Why A New Rug Might Be Your Best Find At The Next Estate Sale You Visit
When it comes to thrifting, many people overlook getting second-hand rugs for their homes. It often comes down to not knowing what conditions the rug was exposed to, like whether or not the previous owners smoked indoors or had pets running about. But even though many are hesitant to commit to pre-owned rugs, you can find incredible deals on some costly pieces. At estate sales, it isn't uncommon that some of the most expensive items in the home are the rugs, and you should never overlook a quality handmade rug, as these often cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Rugs tend to be higher in price regardless of the type of rug you are getting, and the bigger the rug, the more you have to spend. So, any lower prices you see on rugs at estate sales are worth looking at, but it'll be the handmade and vintage versions that are the ultimate prize. Not only are these pieces incredibly expensive due to being handmade by artisans, but they will naturally be more durable, higher in quality, and one-of-a-kind. Suppose you are hoping to score one of these rare finds for a great price at the next estate sale you visit. In that case, you'll want to be able to identify handmade, vintage rugs of quality material and whether or not they are clean enough to bring home.
Handmade vs machine-made rugs
There's much to consider as you shop around for the right rug. Of course, design is important, but the quality of materials used and how the rug is made are also essential. When shopping an estate sale and coming across a rug you are considering purchasing, you'll want to examine whether or not it's hand-woven or machine-made. Hand-crafted rugs will typically always be superior in quality due to the higher grade of materials usually used, plus the time and effort an artisan puts into the knotting. These days, you'll need to do more than simply observe Persian and vintage designs to tell you if a rug has been handmade. Many manufacturers are utilizing these charming designs and traits while mass-producing machine-made rugs. Machine-made rugs run cheaper because they use lower-quality materials to produce a higher quantity of product.
Running your hand over a rug can tell you much about its production. Machine-made rugs will have a fuzzier feel because the knot density is not as high as it is in hand-crafted products. You'll also find that artisan-made rugs will be more unique in their display, showcasing small nuances and charming design inconsistencies that a machine won't be able to imitate. Additionally, be sure to feel the back of your rug, as machines will produce a stiffer backing due to the synthetic materials of nylon or polyester used. In contrast, hand-knotted products will be much softer, using higher-quality materials like cotton, silk, and wool for their rugs.
Examining a rug's condition
When shopping at an estate sale, you have little knowledge of how old items are and what conditions they have been exposed to. Understanding an item's history may never be more important than it is with rugs. A rug can absorb an immense amount of dirt, bacteria, and even insects that are not noticeable to the naked eye. So, how do you determine if a rug is clean enough to bring home? Start by simply feeling the rug. Take in whether or not any residue transfers to your hand to understand how much grime there may be. Also, feel for holes and other deterioration in the body that bugs like moths may have caused. Don't be afraid to bring a magnifying glass to examine a rug's pile or any hard-to-see ailments closely.
If the rug has passed the touch test, give it a sniff. It may seem awkward to execute, but it'll say a lot about whether it's a rug you should buy. Are there any pet, food, or smoke-like odors you wouldn't want in your home? For any staining, research if it could come out. Even if you're confident a rug is clean enough to purchase, you still really should consider cleaning it to be safe. Professionally cleaning a rug can cost as low as $60 to $600 based on the size, condition, and company. But you can also clean a rug with intense vacuuming and a deep scrub with soap and water.