Has Trying seen it yet? I'd still get a dealers opinion and then go from there on deciding if it's worth the $1200 or if you should make a lower offer based on wear.

It is gorgeous and fits your room beautifully.........but hands-on makes quite a difference when deciding!

Red: Thanks for your opinion. I'm withholding my own for now as I feel I'll get a truer response that way.

Good news already. I had this coupon for a rug store for 50% cleaning so I called them up for a quote (didn't mention coupon yet). They offer a free consultation service. When I mentioned I had the rug for 2 day evaluation, they were able to squeeze me in and someone is coming out to my house this afternoon. He said they can tell by examining the rug if it's colorfast and it will hold up to a cleaning, plus give me an estimate (only then will I show my coupon). This person is from Iran so I'm hoping he can tell me more about this rug.

Hi Val -- also not a rug expert but that looks wonderful in your room. Personally, I like the slight discolorations and that worn spot. Looks like a well-loved rug, and seems like it will add to the acquired over time look you are creating. I can't really comment on the price as I don't have any real rug knowledge, but it looks just beautiful from the pictures.

Hey Val,

A quick note here fwiw as I'm swamped with work and didn't want to miss you by email.

Going by what I can detect on my monitor.

The dyes appear to have bled in sections.

The worn section is either moth damage or perhaps an area that received constant abrasion...i.e. someone's foot always hitting the same spot next to a sofa.

Can't remember how old this is supposed to be - but it's not antique. Guaranteed.

I'd wager this rug was made in India.

I'll reserve my opinion until this saga moves further along.

I have a number of rugs as I said . I am no expert at all and bought the ones I have because I trusted the seller or they were what I wanted when I saw them...they just moved me and I got them . Lots of different reasons. I have paid a LOT more than that for some of the ones I have and less for some.

Your rug is simply stunning. I love it in the room. It looks to be in wonderful condition given the age. I have one in my kitchen that has a lot of really worn spots. I wanted it anyway since it just felt right and I didn't want to worry about where it was located...in front of the fridges! Your rug seems to be in great condition except that area. You say folks won't be sitting there rubbing there feet back and forth on it. So that seems to not be a problem.

I am glad you have an expert coming. Of course he may have an opinion that causes you to decide not to keep the rug. Then you will have yet another decision to make...keep or let go. Poor dye quality would be the only reason I can see that I would not keep it given the size and price. Good good luck to you, c

WOW......... It really finishes off the room nicely,,
Like fresh whipped topping on my sisters to die for home made cream puffs!

tryin2grow: Appreciate your professional opinion as always. I had replied to your email, but figured you were swamped and didn't want to bother you further. I agree it does not look in pristine condition, nor do I think I can reasonably expect that unless I'm prepared to shell out several thousand dollars. Bottom line, what do you think the rug is worth?

I'm so excited to finally see this rug in place in your room -- wow! I'm certainly not a rug expert -- my budget only allows me to admire really nice persian rugs from afar. However, my emotional response to your photo is that it is perfect in your room. I absolutely love it. My only concern for you would be the value, particularly given tryin's comments, i.e., is this rug worth your $1200? I'm glad you are having an expert look at it.

However, antique or no, worn spot or no, and whether this woman's stories match up or not, I do find the rug stunning. How many knots per square inch does it have? Your pic is a little blurry, but I count 13 across per inch? So is that about 169? Does that impact its value?

I'm not a rug expert but I have been shopping for rugs a lot lately.

I think that rug looks absolutely perfect in your room, and I think $1200 is a very good price for that rug, even with the wear, and even if it's not an antique. I actually prefer older furniture, rugs, etc. I think age gives an item character.

I've been following your posts for quite awhile. I just wanted to add that the rug really looks amazing in your room. One needs to see it to believe it:) I was hesitant at first about the colors, but now that I see it. I just love how it pulls the room together without a matchy match look. I think your room is really coming together! If you love it....who cares the "real" story behind the rug. I don't know about pricing or anything, but if it is fair...just buy it and LOVE IT!!!

As a point of clarification, she never ever called it an entique. She called it a "rare vintage Ghom hunting carpet". States the age approx 50-60 years old. I do understand there are some technical issues what constitute a true "Persian" rug--as it needs to date back before Persia became Iran. Since the rug person I am expecting is from Iran, hopefully he can shed for light on the origins of this rug--Iran or India, though in all likelihood, the answer will not affect our decision. It will have more to do with whether or not the rug is in decent enough condition to be cleaned without falling apart or the dyes bleeding. I will not buy a rug I cannot wash, even though the seller has said there is some debate whether or not rugs should be washed (and mentioned other methods such as turning it upside down, walking on it a few days, then vacuuming the backside of the rug). I would prefer to have it be professionally cleaned.

I agree with everything tryin' said. The weave is not that fine, and the large field areas of navy blue signify--to me, anyway--that it's neither Iranian nor Persian. It looks, in other words, like an ebay rug from India. Honestly, I think you can do better.

JMHO--for what it's worth. :)

I know I am going to be the odd man out here.

First, let me say that judging this on a monitor versus the real life situation is not right - I am sure the colors, etc. feel different when you see them in person.

Second, I know NOTHING about rugs or what they should be - Tryin is the expert, and her word is worth gold in this situation compared to mine. I can only give you an opinion on a decor view.

But here it is: I think the rug sucks the light out of the room. It doesn't do anything, imo for the colors or the upholstery, at least on my monitor. The rug itself feels 'flat' colorwise. I also think it is too big for the space, at least turned the way it is - it shrinks the room down, imo.

Now, it may feel differently in real life, and of course the lighting will have an effect - once you get some lamps, etc. that will make a difference.

As I said, that is just me, and my opinion is worth exactly as much as you paid for it. LOL But I think I owe you my honest thoughts.

Form follows function. At least, in my home. While I have 'fallen in love' with many an antique or cool vintage thing in the last 2 decades, I have learned, to my chagrin, that sometimes things that have the appellation, "Antique", might just be old junk. Things that might add ambience or cool vintage funk to a room, might be impossible to clean well, catch dust, and have no real use beyond the conversation starter thing that goes so well at parties. I've bought chests where the drawers don't work, old iron beds that will never get used or even repurposed as garden ornaments, and still have a stack of doilies and vintage linens that just don't wear well in my home. So I feel that I can speak from at least 20 years of getting excited, hauling it home, and trying to find a great spot for it. "It" being the neat thing of the moment.
If it can't be safely cleaned, that would be a real issue. If the little one rolls around on it and comes up blue and red, that would be an issue. If it carries anything it shouldn't.......eg: creepy crawlies, (Can't imagine her having it in her house in that case!) another issue. But again........if it works for you, (Function), I think it's beauty (Form) works in your lovely room. Call it Persian, call it Indian, call it Arkansas Vintage. Assign it the value you think it should have. Enjoy.

Red

The rug guy just left. First the good part, he thought it was a good buy for the $1,200 (even with the worn spot) and that it was Iranian (most likely Sarouk). Now the bad part, he said it was recolored, had some fading (this I could tell), and that in all liklihood the colors would run--how bad he could not say. He said they had a specialized chemical wash for an extra $150 (basic clean was $400), still no guarantee and I would have to sign a release. They took a damp hankerchief and wiped the brown part and some dye came up. Then he told me I could do much better, he could sell me a rug, brand new, handmade for $2000-$4000. I told him my budget was not that high, he measured my dining room and I say I had a max $3K budget for both rooms. Now he wants me to stop by tomorrow to show me his stuff. So, this would be the gallery route. This guy was really an odd fish--just something about his manner didn't make me feel comfortable--like he was condescending to me or something. Manner, aside, though, it did not pass a hankerchief test. As for whether or not we will visit his showroom tomorrow, who's to say. In all liklihood, it's going back; which is a shame because I do like it. We could ask the seller if she will agree to take on the responsibly to have it washed first and then sell it to us for a higher price (like $1,500), but I don't see why we should take on the risk--when supposedly her family has owned it for years. I'm feeling really discouraged right now as everyone seems to have their own MO. Perhaps we should just have bare floors....

tryin: You ever heard of Medallian in Palo Alto? Are they reputable.

valinsv -- Since you're so close, why don't you go visit tryin' in Berkeley? You know she's an expert and won't try to swindle you. :-)

Sounds like the used car dealer that's also a mechanic. "Your car is no good - let me sell you one." I'd be very suspicious.

Pity about the dye issue. The rug looks good in your room.

For those of you that like a good sage, here is her latest email:
-----------------------------------------------------
Pleasure to finally meet you and Austin in person. Hope you didn't hurt yourselves lifting and moving the carpet.
I know you are interested in some of the history so I called my mother about it. It is hard to keep her on a topic sometimes. Since my father was not so happy with Persian carpets - my mother didn't always keep her carpets and rugs at home. She had many Persian friends and the carpets were like extended family. My mother's recollection (since I told her I don't remember seeing this carpet when I was young) is that she traded two smaller rugs for this one with one of her older Persian friends shortly after my graduation (1972), so we know the history of the pass about 35 years. She didn't have it on the floor of her bedroom for long because in the early 80s she developed terrible allergies and had to remove all carpeting and rugs and put plastic on a lot of other things - so that started the years of storage. Before that (1972) it is less clear how old it was nor how long Mahine had it except that it wasn't new. Honestly, because these carpets last longer than most people, the histories are rarely known.
My experience has been that even people in the carpet business don't really know - except where there are clear signs - like signatures of artists or families, certain patterns that are not the same when recreated, wool foundations, when synthetic dyes were introduced, etc - but they always act knowledgeable. I know this from experience. Like a small rug my mother had on the wall for 40 years because it was so old it couldn't go on the floor (about 80 years old) and one dealer tried to tell me "it is new, it has just been distressed to look old". ...?
You would be baffled if you went to a rug auction... something that looks like a little nothing rug will go for $5,000 and a gorgeous large carpet will sell for $1,000.... this is the mystic and vaguaries of the Persian carpet -- and also why I said, you should buy what you love and what you can afford and not worry about the other stuff -- it takes a committment to learn about it and make mistakes etc and you need time and money for both. (My mom has a prayer rug that has prayers woven into it in Farsi and it isn't really very pretty, it is 3x5, but it is extremely valuable - but if you saw it I doubt you would want it in your house!).
Here is what I do... if when I see a carpet, I smile and am drawn to it... I know it is a carpet I will only grow to love more. (Every day that goes by gets harder for me to let go of this carpet for example.) If I am trying to see what is right and wrong about it... if I don't just find every imperfection part of its unique history and personality and it delights me to imagine how it got there .. then I know it is not for me.
Of course, my husband claims I have never seen a carpet in the second catagory but that is not true! At least 40% of the persian carpets and rugs I see, I know almost immediately they are not for me, even if I appreciate them. Another 50% I love but realize I can't have them all, but 10% I know we are meant to be together. So with this high a percentage you can understand why my family PROHIBITS my visiting rug galleries. (Really, I am not joking about this.)
I wish I could tell you to keep the carpet for a week, but the longer I own it the more unlikely I will be able to part with it. I am hoping that 2 days and one evening will be enough time for you... if it isn't, then I guess that Sunday around Noon would be ok too should you wish to return it.
Enjoy it while you have it! Take photos also so if you don't keep it, you can use it to compare to other carpets for size, color, pattern, etc.
--------------------------------------------------------

Maybe squirrel was right she is a frustrated novelist or something. This rug definitely has many stories to it. I just wish we could wash it.

I know I'm one of the rare ones, but I'm just not crazy about the colors of it in your room. I remember when your room was being SP'd, there was a lighter colored rug that I thought was perfect.

Laurie

saraschlos: Believe me if tryin2grow has something in my price range, I'd be there. Do you tryin?

pbrisjar: I agree. Which is why I just did my own hankerchief test. I had to rub pretty hard to bring any dye up, but here is what I did get:

{{gwi:1640890}}

I could ony bring up the brown and red colors. I do see some slight bleeding--mostly along the border where it runs into an ivory/cream section and not bad at all.

The rug is definitely not a sarouk and if someone told you it was, I wouldn't let him clean it and I certainly wouldn't buy anything from him.

Sorry to say this but it is extremely dirty -- dirt is visible in the photographs and so is the recoloring of the foundation.

Whatever the seller says to you the fact that she has rolled up rugs around her house tells me she's a smalltime dealer. Believe what you will, that's what she is. The stories are to romance the buyer. The people who don't tell you stories and sell you clean rugs in good condition and point out the repairs and how they are properly made and apply no pressure are the ones to trust.

A rug that bleeds cannot be washed. A rug that has been colored -- as this one has -- cannot be washed because the colorants will bleed as well. All the rest is bunkola.

This is not a valuable rug, it's not especially old and it may not be Persian. However it is large. If it could be washed, I'd say why not take a chance? That fact that it will bleed and has been recolored is why it is so inexpensive for its size.

If you want to live with someone else's dirt, it's your house. I find the suggestion that you'd pay more for it if the seller had it cleaned to be an indication of desperation or irrationality that flies in the face of facts.

I'd roll it back up and take it right back. There are thousands of lovely rugs for sale at fair prices. Pay $300-500 more for a good, clean rug, not somebody's dirt. Find something that isn't so dark, doesn't make the room look smaller and won't stain the floor if a guest spills a glass of water.

It is fortunate that you are being so careful. You have a lovely room and I agree with a few others that it does not do a lot for your room. I do sypmathize though-we have had five rugs home for the music room and it still has bare floors.

I am chiming in late here because I have been having my own rug issues and don't really feel qualified to comment on the value or desirability of a particular Persian rug but to me the room needs a slightly smaller rug, turned the other way so that the sofa sits on the long end, rather than the fringe end. Perhaps without seeing the whole space, this doesn't work but the direction of the rug is distracting to me. Good luck finding that perfect rug!
Michelle

I, too, will comment before reading further. The rug is absolutely gorgeous. Stunning, imo. Far more beautiful than the photographs in all respects. And the real life colors are much better with your room than the ad pics, imo. It feels wonderful in there to me : ))

I wouldn't care about the worn spot, but I love old things for what they are. It does look large in the room but, again, I wouldn't care. Have you tried it the other direction? Wondering where it falls.

Who can get a rug like that for $1200???? Val!!!

ok, so the rug bleeds. It does look dirty and I, too, wouldn't bring a dirty or used rug in and just knock out the dirt and let it wear like in the old days. Most especially with allergies and kids.

Too bad, it's a gorgeous rug, imo. You have such a great eye. $1200 for a beautiful rug that size will be hard to come by I think -- although it is too large for this particular room : ) I think it brings a lot of atmosphere to the space, though. We all have our own personal tastes in that respect, imo.

I do love the colors in there, even though it was initially a surprise and adjustment with the darker colors than we'd all been playing with. But warm, cozy rooms are wonderful, imo, and do have that Old World feel and influence which you're looking for, as well. The red seems perfect. I was afraid the colors would be too harsh and the red too orangey. I also love the brown ground (vs the black of the intial posts.)

Too bad, Val. You've learned a ton though, hm. (Do skip the guy who came to the house : )

".but the longer I own it the more unlikely I will be able to part with it"

see, these bits in her emails are far fetched, imo....

ok so you can't have it cleaned, it bleeds so it's a no go. I liked the overall effect in your room but the next one could have a little more spark.

Val,
I have to take the side of those that feel the rug is too large for the room and don't like the way the pattern looks placed horizontally. Because of how your furniture is placed, your rug should have a pattern that runs vertically. It should show like art since it is a form of art. JMHO

Moving forward, this rug is 10x13 and the room 14x17. Many of you said you thought the rug was too large. Would a 8x10 be a better choice then? I had been thinking 10x12 as I wanted the front legs of all the furniture to land on the carpet. If I were to opt for a smaller 8x10 then I would have more options available to me within my budget.

I did do a bit of reasearch about rug dyes and cleaning and came across the condition she described: "Tribal weavers using hand-spun, high-lanolin wool, who hand-dip with natural dyes (such as the best rugs from Turkoman tribal weavers using Afghani wool), produce rugs that exhibit abrash, color variation throughout the rugs. It's a quality prized by collectors."

She does seem to know her rug facts; but do think she is stringing some yarns about this rug to get me to fall in love with it. I imagine most people fall for it. I went to an estate sale last Friday. It opened at 9AM, I got there by 10AM, there were two advertized Persians (which looked like they needed a good cleaning) and they sold in first 5 mins for around $600 each. Guess some people either know their stuff or make snap decisions.

squirrel: End cost is not really $1,200 if I need to factor in $300-$400+ for cleaning--that brings it in the Karastan ballpark. Somehow, one thing she said about choosing a rug which makes you smile when you enter a room holds true. I don't quite think I've seen a Karastan that makes me smile--perhaps I'm too picky.

I don't think you're being too picky at all. It's about what speaks to us, from our own lives and experiences, iykwim. What rings in our hearts is just different for all of us.

I was all for the rug in the other thread and the whole "fishiness" of the buyer and her stories wouldn't bother me if I loved the rug, but I have to say that seeing it in your room, I do agree with Les - I think it is too dark. Something about the color just isn't right, and the pattern running the wrong way is more bothersome than I thought it would be. (Now I know why I make so many decorating mistakes!) I also think that the dye running would give me serious pause.

I don't know if you saw the post I made to you last night on the other thread, but there was a rug that I thought had beautiful colors for your room - I linked to a picture of it. It's cheaper than this one, but not by much, and also looks like it needs a good cleaning. And of course, it would be an internet purchase, so you couldn't see it in person (though they do have a return policy). Anyhow, if you haven't already seen it, go check it out - I do think a lighter colors (perhaps with your drapery colors in it) would work better in your room.

Val,

The sofa legs do not have to be on the rug. Mine aren't and it looks just fine. As a matter of fact, neither do chair legs need to be on the rug. I have no idea why some feel it grounds the room. Some may disagree with me here, but I feel not having furniture on the rug makes a room look airier a allows more of the beautiful HW to show through.

Take the measurements from the front legs of the sofa to the front legs of the chairs. An 8X10 may just do the job and you may be able to get the front legs of the sofa on the rug, if that is important to you. You have gorgeous HW floors, no reason to cover them all up.

If you don't like Karastan rugs, then don't get one. Wait for one that makes you smile. That's so important.

Rande

My gut reaction when I saw the photos was wow! I think the rug looks great in the room, and it works really well to balance the newer-looking items in the room. I love a mix of older and newer things. I like its slightly worn look and I love the deeper tones, they add richness to the room.

For a rug of that size, I think the price seems decent. I paid about $1200 for a new 8x10 Karastan (English manor stratford). I really love the karastan I bought, and it's new and thick and lovely feeling. But a little part of me still yearns for a more unique looking vintage rug. However, the only rugs I saw that fit that bill were at least twice the price of the Karastan - and so many of them I could only see online, and not in person.

The major issue for me with this rug you are looking at would be that it does seem like it needs to be cleaned and the bleeding issue what I personally would try to do is tell her that if she pays for the cost of a cleaning upfront, with documentation from a reputable shop, and the rug comes back looking clean with no bleeding then I would agree to buy the rug and reimburse her for the cleaning costs. If she wont agree to having it cleaned first to check for bleeding then I probably would be more leery of buying it. I still think its a really interesting looking rug though.

Val~I love the dark colors of the rug, and I love the size, but I have Old Country in my veins, what can I say? Too bad the pattern isn't going the other way, but that's how it goes, I don't think it's a tragedy. With the right piece, it would work either way.

But I could see right away, after the tutorial I got on the other thread, that this rug had been "markered" and that it is dirty. Since it can't be safely cleaned, and isn't colorfast, you'll have to decide if that's acceptable. Probably not.

It reminds me of the rugs my HS chums would line the floors and walls with when their band played at parties in their big, drafty farmhouse! My guess, not the visual you have in your mind for your elegant piano room.

Keep the pictures of it. When you're looking around, you can refer to them in order to find the perfect rug.

p.s. Always arrive early at estate sales, grab anything that looks remotely interesting, be prepared to buy in lots ("I'll take these three xxx for $$"). You'll have much better luck getting outrageous deals when you're willing to haul more stuff away. Just sayin'.

If it bleeds that badly when dry, I wouldn't want to see it after a cleaning!
Imagine sitting on it with some light color pants or walking across it in white socks (my favorite around the house footwear!)

I just purchased two small rugs thru my local dealer and tho they cost more than I intended to spend I'm thrilled with what I have. The dealer educated me on what I was buying and I have the option for several more weeks to exchange them if I decide they're not right for the area.
Since you're considering spending a few thousand $$ on rugs, I suggest buying from, and working with, a reputable storefront. BTW, don't hesitate to ask the best price they can give you. I was discounted around 30% on each rug.

I think it's time to go visit Tryin'!

Hi Val,

I've been away all day. Sorry I missed the continuing story of the rug. It sounds as if you've decided to pass on the rug. FWIW, the fact that it can't be cleaned would be a deal-breaker for me.

If you're looking for additional rugs, I personally don't think this one is too big for the room as there is at least a one-foot border of floor showing all around the rug. That's the "rule" I've been using--and I've even broken it on occasion. There does seem to be a fine line between a correctly-sized rug and one that looks or feels like wall-to-wall carpeting. So maybe it's the color or tone that others are picking up on.

If your furniture will fit partially on an 8x10, I'd get that size. And you're right. It will cost less than a 9x12 in the same pattern. Good luck!

I love the look of that rug in your room. I think it's darkness really helps to ground the whole space. As for size, I think if you were buying a new rug and had the option of any size, you should probably buy a smaller one. However, if buying an "antique" or otherwise "special" rug, I think it's okay for it not to look like it was made for your space, and being a bit oversized just adds to that "collected stuff I love" feeling. As for the wear spot on the rug... my guess is that spot sat under the foot pedal of a piano for a while.

All that being said... the fact that you cannot clean the thing gives me the heebie-geebies and I think you should let it go. You will find something else that also suits the space and that you have no reservations about.

Good luck in your hunt. Remember... "collected over time" can be a literal statement too! ;)

hmm-new post? -what size should a rug be? 5 years ago I went to North Carolina and worked with a designer to pick out my great room furniture and rug. She advised me and I have a 9x6 with no feet actually on the rug but all touching the edge. It looks just right and with beautiful hardwoods it is nice to still see the wood rather than all rug. I thought the same when I saw your room-your floors are so nice-and agree your pattern needs to run so that the viewer is seeing it head on as they walk into the room. It will come together and be beautiful!

I agree that I don't mind "floating" rugs where no furniture are sitting on them. I see it both way (furniture on vs furniture off) in the design mags.

Val: I've been following all the comments in all your rug posts w/out adding any of my own. Now I will.

I do not like this rug in your room. It is too large, and too dark. It sucks all the light out of your lovely lite and airy space. You can't see the beautiful wood floors. The pattern is hard to see as it runs in the wrong direction either way you turn it. There is too much furniture in the room to see the "story" of a rug like this.

You can do so much better if you will just be patient. I feel you are rushing to get this room finished and are talking yourself into this rug. I wish you would visit stores and galleries to see what else is out there rather than deal w/ e-bay and CL. Not saying you have to buy from a local store... just learn what's out there and educate yourself some more. You are willing to spend a LOT of $$ and there are many more choices out there waiting for a good home.

We have 5 orientals in our home. Had another 3 that we passed on to relatives when our tastes moved in another direction. All of them took time to find. We dragged many home on loan to try out different sizes and colors. We didn't have lots of $$ and, because we took our time, we were able to find exactly what we wanted at good prices.

An older rug will show wear, fading, and other elements of patina. Your rug just looks dark, dusty, dull, dirty. It does nothing to compliment the furnishings. If it was a much loved inherited antique, I would still not like it, but would understand your using it. But to knowingly purchase a rug that is in this condition, is too big, doesn't fit the scale of your beautiful room is just plain folly. Do you want to have to say to any visitors that their babies can't crawl around on it because they may get dye on their knees? Do you want to spend even more $$ getting this cleaned and have it be damaged?

I've been very honest here and I'm sorry if I've been too harsh. But I really and truely think you need to pass on this and keep looking. You can do so much better in size, color, condition and price.

Val, I've been following your rug search with great interest but haven't piped in until now. And in truth, who cares what I or anyone, really, think because this is your home.

However, with that caveat out of the way: I LOVE it! Your room was already so pretty but now, well now it's just gorgeous. That's my opinion.

I think the price is pretty terrific, not because of the rug's status or whatever, but because it's a rug of considerable size and you like it. From various journeys we've brought back some large rugs and even when buying there, from the source, our rugs cost around that and more. (We picked up a Tibetan in Lhasa, another Tibetan from the Jawalakhel camp in Kathmandu [at both of these places we met the weavers themselves], and many kilims from Istanbul ....) Each of these rugs made my heart smile. Even still, just now while thinking of them (they're all in storage at present), I get a warm fuzzy.

I would never presume to dictate your budget or comfort level, but if you are okay with spending $1200 on a rug and if this rug makes you happy and if you think it looks great in your room, then I'd say you are one lucky lady. Purchasing a rug (or any item) for provenance / investment purposes is a different story altogether. Purchasing a rug with which you'll live and love, well, you'll know!

Val -
Your time and patience is quite commendable -
The question is - Do YOU love it, think it is worth the $$ want to risk cleaning/running, or leave as is -

I personally feel that it "works" but that you could do much better - most of the colors work, but I think it is too dark. Too much black and I'm not sure but perhaps it is the red in the rug that is throwing things off a bit.

You took a lot of time & effort getting lovely furnishings - but if you look at the pics many are really just lost/blending into the rug - I think a lighter softer pallette would bring the furnishing out

No expert here, by any stretch - just trying to put into words what my eye sees.

Good luck Val -

I would pass due to the fact that the colors are bleeding. What happens if you have a spill and dye gets on your hardwoods? And if you can't clean it -- yeah, that would suck.

I too think you could do a smaller rug there easily, which would open up your possibilities. Hang in there, you will find something beautiful I'm sure!

Val, you have so many opinions here I won't bother you with mine. My only comment would be that for something so important in the room, there should be no doubt in your mind. It should be an instant Yes, like something that just makes your jaw drop. It's a beautiful room, with or without the rug, and I hope you and your family are enjoying it as much as all of us have.

We returned the rug this morning and were given our check back uncashed--so in the end, both of us kept our word. Saga over.

I am still glad I brought the rug in my home as it helped me to zero in on what would and would not work with this room. I'm almost positive I wish to downsize to an 8x10 rug, perhaps a bit lighter, like an antique look/tea wash. Also I would like to work with someone locally who will allow for the rugs to be taken home on approval--without the hassle of shipping. If anyone can recommend any rug dealers in San Jose, I would be very interested. Tryin2grow has said her focus these days is more on restoration/cleaning though has recommended a wholesale place in San Francisco as another option.

Thanks everyone! Who knew there was so much lore behind these "old" rugs?

Chiming in late. I think the rug was pretty enough, but it's not woven by any tribal weavers using vegetable dyed yarns--not in the last 50 years.

Why not take a look at what the cleaner had to offer? I bought a Soumak about 10 years ago from a dealer in Pasadena, (Nouri Rugs) and every time he cleans it, he offers to buy it back.

Val: I know this was a very hard decision for you. Bravo to you for giving it a try despite all the drama involved. :)

It took us a long time to find most of our rugs. Some we loved to death and had a hard time talking ourselves out of because of one reason or another. When we did find the right ones, it was like it was meant to be... right color, size, condition, etc..... We were able to bring them home, put them down and just stop thinking about whether they were right or wrong because they were perfect for us in every way. There was never any second guessing.

I know there are rugs out there just waiting for you to find them. Don't exhaust yourselves trying to find one w/in a set time frame. Shop when you have the time and the energy. It may take months, or it may just take days... but please take your time and enjoy the journey.

One more thing. Some dealers may seam snooty, and some may even BE snooty... but the good ones know their stuff and want you to be happy w/ your rug. Some will want to educate you and some won't want to bother. Never tell a dealer what your budget is as some will never show you any less than your upper range. If pressed, just say that you must keep it under $xxx, which should be less than you really are willing to spend.

I look forward to seeing your future finds!

I also am not an 'expert', but perhaps DH and I have become knowledgeable through our various acquisitions. We own a few Persian, Indian and Afghan rugs of various sizes. Like you our rugs spoke to either my husband or myself and we just had to have them. (Mostly the large ones spoke to DH).
A rug like art is subjective, if you love it then that's all that matters.
Does it show well in the room? The rug and furnishing appear to complement each other.
Did you get value? You cannot tell merely from a photo, but given that is worn down to the weft in at least one spot, it would reduce the price considerably!
Given the India connection and the design I would say that is the rugs origin. If you are satisfied with the price then it is a good price, I would not pay more than $1200 for it.

Val - I read your first post for background info then looked at the rug in your room. I am glad you returned it. I didn't think it complimented the beautiful furniture in your room. What made the room was having a RUG in the room - perhaps that is why you liked it. Once you find the perfect rug - and there are so many out there - everything will fall into place.
My suggestion would be to bring a cushion, paint samples, and sofa pillow to the stores with you so they have an idea of your style and colors - THEN bring the rug home to try. I did that when choosing my rugs and I love what I chose.

Good luck and keep us posted!

I know you said you didn't want to order a rug, but I came across this one in my Ballard Designs Catalog. It has the colors of your room, but I didn't know if it would be too matchy matchy. They do say that they'll send you a swatch.

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Laurie

I don't know the first thing about rugs but the handkerchief test made me think I wouldn't buy it. And, what if the dye went onto your hardwood floors. ugh! The rug cleaner with his own rug store seemed strange and the lengthy email from the seller seemed strange as well. Maybe I'm too skeptical but with a room such as yours with beautiful everything, I'd hate for the rug to ruin it.
The room looks beautiful.