Why Are Rugs So Expensive? Here's Why They're Worth It—and How to Make Them Last

There are some home purchases you shouldn't cut corners on—and rugs are one of them. It's an especially important idea to keep in mind when you're shopping for one, as the high prices can be shocking—so much so that your rug may be the most expensive thing you own.

So why exactly do rugs cost so much money, and how do you know if you’re making a worthwhile purchase? Here, we spoke with rug experts and interior designers to get the bottom of this issue, so you'll feel confident when purchasing the rug of your dreams—even if it's a bit pricey.

Craftsmanship

A handmade rug is equivalent to owning a work of art. Fortunately, there are a few ways to know if a rug is truly high quality—and that starts with materials and craftsmanship. “High-end rugs are typically made from premium materials like wool, silk, jute, nettle, and bamboo silk,” says Patricia Carreras-Ben-Zvi, CEO and President of Nustory, an artisanal rug brand.

In terms of craftsmanship, rugs are incredibly labor intensive to make; truly exceptional ones are made by a select group of highly skilled artisans. "Our weaving techniques are time-honored and passed down through generations," says Mohamed Kahhal, managing director of Kahhal Looms, a family-owned brand in Egypt that makes carpets entirely by hand.

All of these components make for a loftier price, as both the materials and the make are of a higher quality. In order to distinguish these top-tier rugs, it's important to pay attention to the details.

"A common measure of quality is the number of knots in the weave, so looking at the underside is important,” says Anthony Brazilay Freund, editorial and fine art director at 1stDibs. “The more densely knotted the rug, the finer it is—and the more intricate the pattern.” 

Is It Worth the Splurge?

Yes, it's an expensive purchase—but it's important to remember that high-end rugs will last a lifetime. “A hand-knotted rug made of high-quality wool and fine silk will last for generations—and become a cherished heirloom,” says Kahhal. “Its artistry, durability, and sheer beauty is unparalleled.”

“I would absolutely recommend investing in a traditional rug,” says interior designer Mikel Welch. “These are classics that never go out of style, making them a solid long-term investment. Their rich history and intricate craftsmanship elevate the ambiance of any room, and they hold their value well."

If anything, these pieces will appreciate in value, so even from a purely financial standpoint, they're a wise investment. "Many vintage traditional rugs are highly sought-after and some can fetch over $20,000 when resold," adds Welch. "They're the ‘fine art’ of the rug world."

How to Maintain Your Rug

Once you've purchased a beautiful new rug, it's important to properly maintain it. Luckily, a few simple steps can make a big difference—starting with taking off your shoes.

"This is my principle for all rugs, but especially high-end rugs,” says Kelsey Fischer, lead designer at Havenly, an online interior design resource. “Wearing your street shoes will cause grease staining, and things like tar will interact with the fibers of your rug, leading to unnecessary damage.”

Placement is another important thing to think about. “Try not to leave your rugs in direct sunlight, and if you do, rotate them often,” adds Fischer. "It can cause premature aging.”

A cleaning routine is another essential part of preserving a beautiful, well-made rug. “We suggest maintaining a regular vacuuming schedule, so the rug stays fresh and any build-up accumulated in its fibers can be removed,” says Carreras-Ben-Zvi. “However, over-vacuuming can increase shedding and damage fibers, so consider taking a rug outside to shake out the dust and dirt."

Things to Consider

Bigger is almost always better when buying a rug. “One that’s too small can make a space feel disconnected, or even smaller,” says Brooke Ray, founder of Locust Lane Rugs. “On the other hand, a well-proportioned rug pulls everything together and makes the space feel intentional."

One quick rule of thumb to help you decide? "For a living room, the front legs of your furniture should sit on the rug, and for a dining area, you want at least 24 inches of rug beyond the table edges," adds Ray. "That way, the chairs won’t catch.” 

Color is another major component when it comes to buying a rug—ultimately, less is often more. "Resist the temptation to go for bold colors,” says Nick Cryer, interior designer at Berkeley Place, a luxury home renovation company. Instead, opt for hues that complement any style of furniture.