Knowing a rug’s value isn’t as easy as it looks. Many people think they can just take a quick look and understand what it’s worth, but that’s like guessing the price of a car without even looking at the engine. A good rug appraisal takes skill, experience, and knowing exactly what to look for.
Unfortunately, people (even some so-called “professionals”) make a ton of mistakes in rug appraisals. These mistakes can cause people to sell valuable rugs for too little, pay too much for the wrong ones, or end up with rugs that aren’t what they seem. These errors in rug appraisals happen more often than people realize and can lead to significant money losses.
So, if you own a rug, are thinking of selling one, or just want to know how to avoid getting ripped off, here are the most common rug appraisal mistakes and how to dodge them.
At Khazai Rug Cleaning & Repair, our skilled team provides rug appraisals, so you can be sure there are no issues or mistakes, giving you peace of mind.
Ignoring the Rug’s Origin
Where a rug comes from is everything when it comes to its value. A Persian rug isn’t just a “Persian-style” rug; a Turkish rug isn’t just one with geometric patterns. True handwoven rugs from Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, or the Caucasus region hold way more value than their machine-made lookalikes.
Common Mistake:
A lot of people (and even some appraisers) assume a rug’s origin just by looking at its design. But that’s like assuming every sports car is a Ferrari—it doesn’t work that way. This is one of the biggest mistakes in rug appraisals, as origin directly impacts market value.
How to Avoid It:
- Check the weave – Authentic handmade rugs have slight imperfections in their weave. Machine-made ones look too perfect.
- Look at the knots – Hand-knotted rugs have knots that vary slightly in size.
- Flip it over – A real handmade rug will show its pattern on the back just as clearly as the front.
A rug’s origin isn’t just about prestige; it also impacts durability, resale value, and even sentimental worth. Getting the origin of a rug wrong could mean setting the wrong price by thousands of dollars. Where a rug is from matters for how it’s made, the dyes used, and the patterns woven into it—all of which impact its worth. That’s why knowing its origin is important to prevent mistakes in rug appraisals. Some areas have their own unique weaving styles, like Persian rugs with tight knots and Turkish rugs with bold geometric designs. Knowing these differences makes appraisals better. Also, some village-made rugs have unique patterns that people often confuse with designs from other regions, which can lead to the wrong price. One of the main reasons our skilled Experts in Khazai Rug focus on rug appraisals is exactly because of these details, whether it’s cleaning or repairing or any other services that we give, we care about our customer’s feelings so they can feel safe with us!
Overlooking the Materials Used
It’s not just about looks; what a rug is made of changes how long it lasts, how it feels, and how much it’s worth. A 100% silk rug will have a very different price than one made of wool, cotton, or man-made fibers.
Common Mistake:
Some appraisers don’t test the rug’s materials. They just assume, and that’s a problem. A rug that “looks” like silk might actually be a silk blend (or worse, synthetic), which could mean a huge price difference. This is another one of the costly mistakes in rug appraisals that buyers and sellers should avoid.
How to Avoid It:
- Do the burn test – (Carefully!) Burn a tiny strand from an unseen corner. Wool smells like burnt hair, silk smells like burnt paper, and synthetic fibers melt into little plastic beads.
- Feel the texture – Real silk is cool to the touch. Fake silk feels a bit sticky.
- Ask for fiber analysis – A professional should be able to test the fibers properly.
A high-quality wool or silk rug can last over 100 years, while a synthetic rug might start falling apart in just a decade. Knowing the difference matters! The difference in materials also affects how a rug reacts to cleaning and repairs—natural fibers are far more resilient than synthetic ones, which often break down over time. Not knowing how to tell rug materials apart is one of the easiest mistakes in appraisals. Some rugs are a mix of wool and silk, which can make them more valuable. If an appraiser doesn’t notice these details, they might give the wrong price for a rug that’s actually worth a lot.
Not Considering the Age of the Rug
When it comes to rugs, age matters. A 100-year-old handmade rug is usually worth far more than a 10-year-old one, assuming it’s in good condition. But not every old rug is valuable—some are just worn-out rugs.
Common Mistake:
Some people think any old rug is an antique. Others believe a rug must be hundreds of years old to be valuable. Both are wrong. Rug appraisers often make mistakes when they fail to account for the actual age of a piece.
How to Avoid It:
- Check the wear and dye fading – Older rugs often have natural fading and patina that can’t be faked.
- Look at the knot density – High-quality antique rugs tend to have higher knot counts.
- Research the rug’s history – Rugs from specific time periods (like early 20th-century Persian rugs) are highly collectible.
A bad appraisal doesn’t take the rug’s actual age into account, which can lead to huge mispricing. A rug might be beautiful and well-made, but if it’s only 20 years old, it won’t have the same historical significance as a 100-year-old piece. Older rugs often have natural dyes and unique weaving methods that aren’t used anymore, which makes them rarer and more valuable. Knowing these details helps avoid mistakes in rug appraisals. Some rugs also have historical importance, like those made during wartime or by village weavers. Overlooking these factors can really impact an appraisal. Certain regions, like Persia, are known for making antique rugs that become more valuable over time, such as Tabriz rugs, which collectors highly prize. If an appraiser doesn’t notice these details, they might give the wrong price for a rug that’s actually worth a lot.
A Few Last Words
A rug is more than just fabric—it’s a part of history, art, and culture. Whether you’re buying, selling, or insuring a rug, making these mistakes in rug appraisals could cost you thousands or cause you to undervalue something special.
Before getting a rug appraised, take the time to learn, ask the right questions, and choose an appraiser who truly knows rugs. Paying attention to the details can make a big difference. Avoiding these mistakes in rug appraisals can help you avoid losing money and make sure you get the right value for your rug. Having an expert assess all aspects, from materials and dyes to knot density and regional significance, will help you avoid costly errors. Always find an appraiser who knows rugs, not just antiques, to avoid expensive mistakes in rug appraisals. Our professional team has years of experience in rug appraisal. ensuring that each appraisal is based on expert knowledge and market insights. We help you understand your rug’s market and intrinsic value so you can make informed decisions, whether you are insuring it, selling it, or simply preserving it.
