Try to go with natural fibers and materials in your rug, rather than synthetics, which aren't as durable and have the tendency to release chemical gases over time. Natural fibers also won't contribute to allergies or pollution (due to chemical gas release as the synthetic fibers break down). Wool, cotton and silk are the fibers to look for. Check out some quick picks below that follow these material guidelines.

• Light Gold Nourison Rug --This Perisian design is made of hand-crafted wool with silk accents.
• Navy Nourmak Rug --This unique rug offers a worn look while still using high-quality, durable wool.

Knots are a good indicator of quality in an oriental rug. Knots are usually measured per square inch, giving the abbreviation "KPSI." As a general rule, the more KPSI the higher quality of the rug. The higher number of knots is generally indicative of a more experienced crafter. Consider one of the following hand-knotted rugs.

• Lavendar Nourison Rug --The knots on this rug are a result of special hand-tufting techniques.
• Black Momeni Maison Rug --This rug's hand-tufting techniques are styled after 18th and 19th century traditions.

Unlike your wall-to-wall carpeting, imperfections in oriental rugs are not exactly a bad thing. For one, imperfections usually indicate the rug was handmade. There is also a belief that oriental and Persian rugs  are intentionally made with imperfections to quell potential spiritual unrest, lest the crafter try to usurp a supreme being's position (thus becoming "perfect" themselves). Regardless, imperfections are a good thing in this case. Try one of the following hand-crafted oriental choices.

• Nourison Rugs 2000 --Line of rugs meant to restore beauty and value to the hand-made weaving craft.
• Camel Nourison Rug --This hand-made masterpiece features European designs in a camel color.

The bottom line. Be aware of what you're paying for. Oriental rugs can often be marked up many times by different dealers and there doesn't seem to be a quick and easy scale. Things to look for: pattern, KPSI, materials, size, style, country of origin and labor quality. Remember, an oriental rug is an investment in the class and quality of your home decor. If you make the decision to go with an oriental rug, commit to it. Consider trying one of the reasonably-priced choices below.

• Momeni New Wave Rug --This reasonably-priced rug takes its inspiration from 20th century expressionism.
• Momeni Impressions  Rug--This mid-ranged rug, is fashioned after Impressionist art inspired by light and nature.

To make sure you're getting an authentic rug, request a certificate of authenticity which will validate all the factors you look for when purchasing a rug (KPSI, country of origin, materials, style etc.). When you're ready to go shopping, make sure to consider some color images of the rooms in which you're likely to place the rug. It will make color matching (color swatches are also handy here) a lot less painful than drawing from straight memory. Also take into account the type of furniture, appliances and decorative accents, such as photos or paintings, in the room. You want your rug to be balanced with the rest of the room. Consider some of the uniquely-colored rugs below.

• Ivory Nourison Rug --This rug features a pastel palette utilized in contemporary ways.
• Capel Martha's Vineyard Rug --This floral rug reaches it's unique colors through three luster washes.