I’ve never been a proponent of purchasing rugs online because in my opinion there are too many unknowns as to what exactly you are purchasing.  Is the color true?  This is especially important when purchasing new rugs off internet sites.  When looking at rugs on auction sites, eBay or local listings, it becomes even more complicated — are there stains, tears or holes?  Is it clean?   Was it in a smoke-free house?

Of course with local listings and auctions, you can view the rug in person, but with so many people purchasing from eBay, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at how well rugs are described and pictured.  The Karastan Multicolor Panel Kirman [below] is currently listed at a “Buy It Now” price of $1,199.99 or you can “Make a Bid”.  The rug size is 8.8 x 12′ and retails new for $2399. [Photo above via Karastan.com shows a new multicolor panel kirman in a room setting].

Karastan rugs are high quality machine loomed rugs and this Kirman pattern (#717) is one of the oldest (introduced in 1938).  It’s also one of the most popular designs I see come into my shop for cleaning.

The eBay seller’s description reads:

“There is no fading.  No holes, no odors.  Pile is full.  Looks just like the new ones made today…This rug has been refreshed with new Karastan tasseled fringe.  Washed and ready to be placed in your home.”

Close-up of the pile [above] shows it is full and fluffy.  Colors appear bright, the wool looks lustrous and the rug looks clean. I was most impressed with the numerous large images (the pictures here have been resized dramatically) the seller presented.  I was able to view the important areas most susceptible to wear; the fringe and the edges of the rug.

The fringe is indeed authentic Karastan (not a cotton look alike) fringe which is a taupe color and looks in excellent shape.

The edges of the rug are visible in this shot (as well as others on the site) and show no signs of fraying or tears.

The backside shows the Karastan label as well as evidence of glue near the fringe.  It may have been applied to stabilize that area of the rug prior to sewing on the replacement fringe.  This would be something I might question, though it would not be a big concern for me.

Karastan rugs are one variety of machine loomed rug that can be purchased used and still look as good as its new counterpart.  While I give this rug a thumbs-up, I would be very clear on any questions you may have as the seller does post a “no returns” policy. (Photos via eBay seller Karastanrugs).

Also see:
America’s Oriental Rug
The Unsinkable Molly Brown’s Karastan

Tags: Atticmag, ebay rugs, karastan multicolor panel kirman rug, Passion for Rugs