The 10 Commandments of Rug Care/Maintenance

What do you do with your valuables? You take care of them. Why not do the same thing to your Persian and Oriental rugs? They are expensive and can last for many years and maybe for generations. The more you take care of them, the better they look and the longer they last in your home.

Here at Rug Ideas we present you with some simple and general ideas for your rug protection, care and maintenance. For more precise and detailed instructions, please contact us or consult a professional.
1- Depending on the foot traffic, you should rotate your rug and turn it around maybe once a year for even and balanced wear.
2- Do not let your rug be exposed to direct sunlight. The colors will fade away through time. Use appropriate curtains and draperies
3- Vacuum your rug regularly. Do not wait until it gets dirty. Dust and soil would damage the fiber of your rug resulting in its shorter life. When you vacuum your rug, be careful with the fringe.
4- When something (liquid or …) is spilled or dropped on your rug, act quick before it sets in, absorbed or dried.  Scoop us the spill as much as you can and then use dry cloths, or paper towel to blotter and absorb the liquid as much as you can.
5- Do not try to remove the stains with unknown and un-tested chemicals bought from the stores. Stain removal is a little complicated and depends on the nature of the stains, construction and material of the rug, dye used in the rug and different other variables. This is not a do it yourself job.
6- If the stain is solid (chewing gum, wax and …) use a spoon to remove it and follow the step #4 above.
7- Do not ask wall-wall carpet cleaners to wash your rugs or remove stains from your hand knotted carpets. They do not know the construction of wool/silk rugs and may damage your rugs buy using harsh/strong chemicals.
8- We at Rug Ideas provide special expert rug cleaning with local free pick up and delivery. Contact us for free estimate and more details (tel. 310-860-0460).
9- If your Persian carpet or Oriental rug is damaged, have it fixed by us by expert repairer. It will extend the life of your lovely rug. The damage will progress if you do not take care of it in time.
10- Take different pictures of your rugs and place them where you can find them. Having other information such as size, the country of origin and … may help in the case of theft, fire or other unexpected events.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Interior Inspirations - Part 1

Beautiful carpets and rugs are perhaps the most esthetically pleasing, warming, and humanizing elements that can be added to an interior.  Though bold in color and positive in design, most rugs will fit into almost any interior, miraculously adding to its elegance and charm without competing for attention, but amiably blending in- although where a focus is required, a well placed and well chosen rug can command attention. Even the most distinctive carpets will adapt to different styles of homes, rooms and decorative purposes, such as wall hangings, throws, pillows and even upholstery.

For centuries, nomadic peoples have used their weavings to supply them with luxurious furnishings for their far from primitive lifestyles. Flat-weaves have been used as camel and pony trappings; carrying bags for bedding, clothes and food; floor coverings; divisions within the tent; seating and much more. In Western homes, too, they can be used in a great number of different ways.

Rugs are available in many different sizes, designs, colors, textures and weaving techniques; some are so sturdy and stiff that they just ask to be put on the floor, while others are so delicate that they can be hung as pictures on the wall. The colors of both hand-knotted and flat-woven carpets and rugs, although rich and vivid, are, in general, so subtle that they can be used in almost any interior. They will complement a home that already glows with color, while lifting a somewhat bland interior to something quite out of the ordinary.

Sourced from 'Carpet Style' by Barty Phillips

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Rugs From Iran (Part 3)

The ancient trade routes, which connect the east with the west were developed and influenced through the centuries by notable people such as Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Marco Polo, and Richard the Lion Hearted. These trade routes came to be known as the Silk Road. The desire for silk among the wealthy class during Roman times lead to the development of these roads on which traveled caravans from China to Europe. As all of these early east-west roads passed through the so called wool belt, where hand-knotted rugs were woven, it is only natural that Oriental Rugs became popular trade items.

During the time the crusades trade was expanded to western Europe where fueled by the intrigue of the mystical east the desire for such luxury items rapidly grew with the emerging of wealthy classes. As the demand for the goods increased, the size and frequency of the caravans increased. Realizing this as a viable source of income the kings, sultans, shahs and khans imposed tariffs and tolls on these caravans as they crossed their borders. These caravans also faced the dangers of having to deal with robbers, pirates, thieves, disease, the shortage of food and water as well as other road hazards.

In time Ocean travel became more economical and efficient and replaced the long distant caravans of ancient times and today the so called Silk Road is just a fading memory.

sourced from 'The Mystique of Oriental Rugs' by O.R.R.A

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Oriental Rug Patterns (Part 2)

Three of the most widely seen classic design elements are the gul, an octagonal geometric shape; the boteh, which resembles a paisley and has been described as a pear, leaf or pine cone; and the Herati, which consists of a rosette inside a diamond which is flanked by four curled leaves that resemble a stylized fish.

Perhaps the symbols on Chinese rugs are most graphic in their relationships to the world around us. Often a message can be read in the symbols on a Chinese rug once their meaning has been fathomed.

sourced from 'The Mystique of Oriental Rugs' by O.R.R.A

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Oriental Rug Patterns (Part 1)

Most Oriental Rugs are rectangular and have a field and border. One of the most common designs is that of a central medallion either alone or or with designs radiating from it. The field may also be composed of small repetitive patterns, depict a scene or be divided into several compartments.

The border frames the field and may be simple lines or intricate patterns which project into the field. Certain border designs are quite popular and may include single or multiple lines or symbols such as the Greek key, and wandering vine, the stylized turtle and scroll.

Some of the most popular field design are the tree of life, hunting scenes and prayer rugs. Prayer rugs are easy to recognize because the rectangular field contains an arch or similar shape which comes to a point at one end. These designs represent the prayer niches used by Muslims in a mosque. Often images of religious articles associated with Islamic worship, such as lamps, ewers and combs are contained in the pattern.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Tips On Buying An Oriental Rug

If you are a first time rug buyer, it is particularly important that you establish a good relationship with someone you can trust. This is the person who will help you choose a rug that is right for you, and you should feel comfortable with him and not hesitate to ask questions.

Before you go to look for that perfect rug for your room, it is important to do a little homework to aid in making the proper selection. Measure your room and major pieces of furniture. It may also be helpful to measure and note window and door placements. If you don not start with the rug, have on hand fabric, paint and wallpaper samples. Decide what you want the the final effect to be. Being prepared will save you time and insure better results.

And when you have all of the above information covered, stop into Rug Ideas where we can further help you with your rug buying process. We have an extensive selection of Oriental and Persian rugs in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Let our 60 years of experience help find that perfect piece for your home. Rug is our passion and we are more than happy to help you with all of your rug queries!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Chinese Rugs

Traditional Chinese Rugs are immediately recognizable by their simple, classic motifs and limited colors. These rugs often feature a center medallion; familiar objects seen in nature such as animals, flowers and clouds; stylized Chinese ideographs; and even entire scenes. They are usually framed with a simple, wide border.

Contemporary Chinese rugs are produced in large workshops and meet strict quality standards, so they are consistent in quality no matter in which area of China they are woven. Many Chinese rugs are sculpted where  contrasting colors meet to provide interest and texture to the simple patterns, however, this production has diminished to make room for Chinese production of designs from other weaving areas. These non-indigenous designs include Persian, French Aubusson, Savonnerie and Art Deco designs. These rugs are usually of high quality and extremely durable, due to the local supply of Chinese wool, excellent for rug weaving.

China also has a small production of needlepoint and flat weaves, using Soumak and Kilim weaving techniques, in French Aubusson, Caucasian, Turkish and Persian designs.

In addition, China produces tufted rugs in various designs that are less costly. A hand held tufting gun is used to insert the pile through canvas or duck backing, and a heavy cloth is glued to the back of the rug after completion. These rugs are handmade, but not handknotted, and therefore do not fit the definition of "Oriental Rugs"

sourced from " The Mystique of Oriental Rugs"

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Decorating with Oriental Rugs

Open virtually any magazine on decorating and you will find Oriental Rugs used as an integral part of the decor. They blend wonderfully with contemporary, formal, ornate, casual and traditional decorating styles. Oriental Rugs are as adaptable to the casual living styles of today as to a formal board room.

The warmth and beauty of Oriental Rugs bring interest and luxury into almost every room in the house. Their amazingly resilient and durable qualities make them perfectly suited for heavily traveled areas as well as seldom-used parlors. Wall-to-wall carpet is no reason to hesitate in purchasing an Oriental Rug. Properly placed on top of existing carpet, an Oriental Rug brings a new dimension to a room, and has the added benefit of being easily transported if you move.

Oriental Rugs do not necessarily have to be regulated to the floor. Flatweave rugs such as Dhurries and Kilims make attractive wall hangings. Fragile antique rugs that are too worn for floor use and fine silk rugs are equally attractive when hung on the wall. Before you set out to buy an Oriental Rug, measure the space you would like to cover. Then think about what colors in your room would be enhanced by the rug and whether you are looking for a complex design or something relatively simple. The dealer can help you determine which patterns are most likely to fit in with your current decor or serve as a basis for a room's decorating scheme.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Persian & Oriental Rugs

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think quality rugs and carpets? Persian rugs, naturally. Carpets held significant meaning to the Persians as long as 2500 years ago. The rugs and carpets were so important to the culture that they were commonly incorporated into the literature of the time. Persian artistic influence reached its apex in the 14th to 16th centuries with its carpets, rugs and tapestries (kilims). It began exporting these quality items in the 16th century. Because of the popularity of these products, America and other countries started Iranian factories in the 19th century to keep the art form and productivity alive.

Carpets and rugs are still some of the most valued possessions of Iranians even today. The design of each carpet and rug is unique, and can be individually linked to a specific area, town or tribe. There are some Iranians whose entire fortunes are tied up in these pieces of art.

Oriental rugs and carpeting are an art form of such intricate detail that the words “Oriental rugs” have become nearly synonymous with any kind of carpeting with a pattern design. However, most of these rugs are not really Oriental rugs at all. The genuine articles come from Iran but countries such as China , India , Afghanistan , Turkey and other surrounding nations also make rugs many of which use Persian rug designs. Genuine Oriental rugs and carpets are woven or tied in rows using knots called Persian or Senneh knots.

We know whether the products are made of wool, real or artificial silk. We know the tricks of unscrupulous manufacturers who make cheap imitations. We watch for and produce, and import only the finest products available. Many families teach their members to weave and carry on the fine traditions of oriental carpet weaving. By importing these handmade family products we believe that we are helping the weavers to make rugs while their children attend school.

We have all types of Persian, Oriental and area (machine made) rugs in different color combinations, designs and sizes. We are second generation in rug business since 1953. You can benefit from our decades of experience. We are either board member or member of many professional societies and rug is our passion. You will appreciate our eye for authenticity. The stunning esthetic beauty of our rugs and carpets will capture your imagination.

The tradition of fine Persian and Oriental workmanship and art continues today at our store in Los Angeles . For unsurpassed quality in Persian and Oriental carpets and rugs, visit us at our store in Irvine . You will find no finer merchandise anywhere in southern California . We are also conveniently located within easy travel distance of Santa Monica, San Fernando Valley, Santa Barbara, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, San Diego, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Lake Forest, Tustin, Santa Ana and others. Trust us—it will be worth the drive.


Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Ten Commandments of Rug Care & Maintenance

What do you do with your valuables? You take care of them. Why not do the same thing to your Persian and Oriental rugs? They are expensive and can last for many years and maybe for generations. The more you take care of them, the better they look and the longer they last in your home.

Here at Rug Ideas we present you with some simple and general ideas for your rug protection, care and maintenance. For more precise and detailed instructions, please contact us or consult a professional.
1- Depending on the foot traffic, you should rotate your rug and turn it around maybe once a year for even and balanced wear.
2- Do not let your rug be exposed to direct sunlight. The colors will fade away through time. Use appropriate curtains and draperies
3- Vacuum your rug regularly. Do not wait until it gets dirty. Dust and soil would damage the fiber of your rug resulting in its shorter life. When you vacuum your rug, be careful with the fringe.
4- When something (liquid or …) is spilled or dropped on your rug, act quick before it sets in, absorbed or dried.  Scoop us the spill as much as you can and then use dry cloths, or paper towel to blotter and absorb the liquid as much as you can.
5- Do not try to remove the stains with unknown and un-tested chemicals bought from the stores. Stain removal is a little complicated and depends on the nature of the stains, construction and material of the rug, dye used in the rug and different other variables. This is not a do it yourself job.
6- If the stain is solid (chewing gum, wax and …) use a spoon to remove it and follow the step #4 above.
7- Do not ask wall-wall carpet cleaners to wash your rugs or remove stains from your hand knotted carpets. They do not know the construction of wool/silk rugs and may damage your rugs buy using harsh/strong chemicals.
8- We at Rug Ideas provide special expert rug cleaning with local free pick up and delivery. Contact us for free estimate and more details (tel. 310-860-0460).
9- If your Persian carpet or Oriental rug is damaged, have it fixed by us by expert repairer. It will extend the life of your lovely rug. The damage will progress if you do not take care of it in time.
10- Take different pictures of your rugs and place them where you can find them. Having other information such as size, the country of origin and … may help in the case of theft, fire or other unexpected events.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Rug Appraisal in Los Angeles

You might need our professional rug appraisal services because:

1- You have inherited an Oriental, Persian or area rug and would like to know its value.
2- You want to know the value of your rug for trusts or estates.
3- You would like the value of your rug for insurance purposes.
4- You want to buy a rug and would like to know if its price is fair or not.
5- You want to sell you rug but do not know how much it is worth in today's market.
6- You want to give you rug to someone you love and want to know the value of your rug.

Whatever the reason maybe, our experts will tell you the entire general and technical details about your rugs. We take high resolution pictures from your rugs and give them to you along with a signed and sealed Rug Appraisal Certificate.

If you're too busy or live/work far away from our Los Angeles showroom, or your rugs are big and too many, we will come to your home/work to do the appraisal. You can also e-mail us the photos of your rugs and we'll get back to you. Please call us for the rates and appointments.

Khosrow Sobhe

www.RugIdea.com

310-770-9085

Rug Cleaning Rug Repair Los Angeles

Besides selling Oriental, area and Persian rugs, we do rug cleaning and repair. This has its own advantages and disadvantages. The down side is the hassles we encounter. Some of the customers who call us, only ask about the cost and these are the ones who want to shop around and get a deal. The second type of the customers are those who ask how we clean their Oriental carpets. For the second type, usually the quality of the work and its process is more important than the mere low pricing.

The best way of cleaning a rug by a professional (don't do it at home or you will be sorry!) is to wash and clean the rug with ample water and regular detergent without using chemicals which may damage the fiber of the rug as well as the environment. The best way of drying a carpet is to let it dry under sun without using a heated or dry room. This natural and traditional way of drying a rug will give it more shine with a much fresher look. If a rug is dried in a dry (heated) room, it may not have the shine and freshness it should. Sun is the best dryer.

Here, I am posting some exclusive photos from a traditional rug cleaning facility and process.

Khosrow Sobhe
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085