Can a damaged oriental rug be repaired, and is it worth it?

Many rug problems can be repaired by a skilled specialist. Common repairs include reweaving holes and worn areas, securing or rebuilding the edges and ends, replacing fringe, and treating moth damage. Professional washing can also help with dirt and some stains.

Whether it is worth it depends on the rug's value, the extent of damage, and how much it means to you. Good reweaving is skilled, time-consuming handwork, so costs can add up. For a fine or older rug, careful repair may preserve or improve value. For an ordinary rug, repair costs may exceed what the rug would bring, though sentimental value can still make it worthwhile.

Get a professional assessment and written estimate first. Ask the specialist what they recommend and why, and what might be stabilized rather than fully restored. Stopping damage early, such as securing a fraying end, often prevents a bigger repair later.