Special Report: Area Rug Buyer's Guide
If you're in the market for an area rug there are several things you should know, and this excellent article by Woosy.com is filled with helpful hints and tips. According to this article, an authethnic hand made area rug can tie a room together and enhance the beauty of a space more securly than any other design element. Begin by determining what size of area rug you need. Small area rugs and scatter rugs can be used to cover small areas, say around a table or bed or before a hearth, or a larger area rug can be used to cover virtually an entire floor. In the living room an area rug can be used under the coffee table and before the sofa. Always make certain that all chairs and guest's feet will be firmly on top of any area rug. If an area rug is to cover an entire hard wood floor, make certain that approximately 8 inches of wood are left explosed all around the room. In the dining room the area rug needs to be large enough that when chairs are pulled back from the table all four legs remain on the rug. Dark and busy patterns are preferable for stairway rugs. Dense patterns and a durable wool pile are best fopr entrances and hallways. This extensive and informative article also covers the types and color of furnishings that go with different types, colors and patterns of area rugs, rug runners, oval rugs and round rugs. There are also helpful hints and tips on the best use of multiple area rugs.

Decorating With Area Rugs
According to this site there is a trend away from wall-to-wall carpeting and toward area rugs of different shapes and sizes. How, then, do you go about buying an area rug that's right for your space and right for your sense of style? This site offers 8 expellent tips for purchasing area rugs. First, measure the space that needs to be covered and do not purchase an area rug, no matter how wonderful the rug might be, that does not cover the space needed. Know whether your area rug will be in a high-traffic or low-traffic area and keep in mind the kind and amount of light that your rug will receive. Examine the rug for imperfections before buying it. Bear in mind that certain small imperfections are a trademark of a weaver and are not necessarily bad. Look for tight, even knotting on the back of the rug and look for a soft pile on the face of the rug. Buying from a liquidation sale or an auction may not be a good idea since you may not be able to return the rug if it turns out not to be what you needed. Area rugs should not be placed in direct sunlight (color fading) or in damp places which invite mildew. There is a great deal of additional information and helpful ideas for purchasing and caring for a wide variety of area rugs.

The Armenian Rug Society
The Armenian Rugs Society, founded in 1980, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, documentation, and advancement of the artistic and cultural contributions made by Armenian rug weavers to the rich and vibrant history of textile arts. The Society has had exhibitions in Washington, D. C., Worcester, Watertown, New York City, Fort Worth, Richmond, Philadelphia, Memphis, Fresno, and San Francisco; and internationally, in Montreal, London, Geneva, and Yerevan. Site includes membership information, current exhibition notes, news, links and more.

Message Board for Rug Making
This craft and art superstore offers a message board to swap craft ideas. Learn how to make a rug with tips from people who have done it using rug kits. Discusses regular braid rugs and Hessian rugs, which can usually be bought from a furnishing store or re-upholsterer.

Rug Selection and Use
A University of Nebraska NebGuide publication that covers different rug types and styles, as well as cost and consumer considerations. For example, consumer considerations include weaving, texture, color, soiling, pattern use, padding and labeling. Styles range from Berbers, braided and hooked to kilims, dhurries and oriental rugs.

Old Rugs Online
If you need to know anything about antique rugs, oriental rugs, persian rugs, rug repair, rug cleaning, or rug washing, this is the site where you want to begin. Scroll down the page and click on A CONCISE AND USEFUL HISTORY ON RUGS and you will be treated to a wonderful and thorough history of the Persian rug complete with photographs of various styles and colors of incredibly beautiful Persian rugs. Learn about the ancient and mysterious art of wool dying, and learn the fascinating story of how the oldest Persion rug in existence was accidentally preserved in ice by ancient tomb raiders. Learn how the ancient art of rug weaving and rug braiding became so closely associated with this particular area of the world. Learn why Persion rugs are today considered the best rugs made and are so highly prized and sought after. Click on A COMPLETE SOURCE OF INFORMATION ON DIFFERENT PERSIAN RUGS for an EXTENSIVE look into Persian rugs from every region of Persia and from virtually every time period. If you have an interest in Persian rugs and their fascinating history, then I can't recommend this site too highly.

Jozan magazine
Jozan Magazine is an International website and digital magazine about oriental rugs and carpets. Jozan Magazine also includes Danish, Swedish and Norwegian versions. Jozan Magazine includes articles on oriental rugs and carpets, an auction calendar, sales gallery with rugs from our members and a very large educational rug gallery. The educational photo-gallery with more than 1450 Persian, Anatolian, Caucasian, Turkmen and Balouch rugs is a important part of the magazine. Most of the images are published with permission from friendly dealers, auction houses, collectors and museums. Site includes rug news and articles, auction information, rug sales, vendors, a free rug newsletter, an oriental rug sales gallery, rug guides and photographs. Information about Persian rugs, Turkish rugs, Caucasia rugs, Turkman rugs, textiles and kilims is noted.