Choose an antique rug dealer who inspects every rug, describes condition honestly, gives measured sizes, shows the back of the rug, offers a return or trial period, can appraise, and has a showroom you can visit. Years in business and a trade program for designers are useful signs too. The checklist below explains each point and how to verify it.
What should I look for in an antique rug dealer?
You should look for evidence, not adjectives. Any dealer can say “rare”, “museum quality” or “finest”. A good dealer lets you check what they say. Use these nine criteria when you compare galleries, online sellers or auction sources.
| # | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Every rug is inspected before sale | Condition problems are found before you pay, not after delivery |
| 2 | Honest condition notes | Wear, repairs and restoration affect use and value |
| 3 | Measured sizes, not nominal ones | Handmade rugs vary from their “standard” size |
| 4 | Photos of the back on request | The back shows knotting, repairs and some painting |
| 5 | A written return or trial policy | Color and scale look different in your own room |
| 6 | Appraisal ability | A dealer who can value rugs understands what they sell |
| 7 | A showroom you can visit | You can see and handle rugs in person |
| 8 | Years in business | A long record means a reputation to protect |
| 9 | A trade program | Designers rely on dealers who can source to a brief |
Does the dealer inspect every rug before selling it?
A reliable dealer inspects every rug before listing it and can tell you what the inspection covers. Ask directly: who looks at the rug, and what do they check? At Rugs On Net, every rug is inspected before it is listed, and each listing states its origin, approximate age, materials and measured size.
Are the condition notes honest and specific?
Honest condition notes name the actual issues, such as low pile in a given area, repairs, or worn ends, instead of saying “excellent for its age”. Antique rugs have been used for a century or more, so some wear is normal. The question is whether it is disclosed. Ask for a condition report on any rug you are serious about. At Rugs On Net you can ask for a condition report on any rug.
Are sizes measured or just rounded to a standard size?
Sizes should be measured on the actual rug, because handmade rugs are rarely exact. A rug sold as “9 x 12” may be several inches off in either direction, which matters in a room with tight clearances. Our listings give the measured size of each rug, and our rug size guide shows standard sizes in feet, inches, centimeters and meters.
Will the dealer show you the back of the rug?
A trustworthy dealer will photograph the back on request without hesitation. The back reveals the knot structure, repairs and reweaves, and color that has been added to the front. At Rugs On Net, buyers can ask for more photographs, including close-ups of the back.
Is there a return policy or in-home trial?
A good dealer has a written return policy you can read before you buy. Rugs look different under your own light and next to your own furniture. Rugs On Net offers a 4-day in-home trial starting the day the rug is delivered; the full terms are on our returns policy page.
Can the dealer appraise rugs?
A dealer who offers appraisals has to be able to identify and value rugs, which is a good sign they understand what they sell. We offer a free Quick Opinion by phone or email from photographs, and a free In-Depth Appraisal Report for insurance, estate valuation and documentation.
Is there a showroom you can visit?
A physical showroom lets you see color, texture and scale in person and meet the people behind the listings. Our showroom is at 36 East 31st Street, 9th floor, New York, NY 10016, and you can book a visit through our contact page. If you are in the city, our guide on where to buy antique rugs in New York explains how to prepare for a gallery visit.
How long has the dealer been in business?
Years in business matter because a dealer with a long record depends on repeat clients and referrals. Rugs On Net is a family-owned gallery founded in 1979 by Kevin Rahmanan, who bought his first antique Caucasian rug at 21. You can read more on our about us page.
Does the dealer work with interior designers?
A trade program shows that a dealer can handle project sourcing, where size, palette and period all have to fit a brief. Our trade program offers trade pricing and sourcing help, with an online application. See antique rugs for interior designers for more.
How does Rugs On Net measure up to this checklist?
Here is how we meet each criterion, using only what we can show you:
- Inspection: every rug is inspected before it is listed.
- Listings: origin, approximate age, materials and measured size on every listing.
- More detail on request: extra photographs, close-ups of the back, or a condition report.
- Trial: a 4-day in-home trial from the day of delivery.
- Appraisal: free Quick Opinion and free In-Depth Appraisal Report.
- Showroom: 36 East 31st Street, 9th floor, New York.
- History: family-owned since 1979.
- Trade: trade pricing and sourcing help for designers.
- Selection: more than 4,800 antique rugs, including one of the largest collections of antique Chinese rugs in the United States.
Whichever dealer you choose, apply the same checks. Our guide to buying an antique rug with confidence covers our process in detail, and red flags when buying an antique rug lists the warning signs to watch for.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important thing to check in an antique rug dealer?
Check whether the dealer inspects every rug and describes its condition honestly, with measured sizes and photos of the back available on request.
Should an antique rug dealer offer returns?
Yes. A written return or trial policy lets you see the rug in your own room. Rugs On Net offers a 4-day in-home trial starting the day the rug is delivered.
Why ask for photos of the back of a rug?
The back shows the knotting, repairs and reweaves, and color added to the front, which the front often hides.
Does it matter how long a dealer has been in business?
It helps. A dealer with a long record relies on repeat clients and referrals. Rugs On Net is a family-owned gallery founded in 1979.
Can I visit Rugs On Net in person?
Yes. Our showroom is at 36 East 31st Street, 9th floor, New York, NY 10016. You can book a visit through our contact page.