Zebra Skin Rugs

A Zebra skin rug – a conversation piece, a status symbol, sign of class and taste – these are just a few things that comes to mind when one hears the word. In the world of rugs a zebra skin is a class apart. Most authentic rugs are made from the hide of Burchell’s zebra. These zebras are not endangered and the African companies dealing in their skins are regulated by their government. It is perfectly legal to buy a rug made from the skin of these rugs. Go ahead make this African wonder a part of your home décor.

Contemplating to make this piece of art a part of your home? Great, but before you strike a wonderful deal and bring it home, just make sure that it is an authentic zebra rug and not a fake one. How would you make out the difference? Read on, and you will not go wrong.

Look at the size of the rug. A zebra skin rug should on an average, measure 8 by 5 ft in length. And how will you take this size. Easy, measure the distance between the nose and back of the tail, this is the length of the rug. The area at the widest point, which is the area behind the hind legs, should be 5 or 5 ½ ft. If your rug matches to this size specification, it has passed the size test.

Now let us talk about colour. As we all know the zebra has black stripes. These black stripes are actually vary between very dark brown which looks black from a distance to a more soft tan brown. Be very careful if your rug has black stripes. It should appear dark chocolate brown at closer inspection, if it is an authentic rug.
An original rug is generally given a felt backing to flatten it. The felt colour can be black or brown, depending upon the colour of zebra stripes. Some dealers offer rugs without backing on request, but then these rugs tend to curl at the ends.

Tanning cannot be considered as a check for authenticity. Its role is crucial for the quality and longevity of the rug.

No original zebra skin rug will be without marks or imperfection. Zebras are inhabitants of plains of Africa. There survival depends upon their ability to save themselves from predators. They end up with marks, cuts, injury in their efforts to protect themselves. Local plants like cacti, thorns, bushes, etc also play their role in scarring the zebra’s skin. The zebra rugs are bound to bear signs of the struggles they faced in their lifetime. Generally these rugs can cost anything around $500 to $ 1700 depending upon the number of marks.

If the rug you are considering to buy is without a single blemish, it might be a fake. Now that you know how to differentiate between an authentic and fake zebra rug, go ahead and begin your search for the one perfect for your home.