner. You must look for someone who specializes in cleaning Oriental rugs and natural fibers, such as J & J Oriental Rugs, as these require special care.
Repurpose Your Rug
You may want to investigate the option of repurposing your rug. One way to do this is by having the best portion of the rug cut out and using it as a wall hanging. Another option is to transform the good areas of the rugs and convert them into throw pillow covers. These are excellent options if you have antique rugs that have been in the family for generations but are too damaged to use in their original form.
Are You Looking to Clean, Repair, Appraise, or Purchase a Hand-Knotted Persian or Oriental Rug?
If you are in need of repair or appraisal for your Oriental rug or/and looking to purchase a high quality, hand-knotted Oriental and Persian rug(s) in the Metro DC area, look no further than J & J Oriental Rug Gallery. If you would like your rug professionally cleaned, we can do that too! If you are looking for an Oriental rug to complete the look of a room(s) in your home, please come visit our showroom. Remember, the right way to dress your floor is just a call away: 703-548-0000.