How to Appraise Rugs

Determine the purpose of the appraisal. An appraisal done for tax purposes for a charitable contribution will require specialized information for submission to the Internal Revenue Service. A Kansas State University article explains how an item of higher value requires more information. Appraisals done for curiosity or for establishing a sale price are easier, since these require no specialized forms.

Measure the rug, photograph it close and far away and handle it to determine the construction. Photograph the back and edge construction. Valuable rugs should have many photographs, since photographs are helpful in discussing and insuring a rug.

Look for quality and check the warp and weft. Determine if the rug is handmade or machine made. Curl the edge and look between the fibers. Take photographs up close to remind you of the construction.

Look for stamping or labeling, or indications of the origin or maker. Look in the design to see if woven identifying information is included.

Find out what you can about the provenance of the rug. A rug with a history is more valuable if the history is documented. Ask for documentation, including pictures of the rug in old photographs, if you are the buyer or appraiser.

Check for damage, wear and repairs. Worn or damaged rugs, unless rare, are valued at about half that of a near-perfect textile. Photograph the damage as it existed when you examined it, and date the photographs.

Consider artistic merit and color as a significant detail in valuation. Designs and fashionable colors appraise higher than less desirable styles. A CNN article calls this "decorative demand." Remember that an appraisal reflects the value of the rug today, but conditions in the marketplace may change quickly.