Oriental rugs are many times counterfeited, so as a rug shopper you’re going to need to know how to spot a fake out!
It’s an unfortunate aspect of the rug world that many different types of rugs are counterfeited in order to exponentially increase profit margins, and this is possibly more prominent amongst Oriental rugs as compared to any other rug type!
The good news is that there are many different warning signs that rug shoppers can be on the lookout for as they’re shopping for Oriental rugs and trying to identify any counterfeits. Although you can always be rest assured of the authenticity of all of Rug Source’s rugs, we want our clients to be well-educated so they’re going into this type of home improvement investment decision understanding what to look for, AND what to shy away from!
So the following are 5 warning signs to keep in mind when trying to identify any type of counterfeit Oriental rugs:
1. There’s A Hard Plastic Back On The Oriental Rug
Authentic Oriental rugs are also hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs, so this subsequently means that the back of the area rug will match the front like a mirror image. If you don’t recognize a mirror-like image on the back of the rug, then it’s a clear sign that you’re not looking at an authentic Oriental rug that was handmade.
Most area rugs that have a hard plastic back are typically made from synthetic materials, and this is because this type of backing will help keep the rug materials all together. Some common synthetic rug materials include polyester, polypropylene, acrylic and nylon.
Although there isn’t necessarily anything wrong with these rug materials (and they’re less expensive), they’ll never last anywhere close to as long as wool rugs. Synthetic rugs tend to last around 4-6 years with regular cleaning and upkeep, where as wool rugs can last for decades and even potentially 100+ years!
2. Bleeding Colors
Authentic Oriental rugs are always made with natural, vegetables dyes. You should always make sure that your next Oriental rug is made from natural dyes and not chemical dyes if you want to ensure that you’re getting an authentic piece of history!
The truest way to test whether or not a rug for sale is made from natural or synthetic dyes is to utilize a damp cloth and let it rest on top of the rug overnight or for several hours. Once a certain period of time has passed, you should then notice whether or not any color has transferred to the cloth. If there is color on the cloth, then it’s a warning sign that the rug was made with unstable dyes like chemical dyes.
Rug Source always makes sure to provide a vast supply of Oriental rugs made from natural vegetable dyes, and you’ll always be well aware of any synthetically-made area rugs because they are separated both within our online inventory and in our showroom!
3. The Oriental Rug’s Fringe Has Been Glued On Or Sewn
The fringe of Oriental and all types of high-quality Persian rugs is a very important structural element, and it goes so much further than just design! All handmade rugs will utilize the fringe as the foundation of the loom, so then all of the aesthetic designs are tied around this fringe structure.
What’s so deceptive throughout the rug shopping world is that there are some shady rug dealers out there that will add on fringe elements to make an area rug appear to be hand-knotted. The best way to spot these types of deceptive counterfeits is to flip the rug over and notice whether or not the fringe has been sewn on or glued.
This may be one of the easiest ways to spot a counterfeit Oriental rug, and it’s a very common scam amongst all types of antique rugs to make them appear to be more valuable and durable than they actually are!
4. The Rug Is Simply Not Hand-Knotted
Every authentic Oriental rug has been made through the blood, sweat and tears of an expert artisan. It’s important to note that many hand-knotted rugs may last much longer as compared to hand-tufted rugs, and the prices are sometimes close to the same!
This is why you should always make sure you understand the intricate details that go into making an Oriental rug, and knowing the differences between hand-knotted and hand-tufted. Rug Source will always provide hand-tufted rugs at much more reasonable prices as compared to our authentically hand-knotted area rugs, and this is because we understand that this is always the right thing to do!
5. The Oriental Rug Is Not Made Of Wool
There is so much history that goes into the modern creation of Oriental and Turkish rugs of all types, and there’s just simply no denying how romanticized this entire art form is all throughout the entire rug world!
This is why the charm of Oriental rugs is sometimes lost when they are actually machine-made and not handmade, and this charm also directly coincides with rug materials like wool. Rug Source has always made sure that our top-quality Oriental rugs are made from premium grade wool, and there truly are many different benefits associated with wool rugs.
Wool rugs are very durable and will last decades, which is why these types of rugs are many times family heirlooms that are passed down. They also are durable in terms of an investment standpoint, and will retain or even increase in value over long periods of time. Wool rugs are also antibacterial, flame retardant and can help regulate the amount of humidity within your room!
Reach Out To The Experts At Rug Source To Learn More About Our Online Inventory Of Oriental Rugs!
Rug Source has been helping countless homeowners and businesses when it comes to finding the very best Oriental rugs for their desired spaces, and we’ll be more than happy to guide you through the intricate journey that is Oriental rug shopping!
So always feel free to reach out to us online or call us at 980-422-4080 or 704-763-0979 to get in touch with our specialists who can help you narrow down your best options throughout our vast online inventory!
Read our other blog posts on Oriental Rugs:
https://rugsource.com/how-can-you-tell-if-an-oriental-rug-is-handmade/
https://rugsource.com/a-guide-to-the-benefits-of-oriental-rugs-for-your-home/
https://rugsource.com/damage-to-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/oriental-rugs-can-bring-an-added-perspective-to-dining-rooms/
https://rugsource.com/3-easy-ways-to-reuse-antique-oriental-rugs-in-your-home/
https://rugsource.com/how-oriental-rugs-are-made/
https://rugsource.com/oriental-rug-origins/
https://rugsource.com/how-to-care-for-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/anatomy-of-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/oriental-rug-cleaning/
https://rugsource.com/antique-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/oriental-rugs-as-an-investment/
https://rugsource.com/tips-for-buying-an-oriental-rug/
https://rugsource.com/how-to-identify-authentic-handmade-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/the-difference-between-oriental-and-persian-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/the-difference-between-persian-and-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/choose-best-persian-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/oriental-rugs-persian-rugs-difference/
https://rugsource.com/how-to-store-an-oriental-rug/
https://rugsource.com/how-do-professionals-clean-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/how-to-identify-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/how-to-decorate-with-oriental-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/how-often-should-oriental-rugs-be-cleaned/
https://rugsource.com/what-are-the-most-popular-oriental-rug-designs/
https://rugsource.com/what-are-the-most-popular-oriental-rug-materials/