The most important factor when choosing an oriental rug is the reason ‘why’ the rug is being bought.

It is not unknown for people to purchase extremely attractive and reasonably priced items only to find later that they are the wrong size, or that the color and design clash with their decorative scheme. Equally, some rugs at extremely good value as furnishing items are not suitable for long-term investments, while rugs with the highest investment potential may be out of place as decorative items in the home.

Today, rugs are an important export for most producing countries, and many weaving groups have considerably broadened their palette in order to appeal to Western tastes.

This is particularly true and India and Pakistan, where traditional Persian and Turkoman designs are now produced in a range of pastel shades. Chinese rugs have long been I tune with Western color schemes, and a growing number of Anatolian groups are now producing traditional and Caucasian designs in much softer shades. In contrast, most nomadic and tribal groups still make rugs in the time honored dark reds and Persian workshop groups employ both pastel and rich shades.

Both harmonious and contrasting shades can be used to enhance the decorative impact of a room.

For a harmonious effect, aim to reflect the overall tonality of the room, or ensure that a single color from the woodwork or furnishings is echoed in the rug.

Better results are often achieved by matching subsidiary colors, provided they are not swamped by other shades.

Contrasting shades can enliven a room by providing an invigorating tonal counterpoint, but care needs to be taken to ensure that colors do not clash.

This is less of a danger if the room is decorated in neutral shades, or if the rug’s colors are echoed in the other furnishings.

Pastel shades are extremely versatile and blend with most traditional Western furnishings and interior designs. Strong or dark shades are normally only found in nomadic and tribal rugs. Rich shades are perfectly in tune with opulent surroundings, but can also enhance a pastel décor.

Source: The Oriental Rug Lexicon (Paperback) By (author) Peter F. Stone