TORONTO -- Tread softly and carry a big broom. You'll need it to keep your new Persian carpet well groomed.
Keeping the rug clean, however, will be the easy part. Shopping for the perfect size, colour and texture will take legwork.
Do your homework, whether you're looking for an antique Persian carpet or modern geometric.
Know the difference between a machine-made and hand-knotted carpet.
Ask for the knot count -- the more knots, the better the appearance. Decide whether you prefer synthetic materials or natural fabrics.
In other words: "Set a budget and shop around," says Johnsan Mekhael of Turco-Persian Rug Company.
"Measure the area and determine the ideal size, but remain flexible," adds the showroom manager.
If the carpet will be in the dining room, the table and chairs should sit on the rug, and make sure the chairs remain on the carpet when pulled away from the table.
"The rug is too small if the chairs push back onto the bare floor."
On the flip side, there are no rules when it comes to living room carpets.
"It's a matter of style and taste. Furniture can either sit on top of it or be placed around the perimeter."
Once you know the size, bring paint chips, fabric swatches and pillows to aid in choosing the dominant colour to complement the space.
"Persian rugs are multi-coloured so you must be aware of the tones you want the carpet to pick up," says the rug expert.
And you may get very confused after seeing so many rugs -- bring a camera and photograph your favourites.
As you flip through the racks, however, beware of falling under the spell of Persian carpets. For centuries, these "magic carpets" have been gracing the floors and walls of royalty and nomads alike. And even though we associate Persian carpets with wealth, the carpets actually have very humble beginnings.
The hand-made rugs were born of necessity. Nomadic tribes used them to cover entranceways and to keep the cold and damp from seeping into their tents.
They were portable and durable, withstanding the rigors of a wayfarer's life.
So tough in fact, that one such carpet discovered in 1949 is now hanging in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The carpet was perfectly preserved by a thick sheet of ice in a mountain range for 25 centuries.
Today's Persian carpets will also hold their value, while antique carpets from 100 years ago or more "are rare, expensive and always in great demand," says Mekhael.
