How Much Is My Rug Worth? (Easy Guide to Rug Value & Appraisal)

arisoyoguz8
1 day ago
2 min read

Why Rug Value Is So Confusing

If you've ever looked at your old rug and thought "I wonder what this is worth," you're definitely not alone. The tricky part? Two rugs that look pretty similar at first glance might be worth wildly different amounts—one could be $200, while the other is worth over $20,000.

This guide breaks down what actually affects rug value and how to figure out if yours might be worth getting appraised.

What Makes a Rug Valuable?

1) Handmade vs. Machine-Made

This is the first thing to check. A handmade rug usually has:

Slight imperfections (which is actually a good sign)
Visible knots on the back
No perfectly identical repeating pattern

Machine-made rugs tend to have:

Super uniform backing
A latex or plastic grid on the back
A pattern that looks almost too perfect

Bottom line: handmade rugs are almost always worth more.

2) What It's Made Of

The material matters more than you'd think:

Silk rugs can be extremely valuable, though they're also delicate
Wool rugs hold their value well and are built to last
Cotton foundations are common in high-quality pieces
Polyester or polypropylene rugs usually don't have much resale value

3) Age

Older doesn't automatically mean more valuable. An antique rug is only worth more if:

It's in decent condition
The colors haven't faded badly or bled
There's no major damage

4) Where It Came From

Origin plays a huge role in value. Some of the most sought-after regions include:

Persian/Iranian
Turkish
Caucasian
Afghan
Indian
Tibetan/Nepal

5) Condition (This One's Critical)

Even an amazing rug loses serious value if it has:

Pet urine damage
Dry rot or brittleness
Moth damage
Damage from harsh DIY or steam cleaning
Color bleeding
Sloppy repairs

Should You Clean Your Rug Before Getting It Appraised?

Yes—but only by a professional.

A lot of appraisers actually recommend having it cleaned first because:

Dirt can hide important details in the dye and pattern
Odors and pet damage immediately lower perceived value
A clean rug photographs much better

Warning: Don't try to clean it yourself or use a regular carpet cleaner. DIY cleaning or steam cleaning can cause permanent damage to handmade rugs.

How to Get Your Rug Evaluated

If you want to find out what your rug might be worth, here's what to do:

Take 3 clear photos:
- The front of the rug
- The back
- A closeup of the fringe and edges
Measure the size (length and width)
Share anything you know about where it came from or its history

We can help you figure out the type, estimate the age, identify origin clues, assess condition, and recommend next steps—whether that's getting it cleaned, repaired, or formally appraised.