Greetings to all rug lovers!

I just wanted to write a brief little note for all you rug shoppers and would-be rug shoppers with a couple of tips and recommendations. What to bring with you rug shopping. Hopefully you live in San Francisco can visit us at Nomad Rugs but these tips will apply to you wherever you are. And if you are shopping online with us, remember you can order a rug and have it shipped to you for free. If you are not 100% satisfied, ship it back for a full refund.

Anyway, you know how they always say about real estate “Location, location, location!”. Well, with rugs it is “Size, size, size!” Numero Uno on the list of what to bring is bring your measurements!

If you are reading this right now and you are planning on going rug shopping, take sixty seconds to measure your space. Write these measurements down on a piece of paper and place it in your wallet or purse… place it somewhere that you are sure to have these measurements with you. Or, if you have a smart phone, write it down somewhere on that gizmo.

By the way, it is nice to have a size range. For example, if the ideal sized rug for you living room might be 6×9 but the space could accommodate something as large as 7×10 but it could go as small as 5.5×8.5. Having a range of size will give you more options. The size for hallway runners is particularly critical so be sure to measure your hallway carefully.

Also, speaking of smartphone, these gizmos are pretty nifty. Snap a couple of quick pictures of your space. This will help for you to visualize your room while you are at the shop looking at rugs. You can also show us pictures of your space and we might be able some advice based on these pictures. Some people even use their iPads or tablets for the same reason.

In addition to measurements and snapshots, bring color samples. If you have any fabric swatches of your coach or chair, this can be very helpful. Bring a cushion cover. Bring swatches of the wall color. And, if you have it, samples of the floor can be helpful too.

And finally, bring your enthusiasm and be prepared to have fun! Looking at rugs is a blast! Each one is a unique work-of-art and each rug represents a unique possibility in your home. Oriental rugs are a blast!

We look forward to seeing you at our San Francisco rug shop, Nomad Rugs or if you are online feel free to call or email your questions.

I love this historic photo of rug merchants. I think this photo is from somewhere in the Caucuses over a century ago. I also love the fact that as much as things have changed, good rugs are still made the same way: hand knotting with hand-spun wool that was dyed with natural vegetal dyes. I hope you enjoy the photo! Chris

As part of our ongoing efforts to support San Francisco’s schools, we regularly donate rugs and gift certificates for fund raises.

Here are a couple of letters from local schools.

Keep up all the good learnin’!

Chris