Why are Rugs So Expensive?

• 18 December 2020
• 6 Min Read
• By Jaipur Rugs

If you’ve ever asked yourself “why are rugs so expensive” while buying one for your home. This article will answer how much does a rug cost and why so that you know what you’re paying for...

The Material Used

One of the greatest factors determining what the MRP tag of the rug will say is the material it is made of.  Answering this will help you figure out why some rugs are so expensive and why some, even with a similar design as the pricier ones, are easier on the wallet. The material determines the durability, longevity, and ease of cleaning of the rug- three pretty important factors that go into determining how much rugs cost.

Wool:

Wool is one of the most common materials used in weaving rugs. It is naturally renewable, durable, and very sturdy. A woolen rug will last you almost a lifetime without its quality degrading in color or pattern. Wool rugs have a very luxurious texture and offer maximum underfoot comfort, much more than synthetic materials ever can. That explains why most expensive area rugs are made of wool, right?

Silk:

Another natural fiber that is second to wool in durability and luxury, silk rugs have been coveted around the world since time immemorial. The famous Persian and Oriental rugs are either made of silk or a combination of wool and silk. Why are silk rugs so expensive?  That’s because they have the shiniest texture that oozes luxury from every inch. They require expert cleaning using only professional methods to keep them looking and feeling as good as new. These rugs are high on luxury and hence, not fit for spaces frequented by kids, pets, or those which have heavy foot traffic.

Hemp and Jute:

The lesser expensive alternatives in the natural fibers category, these materials are used in rugs often in combinations, made for high traffic areas and busy homes. They are commonly used in making dhurries and flatweave rugs and aren’t as heavy on the wallet as their wool and silk counterparts. So, if you want to avoid buying expensive area rugs, simply opt for a dhurrie made in jute and/or hemp. 

The method of making the rug:

We all know that anything that is handmade and needs human expertise, skill, and time will cost more than mass-produced, machine-made things. The same applies to rugs as well. The hand-knotted rugs, which are made by hand by weaving each knot individually in a specially designed loom are, therefore, the most expensive. Then comes the hand-tufted kind which is made partially by hand and partially using a mechanized tool. This takes much less time and skill than handmade rugs, which highly skilled master artisans and weavers can only make.
Hand-knotted rugs are also much more durable and will last you decades, as opposed to machine-made rugs. The labor that went into completing it ensures that every knot is safe and secured. So, when looking at expensive area rugs and thinking to yourself why are rugs so expensive, ask how the rug was made and how much time went into completing the piece of art.

The Knots per Square Inch:

A rug isn’t simply a piece of fabric that you lay in the middle of your living room or bedroom. Expensive area rugs come with that hefty price tag because they are works of art that you can walk on. Every hand-knotted rug tells the designer's story, the weaver’s personality, and the journey of making the rug. It is like a painting made over a long period of time with yarns of wool and silk. How much rugs cost is highly dependent on the quality of the rug and the time that went into weaving it. And that is further determined by the knots per square inch of the rug. It’s quite simple- the higher the knot density, the more time that went into it, and consequently, the higher the price will be. Higher knot counts result in shinier, more plush-looking rugs. 
When you see Oriental or Persian rugs with intricate designs woven on them, you are looking at a high-density hand-knotted rug that may have taken anywhere between 30 days to 8 years to make. Every knot is woven individually by hand, making the rug unique and one-of-a-kind in the world. Think of expensive area rugs with a higher density of knots per square inch as high-resolution images with a higher number of pixels per square inch.

Design and Pattern

That brings us to the next point in determining how much rugs cost and why: when you buy a hand-knotted rug with a high knot count, you are investing in exclusive, rare designs that wouldn’t be possible on cheaper rugs with a lower knot density. The rarity of the design and the colors used (naturally dyed rugs are more expensive as the colors don’t fade with time) are some of the important determiners of why rugs are so expensive. If you are eyeing an antique rug, you are looking at not just a rug but a piece of art that carries the stamp of time and cultural influences that are reflected in the designs. No wonder some people buy it at auctions for thousands of dollars as a family heirloom that becomes the piece de resistance of their homes.

Production Ethics

Another aspect that determines how much a rug cost is the ethics that went into its production methods. Rugs made in high-scale factories that employ child labor and labor at extremely low wages will obviously sell at much cheaper prices. So, when you buy expensive area rugs, also make sure that other than the knots, the design, and the material, what are the production methods that went behind making the rug? Rugs that come with certification ensure that the people involved in the process are paid fair and squarely and treated humanely. 

So, why are rugs so expensive?

The answer is- not all rugs are expensive. Only the best quality rugs like a hand-knotted rug or hand-tufted rug in wool and/or skill-using natural dyes, by highly-skilled artisans and weavers who are paid fairly in nurturing work environments, make for expensive area rugs. When you ask yourself why rugs are so expensive or what goes behind determining how much rugs cost, don’t forget to keep these components in consideration. 

FAQs

What are high-quality rugs?

High-quality rugs are handknotted or hand tufted rugs made from premium wool or silk yarns and are naturally dyed. These rugs are known for their durability, softness, and intricate designs. Hand knotting and hand tufting are traditional rug-making techniques that produce rugs of exceptional quality and beauty. Natural dyes enhance the beauty and depth of color in the rug, making it a unique and valuable piece of art.

Which rugs are the most expensive?

Handknotted and hand tufted rugs made of wool or silk yarns using natural dyes are the most expensive. These rugs are typically made by skilled artisans, who use traditional techniques to weave intricate designs, which contributes to their higher prices. Additionally, natural materials and dyeing processes are often costlier than synthetic alternatives, further increasing the price of these rugs.

What is the best quality rug to buy?

The best quality rug depends on your personal preference, budget, and usage. Generally, wool rugs are considered top-notch due to their durability and softness, but silk rugs offer a luxurious feel. A high-density rug with a tight weave and good-quality fibers will last longer. Look for a rug with a strong backing and reinforced edges for added durability. Consider seeking the advice of a professional to find the perfect rug that fits your specific needs.

Why are hand-tufted rugs so expensive?

Hand tufted rugs are expensive because they are made by hand using a tufting gun and high-quality materials, making the production process time-consuming and labor-intensive. The materials used, such as wool, silk or viscose, also contribute to the cost. Hand tufting also offers unique designs and patterns, and a level of durability that makes the cost worth it for those who value quality over cost.