On Being An Area Rug Collector: What You Need To Know
Area rugs are great to have around the house as decorative materials. They are also handy items as floor coverings. They have been in existence for centuries and have proven their worth in the world of interior design. Because of the value of area rugs, collectors have emerged and are rallying for their own collection of assorted area rugs of varying materials, origins and designs. Old is good and the more ancient, the better for many avid area rug fans. If you are interested to become a collector yourself, you must practice the virtues of patience and perseverance. Hunting for the perfect rugs is fun but competitive, and getting your hands on one is tougher. It takes some time to grow your collection and of course, a lot of money too. You must be armed with the knowledge and the skill to be a successful area rug collector.
As a collector, you must know not just the basics but the essential information on area rugs – the types, designs, rates, fabrics, etc. As you go around your hunting expeditions, you must have the important notes with you as your guidelines. Money should also be generously spared for buying your area rugs collection. A lot of rugs are not cheap. Some are actually as expensive as artworks.
Key information collectors look out for are the designs, types, materials, origin, value, availability, market demand and manufacturers of the rugs.
Auctions are eminent venues for collectors. An experienced collector is ready with his key notes on the marketability, identity and worth of the area rugs. A novice collector, perhaps you very soon, will best to learn a thing or two from this strategy. The more you are familiar with the in-demand or valuable area rug, you’ll know when best to bid and when to give up or never to give up. Know the rug’s worth beforehand. Be ready for battle and you’ll have more chances of winning the price – the sought-after area rug.
Then the collector must ensure value for his or her money during acquisition. A collection isn’t always judged based on the number of items acquired but on its total value. Collectors must always insist on getting the best value because the essence is to establish a collection of few but the best area rugs. If the antique rugs are being bought for personalized gifts, the items should be accompanied by a card that explains where the item was found it and why it is special for the recipient.
Finally, a collector of antique rugs must insist in collecting only those pieces that they personally like. This is the single most important advice an antique rug collector can get when starting to build a collection. Any item collected and can not be resold can be personally enjoyed as a room or house decoration if in the first place the collector bought it plainly because he or she liked it.
Zoey Callehan is an interior design writer for HouseofAreaRugs.com – take a look for some insightful rug decorating ideas and all assortment of Persian area rugs in every color imaginable.