From the vibrant colors of Persian rugs to the muted brown hues of jute ones, area rugs hold a unique ability to set the mood of a room. A colossal shift in style can be achieved with just one swift change in rugs—paired with careful choosing. 

To have that effortless impact, rug connoisseurs suggest you look for these qualities that your modern area rug should have. 

Material

As with any decor you’d invest in, a quality that should be on top of your list is the material employed in making this fine piece of art. Asking the right question will help you determine whether the rug is worth the investment or not. 

If you intend to place your modern area rug in high-traffic areas, opt for rugs made from natural materials as they last longer than synthetic ones. Rugs from the Middle East—Persian—are on the pricier side but for good reason. 

However, if the desire to change rug pieces constantly is apparent, synthetic ones do the trick as long as they’re given proper maintenance and care. Nylon and Viscose rugs are reasonably priced given their durability and texture. 

Weaves

There’s no doubt that hand-woven rugs are of superior quality and provide the most intricate details. These rugs are made by experts who have mastered their craft and are dedicated to making each rug valuable. 

To inspect the quality of weaves, flip the rug onto its underside and take a closer look on the knots. Authentic hand-woven rugs visibly have a few big knots but have more knots per square inch. 

And although they’re not at par, hand-tufted rugs come close to the top spot. Made by both man and machine, the underside of these rugs will have a backing and will feel firm to touch.

Color

The color of a rug is very telling on its quality and authenticity. Rugs made from natural materials often have colors that are organically vibrant. 

For several years, the market for Persian rugs have been plagued with more fakes than one can imagine. Given that these rugs ought to be antique, counterfeits are often acid-washed to make them seem older than they are. 

In addition to that, the colors of genuine rugs also don’t bleed as natural dyes are being used. To test the authenticity of the rug, take a damp cloth and leave it on top of the rug overnight. If the cloth gets stained, then it’s an indication that it wasn’t as genuine as it seemed. 

However, if you are leaning towards buying a modern synthetic area rug, opt to go for ones that are not made with fugitive dyes. These dyes work wonders on hastening the dyeing process but leave a mess once you spill any type of liquid onto your rug. 

The Bottom Line

When it comes to buying your next high-end, modern area rug, equip yourself with the right questions and have a keen eye for the material, weaves, and colors. As with any rug connoisseur, this may take some time to master but you’ll learn the ropes in due time.