W.E. Esber Oriental Rugs
Since 1936

Offering the Finest Selection of Handmade Area Rugs & Table Linens in State College for Over 70 Years

1011 East College Avenue, State College, PA 16801 • Phone: 814-238-2732

Oriental Rug Buying Guide

1. First, Make Sure Quality Wool is Used

Quality wool will allow the rug pile to wear better over the life of the rug. Quality wool can be found from many countries. Not one country of origin can guarantee a rug with high wool quality. Each rug must be inspected for quality wool and craftsmanship. For example, there are many traditional rugs from Iran that use lower quality wool. In Iran and other countries, using lower quality wool is done on purpose.

A rug with lower quality wool will offer the customer:

• A rug at a lower price.
• A rug to use in an area that will see pet accidents or coffee, tea, and wine spills.

2. Second, Considered the Execution of the Design

The type of design plays an important role in the appeal of a rug. There are good and bad examples of all rug designs. Until you see many Keshan designs or Tabriz designs from many countries, it will be hard to tell that one is executed better than another.

The scale of the design is also important. When a floral design looks great in a 8 ft. x 10 ft. rug, it may not be executed as well in a 5 ft. x 7 ft. rug.

3. Last But in No Means Least, The of Use of Color Must be Appealing

Whether the design is traditional or contemporary, whether the rug is made in Iran or Pakistan, whether the rug has the best wool or the best executed design, using the wrong combination of colors in a rug will ruin it. While the use of color is subjective, it can be agreed that for a handmade rug to stand the test of time there must be an appeal in the beauty of the colors and how they interact with the each other and the overall design.

How I Buy Handmade Oriental Rugs

In one day on a buying trip I may see 500 8 ft. x 10 ft. handmade rugs of different designs. Of the 500 8 ft. x 10 ft. rugs, I may select only 5 to 10 pieces that represent the best combination of wool, design, color, and price. Choosing each rug in person is essential in having a diverse inventory. This allows us to have an inventory that has modern and traditional colors and a variety of price points.

Shop for 5 x 7 Area Rugs

Shop for 6 x 9 Area Rugs

Shop for 8 x 10 Area Rugs

Shop for 9 x 12 Area Rugs

Shop for Iranian or Persian
Oriental Rugs