The Rug Gallery: Recent Episodes
Sam Presnell
Learn all about Oriental Rugs and other types of rugs for your home or business with Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sam's expertise in color, design, styles and types of rugs, and his eagerness to share his knowledge in order to help people find the best rug for their home or business, sets him apart from other rug retailers.
Oriental rugs, especially those made from wool, are actually the perfect addition to a bathroom. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, talks about which rugs would make the best fit in a bathroom and other things to consider. Listen or read more to find out about bathroom rugs.
Rug runners perfectly complement narrow areas of the home — and even in vehicles! Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses the typical rug runner sizes and styles. Listen or read more to find out about rug runners.
Abrash. Border. Medallion. Field. These are all integral design parts that make an oriental rug authentic. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses what these terms mean and why they are important to the value of an oriental rug. Listen or read more to find out about oriental rug terminology.
Sometimes floods or sewer backups are unavoidable and homeowners deal with damage to precious oriental rugs. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, talks about how to properly store for a rug and how to care for it if it undergoes water damage. Listen or read more to find out about oriental rugs and floods.
Gabbeh rugs originate in Iran, but they are commonly machine-made and are widely available. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses the Gabbeh rug style and where to buy them. Listen or read more to find out more about Gabbeh rugs.
The country that an oriental rug comes from can make a huge deal. But how do I know which country makes the best oriental rugs, and even which country my oriental rug came from. Listen to this podcast as Sam Presnell of the Rug Gallery answers all of these questions and more.
Did you know that moth damage is one of the worst things that can happen to your rug? Listen as Sam Presnell of the Rug Gallery details exactly how a moth does damage, how you prevent moth damage and more.
Picture this: your family has just gotten brand new puppy and everybody loves him, but all of a sudden he starts making a mess on your oriental rug. What do you do? Listen as Sam Presnell of the Rug Gallery gives advice on how you can protect your oriental rug from pet damage.
It is never an easy decision to choose between silk and wool for a rug, especially when there are so many factors to consider. Listen to this podcast as Sam Presnell, owner of the Rug Gallery, makes your decision easier by breaking down the differences in appearances, clean-ability, durability, and prices.
Peshawar rugs are special not only for their beauty, but also for their backstory. If you are looking for a new rug, but aren’t sure what kind to get, this may be the type to consider. Listen to learn about their unique backstory, how they are made, and where to buy them.
Kazak rugs are beautiful rugs that come from a country known as Kazakhstan. They are most well-known for their vibrant colors and exhilarating patterns. If you are fascinated with special types of rugs then Kazak rugs are the type for you. Listen to this podcast to learn more about what a Kazak rugs are, how they are made, why they are unique, and where they can be found.
A rug pattern could make or break a space. When designing your spaces, it is imperative to have the skills to choose the right rug pattern. Listen as Sam Presnell, the owner of the Rug Gallery, talks about which rug patterns to target and avoid in different types of rooms.
Bijar rugs are an interesting style of rugs known for having incredible design patterns and textures, as well a tight weave that earned them their nickname, the iron rug of Persia. For people looking to go a less traditional route in their rug purchase, Bijar rugs may be the choice for you. Listen as Sam Presnell, owner of the Rug Gallery, talks more about this interesting style of rug.
Kilim rugs are more than just rugs; they are works of art. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses the beauty and design of kilim rugs. Listen or read more to find out if a kilim rug is right for your home.
Small spaces deserve great rugs as much as large spaces. Choose a rug that will complement the space and not overpower it. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses how to choose a rug for a small space. Listen or read more to find out about rugs in small spaces.
Heriz and Serapi rugs are beautiful rugs that will last the test of time. While Heriz rugs are commonly found, Serapi rugs are more rare. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses the differences and similarities between Heriz and Serapi rugs. Listen or read more to find out about their beautiful designs and value.
Colored dye used to be created from the environment, including flowers and even bugs. Nowadays, synthetic dyes have taken over for their ease of use and cost effectiveness. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses the history of rug dyes. Listen or read more to learn about the types of dyes used in rugs.
Oriental rugs come in many quality levels, from high-end to low-end. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses how to spot the differences, and even touches on techniques that may not be spotted to the casual rug buyer. Listen or read more to learn about spotting a high-end oriental rug.
Oriental Weavers rugs are imported to the U.S. from Egypt. Machine-made and high-quality, these rugs are built to last. Listen to Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery discuss the details of Oriental Weavers rugs. Listen or read more to find out if an Oriental Weavers rug is right for you.
John Maher: Welcome to The Rug Gallery with Sam Presnell. The Rug Gallery is an oriental rug company and carpet store in Cincinnati, Ohio. I'm John Maher and I'm here with the owner of the Rug Gallery Sam Presnell. Hi, Sam.
Sam Presnell: Hi John.
John: So, Sam, today we're talking about Tibetan tiger rugs. So what are Tibetan tiger rugs?
Sam: [laughs] I always wonder what you said about this topic and what will we discuss. It could be a couple of things. For the Tibetans, the tiger is a very powerful symbol and also more of a royal or basically one of their, I want to say religious, but it is a lot in their religion. It has a lot of purpose, a lot of meanings behind it and a lot about character. I've heard lots of translations, but you see a lot of it in the Tibetan paintings.
You see it in the rugs as well. It's a very, very — I wouldn't say uncommon — but fairly common where they kind of reverent of what they think about the tiger. It's hard to explain that in simple words to me. It's more of just a symbol and a feeling.
Tibetan Tiger Rug Styles John: Right. So, I've seen a few different kinds of examples of using the tiger in a rug. One of the original ones that I saw was actually what they called the flayed tiger. It sort of looks like as if you killed a tiger, took its pelt and sort of laid it out so it has its head still on. Like one of those bear rugs that you would see maybe in an old cabin, or something like that with a bear head still there. Of course, it's not a real tiger pelt it's just woven into this rectangular rug but that image is there. Is that just one style of the tiger rugs?
Sam: Yes, that is actually one style. You can actually see them like you said, where they're actually woven so that the arms are not inside of a rug they're just hanging out there flapping in the breeze kind of a thing ... and the tail and the head. It really looks like a true pelt. It's actually woven as a rug to look like a real tiger. We actually own one here at The Rug Gallery, I have it on our wall. It's a very cool piece and we get a lot of attention from it. I've yet to sell it, but it is a very good conversation piece.
A lot of times you'll see it, as you say, in a rectangular shape, round shape or a square shape, whatever they want to make. They'll put a tiger on the field of that particular rug and it will be the focus on a focal point of that rug. The tiger rugs have been around, oh boy, I wouldn't say a thousand years, but it's probably got to be close to that as far as the Tibetan culture and you see it go way, way back. You'll see it in their ceramics. You'll see it in their paintings as well.
John: Have you seen other styles of tiger rugs where it's a little bit — it's not quite just an actual image of a tiger but just sort of the tiger stripes on a rug and things like that?
Sam: Exactly, we do that in Nepal as well as in Tibetan rugs, where we actually take the actual skinned look to it and make a rug out just the stripes or things like that. You can really make it look very modern and contemporary, really I call an abstract tiger. Where it looks — if you really look like, yes, hey, that really is a tiger skin look to the rug, but it's very much a rug, it's not shaped like a tiger or you would pick it up as a tiger pelt.
Tibetan Tiger Rug Popularity John: Right. Are these types of rugs really highly sought after?
Sam: I don't think they're highly sought after, but I think people who collect stuff and like interesting things that are not like everybody else, I think and they appreciate the Tibetan culture, what that stands for, I think I would call collector types of people, yes, I think it is highly collectible, but it's only by I think a very limited amount of people.
Where to Display a Tiger Rug John: Right. So, on those lines, where would maybe be a good place for me to display a Tibetan tiger rug in my house?
Sam: I think you could put it anywhere. I think you could put it at, if you have an office, you could put at the front of the desk. If you have a foyer, I wouldn't be afraid to use it there.
John: Yes, that'd be fun.
Sam: I think you can display it on a wall, which would be very, very cool on any room that you have a big wall, you want to put something pretty dynamic on like a painting. You could also, you could do that. I think it depends on the size of the rug, where you can use it at, but you can use it in the bedroom, as well foot of the bed or something like that or the side of a bed. I'm all for being very creative with design and color. I always like, when I see something that's not the norm. Everybody wants to be different. I think that would definitely help you, separate you from the pack.
John: Yes. I really like the idea of putting it in the foyer of your house, so that the first thing that somebody sees as they come into your house for the first time is this big tiger image on the rug there. It would just be a really good conversation piece as something that would be interesting to people as they enter your house.
Sam: Yes, very, very cool. I actually have one in front, what I would call it a butler's pantry, which is a hallway between the dining room and the kitchen. I have one in the hallway there that I absolutely love. I'm a big believer in them.
John: I appreciate you speaking with me today.
Sam: You're welcome, John.
John: For more information about Sam, The Rug Gallery and oriental rugs and carpets, visit ruggallerycincy.com. That's ruggalleryc-i-n-c-y.com or call 513-793-9505. Make sure you catch the latest episodes by subscribing to this podcast on iTunes. If you could take the time to give us a review as well, we'd appreciate that. I'm John Maher, see you next time on The Rug Gallery.
Choosing a rug for a home office is highly personal. However, choose a rug that can withstand the high traffic an office usually sees. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses how to choose a durable rug for an office. Listen or read more to find out about office rugs.
In a large open space, like a finished basement, rugs give homeowners the opportunity to create a unique living space. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses how to ensure the rug is stain-proof and what to do if water gets into the basement. Listen or read more to find out about finished basement rugs.
Nourison rug company imports and manufactures a wide variety of rugs. Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery discusses why he appreciates the company and the products they create and sell. Listen or read more to find out more about Nourison rugs.
Used oriental rugs are commonly found in estate sales and online auction sites. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses how to determine if a used oriental rug is worth buying. Listen or read more to learn how to decide on whether or not to buy a used oriental rug for sale.
People seek rug appraisals for a variety of reasons, and those reasons could actually affect the appraisal of the rug. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses how he appraises oriental rugs and what to expect from the process. Listen or read more to find out about oriental rug appraisal.
Rug quality is based on a few factors. To truly determine the quality of a rug, you must feel it. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, offers a variety of tips for rug buyers to learn before making a big purchase. Listen or read more to find out how to tell what rug quality you're buying.
When choosing a bedroom rug, keep in mind what you want to feel on your feet in the morning, your furniture placement, and your décor. Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery, discusses how to choose the best rug for your bedroom. Listen or read more to find out about bedroom rug options.
Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery discusses what rug colors and styles work best with dark hardwood.
Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery discusses rug protectors, including the usefulness (or not) of those plastic or rubber pieces that go under your furniture legs, as well as stain guard sprays and treatments for the rug itself.
Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery discusses oriental rug maintenance, and how to prevent wear and tear on your rug, including sweeping your rug, the correct procedure for vacuuming your rug, rotating, rug pads, and more.
Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery discusses how to clean rug and carpet stains caused by pets, including a new three-step process and cleaning recipe for tackling stubborn stains.
Creating rugs is an art as old as time. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery talks about how rug looms are used to create unique and beautiful designs either by hand or by machine. Listen or read more to find out about the different types of rug looms.
Whether a rug is in adequate or worn condition, it can be repaired. The value of a rug is dependent upon its condition. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses how to determine the condition of a rug. Listen or read more to find out how to maintain or repair your rugs.
It's not easy to determine the age of a rug. The best way to learn how is to get out there and experience as many rugs as possible to learn to spot the differences. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery talks about how to determine a rug's age. Listen or read more to find out how experts age a rug.
How often your rug is cleaned depends on how well it's taken care of. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses how to know when it's time to get your rug professionally cleaned. Listen or read more to find out if your rug is due for a cleaning.
Bamboo rugs are incredibly soft and are a beautiful addition to any home. But beware: bamboo rugs stain very easily and cannot be cleaned. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses the upsides and downsides to owning a bamboo rug. Listen or read more to find out if a bamboo rug is right for your home.
Rugs placed in a heavily used living room must be durable to withstand the day-to-day foot traffic from the family, visitors and even pets. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses how to choose the best rug for your home and lifestyle. Sam also dives into how to properly size a rug for your space, considering many manufacturers make rugs that are actually smaller than advertised. Listen or read more to find out about living room rugs.
Oriental rugs, especially those made of wool, are perfect for high-traffic kitchen areas. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses how to choose the best rug and rug pad for your kitchen. Listen or read more to find out if an Oriental rug is right for your kitchen.
DIY carpet installation may not be the best way to save money. So many factors need to be taken into account in order to properly install a carpet in a large room, stairway or other unusual area of the home. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery discusses the risks and benefits of DIY carpet installation. Listen or read more to find out if you could install your own carpet.
Some of the most unique and valuable hand-knotted and hand-woven rugs come from one of the three major rug weaving centers in India. Sam Presnell, owner of the Rug Gallery, visited India this year to survey the newest trends in rugs. Listen or read more about Sam's 2017 rug buying trip!
Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery discusses the benefits of in-home rug delivery verses transporting your rug yourself, including sizes and weights of rugs, the benefits of delivery, and the personal touch of offering design and decorating ideas to customers.
Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery talks about how to order custom rugs, the situations where someone might want to order a custom rug, and the options, timeframe, and cost.
Sam Presnell explains what the suzani needle-work technique is and how it’s used in rug making to make a Suzani rug.
If your rug is dirty and needs cleaning, or you have an old rug that you think might have some value, find out more about how the Rug Gallery makes house calls to evaluate rugs for cleaning, pick them up, and also to appraise a rug’s value.
Sam Presnell of the Rug Gallery discusses his recent rug buying trips to India and Turkey, the process of purchasing rugs from the rug makers in those countries, and some of the most interesting new styles of rugs, including oxidized rugs, one of Sam's new favorites.
Tibetan rugs are unique and made in a way that no other rug is made. Learn more about what Tibetan rugs are and how to display them from Sam Presnell, owner of the Rug Gallery.
Sam Presnell of the Rug Gallery in Cincinnati discusses what Sari silk rugs are and how you can display these beautiful masterpieces in your home for a look that is truly your own.
Sam Presnell from the Rug Gallery discusses what an Ikat rug is and how it can be used in the home as a stunning and unique design element.
Moroccan rugs are a unique and beautiful type of rug that can add style to any room in your home. Learn more about their history in this podcast with Sam Presnell of the Rug Gallery.
Overdyed rugs are intensely colorful and can brighten up any room in your home. Here’s how you can give your home a pop of color with an overdyed rug.
Vintage rugs have become extremely popular, but it’s important that you understand the difference between used rugs and true vintage rugs so you know what you’re purchasing.
Sam Presnell from the Rug Gallery discusses what accent rugs are and how to use accent rugs in your home to get the look and feel you desire from your flooring.
Sam Presnell from the Rug Gallery discusses how to use dark carpet colors in the home without overwhelming the space and instead defining it and pulling the look of a room together.
Learn how to shop smart and save big by getting the best carpet prices available depending on when you shop and where you shop.
Because of their length, shag rugs can often be difficult to clean. Whether you’re cleaning normal wear and tear or a spill or stain, learn these tricks to keep your shag rugs clean so they last longer.
Sam Presnell of the Rug Gallery discusses different types of carpet texture and how you can choose the best type of carpet texture for your unique needs.
Many people purchase rugs online because they’re cheaper than purchasing a rug in a store, but there are a few things to keep in mind when you shop for a rug on the Internet.
If you want to store an Oriental rug while it is not on display in the home, there are certain steps you must take. Learn how storing Oriental rugs properly can help increase their longevity and appearance.
In some cases, an Oriental rug will get some wear and tear and will need a few repairs to keep it looking great. Repairing Oriental rugs isn’t usually something you can do on your own, but a professional can help.
Carpet cleaning machines are a popular way to get dirt out of carpets. Whether you own one of your own or rent one from the store, the promise is a fresh looking and smelling carpet in just a few hours. But will these machines work on oriental rugs or will they damage them?
Karastan is a brand name of rug that is widely popular across the nation. Learn more about Karastan rugs and how this unique brand of rug can give your home a unique look and feel that is all your own.
Vegetable dyed rugs and hand card and spun rugs can be very unique. Learn more about these traditional techniques to create a rug and how you can get a beautiful piece that is one of a kind.
Oriental rug runners can be a great way to showcase your stairs and make a statement in your home. Sam Presnell of The Rug Gallery talks about how to choose an Oriental rug runner for your staircase.
There are many benefits to purchasing floor coverings from a local Oriental rug store versus a big brand store. Sam Presnell from The Rug Gallery gives insight on how to choose the right rug from the right seller.
Not all wool rugs are created equal – there are many different types of wools and different ways that wool rugs are made. Sam Presnell with the Rug Gallery discusses how to look at wool rugs and what to keep in mind when choosing your own.
When shopping for Oriental rugs, try before you buy. It’s important to see and feel an Oriental rug in person before you commit to a purchase, because it’s the only way you’ll truly know if you’ll like the rug, if it will meet your needs, and if it will look good in your home.
There are many different choices when it comes to Oriental rug pads. A pad is important to have underneath your rug in order to increase its life span and protect your rug. Learn about your options and how to choose an Oriental rug pad that works for you.
Pets can really wreak havoc on nice carpets and rugs, mostly when they have accidents. Cats and dogs both may pick your rug as their new favorite bathroom spot, leaving you with a ruined rug unless you can do something about it. Learn about the best tricks for Oriental rug pet stain removal and keep your rugs clean and smelling fresh.
Learn about the latest Oriental market rug trends throughout the world as the owner of The Rug Gallery Sam Presnell travels to find exotic and exciting rugs.
Tribal rugs and Navajo rugs have become more popular over time. What differentiates the two types of rugs and how can you display these beautiful pieces in your home? Find out now in this podcast with Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery.
Old hook rugs are a time honored tradition in the United States and in other countries. Learn about how hook rugs are made, whether by hand or machine, and how collectible they are in today’s podcast with Sam Presnell, the owner of The Rug Gallery.
Learn how to get a reasonable deal on a rug by shopping for rugs at certain times of the year when rug stores have sales, and by knowing what to avoid when shopping for a rug in this podcast with Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery.
Contemporary abstract rugs are incredibly popular right now and can be used in a variety of ways to give your home a look and feel you love. Here’s what you need to know about abstract rugs, including how to identify a contemporary abstract rug and how to use these rugs in your home.
Antique rugs can be a beautiful and valuable addition to your home or office, especially if it’s a rug that was passed down through the generations in your family. If you’re a rug collector, antique rugs may be something you’re very interested in. Learn more about what makes a rug “antique,” cleaning antique rugs, and determining how valuable a rug is in this podcast with Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery.
Transitional rugs are a type of rug that is becoming more and more popular in the marketplace. In this podcast, learn about what a transitional rug is and how it’s different from other types of rugs, like traditional rugs and modern rugs.
Traditional rugs are beautiful pieces of artwork that have a rich, special history behind them. Each rug is unique and truly captures the essence of the people who made it. Learn more about traditional oriental rugs in this podcast with Sam Presnell, owner of The Rug Gallery.
Floor coverings vary widely and there’s generally something for everyone. Collectible rugs used to be quite popular, especially for true collector types, but is that trend waning? Here’s what you need to know about expensive and collectible rugs.
Rug trends differ greatly depending on what part of the United States you live in. The rugs you see becoming popular in the Midwest may be very different from the rugs you see becoming popular in the South or even the Northwest. Learn about regional preferences and rug trends in this podcast.
Rug auctions are an excellent place to purchase an oriental rug, but there are some things you need to be aware of going into an auction situation. Here’s how you can stay smart at a rug auction and get the best value for your money.
Deciding between carpet vs. hardwood in your home can be a tough choice to make. There are many things to think about, including the function of the room you’re considering and what your personal style is. Here’s what you need to know about carpet vs. hardwood floors and how potentially using rugs with hardwood can give you the best of both worlds.
Rugs go through periods of increased and decreased popularity, just like many other home décor related items. Here’s what is hot in rugs today and how and when that might change in the future.
Inheriting a beautiful Oriental rug from a relative can be a special gift and one that you are honored to be given. However, knowing just what to do with the rug can be a different matter entirely. Here are several creative ideas on what you can do with an inherited Oriental rug.
Today’s changing styles in home décor have allowed people to get really creative with the look and feel of their surroundings. Rugs can be a great way to visually bring together a space and make it more comfortable. What are modern or contemporary rugs and how can you use them to take the look of your home to the next level?
Oriental rug cleaning doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming with these easy ways to keep your valuable rug looking fresh and new. Even if your rug is worn from high traffic or stained from spills, you can get your rug clean fast with these expert tips.
Can Oriental rugs be used for purposes other than flooring? You might be surprised at the different ways you can display these rugs beautifully in your home. Here are some fun and creative ways to use and display rugs other than for flooring.
Are Oriental rugs something that are still in style and people purchase regularly to decorate their home with, or are they being phased out for other design elements? Here’s what you need to know if you have an Oriental rug or if you are considering purchasing one.
Choosing the best size rug for a particular space can seem overwhelming, and there are many misconceptions about how big the rug actually needs to. Here are some excellent tips on what size rug you should choose for your room or any other space in your home.
Deciding between rug quality and value can be challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to pick one or the other. Follow the great tips in the podcast below to shop for good quality rugs at a great price.
Rugs are made of many different types of materials, and what material is used plays a significant role in the quality and longevity of the rug. There’s more to choosing rug materials than what meets the eye! Here’s what you need to know.
Oriental rug styles are some of the most popular types of rugs available and look great in almost any setting. Choosing an oriental rug and incorporating it into your home can seem difficult, but if you follow these tips, you’ll have a gorgeous new rug in no time.
Oriental rugs come in a variety of bold, beautiful colors. However, choosing the right colors for your home décor scheme or your personality can seem difficult with so many choices available. Here’s an easy guide to the best Oriental rug colors.
Selecting the right rug for a specific space in your home can seem like a big challenge. There are many things to think about, such as the style of the rug, its colors, how long the rug is expected to last, and more. Here’s an easy guide to follow that will show you how to choose a rug that works for you.