Why Are Rugs So Expensive? How We Price Our Rugs
A lot of people are probably surprised by how much a high quality rug costs. If you are new to handknotted rugs, you might be wondering what exactly goes into determining the price of a rug and just what you are paying for. Read this comprehensive guide to help you understand just how far your money takes you when rug shopping.
The Size
The most basic thing determining the value of a rug is simply the size. Rugs are priced per square foot, so a rug with a larger square footage is going to cost more than a smaller one. That’s why a lot of the runners at Azari Rug Gallery are quite a bit cheaper than, say, our 12 x 15 (& larger) sizes. You may, however, still notice that rugs of the same size can be vastly different prices. So clearly there is not a standard cost-per-square-foot. So what else do we take into consideration?
Material
Just like clothing, what your rug is made of can really change the look, feel, and price. A 100% wool rug is likely going to cost more than a rug that uses other materials like cotton. Wool is durable and is likely to result in a rug that lasts generations.
A silk rug is going to be even more costly, as they have a luxury, glossy look and feel. They require special techniques when it comes to making, handling, and maintaining and therefore come with a higher price tag. You can also get rugs that are a blend of wool and silk if you simply cannot choose! We have a variety of wool, silk, and blended rugs at Azari Rug Gallery if you want to narrow your search down according to material - you can use "silk" or "wool" as a keyword to search our collections.
There are other materials, such as hemp or jute, that still make use of natural fibers but will be slightly lower cost. Synthetic fibers can also be used to make more budget-friendly rugs, but these are not likely to look/feel as nice as those made with natural fibers and will not last as long as, say, wool. When shopping for a new rug, consider what materials align with your goals and factor that into your budget. Although it might be more upfront cost, a more durable material is likely to save you money in the long-run.
Process
The way in which a rug is made is also instrumental in determining the price of the final piece. Handknotted and handwoven rugs are, as the name suggests, are made completely by hand. They can take months or years to be completed, even with a team of people working on them. The more intricate a design is, the more work went into it. Similarly, rugs with a higher knot density take a lot of time and energy to create. The price of a handknotted rug is going to reflect the amount of work that went into it. In the same vein, the uniqueness of a rug is also key in determining the price. Rugs can be truly one-of-a-kind, so while they may be expensive, you are paying for a piece that no one else has.
History and Origin
Finally, the age of a rug and where it is from determines its price. The older a rug is, the more likely it is that its price will rise according to the years. You will be paying for the tradition and history that this rug has lived through, especially if an older rug is in really good condition. At Azari Rug Gallery, we have hundreds of antique (1920s or older) and vintage (1930s-1990s) rugs for you to explore. Nothing beats having a piece of history in your home.
Where a rug is from also matters when determining the price. Persian rugs, for example, are often the most sought after and collected rugs. They feature techniques, dyes, and motifs dating back centuries. Rugs are often much more than just a piece of decor; they are a timeless embodiment of cultural tradition and immaculate craftsmanship.
The price of each rug you see on our website here at Azari Rug Gallery is carefully determined with all of these factors in mind. With 40 years of business behind us, you can shop confidently knowing your rugs are expertly chosen and priced. Whether you are buying online or shopping in person, you can rest assured that you will be getting quality pieces for quality prices.
