Rug Buying Guide

Machine-made Rugs

Machine made rugs generally use two types of construction which are known as Wilton or Axminster.Wilton rugs have continuous threads of yarn that are then woven through the weft and warp. These are then cut to form the pile. Axminster rugs weave tufts of yarn into the weft forming a 'U' shape.

Hand-made Rugs

There is something special about owning a genuine hand-made oriental rug. Each rug is unique, both in design and colour, and could have taken many months to be completed. For a rug to be classified as an authentic hand-made rug, it must be woven or hand-knotted using natural fibres such as wool.

Persian rugs are among the most famous due to the important rug trading which took place in the 16th century along the famous ' Silk Road ' which spanned Asia , China and North India . Persian rugs are named after the place they were made and include Heritz, Bakhitiar, Qashquai and Turkaman. Today, Iran ( Persia ) produces more hand-made rugs than any other country in the world.

Care should be taken to source your rug through a reputable supplier to avoid purchasing a rug made by child labour.

Genuine Sheepskin Rugs

Genuine sheepskin rugs are produced in a sheepskin tannery. To produce the luxurious warmth and softness of a natural sheepskin rug requires good quality sheepskins and an abundance of soft water. For this reason some of the best sheepskin rugs come for the West Country.