Color is probably the most obvious aspect in choosing an antique carpet. When working with a room with a variety of color and patterns, a carpet with simpler colors and patterns can accent without conflicting. If the room has fairly neutral colors, choosing vibrant rugs with more intense pattern will brighten your atmosphere and add a splash of interest. If you have not chosen a color or pattern for your room, find the rug that you like and decorate around it. A handwoven carpet is enough of an investment to make it worth creating the room around the rug as a focal point.
It is a good practice to add padding under the rug to keep it from sliding or bunching. Padding will also make it easier to clean and will prolong the life of your floor and rug. Most rug dealers can provide you with an appropriate pad for any carpet they sell.
Carpets can be used in any size home or building, from small rooms, to palatial expanses. Use a tape measure, to get an idea of the size you need. You'll want to achieve at least an illusion of evenness, so measure accordingly. There should no be no more than two feet of empty rug extending out from behind the furniture, when creating a conversation area. Diagonal placements add a twist of creativity to the room.
Oriental carpets may be found in a range of common fibers. Natural fiber rugs can be made of wool, cotton, jute, silk, and hemp, but antique carpets tend to be made primarily from hand-spun wool – this was the material most available to traditional weavers. Select by look and feel when originality, unique appearance and high quality standards are important to you.
Whatever you choose to do while decorating, set a budget ahead of time, get opinions from friends or professionals if you don't feel confident of your own knowledge, and then have fun with the choosing process! Prepare to be astonished at the wide array of unexpected loveliness that is available in antique carpets. Choose wisely, and your investment will bring you comfort and enjoyment for years to come.
Written by Ingrid Gonzalez
