
What Makes A High-Quality Rug?
- Knots Per Square Inch. The knots per square inch, or KPSI, of a rug describes how many knots are present in the design.
- Detailed Workmanship. The finest rugs in the world are made by experienced, dedicated artisans. These craftspeople spend...
- Heritage Materials. High-quality rugs begin with the finest artisan materials. Wool is the classic...
Full Answer
What is considered a good quality rug?
A rug is a good quality rug if it reads at least 120 knots per square inch. What is a high-quality rug? High-quality rugs are those wherein the number of knots woven per square inch is more or dense.
What makes a high-quality area rug?
High-quality rugs are those wherein the number of knots woven per square inch is more or dense. Weaving or tying more knots lead to more time and energy consumption. Not to forget this also adds material quantity. Hence, high-quality area rugs are more expensive than low-quality ones.
How do you determine the quality of a rug?
How to determine rug quality? (OR) How do you know if a rug is a good quality one? (OR) How to tell a good quality area rug? You can tell the quality of the carpet by counting the number of knots at it back. You can also determine the area rug quality by running your palm over the surface of the rug. Feel its texture and its density & pile height.
How do you know if a hand knotted rug is good?
Their color is natural and does not fade. As mentioned earlier, the best way to find the quality of a hand-knotted rug is to look at its back. A rug is a good quality rug if it reads at least 120 knots per square inch. What is a high-quality rug?

What makes a rug high quality?
The best fiber for rugs is by far wool. It is the strongest, most vibrant, and most resilient fiber to be walking on. A low quality wool rug will outlast the best synthetic fiber (nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefin) all day long.
How can you tell the quality of an area rug?
4 Ways To Identify High Quality Area RugsKnots Per Square Inch (KPSI) The number of knots within a rug determines the density, durability, and clarity of pattern; the more knots, the higher the quality. ... Detail. ... Premium Wool. ... Color.
What do I need to know before buying a rug?
The 10 Commandments of Rug ShoppingWhen it Comes to Size, Bigger is Typically Better. ... Make Sure the Pile Fits Your Lifestyle. ... Consider Care in Your Decision. ... Figure out Your Rug Style Profile. ... Weigh the Pros and Cons of Vintage Versus New. ... Put a Rug on it! ... Shop Online but Don't Discount Brick-and-Mortar Stores.More items...•
What kind of rug is best?
After years of testing, we found that, in this price range, flatwoven rugs held up better than the higher-pile kind, and that all-cotton rugs, or those with a cotton-wool or cotton-polyester blend, were more durable than all-polyester ones, so our recommendations tend toward those.
How many knots per square inch is a good rug?
Number of knots per unit area is directly proportional to the quality of carpet. Density may vary from 25 to 1,000 knots per square inch (4 to 155 knots per square centimetre) or higher, where ≤80 kpsi is poor quality, 120 to 330 kpsi is medium to good, and ≥330 kpsi is very good quality.
Are wayfair rugs good quality?
Are Wayfair rugs good quality? Based on reviews, it's fair to say that Wayfair rugs are of good quality, particularly when you choose those made of the synthetic material polypropylene, which is virtually stain-proof.
Are safavieh rugs good quality?
Generally speaking, Safavieh Rugs are of great quality, and as such, they feel excellent underfoot. If you are looking for soft Safavieh Rugs, go for a longer pile height, stay away from jute and flatweave rugs. Safavieh shag rugs are extremely soft, but so are other, medium or high-pile rugs.
How long should a rug last?
While regular upkeep can increase your carpet's lifespan, most manufacturers estimate you'll need a full replacement after about 10 years.
Are Indian rugs good quality?
Due to the high-quality natural materials used for creating custom made Indian rugs, they are durable and long lasting. These rugs will not get affected by environmental factors. So they will serve users for many years to come and thus provide maximum value on their investment.
What is the most durable type of rug?
6 Most Durable Rug MaterialsWool. A popular choice, wool combines durability and comfort in one. ... Polypropylene. Another durable rug material is polypropylene which is a particularly good option if you're on a budget. ... Nylon. Nylon is another durable synthetic material like polypropylene. ... Sisal. ... Jute. ... Seagrass.
What is a good thickness for area rugs?
Bedroom – Choose a low to medium pile height of ¼ inch to ½ inch to place under the bed or dressing table or a high pile of ½ inch to ¾ inch if not placing any furniture on the rug. Kitchen – A low to medium pile height of ¼ inch or less is more practical in the kitchen for easier cleaning.
What is a good fabric for a rug?
Rug material comparisonMaterialProsBest forCottonAffordable and ultra-durableBedrooms, kitchens, living roomsJuteAdds texture and personalityLiving rooms, bedroomsSeagrassEasy-to-cleanLiving rooms, bedrooms, mudroomsSilkSoft and luxuriousBedrooms4 more rows•Feb 9, 2021
How do I know if my rug is worth money?
0:522:08How to Determine the Value of Persian Rugs : Carpet & RugsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome of the big qualities that are going to denote. The value of a rug are things like the conditionMoreSome of the big qualities that are going to denote. The value of a rug are things like the condition of the rug. The craftsmanship the materials it was made with so what kinds of wools.
How thick should an area rug be?
Your cushioning should be no thicker than ⅜ inch for heavy traffic areas, while ½ inch pads work for less-visited areas like bedrooms or larger rugs.
How do you tell if a rug is silk or wool?
5:036:23Is it silk or wool? - How we identify a silk rug - Rug Cleaning Brighton, MIYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fibers they hold the rug together on the foundation. The works on the web. They run this way inMoreThe fibers they hold the rug together on the foundation. The works on the web. They run this way in this way. Form the fringe. And they're all silk.
Are safavieh rugs good quality?
Generally speaking, Safavieh Rugs are of great quality, and as such, they feel excellent underfoot. If you are looking for soft Safavieh Rugs, go for a longer pile height, stay away from jute and flatweave rugs. Safavieh shag rugs are extremely soft, but so are other, medium or high-pile rugs.
1. High-quality rugs are made on power looms
The first thing you will come across when you see high-quality machine-made Traditional rugs, Iranian carpets or Classic rugs is the uniformity of designs. All of these rugs are made on power looms. Unlike Hand made rugs, the weaving and manufacturing of these rugs are carried out entirely on machines, which ensure that there is no room for error.
2. High-quality rugs are low on maintenance
Another feature that makes high-quality rugs stand out against other rugs is that these do not require extensive maintenance. Even if you purchase machine-made Luxury rugs, you can be assured that these two will not require extensive maintenance.
3. High-quality rugs are made for the best materials
When it comes to manufacturing high-quality rugs, no compromise is made on the materials.
How to test wool rug quality?
To test quality wool rug, grab your rug and run your fingers over the. surface. A good wool will feel supple to the touch, where bad wool will feel dry and brassy to the touch. Good wool will last for generations, where the bad wool can wear out in a matter of years.
What is the best material for a rug?
Wool and nylon material rugs are best for high traffic indoor rugs and are the most durable rug material. They are easy to clean as well. The other very good rug fibers are Silk, Cotton, Polypropylene, Viscose, Nylon, and natural fibers like Sisal and Jute.
What is the best carpet for high traffic areas?
Wool rugs are the best type of carpet for high traffic areas. Shag rugs and dark color carpets hide dirt and is easiest to keep clean. So dark carpet is a good idea. To make a room look bigger choose light colors with geometrical patterns. I hope this article of ‘area rug quality guide’ has answered all your questions.
How many knots per inch in a rug?
In most rugs, an average rug will have between 100 to 150 knots per inch. Anything over 300 knots per inch is some of the top-quality rugs. Well, some of the finest rugs in the world have over a thousand knots per inch. Thickness. The next three factors all directly affect the durability in your rug.
What is a Persian rug?
Quality Persian rugs are those that are hand-knotted with pure wool or silk. These oriental rugs have fringes that form up with the of the rug-making and not glued separately. Their color is natural and does not fade. As mentioned earlier, the best way to find the quality of a hand-knotted rug is to look at its back.
How to count knots in a rug?
To count the knots in a rug simply look at the backside of it. When you turn your rug over you will see many little squares of color on the back. Each this is a knot. Now take a ruler and count the number of knots in an inch. To do so, run the ruler vertically and horizontally across the back. Multiply these numbers.
What does thickness mean in a rug?
The thickness refers to the height of the pile in your rug. This is pretty much straightforward. The taller the pile, the more rug there is to wear through before the rug wears out. So thickness plays a very major role in the life span of your rug. A little tougher to judge is the density of your rug.
How to know if a rug is dense?
Basically, the less you get out of it, the shedding out of it, the better performance. If it’s very soft to touch and very mushy when you put your fingers into it, and your fingers sink into the back, it doesn’t have density. You’re not going to be able to get the performance out of that carpet. It’s going to lay down more. Especially with traffic and those traffic lanes, you’re going to see those … they’re piled directional, that pile is are going to start laying down from the traffic. You’ll see that it’ll look different in the traffic lanes as opposed to the rug side that doesn’t get walked on. Density is very important, yarn is very important. Those are two most important things. Then, quality is also subjective to how well they put the colors together as well. How complementary are they, how they shaded, things of that nature.
How to contact Rug Gallery?
John: For more information about Sam, The Rug Gallery, and oriental rugs and carpets, visit RugGalleryCincy.com. That’s ruggalleryC-I-N-C-Y.com or call 513-793-9505. Make sure you catch the latest episodes by subscribing to this podcast on iTunes, and if you take the time to give us a review on iTunes as well, we would appreciate that. I’m John Maher, see you next time on The Rug Gallery.
Where is Rug Gallery?
The Rug Gallery is an oriental rug company and carpet store in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’m John Maher, and I’m here with the owner of the Rug Gallery, Sam Presnell. Hi, Sam. Sam Presnell: Hi, John. John: Sam, today our topic is how to tell what rug quality you’re buying.
Is polypropylene more expensive than nylon?
Then there’s polypropylene which is a really nice fiber, but it’s going to be less expensive than nylon. Wool will be, not always, but in most cases be more expensive than a nylon product would. Price points will differ from the materials that are used into it, and then it’s all about density, number of colors, the backing that’s used, the fringing that’s used. All those things play into the price of a product. You can’t always judge by price, but I would say most times you should be assured the more you spend that you’re getting a better piece.
Is cost a factor in buying a rug?
John: Obviously, cost is a factor to some people. They might be tempted to just buy a lower cost rug just because it’s what they could afford. Can you talk a little bit about the benefits of maybe spending a little extra money and purchasing a higher quality rug?
Is viscose good for staining?
If it is, you need something very dense and very low profile, and something that’s been washed several times in order to allow it so it won’t stain and things like that. Those are good points to spot in lower quality.
Is polyester better than nylon?
All those things can change a price point. I would say if you start looking at things, start reading more, it is polyester. Well, polyester’s not really going to perform. It’s going to be a really great looking product that’s not really made for high traffic or tough areas, unless you really want to throw a rug away after a couple of years. It’s not worth even cleaning at that point. Nylon’s a lot tougher and stronger than any fiber out there, but it’s going to be more expensive than polyester.
Hand-Knotted vs. Machine Made
Hand knotted rugs are exactly what the name implies. A loom is set with cotton warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads. A skilled artisan sits at the loom and ties individual knots of colored fiber in rows by hand to make the pattern.
Quality
Now that we can tell what sort of rug it is, how do we know if it's quality?
Size
What size do you need? This one can be tricky and can also come down to style choice. But here are some guidelines depending on the room:
Style
The best part! Because it's your home, choose something that makes your heart sing! But for fun and to feel smart while you shop, here's how to identify a few types:
The Dealer
Where you purchase your rug matters. You want to ensure that you are always buying from a recognized and trusted dealer. A quality rug dealer never sells products made with child labor and will have all of the information as far as origin, knot count, source material, and means of production.
You're Ready!
Now you're ready to go out into the world of rugs and find the perfect fit for your home knowing that it's of high quality and made to last.
Next up
Once you have that gorgeous rug in your home, enjoy it for a lifetime with tips on How to Clean and Maintain a Wool Rug
What Does It Mean When Someone Says “Fine” or “Good Quality” Rug?
Let’s talk a bit about what the term “fine rugs” means and how coarse and commercial carpets compare. When you begin your research into the type of rug that you wish to purchase, you will probably hear the word “fine” mentioned frequently. Even if you shop for commercial carpets, the salesperson will probably use the term “fine”. In the world of commercial carpets and the world of hand-knotted carpets, this term means something different.
What Affects the Fineness of the Rug?
There are several factors that serve to limit how fine a weave can be produced. One of them is the type of material that is available. Silk is prized for its ability to be spun into threads as fine as a spider web but still retain their strength. Silk allows for the finest rugs to be woven, particularly those that use both a silk pile and foundation.
How Long Does It Take To Weave A Better Quality Rug?
This is with four or five rug weavers working 8 hours a day and six days a week. The average weaver can tie between 4,000 and 8,000 knots in a day. This is one of the reasons for the higher price of finer rugs, but color and design also play an important role in determining the price.
What Does A Fine Weave Mean?
A fine weave rug is one that has a high knot count. The density of the knots is what determines whether a rug is considered to be coarse or fine. The simplest definition of knot density is determined by counting the number of knots in a square inch of weaving. It is possible that the knot counts can be different in the horizontal and vertical direction. The knot density typically can range from anywhere from 25 to over 1,000 knots per square inch (KPSI). Sometimes this measurement is translated into centimeters (knots per square centimeter – KPSC), or another measurement according to country or region. For instance, the knots per “dihari” is used in India.
Why Are The Fine Quality Rugs With High KPSI So Special?
Aside from the density of knots, there are many reasons why fine or high knot density rugs are special. If one were to compare two different rugs of the same design, age, and condition, the kpsi would be the determining factor in which one was the more valuable of the two. However, it is possible for a carpet of lower knot density to be more valuable than one of higher density, depending on other factors such as age, condition, design, and the region where it was produced.
How long does a hand carpet last?
A fine hand carpet will last a lifetime if cared for properly. Not to mention, you can expect good quality rugs to be more expensive than mass-manufactured carpets as well. If you are considering adding a hand-knotted carpet to your home or office, it is important to understand what you are getting.
How long do antique rugs last?
It is not uncommon to find antique rugs that have been around for over 100 years or more. By comparison, machine made area rugs, for the most part, are expected to have a maximum useful life of 10 years or less. When you purchase a hand knotted pile carpet, it is a commitment, so you want to make sure you are looking at high quality rugs.
