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This is the most fundamental question, and the differences are significant:

• Hand-Woven Rugs (also called Hand-Knotted): Each rug is a unique work of art. Artisans tie thousands of individual knots by hand onto a loom. This process can take months or even years. The result is a rug with unparalleled character, depth of color, and value. The back of the rug will show the individual knots, and the pattern is woven into the foundation, not printed on it. These rugs are heirlooms, often appreciating in value over time.

• Machine-Made Rugs: These are produced quickly by power looms in a factory. They are perfectly uniform, with identical patterns and no natural variations. While they offer excellent affordability and durability for high-traffic areas, they lack the unique artistry and long-term investment value of a hand-woven piece. The pattern is often tufted or printed onto a pre-made base.

At RugsBoutique, we specialize in both, providing clear documentation so you know exactly what you're investing in.

Choosing the correct size is crucial for pulling a room together. Here are our professional guidelines:

• Living Room: In a seating area, a large rug should be big enough for the front legs of your sofas and chairs to rest comfortably on it. This "anchors" the furniture and creates a cohesive look. For a more expansive feel, choose a rug that allows all furniture legs to sit on it.

• Dining Room: The rug should extend at least 24 inches (60 cm) beyond the edges of your dining table on all sides. This ensures that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out, preventing them from catching on the edge.

• Bedroom: You have two elegant options: place runners on either side of the bed, or use a large area rug that extends 2-3 feet beyond the sides and foot of the bed, creating a soft, luxurious landing for your feet.

We provide a detailed sizing guide on our website, and our design consultants are happy to offer personalized advice based on your room layout.

Absolutely. In fact, high-quality hand-woven wool rugs are exceptionally durable and ideal for active households.

• Wool's Natural Resilience: Wool is a strong, natural fiber that is naturally stain-resistant and hides dirt well due to its complex structure. A high knot count creates a dense pile that can withstand decades of use.

• The Advantage of Natural Dyes & Patterns: Rugs with traditional, multi-colored patterns (especially in darker or medium tones) are masters at camouflaging everyday dust and the occasional spill.

• Care Tips: We recommend regular vacuuming (without a beater bar), immediate blotting of spills, and professional cleaning every 3-5 years. With proper care, your Persian rug will not only survive but will develop a beautiful patina that adds to its character.

We guarantee the authenticity of every piece we sell. Here’s what to look for:

• Certificate of Authenticity: Every hand-woven rug from RugsBoutique comes with a detailed certificate specifying its origin, materials (wool, silk, cotton), knot count, and age.

• The "Flip" Test: The back of a genuine hand-knotted rug will show the pattern clearly, as it is an integral part of the structure. The back of a machine-made rug will often have a glued-on fabric backing.

• Imperfections are Perfect: Slight variations in color (abrash) and minor asymmetries are not flaws; they are the hallmark of a human-made object and confirm its authenticity.

• Knot Count: While not the only measure of quality, a higher knot count generally indicates finer detail and greater durability. Our product descriptions always include this information.

We understand that buying a rug online is a significant decision, and we strive to make the process risk-free.

• Shipping: We offer fully insured and carefully tracked worldwide shipping. Each rug is meticulously rolled, wrapped, and packed in a custom cardboard tube or box to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

• Viewing Period: We offer a generous "View at Home" period. We encourage you to unroll the rug in your space, live with it for a few days, and see how the colors and scale work with your light and furniture.

• Returns: If you are not completely satisfied, we accept returns within a clearly stated period (e.g., 30 days) for a full refund or exchange. The rug must be returned in its original, unused condition. Please see our full Shipping & Returns policy page for complete details.

Our goal is for you to be 100% confident in your choice and to love your new rug for a lifetime.