FAQ
Q1. Why shop with Us?
A- When we say our price and quality are unmatchable, we mean it.
Here's why:
We import 100 per cent of our handmade rugs directly from overseas producers, thus eliminating all middlemen. We are, therefore, able to give you the best quality for a given price without sacrificing our margins.
With Us, It Is More Like Buying "Factory Direct"!
Our experts are deeply involved in designing, developing and producing high-quality rugs that go with the trend. Here, you can get the latest styles and colors much before the competition can offer.
A sizable part of our operations is through the wholesale channel, as we supply rugs to other retailers nationwide. To meet this demand, we make sure that we receive overseas shipments every alternate month. Therefore, our inventory never goes stale but is perpetually being rejuvenated, meaning you get the latest patterns, colors and styles throughout the year.
Our philosophy of cutting down on overheads and frills, which do not add any value to the product, has served both of us well without cutting corners on service and quality.
We chose to pass on these savings to our customers, giving them the best value for their money.
Q2. Why should I buy a Hand-Knotted Rug?
A- Hand-knotted rugs are the cream of the crop when it comes to area rugs and carpets. A skilled weaver individually ties every single knot to create intricate patterns and designs.
An average weaver can weave about 10,000 knots in an eight-hour day. Depending on the rug size and the design intricacy, weaving a hand-knotted rug takes between 30 days and 8 years.
Following are the few factors defining the importance of a hand-knotted rug:
a) High durability: The fibers of a hand-knotted rug are tightly tied in place and woven to each other, and this careful construction technique preserves their quality. They do not get pulled out easily from the rug’s foundation compared to machine-made rugs that are prone to be ripped over time. In addition to the refined knotting technique, natural materials also give traditional hand-knotted rugs high durability.
b) Timeless: A traditional hand-knotted rug is a classic, timeless interior décor that is proven to last for years without going out of style. A traditional hand-knotted rug can quickly adapt itself, no matter what the prevailing style of your home may be, whether traditional, contemporary or modern.
c) Eco Friendly: Rugs are made out of natural fibers such as wool, silk and the combination of both, and such they are recyclable, biodegradable and Eco friendly. Furthermore, hand-knotted rugs are weaved without using any machines/electricity and are done by hand, making them eco-friendly. No Chemicals are used in the making of our rugs.
Q3. How does rug quality affect rug price?
A- For hand-knotted rugs, the quality depends on factors like knot count (knots in 1”x1” square area), pattern intricacy, quality of wool/silk used, number of colors involved, etc.
Higher these values, higher is the quality and, therefore, the price.
In fine rugs, labor (in putting the knots) alone may be 75 - 85% of the cost, whereas raw materials may only be 15 - 20% and the rest being finishing, shipping, other overheads, etc.
However, many other factors may significantly affect the quality vs price question. For example:
- the wool being hand-spun vs mill-spun
- dyes used are synthetic or vegetable
- kind of wash or finish given (Herbal, Tea-wash, Antique, etc.)
- the rug produced is commercially or a tribal one,
- exotic or the supply limited,
- country or the region it comes from
Like any work of art, there is no simple yardstick to assess the quality & price of hand-knotted rugs. This is why we recommend shopping at well-established, trustworthy places and stand behind their rugs.
Q4. What is the difference between a hand-knotted, hand-tufted and machine-made rug?
A- Hand-knotted: Also known as ‘Oriental Rug’ is a complete handmade rug on a specialized loom. It has piles or nap on the face side, with the exception of flat-weaves like Needle Points, Chain-stitches (Crawl), Dhurries, etc. These rugs often last for over 100 years due to their high durability. Apart, some other types of rugs are also categorized as ‘Handmade’, like hand-tufted rugs.
An easy way to check: If you cannot see the pattern on the back, it is not a hand-knotted one. Instead, you will see a fabric or similar backing.
However, you can also see the pattern at the back of most machine-made (or machine-loomed) rugs but:
(a) the back of a machine-made rug will be more uniform or perfect (Or machine-made like), whereas the hand-knotted one will show imperfections & irregularities.
(b) in a machine-made rug, the side edges are smooth and refined compared to a hand-knotted one.
(c) upon looking closely, you will find the fringes on a machine-made will be sewn onto the rug ends, whereas they would be a part of the hand-knotted rug (actually, warp threads, extending beyond the pile-edge from the fringes)
(d) the back of a machine-made is generally rougher than a handmade one.
Q5. What are the differences in the fibers used in rug making?
A- Most hand-knotted rugs have a wool pile (nap) and cotton foundation. However, some rugs have wool or silk in pile and foundation both, and they generally tend to be more expensive. Wool pile rugs are usually more durable, stain-resistant, easier to maintain & clean, etc. Machine-made rugs mostly have a synthetic pile (Nylon, Polyester, Acrylic, Polyethylene, etc.), but some are also made with wool pile (more expensive). Flat-weaves are generally made of wool (Surface fiber with pattern– foundation may be other fibers) but also use cotton, jute, sisal, etc.
Q6. What is the difference between pile rugs and flat-weave rugs?
A- Pile rugs have pile or nap on the face, which is generally knotted to the foundation threads (as in hand-knotted rugs) or anchored to the foundation fabric by some means like adhesives (as in hand-tufted rugs) whereas Flat-weaves don’t have any pile and are either woven like a cloth (Kilims, Soumak, Dhurries, etc.) or are made by embroidering (Chain-stitches) or by needling (Needle-points) or by hooking (Hooked rugs) the decorative threads onto a piece of cloth or backing.
Q7. What are acceptable "defects" in rugs?
A- Unlike machine-made rugs (or anything else made by machines), hand-knotted rugs will always have some minor imperfections, and that’s what makes them distinct from machine-made ones, more valuable and much-sought-after. For example, a rug may not have a perfect straight-line edge, or the knots at the back may look uneven or slightly different-color bands in the ground or border color (known as ‘Abrash’), etc.
In fact, the latter is intentionally duplicated in rugs made currently to look like old/antique rugs. Unless they are excessive and undermine the character of that particular type of rug, they should be acceptable.
However, what is acceptable to one may not be so to the other. So, use your judgment or the opinion of experienced store personnel.
Q8. Why are hand-knotted rugs dark from one side but lighter from another side?
A- All hand-knotted rugs look darker from one side and lighter from the other because the pile on the rug is not standing vertically up but is inclined towards one side. The side to which it is pointing will be the darker side. This gives you an option to place the rug where you want it to look darker or lighter.
Q9- What is the meaning of oriental rug patterns?
A- Names like Kashan, Saroukh, Heriz, Bokhara, etc., etc., generally relate to the city/town/region of a country where that kind of pattern or weave originated and was generally made. However, it is no longer valid presently since a typical Kashan pattern can come from India, China, or Pakistan.
Q10- What size rug do I buy for a dining room that sits eight people?
A- Generally, a 10'x14' rug would work for a dining room that sits 8 people, and a 9'x12' would suffice for a dining room that sits 6 people.
Q11. What is the difference between Flat Weave and Knotted Pile Rugs?
A- FLAT WEAVE: Often referred to as dhurries or kilims, flatweave rugs are woven on a loom rather than knotted. They are typically constructed from wool, cotton or synthetic materials.
In most cases, the pattern on the front of the rug can be viewed clearly from both sides, making these rugs reversible. The material used to make flatweave rugs is braided onto a loom to create the structure of the rug. No base material is used, so these rugs are thinner (hence the name “flat weave”).
KNOTTED PILE: A knotted-pile carpet contains raised surfaces, or piles, from the, cut off ends of knots woven between the warp and woof.
A pile carpet is influenced by width and number of warp and weft, pile height, knots used, and knot density.
Q12. My son has spilt some juice on my hand-knotted rug. How do I clean it?
A- When spills occur, dilute with plenty of water. Next, blot from the edge of the spill towards the center. AVOID RUBBING THE AREA.
For solid spills, take a spoon and carefully scoop up the material. It is always best to attack the spill immediately.
WOOL & COTTON RUGS: Do not rub. Simply place an absorbent cloth and spot dry the stain to remove excess liquid before applying any cleaning agent.
Do not use any oxalic acid cleaners, as they can remove the colors of your rug. Wool rugs should be cleaned with a soft detergent, which can be evenly mixed with water.
Dry quickly afterwards. Dry the rug by absorbing the moisture with a towel and allow the extra moisture to dry independently. Do not use heat for drying your rug.
For all spills, dry both sides of the rug. For color spills from inks, juices, and drinks, you can sprinkle baking soda or salt to absorb the stain, wait a few minutes, and vacuum by only using the suction and not the vacuum bars.
Silk rugs: Silk Rugs require exceptional care and should be dry-cleaned.
Please contact us at (888) 703-0590 to learn more.
Q13. How do I repair my Rug? My Rug has a hole in it. My Rug is damaged, how do I fix it?
A- In case of a damage, just about any problem has a solution with a professional restoration. We can help you with your restoration needs. We can repair minor to large holes in your rugs, fringes, mending, and more.
If you have any type of question, please call us at (888) 703-0590 , and we will be happy to assist you! Whatever your repair need is, we can handle it for you at very fair prices.
We take pride in our services and our craft and can ensure quality and professional repair.
Old and Antique rugs sometimes need to be rewoven where worn and restored to life. Newer rugs are rarely in need of repair. An experienced professional must always be consulted in these matters.
An oriental rug will gain value over the years if it remains in good condition. It is not uncommon for hand-knotted area rugs to become high priced auction items. This is only possible with good care.
Q14- How often should I vacuum my rug? or send it for professional cleaning?
A- Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Be sure not to vacuum the fringe. One of the most essential things in caring for a rug is keeping it clean.
Regular vacuuming is always good. It is recommended to vacuum it once a week.
It is recommended to have them professionally cleaned every 3 to 5 years, depending on the amount of traffic. You can always call us at (888) 703-0590 , and we can help you clean your rug professionally.
Q15- What Is an Overdyed Rug?
A- If you have frequently been following the carpet industry's trends and fashions, you must have heard about the Overdyed rugs. This category of rugs come in both quilted and hand-woven form and attracts the viewer with the glorious color trap.
The over-dyed term is related to the saturated color palettes used for dying the rugs. The dying and bleaching procedures used in over dying create a highly enriched color scheme for the rugs. But this over dying is never over, as the colors are wisely selected and made to suit the woolen texture of rugs. At Wahi rugs , you can find the latest and charismatic collection of overdyed rugs.
You can beautify the interior with these rugs, whether it is your kitchen or your living room. The overdyed rugs can be placed in the interior of your dressing room, sitting lounge or even study room to let you enjoy a charismatic allure of colors. You can select your favorite color at www.wahirugandhome.com, which is always one step ahead to guide visitors about the latest trends.
Overdyed rugs have added a contemporary look to your interior, as the old traditional pastel colors can create monotony for your interior.
So, the woolen fabric can be made more presentable through overdyed rugs. The colors look brighter and captivating.
So do not miss the chance of making your drawing room more presentable through innovative overdyed rugs.
Please browse our website and make a superior selection for your interior.
Q16- Do Rugs reduce indoor air quality?
A- Extensive technological assessment of materials used in the manufacture of carpets and the emissions from a carpet suggest that emissions from a rug present no health risk amounting to a severe public health concern.
Any dirt, dust trapped in a rug can be effectively removed through vacuuming—it does not impair the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).
You can opt for vacuum cleaners bearing the CRI IAQ Green Label to ensure the comprehensive removal of common allergens.
We believe this misconception is due to adhesives and synthetics used in wall-to-wall carpeting that are known to leach chemicals into the indoor air.
Do you know? Thick Pile Wool rugs are known to improve air quality, as they trap common contaminants like Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide without allowing them to escape into the surrounding air.
Q17- Do Mites grow in rugs?
A- While some people believe that mites get stuck in rugs and grow there, the fact remains that these allergens exist only in places with excessive moisture.
Mold growth is possible in areas with poor cleaning and maintenance. So, by eliminating sources of excessive moisture and controlling humidity, you can reduce the development of such allergens.
Vacuuming and drying your rug under the sun is the easiest way to keep away the growth of dust mites. Did you know? Seagrass natural rugs are highly water-resistant, making them naturally less prone to mites and mold growth.
Q18- I have asthma and allergies. Can I buy a rug?
A- The Swedish Institute of Fiber and Polymer Research concluded that carpets and rugs have nothing to do with causing asthma or allergies.
In fact, as per the research, while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population increased.
CRI has also not come across any study suggesting a link between carpets and asthma or allergies.
You would be surprised to know that some statistical studies indicate that adequately vacuumed carpets are indeed known to reduce asthma symptoms. Do you know? Hand-woven rugs are the least likely to induce allergic reactions.
Plant-based fibers from bamboo, jute or coir, don’t present the kind of allergy risks associated with synthetic materials used in manufactured machine-made carpets.
Q19- What are Vegetable Dyed Rugs?
A- New rug buyers commonly believe that vegetable dyed rugs are more desirable and of higher quality than synthetic ones. Vegetable dyes are considered to be elder world and traditional than synthetic.
Synthetic dyes are thought to be more commercial. However, vegetable dyes are highly corrosive to the wool and may cause rugs to wear faster than synthetic dyes.
For instance, it is often seen that the vegetable black used in many Turkish and Baloch rugs is so corrosive that the black color pile will be completely worn away, and other colors will still be thick and fully piled.
However, many don’t realize that synthetic dyes were introduced to weaving areas between 1875 and 1890, and by the turn of the century, they were available to many weavers in rural areas.
So that means just because a rug is old doesn’t necessarily mean that a rug is vegetable dyed. In the past twenty years or so, there has been a large influx in the quantity and variety of new vegetable dyed rugs on the market.
The three most commonly used vegetable dyes are indigo, madder, and larkspur. These dyes produce dark navy blue, dark rusty red, and muted gold.
Q20- What are the advantages of having a rug made out of wool?
• A Healthy Carpeting Choice – Wool is a natural material that is hygienic and non-allergenic. It has no harmful gasses and deters the growth of bacteria and dust mites.
Wool also has the added benefit of extra grip. This is especially important for things such as balance, good posture, and accident prevention. Wool is an excellent choice for people with asthma. Thanks to its natural filtering ability.
• Flame Resistant Material – When was the last time you saw a sheep on fire in a field? Wool carpets are naturally flame resistant, and if it does come in contact with fire, it can self-extinguish itself thanks to its upper pile forming. This is a thick insulating char layer that can inhibit fire. Thanks to its natural makeup, wool will not melt if it comes into contact with heat.
• Long Lasting – When you think about how wool works to protect sheep from weather and other environmental factors, you can see just why wool is so strong. Wool carpet will last for years, keeping its luxurious look, thanks to its natural strength and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
• Environmentally Friendly – Wool is a renewable fiber, growing year-round and being removed in the summer months. It protects the sheep during colder months and can be used for other products, such as carpeting. Wool carpets are also biodegradable and recyclable. Once your carpet has spent many years serving you and your family, it can then be turned into other products rather than contributing to landfills (yes, carpets can be recycled!).
The energy usage that goes into producing wool is much lower than other carpet materials such as nylon, keeping the carbon footprint very low when it comes to harvesting wool and making products.
Wool is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring products available.
• Luxurious – Wool is a fantastic option if you are looking for the look and feel of luxury in your home. It is soft underfoot yet highly durable. Due to its beautiful protective layer can easily shrug off dirt and resist stains and trap dirt and dust in its layers until it is vacuumed up.
When it comes to wool, you get a carpet that doesn’t only feel soft and luxurious under foot but will also look beautiful for many years to come.
Q21- Do my rugs need pads under them?
A- A pad is recommended to prevent slippage, act as a buffer to minimize abrasion and protect your floors. A good quality pad will also provide airflow between your floor and the rug.
Airflow allows the rug to breathe, which in turn will extend the rug's life. Rug pads may also prevent the crushing and wearing of the pile after heavy use.
We provide top-of-the-line non-slip rug pads that are custom cut to fit the exact size of your rug. The pad is 3/8" thick with felt on one side and rubber on the other.
Our padding is among the highest quality in production today. And because we believe in preserving the condition of our rugs and ensuring the satisfaction of our customers, we provide them to all of our customers at their best price.
Q22- Do all hand-knotted rugs have fringe?
A- Hand-knotted rugs usually have fringes as they do not have binding on the ends. They are made from natural fibers, mostly either wool or wool and silk or a combination of the two.
These fibers have longevity and are great to use for carpet weaving.
Q23- Do hand-knotted rugs shed?
A- Due to the use of Wool or Silk or the combination of both the rugs do not shed at all.
Q24- Are wool rugs durable?
A- The finer the wool fiber, the softer it will be, so that's the reason to use Peshawar Ziegler Rug because of the quality of wool fiber it produces.
Call Us at (888) 703-0590 or email us info@wahirugs.com if you have more questions.
