For centuries, highly skilled artisans have been crafting beautiful, functional masterpieces we now call Oriental rugs. These works of art are hand-woven of natural fibers and made in the geographical regions of the Near, Middle, and Far East, as well as the Balkans. There is a rich history involved in the making of Oriental rugs, and these traditions continue today, often with awe-inspiring results. Note: these rugs are also referred to as Persian rugs or traditional rugs or area rugs and these terms are used interchangeably throughout this tutorial. 

Fortunately for modern consumers, traditional area rugs are more available and affordable than ever, making it easier for many people to enjoy their artistry and craftsmanship. In merging commerce with culture and art, often it is wholesalers in the United States and abroad who dictate which designs to produce, which colors to use, and which sizes to make based on their consumers’ preferences. Even with predetermined designs and colors, each Oriental rug can be unique because the artisan’s own interpretation of a pattern can be found in individual rugs.

In the following sections we will examine specifically how traditional rugs are made and which issues affect the consumer making a rug or carpet purchase. Finally, we will take a look at many of the countries that produce area rugs, such as China, Egypt, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Tibet, and Turkey.

It is our hope that customers looking for an area rug in the greater Louisville area – Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana – and beyond will  benefit from this wealth of information developed by David Khazai, a fifth-generation rug professional in wholesale and retail rug sales. We encourage you to stop by Khazai Rug Gallery in Louisville, KY to further your knowledge of area rugs.  This information should help demystify the selection and purchase process to help you make a wise buying decision – in short, teach you how to buy a rug.