Don't get taken when you go to purchase a quality, exotic rug. Here are some terms and types of rugs to consider as a wise investment.
Cowhide rugs are often purchased for their durability and a uniqueness all their own. Naturally tanned cowhide rugs are usually categorized as small, medium and large and sell for $200 to $500. Other authentic animal hides include zebra, impala, tiger and leopard skins. Reputable companies use only hides from animals who have died by natural causes, and do not carry rugs which have been manufactured from slaughtered animals. Some of these rugs can run up in to thousands of dollars, and many are guaranteed for life. Sheepskin rugs are one of the oldest and most natural materials in the world. Sheepskin is naturally resilient and naturally stain, soil and flame resistant. A small sheepskin rug can cost between $300 to $500 and with larger ones going for upwards of $900, depending upon the size. Natural leather shag rugs are also extremely resilient and run from $200 to $500. For those who'd rather not own a natural animal hide, faux fur rugs are a good choice in elegance. These rugs are usually available in solid colors or animal prints and cost $100 to $300.
If your tastes run a little more to Oriental or Persian designs, Kashan rugs are gorgeous, but a little more expensive than animal hides. These hand-knotted, cotton and wool beauties begin at about $700 and go upwards of $1000. They're available in hundreds of styles, colors and designs from area rugs to runners. Shalimar rugs from India are also hand-knotted cotton and wool, but begin at about $1500 and go upwards of $2000. When browsing for Oriental rugs, excellent quality can be determined by how many knots per square inch are in the rug. A good number for determining the quality is somewhere between 80 to 100 knots per square inch. Some of these rugs take up to 1000 hours of knotting time, thus the exorbitant costs. Ardabil, Gabbeh, Mashad, Bakhitiari, Isfahari, and Baluch rugs are also excellent choices when shopping for exotic rugs, but these rugs will run anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more. Similar Tibetan wool rugs are even more expensive, costing up to $3000 for a 6'X9" selection. Exotic rugs are expensive, but many last an entire lifetime, only to be passed down to future generations. Because of their durability, these rugs are an excellent investment for your money and bring comfort and beauty to your home. Some retailers make the assumption that most consumers won't know the difference between a genuine rug and a knock-off with a similar price tag, so get to know a little something about exotic rugs before making a purchase.
