There are many common misconceptions about new oriental rugs.

In this post, we will uncover the truth about new oriental rugs, and uncover where these misconceptions come from.

Misconception #1 Old rugs have natural dyes; new rugs have synthetic dyes. This is false.

Most rugs and carpets in the market now that are considered old were made with synthetic dyes. Some new rugs are now made with natural dyes.

Misconception #2 Most new rugs are now made with natural dyes. This is false.

Only about 5 percent of new rugs are made with natural dyes. Many people, having heard about natural dyes in new rugs, erroneously assume that they are all made thus. Not true at all.

Misconception #3 Oriental rugs are properly spoken of as carpets, not rugs.

In fact, most people use rug and carpet interchangeably, in the industry, rugs are small, and carpets are those that are bigger about 6 by 9 feet.

Misconception #4 New carpets with an old look have been given a bath in tea.

In fact, that misconception is probably misinformation promoted in the rug trade, to put the benign-sounding spin on rug antiquing. Tea is sometimes used, but almost always in combination with other substances whose effects are permanent.

Misconception #5 Abrash (that is, bands of slightly different color running across a rug) is a sign of natural dyes.

In fact, abrash is a sign that wool has been dyed in small batches, each batch slightly different in shade. But the dyes may be either natural or synthetic. Often abrash is deliberately introduced into synthetically dyed rugs to suggest age or a village feeling.

Misconception #6 New Oriental rugs are no longer made by hand. “Handmade” is what Oriental rugs are all about.

In fact, when natural dyes and handspun wool are used, rugs today and made just as they were thousands of years ago.