Rugs On Net appraises antique rugs in two ways: a free Quick Opinion by phone or email, which gives an approximate value range from photographs, and a free In-Depth Appraisal Report for insurance, estate valuation and formal documentation. We have handled antique rugs in New York since 1979, and the same team that buys and sells them reviews yours.
Upload photos for your free appraisal
Send your photos straight from your phone. Fill in your details, tap the photo button, and choose or take your pictures. We reply by email with your appraisal.
Which appraisal do I need?
Choose the Quick Opinion if you want to know roughly what a rug is worth, and the In-Depth Appraisal Report if you need a written value for someone else, such as an insurer, an estate, or a lawyer.
| Quick Opinion | In-Depth Appraisal Report | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free |
| How | By phone or email, from photographs and basic details | A written report |
| What you get | An approximate value range | Formal documentation of the rug and its value |
| Best for | Curiosity, deciding whether to sell, sorting a collection | Insurance, estate valuation, formal records |
What should I send for a Quick Opinion?
Clear photographs and measurements are enough for us to give you a useful range. Please send:
- The whole front of the rug, laid flat, photographed from above in daylight.
- The whole back of the rug. The back shows the knots and weave, which tell us far more than the front.
- Close-ups of the back and front at one corner, so we can see the knot structure and the wool.
- Both ends, showing the fringe, and both side edges.
- Any wear, holes, stains, repairs or moth damage, photographed closely.
- The width and length, measured without the fringe.
- Anything you know about its history: where it was bought, when, and any old labels or receipts.
Email everything to [email protected], or reach us by phone or WhatsApp from our contact page.
What decides the value of an antique rug?
Value comes mainly from origin and type, age, condition, size, and the quality of the design and color. A rare type in good condition and a sought-after size is worth far more than a common type with heavy wear. Condition matters a great deal: worn pile, painted areas, old repairs and chemical washing all lower value, which is why we ask for photographs of the back and of any damage. Our guide to red flags when buying an antique rug explains the most common condition problems, and what is my antique Chinese rug worth shows how this works for one large category.
Can you buy my rug after appraising it?
Yes. Rugs On Net buys antique rugs outright, and Kevin Rahmanan, who founded the gallery in 1979, reviews the photographs and decides. If you would rather not sell outright, we also offer consignment. See how to sell your antique rug for the full process.
What happens to a rug after the appraisal?
Many rugs need care before they are displayed, insured or sold. We offer rug cleaning, moth proofing and blocking and stretching for hand-knotted rugs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Quick Opinion really free?
Yes. The Quick Opinion is free and comes by phone or email. It gives an approximate value range based on your photographs and details.
Is a Quick Opinion enough for insurance?
No. Insurers and estates usually need written documentation, which is what the free In-Depth Appraisal Report provides.
Can you appraise a rug from photographs alone?
For a Quick Opinion, yes, provided the photographs are clear and include the back of the rug. Some features, such as the feel of the wool and hidden repairs, can only be confirmed in hand.
Do you appraise rugs you did not sell?
Yes. We appraise rugs you already own, whether or not you bought them from Rugs On Net.
Will you make an offer to buy my rug?
If the rug suits our collection, yes. Kevin Rahmanan reviews the photographs and decides, and there is no obligation to sell.
How do I start?
Use the photo form at the top of this page to upload pictures from your phone, or email photographs and measurements to [email protected].
Watch: from our New York gallery
Some people think this rug is damaged. It is not. Abrash is the natural color variation from hand dyed wool in different batches, most common in village rugs and rare in workshop rugs.
More on our YouTube channel.