Check the Backing
There’s no denying the fact that Oriental rugs add a lot of color and beauty to your home. They can also be heirlooms, and last for decades with the right care. However, there’s a brisk trade in fake Oriental rugs, and there’s a chance that the one you prize so much isn’t actually the real deal. How do you tell if your Oriental rug is fake?
One of the best ways to tell if your Oriental rug is fake is the flip it over and look at the reverse. If you see the same pattern and material on the back, you have a genuine Oriental rug. However, if there’s a backing on the rug, you have a fake. If there’s a plastic backing in place, you actually have a tufted rug that might only last five or six years. The backing is what holds the rug material in place. With an authentic rug, the fabric is woven by hand, and will last for decades, if not for centuries.
Check the Fringe
Check the fringe on your rug. If there’s a seam between the fringe and the body of the rug, that means it’s been sewn on, and you have a fake. If there is no seam, it means that the fibers are handwoven, and you have an authentic Oriental rug. In an authentic rug, the fringe is part of what holds the rug together and you’ll notice knots at the base of the fringe, rather than a seam.
Look for Manufacturer Information
Rugs can be dyed with a number of different options, including chemical dyes. These are not used with authentic Oriental rugs. Vegetal-dyed rugs are much more likely to be authentic, as are natural or non-dyed rugs. You should also consider the colorfastness of the rug. Rugs that have little colorfastness are generally less likely to be authentic. To check for colorfastness, simply dampen a paper towel and then hold it to the rug. If the towel comes away with dye on it, you know the rug is not particularly colorfast.
Dye Type and Colorfastness
Allergies and asthma are common in today’s world. We are surrounded by pollen and other pollutants that affect our health on a daily basis. However, no matter how much you clean, how often you dust, and what other measures you take to ensure a healthy environment in your home, those same pollutants are trapped in your carpet. Vacuuming alone isn’t enough to remove them. Only serious, deep carpet cleaning will remove those harmful particulates.
It Was Cheap
Perhaps the best indicator that your Oriental rug is a fake is if you got it very cheap. Authentic Oriental rugs are hand woven and unique creations. They are never found in bargain or discount bins.
With these tips, you should be able to determine if your Oriental rug is a fake, or if you have a true heirloom.