Is My Rug Valuable?
Understanding the worth of your rug isn’t just about price — it’s about history, craftsmanship, and what it means to you.
A Common — and Fair — Question
It’s one of the first things people ask when we inspect a rug for cleaning:
“Is my rug valuable?”
It’s a good question. After all, if a rug has no sentimental or resale value, then why spend more repairing it than replacing it?
But the truth is — value isn’t always obvious. Some rugs are family heirlooms with a modest resale price but deep personal significance. Others are antique treasures tucked away under a sofa. And some are modern designer pieces bought for thousands, despite being made with machine-spun wool.
We’re lucky in that we get to see it all. As one of the most experienced rug cleaning companies in London, we work on a remarkable range of rugs — from priceless antiques to modern fashion statements — and we’ve learned how to spot the difference.
Let’s take a look at what makes a rug valuable — and what doesn’t.
What Makes a Rug Valuable?
1. Age and Condition
Antique and semi-antique rugs (usually 80–100+ years old) are often more valuable than newer pieces, especially if they’re still in good condition. That said, condition plays a huge role. A century-old rug with major dry rot or repairs may hold less value than a 30-year-old rug that’s been perfectly preserved.
2. Knot Density and Weave
The more intricate the knotting, the longer the rug took to weave — and the more skilled the weaver had to be. High knot counts (like those found in silk Qum or fine Tabriz rugs) suggest finer detail, longer production time, and generally higher value.
3. Materials
Silk, high-quality wool, goat or camel hair — all add to a rug’s worth. The purer the material, the more lustrous the finish, and the more durable the fibres. Conversely, viscose or synthetic blends often reduce a rug’s quality and resale potential.
4. Dyes
Natural dyes (like madder root, indigo, or cochineal) are labour-intensive to produce but age beautifully, often gaining depth and complexity over time. Synthetic dyes can fade unevenly or deteriorate the wool. An expert eye can usually tell the difference.
5. Origin and Provenance
Some weaving regions are known for quality: Qum, Tabriz, Kashan, Heriz, Isfahan, and Kerman in Iran; Hereke in Turkey; Caucasian Kazaks; or Bukhara from Turkmenistan. Rugs with a traceable origin story, known weaver, or regional hallmark often hold more value.
What Devalues a Rug?
Machine-made or tufted rugs (even expensive ones) are generally not worth restoring.
Stain damage, especially from pet urine, can degrade fibres and destabilise dyes.
Moth damage, if extensive, may be too costly to repair.
Unstable dyes, particularly in cheaper rugs, may limit cleaning success and long-term durability.
Even rugs sold at high-end department stores in London can be vastly overpriced for what they are — especially viscose rugs marketed as “bamboo silk.”
Sentimental vs Market Value
It’s worth remembering that personal value isn’t always financial. We’ve cleaned rugs gifted by grandparents, purchased on travels, or inherited from beloved relatives. These may not sell for much at auction — but they carry far greater emotional weight.
We’ll always take the same care with a rug that’s priceless to you.
So, Is Your Rug Valuable?
We’re happy to give you an honest, informal opinion when we inspect your rug. We’re not valuers, but we’ve seen thousands of rugs — and we know what’s rare, what’s common, and what’s worth preserving.
We can also recommend a trusted professional appraiser if you’re looking for a formal valuation — whether for insurance, sale, or your own peace of mind.
And if your rug isn’t valuable? We’ll still help you decide if cleaning or repairs are worthwhile. Sometimes, it’s just about having a clean, beautiful space.
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