How Do I Choose the Best Afghan Rug?

An Afghan rug can significantly alter the appearance of a room, so careful consideration to the purchase details make a difference between getting the best rug and being frustrated by its shortcomings. The size and shape of the rug you buy is important, because it should fit in the room in which you plan to put it. You also should make sure your new Afghan rug matches the rest of your home, taking color and decor into consideration. Details of the rug you choose, including its origins and any available warranty, also are things to consider before buying.

Some details that usually are important to consider include the size and shape of the Afghan rug you intend to buy. It usually is not necessary to get exact measurements of the available space in your house, especially since the dimensions of each rug may vary, but you should have a general idea of how large an area you need to cover. Afghan rugs range from very small to quite large, so narrowing down the approximate size you need is a good way to make shopping easier. You also should consider which shape would look best in your house, because such rugs tend to be square or rectangular, and either shape would have its own effect on a room's personality.

Among the most notable features of the typical Afghan rug are its vibrant colors and interesting design, both of which should be major considerations as you shop. You should be able to find a wide range of colors, allowing you to consider the hues that would best suit your home. You should then decide on the design of the rug, whether you want a simple or complex, large or small pattern. In many cases, simple patterns and large patterns tend to look best in rooms that already contain lots of detailed decor, while a more intricately designed Afghan rug may look best in a sparsely furnished room. Another option includes so-called Afghan war rugs, which tend to display images related to armed conflict; such designs might not work in every home, but they can make a unique focal point in homes when they do.

You also may want to pay attention to the circumstances of each rug, because some details can make a big difference. For example, you may want to know whether the Afghan rug at which you are looking is handmade and, thus, entirely unique, or if it has been produced in a factory by a company that makes them by the dozen. If the latter applies, you may find that the rug is surprisingly inexpensive, though the downside tends to be that you are not getting an authentic product made in or near Afghanistan, and several other consumers may end up with a rug identical to yours. You also should find out if there are any warranties in effect for the rug you purchase, in case it starts falling apart soon after your purchase.