In order for an area rug to gain the definition of 'oriental' certain criteria must first be met. First the rug should be hand-made by a skilled artisan. Second, the traditional materials used in weaving are wool and, to a lesser extent, silk. Thirdly, the rug should come from countries in the Middle East to Far East. True Oriental rugs are considered works of art since each rug is unique and can even be considered an investment. If you want to invest in a rug, be sure to do your homework or bring someone who knows rugs well with you when you purchase. When selecting a wool rugs, be sure it's made of 100% wool; these rugs can be expensive and you want to get your money's worth.

When most people think of the term 'oriental rugs', they tend to think of large area rugs [http://thebestarearugs.com/] from China and the surrounding area. While rugs made in China are considered oriental, the term isn't confined to just that area. Oriental rugs can come from Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran (these are called Persian rugs), India, Mongolia, and, of course, China. Rug weaving in these areas has been a craft for centuries. There are subtle differences in design depending on which area the rug originated from, but all are hand-made from wool and silk. They are many reputable dealers of authentic oriental rugs and finding one you like will only take a little research.

Oriental rugs come in different styles, shapes, and sizes. They can be thick with high yarn content, or flat-woven. All are pleasant to look at. This beauty makes it hard for some rug owners to use them as floor coverings; this is why these rugs are equally seen hung on the wall as well as on the floor. Some owners even use their rugs on top of carpeted flooring to help add more color and design to the room. These rugs are also great to help soften the look of wooden or stone floors as well as add protection and warmth. The 100% wool is soft and comforting to your bare feet when placed on these types of flooring.

Your rug should be cleaned on a regular basis to ensure its longevity. This is especially true for antique oriental rugs [http://thebestarearugs.com/oriental-rugs/]. A properly cared for rug can last decade after decade. A great benefit of traditional oriental rugs is that they become better as they age. If your rug was purchased for investment purposes, this will only help to add to its value. It's best to have a professional clean you rug, especially if it's an investment or a family heirloom. These professionals will know the right way to clean the rug without damaging its fibers or fading any dyes used. The one thing an owner can is vacuum the rug at least once a week. Be sure to set the vacuum beater bar high enough to clean the rug without hurting the fibers.