Inherited an Antique or Persian Rug? How to Care for A Family Heirloom

 

Many of our clients, at one point or another, inherit a family heirloom hand knotted rug.  For many, this is one more rug in a beautiful collection, but for a select few, an inherited rug is the first hand knotted rug that they have ever owned.  It can be intimidating to inherit something that is valuable that presents many questions about how to care for it.  

The good news is that caring for hand knotted rugs is not something that is terribly difficult or complicated.  After inheriting a rug, we strongly encourage a good professional cleaning.  This is especially encouraged if the rug has been stored for any period of time.  A sad fate would be to store an inherited rug and then find that it has been attacked and damaged by moths.  

After a good cleaning, a good inspection for any damage or worn areas should be conducted.  If you plan to use the rug immediately, then you can address any damage after you do the cleaning.  If you plan on storing the rug, you can delay repairing or restoring damage.  If you do not plan on using the rug, and instead consider selling it, we would recommend against repairing any damage as sometimes it is hard to recover that expense, especially if the damage is extensive.  But we would advise against selling, if at all possible.  Inherited rugs are among the most valuable heirlooms one can inherit.  They not only tell the story that a weaver wove into yarn a century before, but also tell the story of the family that has lived their lives on it - a story that a new generation can add to.   ---www.traditionalrugrepair.com