If you’re planning a vacation to countries like India, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Israel, or any nation in Southwest Asia, you’re probably going to shop through some rug markets at some point.

This part of the world is known for being the very best when it comes to rug designing, and tourists love shopping for high-quality Persian rugs as a part of their trip itinerary.

We’ve partnered up with the rug industry experts at Rug Source to develop this list of tips that tourists should keep in mind while shopping for Persian rugs abroad, because like you’ll soon find out, there are plenty of scams and industry tricks to take advantage of those who aren’t attuned with rug standards!

Always Check Out The Backside Of A Rug 

The first thing you should always keep in mind when you see an area rug you like in a foreign marketplace or showroom is that the backside of the rug is just as important as the front side.

In order to verify the quality of an area rug, you’re going to need to ensure that the backside is symmetrical to the front. You also don’t want to purchase any rugs that have damages on the back, because these rugs may end up bringing more trouble than they’re worth!

Be Sure To Verify The Rug’s Patina 

Just like any other antique, vintage rugs will develop a beautiful patina that extenuates the wool’s lanolin content. Everyone loves how these older rugs look in their homes, and it’s a big reason why a lot of rug shoppers will travel around the world to find the perfect rugs for their home.

Shopping for vintage rugs in America or Europe can cost a fortune, but in Asia these high-quality antiques can go for a fraction of the cost!

Look Closely At The Rug’s Fringes 

Another important part of an area rug that needs to be closely examined prior to purchasing is the fringe portions of the rug. This is particularly important because you will want to verify that the fringes aren’t unraveling.

Some people may get a great deal on an area rug with a damaged fringe and expect to later have it repaired, but this type of repair job can be a lot more complicated than most rug shoppers would assume.

It’s never a good idea to buy a cut back rug, and investing in an area rug means investing in durable fringes.

Examine The Colors & Design Themes 

It’s likely that an area rug’s colors and design will be the very first thing that draws in your attention, but be sure to give this element extra attention as you’re narrowing down your favorite options.

Not only will you want to verify that the rug has natural dyes, but you’ll also want to get a glimpse into what the design means from a more intricate standpoint. A lot of Persian rugs will provide stories and cultural meaning that makes for great conversation starters with your house guests!

Verify That The Rug Sits Perfectly Flat 

It’s always a bummer when you fall in love with a rug and then later find out that it doesn’t quite sit correctly on your home’s floors. This happens in many marketplaces where the rugs are hanging from large hooks above the ground, but if you’re serious about purchasing a rug, then make sure the merchant lays it flat on the ground for you so you can see how it rests.

Rugs sometimes develop small ripples, and these ripples are often permanent once they occur. Don’t purchase a rug that doesn’t sit perfectly flat on the ground!

Reach Out To The Rug Source Experts Before Heading Out On Your Next Rug Shopping Vacation For More Tips! 

There’s so much that people need to keep in mind while they’re shopping for area rugs abroad, and there are plenty of how-to books and industry experts who are willing to help tourists in these types of situations.

You can learn more shopping tips from the Rug Source specialists by going through the hyperlink at the top of the blog to their website!