Oriental rugs are also knotted.  There are some handmade rugs sold in parts of Asia (including China) that are handmade but not knotted – a large oriental rug could cost as much as $1,500, while a “tufted rug” – not knotted, in other words – would rarely be more than $700.  From the front these rugs look almost identical to the genuine Oriental kind, and so might be the best choice for you if you’re only after looks.  Unfortunately, these tufted rugs are not as durable as the knotted variety, and they depreciate in cost much faster than genuine Oriental rugs.

Even true Oriental rugs vary greatly depending on where they are made and by whom.  Patterns and colors differ, for instance, in a rug made in Afghanistan compared to a rug made in China or Nepal.  Oriental rug weavers prefer cotton thread to wool because it isn’t as stretchy or as affected by changes in climate as wool.  In some areas, however, cotton may not be available – Oriental rugs made in nomadic or semi-nomadic cultures are often designed with wool.