What Is a Turkish Rug? Exploring Its Rich History and Cultural Significance

Turkish rugs are beautiful works of art made with great skill, reflecting a weaving tradition that’s more than a thousand years old. Made in the Anatolia region, these detailed rugs handmade carpets show the talent of Turkish craftsmen through their unique designs, vibrant colors, and careful weaving.

What is a Turkish Rug?

A Turkish rug is a handmade fabric made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, and silk. Each rug is unique and shows:

• Motif Designs - Shapes and intricate patterns
• Rich Hues - Made with natural dyes
• High-Quality Work - Hand-knotted using old methods
• Cultural Meaning - Designs that tell stories and have special significance

Importance of Turkish Carpets

Turkish rugs are famous worldwide for their high quality and rich history. They have decorated European palaces, been displayed in famous museums, and are now treasured in private collections everywhere.

What You'll Learn

In this article, you'll discover:

1. How Turkish carpets have evolved from the Seljuk Empire to now
2. The various regional styles of Turkish carpets
3. The meanings of traditional patterns
4. The skills that make each carpet special

What Makes Handmade Turkish Rugs Special

Turkish rugs stand out because of features developed over hundreds of years by skilled makers. Turkey has a rich history of rug weaving, and these handmade rugs have qualities that make them unique. One key feature is the use of a double knot technique, which makes the rugs stronger and adds detailed beauty to these classic pieces.

Unique Turkish Features:

• Double knots (Ghiordes/Turkish knots) for extra strength
• High knot density, from 30 to 3,000 knots per square inch
• Warm, rich colors made from natural dyes
• Balanced patterns inspired by Ottoman and Seljuk styles

Using high-quality materials is key in making genuine Turkish rugs. Skilled weavers choose the best fibers:

Main Materials:

• Wool: Comes from Anatolian sheep, valued for its strength and natural shine
• Silk: Used in high-end rugs to add detailed patterns and a glowing look
• Cotton: Provides a strong base as the vertical and horizontal threads

Hand-knotted artisanal carpets show impressive skill in how they’re made. Each knot is tied one by one around vertical threads and held in place by horizontal threads. This careful method makes thick, long-lasting carpets that can be passed down for many years.

Types of Turkish Rug Styles:

1. Pile-Woven Rugs

• Made with raised knots
• Soft and plush feel
• Great for keeping warmth
• Often used in formal rooms

2. Flat-Woven Kilims

• Made without raised knots
• Light and easy to move
• Features bold geometric designs
• Commonly used in casual spaces

Weaving these carpets takes a lot of focus and skill. A skilled weaver may spend months making a medium-sized rug, tying thousands of knots each day. This hard work creates unique rugs with special features.

Signs of Quality Craftsmanship:

• Even knot tension all over
• Uniform pile height
• Accurate pattern matching
• Natural color differences
• Small imperfections showing it’s handmade

Turkish carpet designs come from carefully counting knots and placing colors exactly.

The Long History of Turkish Carpets: How Weaving Began Long Ago

The Origins of Carpet Weaving

Carpet weaving began with the practical needs of nomadic tribes in Central Asia, especially the Turkoman tribes. They needed portable floor coverings and bedding for their tents, which led to the creation of rugs. When the Turks moved to Anatolia, they brought their weaving skills with them, starting what became known as "Anatolian rugs."

Over time, different techniques and styles developed. One important method was the double knot technique, used to make strong and detailed designs. A popular design was the dragon and phoenix motif, often found in silk rugs made during the peak of the Ottoman Empire.

The main cities of the Ottoman Empire—Bursa, Istanbul, Iznik, Kütahya, and Uşak—each added their own special touches to carpet making. For example, Beyşehir rugs are known for their unique patterns and bright colors, while Uşak carpets are famous for large decorative pieces used in palaces and mosques.

Places like the Mevlana Museum and Eşrefoğlu Mosque show examples of Seljuq period carpets that once decorated these important sites. Archaeological digs in Konya Beyşehir Fostat have also found old rug pieces that help us understand early carpet making in the area.

When looking at carpets from this time, we find well-known styles like 'Holbein' and 'Lotto,' each with its own artistic style and cultural meaning. The Seljuq Turks played a big role in these developments by valuing detailed designs and high-quality materials, setting a standard for future generations.

Ancient Carpets and Turkish Influence

Turkish carpet art has a long history, starting with the "Pazyryk Carpet," one of the oldest and most valuable hand-woven carpets in the world. This carpet, believed to come from Turkish culture, dates back to the 3rd century BC. It shows amazing skill with 36,000 Ghiordes knots (a special knot used in Turkish carpets) per 10 square centimeters. The high number of knots makes the carpet strong and shows the careful work involved in making it. The Pazyryk Carpet is an important milestone in carpet-making history and set a high standard that few have matched since.

The oldest known Turkish carpets found in Anatolia date back to the 13th century, around 1243. These carpets were discovered in places like Konya, Beyşehir, and Egypt’s Fustat region. They reflect the rich culture and art of the Seljuk Empire. Carpets from this time show signs of both nomadic life and city living, as well as influence from workshop-made art.

What makes these carpets special is their large size; some are as long as 6 meters. It’s believed that such big and detailed carpets were not made in nomad tents or small homes but in city workshops. This means that during that time, advanced looms and skilled workers were needed to create such carpets, showing that Anatolia was an important center for carpet-making during both the Seljuk and later Ottoman times. Hand-woven carpets were highly valued as symbols of cultural richness.

Early Design Features

Early Turkish rugs were usually small and had geometric patterns. Shapes like hexagons, squares, and diamonds were decorated with stars, flowers, or leaves. The borders often had designs similar to Kufic script, the oldest form of Arabic writing. The colors were mostly soft blues, reds, and greens, made with natural dyes. These rugs were made from wool or cotton and colored using natural pigments.

The Unique Knotting Technique

Antique Turkish rugs are known for their special symmetrical knot called the "Ghiordes" or "Turkish" knot. This method wraps each pile thread around two warp threads, making the rugs stronger and longer-lasting. This helps keep the pattern visible even when the rug gets worn.

The patterns and designs were very diverse, with almost every part of each rug showing unique details. This rich history and skilled craftsmanship show that these rugs are more than just products—they are living pieces of history and a continuation of ancient art, which adds to their authenticity and value.

Trade routes allowed Turkish carpets to reach Europe, where they became very popular. Well-known painters like Hans Holbein and Lorenzo Lotto often featured these carpets in their art, leading to some designs being named after them.

The Golden Age: Turkish Carpets in the Ottoman Empire

After the Seljuk rule weakened due to social and political changes and Mongol invasions, the Ottomans took over around 1300 AD and built a lasting empire. As the Ottoman Empire grew, its capitals—Bursa, Istanbul, Iznik, and Kütahya—became important cultural and trade centers. Trade between Asia and Europe thrived, creating high demand for Turkish rugs, especially from key areas like Ushak.

How Art Shaped Views of Turkish Carpets

A good example of Turkish carpets' popularity is the Early Anatolian Animal carpets often shown in Western European paintings from the 14th to 16th centuries. Designs like the "Dragon and Phoenix" came to Anatolia from China via the Mongols and became part of Islamic art. Two other famous groups of antique Turkish rugs, named after painters Holbein and Lotto, were often shown by Renaissance artists. These carpets appeared in European paintings as symbols of wealth and status, helping people see Turkish rugs not just as decorations but as valuable art pieces. This phenomenon is well-documented in Oriental carpets in Renaissance painting, which illustrates how these rugs were integrated into the artistic narrative of the time.

Why Certain Carpet Regions Matter

The Ushak region was especially important because its carpets were known for their beautiful designs and quality. Tribal and village rugs from Anatolia also played a big role by offering many styles that appealed to different tastes across Europe. At the same time, the Ottoman court made rugs with detailed craftsmanship and luxury.

Selling Rugs as High-End Art

This connection to art helps position these rugs as luxury products for a sophisticated American audience who appreciate art, history, and quality. For example, rugs from Konya made between 1750–1800 often had unique patterns showing their rich cultural background. Pieces like the Anatolian double-niche rug highlight the skilled artistry that Turkish weaving is known for.

Thriving Designs during Ottoman Rule

In the 16th century, Turkish rugs flourished and became very popular. Many rugs were made for mosques and palaces, showing Ottoman architectural styles in their designs. "Palace carpets," made by artisans in the Ottoman court, used the Iranian knot called "sine," which set them apart from Anatolian rugs. Though their colors and patterns were first influenced by Iranian styles, they gradually developed a unique Anatolian look. Natural patterns featuring popular Ottoman art themes like tulips, hyacinths, carnations, and pomegranate flowers were common.

Uşak became a major rug-making center in the Ottoman Empire by the late 15th century, attracting top weavers. Geometric designs became popular again, especially a medallion shape called "Göl." These often octagonal medallions showed mirror reflections and twofold rotational symmetry with repeating patterns symbolizing eternity. This motif came from Persian rug designs but was adapted by Turks. The Göl star pattern started in Uşak, also known as Oushak.

In the 19th century, Western influence reached the Ottoman Empire and changed rug shapes. The main weaving workshop was set up in Hereke, inspired by French baroque design. The best weavers from Sivas, Manisa, and Ladik used silk and gold or silver threads to create high-quality "palace" rugs with bright colors like lilac, rose, and carnation. These rugs featured corner medallions based on earlier designs and maintained very high standards, becoming some of the finest pile-woven rugs worldwide.

Evolution into Modern Times

Turkish carpet weaving has changed over the years, adjusting to new styles while keeping traditional methods. Today, modern Turkish carpets still use old patterns and techniques, but they also include new designs that match what people like now.

Discovering Regional Styles and Unique Designs in Turkish Carpets

Turkish carpet designs differ a lot from one region to another. Each area has its own style that shows local traditions and artistic tastes. This variety makes Turkish rugs interesting and special.

1. Anatolian Carpets

These beautiful rugs are known for their bright colors and detailed patterns, with each area having its own unique style:

• Konya rugs have strong geometric shapes in deep reds and blues
• Kayseri rugs show delicate flower designs with shiny silk accents
• Bergama carpets include tribal patterns with eye-catching central medallions

2. Kilim Rugs

Kilim rugs are a special kind of Turkish carpet made by weaving flat. They are light and can be used on both sides. These rugs usually have:

• Geometric shapes and sharp patterns
• Bright, strong colors
• Traditional symbols like the eye for protection
• Many uses, such as hanging on walls or covering floors

3. Oushak (Uşak) Carpets

Famous Oushak carpets are known for their:

• Soft, gentle colors
• Big floral patterns
• Cloud-like designs
• High-quality wool
• Important history in Ottoman palaces

4. Hereke Carpets

Hereke carpets, originally made for Ottoman sultans, are known for:

• Very fine knots (up to 3,600 per square inch)
• Decorations with silk and metallic threads
• Complex designs mixing Persian and Turkish styles
• Deep, rich colors

Each region has its own style, shown through unique patterns, materials, and weaving methods. Istanbul rugs combine different influences to appeal to both traditional and modern tastes. Today’s Turkish carpet makers keep these regional traditions alive while adding new twists to classic designs like medallion patterns in pile-woven floor rugs.

The variety of Turkish carpets shows the country’s rich culture, with each area adding special touches. For example:

1. Caucasus rugs are bright and feature detailed tribal and nomadic designs.
2. Turkistan rugs often display elegant arabesque patterns common in Islamic art.

These regional styles have made Turkish rugs popular worldwide for their durability and the natural benefits of wool.

Besides traditional styles, there’s growing interest in beige and ivory rugs with simple yet stylish designs that bring warmth and elegance to any room. Many modern pile-woven rugs use natural dyes to keep their beauty lasting over time.

A close-up view of two traditional Turkish kilims with striped and diamond motifs in vibrant shades of blue, red, and white, showcasing their texture and fringed edges.

The Meaning Behind Turkish Carpet Designs

Turkish carpets are not just pretty rugs; they are pieces of art that share stories. Each design, called a motif, has important cultural meaning and reflects different parts of Turkish history and traditions.

Common Motifs and What They Mean

Here are some common designs in Turkish carpets and their meanings:

• Tree of Life: Stands for eternal life, growth, and the link between heaven and earth
• Evil Eye (Nazar): Protects against bad energy and bad luck
• Bird: Represents happiness, joy, and good news
• Ram's Horn: Shows masculinity, strength, and bravery
• Water: Represents cleansing and purity

Flower Symbols in Turkish Rugs

Flowers are important in Turkish carpet designs. Here are some common flower patterns and what they mean:

• Tulips: Divine love and blessings from Allah
• Hyacinths: Wisdom and spiritual growth
• Carnations: Divine love and strong feelings
• Pomegranates: Fertility, plenty, and success

These flower patterns can affect the value of Turkish rugs. Genuine Ushak carpets with detailed symbolic designs are usually more costly because of their complex patterns and historical value.

Color Meanings

Colors in Turkish carpets have special meanings:

• Red: Joy, happiness, and love
• Blue: Strength, protection, and spirituality
• Green: Paradise, nature, and growth
• Yellow: Sun’s energy and light
• White: Purity and peace

Geometric Shapes in Kilim Rugs

Traditional Kilim rugs often use geometric shapes that have special meanings:

• Triangles: Protection from harm
• Squares: The four elements of nature
• Zigzags: Flowing water and cleansing
• Stars: Joy and spiritual growth

Regional Differences in Symbol Meanings

Different parts of Turkey have their own meanings for these symbols:

• Eastern Anatolia: Strong geometric shapes that stand for strength and protection
• Central Anatolia: Detailed flower patterns representing paradise gardens
• Western Turkey: Sea-related symbols showing coastal life and trade

The meaning behind Turkish carpets is more than just their looks. Each design tells a story. For example, recycled kilim rugs keep these stories alive while also supporting eco-friendly practices. Meanwhile, traditional Oriental rugs continue to display the rich cultural history through their designs.

Mastering Traditional Techniques: How Are Turkish Rugs Made?

Making Turkish rugs is a detailed process that starts with choosing high-quality materials. Skilled weavers pick from:

• Wool: From local sheep, known for strength
• Cotton: Mainly used for the base
• Silk: Used for special, luxury rugs
• Natural dyes: Made from plants, insects, and minerals

The weaving begins by setting up the loom, a wooden frame that holds vertical threads (warps) tight. These warps form the foundation where horizontal threads (wefts) are woven in.

The Ghiordes Knot Technique

Turkish rugs are known for using the symmetrical Ghiordes knot. This method includes:

1. Wrapping yarn around two nearby warp threads
2. Pulling both ends back between these threads
3. Tightening the yarn to make a strong knot
4. Cutting the yarn ends to form the rug’s surface

One square inch can have hundreds of these small knots, with finer rugs having up to 900 knots per square inch.

Regional Differences

Different parts of Turkey have their own special weaving styles:

• Bodrum rugs: Known for their tight weave and geometric shapes
• Istanbul styles: Show detailed floral designs inspired by Ottoman palace patterns
• Hereke carpets: Famous for very fine knots and silk materials

Weaving takes a lot of focus and skill. A medium rug (6x9 feet) usually takes 3-6 months to finish, while bigger or more detailed ones can take a year or longer.

Traditional Tools

Master weavers use special tools passed down through generations:

• Kirkit: A comb-like tool used to tighten knots
• Makas: Special scissors for trimming the rug’s pile
• Çözgü: Traditional tools for setting up the warp threads
• Tezgah: The traditional Turkish loom

Each handmade Turkish rug shows many hours of skilled work, with techniques improved over centuries. The tightness of the knots and different styles like flatweave rugs, Oushak rugs, or hand-knotted rugs highlight the craftsmanship behind these unique pieces. If you’re interested in these beautiful rugs, checking out collections like Turkish rugs at Rug N Carpet is a great place to start.

The Cultural Meaning of Turkish Carpets: More Than Just Rugs

Turkish carpets are not just things to cover floors. They show a long history of culture, art, and stories. Each handmade carpet reflects Turkey's strong textile traditions and carries important cultural value from the past to today.

The Rich Culture of Turkish Rugs

Telling Stories Through Designs

Traditional rugs tell stories from the past with their detailed patterns.

Showing Local Traditions

Each area has unique designs that reflect its customs, beliefs, and art styles.

Celebrating Important Life Events

Rugs often mark big moments like weddings, births, and religious celebrations.

Turkish rugs can turn any room into a personal cultural display. When you add a traditional rug to your living room, it’s not just for warmth—it brings centuries of art and culture. These rugs fit well in many places:

• Living Room: Large rugs hold furniture together and show off bold geometric shapes.
• Dining Room: Detailed floral designs create a stylish dining area.
• Bedroom: Soft-colored rugs add comfort and cultural beauty.
• Kitchen: Strong runner rugs warm up cooking spaces.
• Hallway: Long runners with local patterns welcome guests through your home.

Turkish rugs are more than just decoration. They also serve as:

• Signs of Status: In the past, they showed wealth and good taste.
• Art Pieces: Highlighting local skills and creativity.
• Cultural Lessons: Teaching young people about traditional symbols and meanings.
• Home Decor: Combining usefulness with beauty.

Even today, Turkish rug traditions stay alive worldwide. Whether hung on walls or used on floors, these rugs continue to bring culture and art into homes everywhere.

Antique vs Vintage: Knowing the Value and Collectibility of Turkish Rugs

The main difference between antique and vintage Turkish rugs is their age and history. Antique Turkish rugs are usually more than 100 years old, made before 1920, while vintage rugs were made between 1920 and 1980.

Main features of antique Turkish rugs:

• Wool spun by hand and dyed with natural colors
• Uneven patterns reflecting handmade work
• Soft color differences
• Richer, aged look
• More knots per inch
• Wear marks that reveal their history

Features of Vintage Turkish Rugs:

• Made with natural dyes
• More consistent patterns
• Machine-spun fibers
• Brighter colors
• Different knot counts
• Show age but not heavy wear

What Affects Their Value:

1. Age and Rarity

• Rugs made before the 1920s are more valuable
• Scarce rugs cost more
• Rugs with historical importance are worth more

2. Materials and Craftsmanship

• Pure silk rugs are the most valuable
• Hand-knotted rugs are better than machine-made ones
• Natural dyes add to authenticity

3. Design

• More detailed patterns increase value
• Designs from certain regions affect price
• Unique designs attract collectors

How to Tell Price:

1. Number of knots per square inch
2. Quality of materials
3. How well colors have lasted
4. Complexity of the pattern
5. Historical background information
6. Original condition of the rug

Vintage Turkish runner rugs are a good, affordable choice for new collectors, while antique rugs are better for serious investment. Patchwork rugs, made from restored vintage pieces, offer a modern take on classic designs at mid-range prices.

Used rugs need careful checking—authentic signs of aging can raise value, but poor care lowers it. Vintage Kilim rugs stay popular because they’re durable and have unique geometric patterns.

How to Care for Your Handwoven Turkish Rug: Simple Tips to Keep It Looking Great

Your handwoven Turkish rug is a special piece of art and culture. Taking good care of it will help keep it beautiful and valuable for years to come.

Daily Care Tips

• Take off your shoes before stepping on your Turkish rug
• Turn the rug every 3-6 months to wear it out evenly
• Keep pets' nails trimmed to avoid damage
• Put protective pads under furniture legs

Cleaning Guidelines

1. Vacuum regularly using a gentle setting without beater bars.
2. Clean spills right away with:

• A clean white cloth
• Cold water
• Mild, pH-neutral soap

1. Do not use strong chemicals or steam cleaners.

Sun Protection

Direct sunlight can cause the bright blues and oranges in Turkish rugs to fade. Use curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window films to keep these colors looking fresh.

Professional Cleaning

Have your rug professionally cleaned every 3-5 years by experts familiar with Anatolian rugs. Unlike Persian rugs with curved designs, Turkish rugs need special care because of their unique knots and dyes.

Storage Tips

• Roll the rug around a cardboard tube
• Avoid folding to prevent lasting creases
• Store in breathable fabric, not plastic
• Use cedar blocks or mothballs to keep pests away
• Keep in a place with stable temperature and humidity

Emergency Care

For liquid spills:

• Blot right away - don’t rub
• Start from the edges and move toward the center
• Use paper towels or clean white cloths
• Let it air dry completely
• Gently brush the fibers once dry

Taking good care of your handwoven Turkish rug helps keep it strong and beautiful, preserving its unique look for many years.

How Traditional Weaving Fits with Modern Design

Traditional Turkish rug weaving has smoothly adjusted to modern styles while keeping its original craftsmanship. Today’s artists combine old methods with new ideas, making rugs that match today’s home design trends.

Modern Versions of Classic Designs

1. Simple versions of traditional patterns

Traditional patterns are usually detailed, but modern designs make them simpler. Instead of showing every part, they focus on the main features.

2. Soft colors that fit modern spaces

Traditional designs often use bright colors, but modern versions choose softer, neutral tones. These colors blend well with different styles of interiors.

3. Basic geometric shapes for a modern look

Geometric patterns have always been popular in rugs, but now they are simpler. Modern styles prefer clean lines and simple shapes over complex ones.

4. Mixing abstract elements with traditional designs

Some modern rugs add abstract touches to classic patterns. This mix creates fresh and interesting designs that combine old and new styles.

This blend of old and new has created unique handmade rugs. Modern Turkish rugs often feature:

• Broken-down traditional patterns
• Single-color schemes
• Worn or vintage looks
• New takes on classic Oushak designs

Turkish area rugs now suit many tastes:

1. Bohemian-style rugs with traditional patterns in unusual colors
2. Industrial-style rugs using metallic threads and unique materials
3. Eco-friendly rugs made from sustainable materials and natural dyes
4. Custom-made rugs combining client ideas with traditional methods

Traditional Turkish runner rugs are now popular in modern homes, decorating:

• Open living areas
• Modern hallways
• Simple, minimalist bedrooms
• Industrial-style lofts

The changes in Oriental design have made versatile rugs that fit well in:

• City apartments
• Modern offices
• Boutique hotels
• Contemporary art galleries

Craftsmen use digital tools to design detailed patterns while still hand-weaving the rugs. This mix of technology and tradition helps with:

• Accurate pattern planning
• Complex color choices
• New design ideas
• Better production efficiency

Turkish rugs remain popular because they adapt while keeping their cultural roots. Modern weavers continue to create pieces that honor tradition while embracing today’s design trends.

Where to Buy Real Handwoven Turkish Rugs

To find real Turkish rugs, you need to choose trusted places. Here are some good options:

• Online Marketplaces: Websites like rugncarpet.com sell carefully selected rugs made by Turkish craftspeople, guaranteeing they are genuine and high quality.As you explore Rug N Carpet’s captivating handmade rug collection, each weave will carry you into the heart of a different culture. Get ready to lose yourself in colors and patterns !

How to Spot Real Turkish Rugs"

• Make sure the rug is hand-knotted
• Look for natural materials like wool, cotton, or silk
• Check how tightly the knots are tied and if the patterns are even
• Ask for proof showing where the rug was made
• Check if the seller is trustworthy and has good reviews

Warning Signs to Notice

• Very low prices
• Looks like it was made by a machine
• Made from fake materials
• No proof of authenticity

Buying from trusted sellers who work directly with Turkish craftsmen helps make sure you get real handwoven items with true cultural value and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Turkish rug and what makes it special?

A Turkish rug is a handmade carpet made using unique double knots called Ghiordes or Turkish knots. These rugs are mostly made from strong wool from Anatolian sheep and are known for their even knot tightness, uniform pile height, and clear patterns that make them different from other rugs.

Why are Turkish carpets historically important?

Turkish carpets have a long history that began with practical weaving needs. They became very popular in the 16th century when the Ottoman Empire was strong and traded widely. These carpets are not just decorations; they are valuable cultural items that carry a rich artistic tradition and stories from many years ago.

What are the main types and regional styles of Turkish carpets?

Turkish carpets come in different styles depending on the region, such as:

• Anatolian carpets: Brightly colored with detailed patterns.
• Kilim rugs: Flat-woven with geometric shapes.
• Oushak (Uşak) carpets: Soft-colored with special designs.
• Hereke carpets: High-quality carpets made for Ottoman palaces.

Each type shows unique local skills and designs.

What symbols are commonly seen in Turkish carpet designs?

Turkish carpets often feature important symbols like:

• Flowers that stand for life and fertility
• Geometric shapes, especially in Kilim rugs, that represent protection or spirituality
• Colors, where shades like blue or orange have special cultural meanings

Different regions also add their own unique meanings to these symbols.

How are traditional Turkish rugs made and what techniques are used?

Traditional Turkish rugs are carefully handwoven using the symmetric Ghiordes knot method. Skilled weavers use special tools handed down through generations to keep the knots tight and the pile even. While weaving styles differ by region, all focus on quality craftsmanship to create strong, beautiful rugs.

How to care for and maintain a handwoven Turkish rug

To keep your handwoven Turkish rug in good shape, follow these tips:

• Take off your shoes before stepping on it
• Rotate the rug often to avoid uneven wear
• Vacuum gently without using beater bars
• Blot spills right away to clean them
• Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
• Get it professionally cleaned every 3-5 years
• When storing, roll it around a cardboard tube instead of folding