How Do You Buy an Antique Rug Online?
One question I hear from time to time is, “How do you buy an antique rug online without seeing it in person?” I have bought quite a few vintage and antique Oriental rugs online and here are a few of the tips I recommend for beginners.
Compare Prices
First, you want to check the return policy. If you’re not buying the rug on Etsy or eBay, you’ll want to know you can return the rug if you receive it and are not pleased with the quality or colors. Most rug dealers will describe what type of rug you’re buying, but if you have questions about the type of rug you should be able to ask the seller and get an answer. From here you can look up similar rugs online to determine if the price is right and the design is accurate.
Ask For More Photos
Another important step when buying a rug online is to see plenty of photos of the rug in different lighting. A true antique Persian or oriental rug is hand knotted, it will have imperfections and the colors of the silk, wool or other materials will look different at different angles and in different light. This is why it’s important to ask the seller for different photos of the rug if they haven’t provided enough.
Joining Oriental Rug Collector Groups
Lastly, if you’re nervous about purchasing the rug, you can check in different rug collector groups online or with a reputable dealer to confirm the piece is authentic. These groups won’t be able to guarantee authenticity without seeing the rug in person, however it may give you additional peace of mind after going through the other tips I have listed.
Do you have any special tips for buying a rug online? Let me know in the comments below or Send me a message!