The world of Persian rugs can be a bit overwhelming at times. Today we’re going to talk you through how to buy a Persian rug. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from how they are made, to why they are so expensive.
What is so special about Persian rugs
Persian rugs are a work of art for your floor. Dating back thousands of years, this ancient skill is an essential part of Iranian culture. The art of rug making has been passed down through generations, with each style specific to each region. No two rugs will ever be the exact same as they are all individually handmade. Investing in a Persian rug for your home is an environmentally-friendly choice.
How to buy a Persian rug
What to look out for when buying a Persian rug
A lifetime investment, ensure you are buying from a reputable dealer. If the price seems too good to be true, it more than likely is. It’s important to remember that to be an authentic Persian, the rug must be made in Iran. If the origin is Afghanistan or Turkey for example, then it is an Oriental rug and not a Persian one. Keep an eye out for our points below when shopping for Persian rugs.
How can you tell if a Persian rug is real?
There are a few key points to look out for when buying a Persian rug.
1. Fringing
They will always have fringing, this is a part of how they are made. Individual knots are tied to a cotton or wool warp and the fringing is how the warp is finished. If the fringing looks like it has been attached afterward or glued on, the likelihood is that the rug is fake.
2. Backing
Authentic Persian rugs will never have a backing. Flip over the rug to see if anything has been attached to the back of the rug. The knots should be visible on the reverse side of a Persian rug.
3. Difference in Pile
Persian rugs will differ slightly depending on the side you look at it from. When you rub your hand over the pile, you should be able to feel the difference in each direction. If there is no difference, it may not be an authentic piece. This should also be visible in the colour, with one side appearing lighter than the other.
4. Materials
Check the quality of the materials used. Persian rugs are always made from the finest wool and silk fibres. If the pile feels like a low quality, there’s a chance it may be fake.
5. Imperfections
Imperfections are common. As these rugs are all made by hand, slight imperfections in the design are quite common. If you were to take a tape measure to the side of the rug, you may find the numbers don’t always match. Certain styles, however, such as Tabriz, will rarely have any imperfections.
6. Sizing
You will find Persian rug sizing doesn’t follow traditional sizing rules. While 160 x 230 or 200 x 290 would be common in machine-made pieces, Persian rugs are more likely to be varied sizes such as 178 x 234. Again, this is a result of the handmade, unique nature of each piece.
Why are Persian rugs so expensive?
Persian rugs can take months, often years, to create. They are all handmade by highly skilled & experienced craftspeople using the finest materials. When you buy a Persian rug, you are investing in a piece that can be passed on through generations. We often refer to them as forever rugs, as when cared for correctly they can last a lifetime.
Are Persian rugs a good investment?
Dating back over 2500 years, Persian rugs still carry the same importance in the interiors world today. Decor trends come and go, and still, Persian rugs remain in style. The timeless design, paired with the high quality of both the craftsmanship & the materials, ensure these rugs will never date. Once you choose a style you really love, you know you’ve made a good investment.
It’s important to note here that you need to ensure the size is right. Quite often we see people size down to keep the price down. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a Persian rug! The wrong size will never be right.
Avoid making this mistake by measuring your space and mapping out the size of the rug first. If your budget doesn’t allow for the size you need, then wait. It’s better to save up for the perfect piece than to settle for something that isn’t 100% right. Check out our handy rug size guide here.
What does knot-density mean?
If you look closely at the back of a Persian rug, you will be able to see the individual knots. To construct one of these works of art, the knots are tied to a warp, creating the intricate design. Every single knot on the rug is tied by hand. The number of knots per square inch will determine the price of the rug. The more knots, the more work involved. And so, the higher the price point.
Buying Persian rugs online
Many people are cautious about buying an investment piece online. If you can’t make it to our rug shop in Cork, we’d be delighted to arrange a video call to show you our Persian rug range. Our rug experts have years of experience dealing with these pieces and are always happy to help. Alternatively, you can fill in our free design consultation form here. Upload a photo of your space and we’ll suggest styles we think will work best for you. At Rugs.ie we offer free delivery throughout Ireland and hassle-free returns.
Persian style rugs
If you’re not ready to invest just yet but still want the look of a Persian rug, we have a huge range of Persian-style rugs for sale. Many of these pieces are machine-made, which results in a much lower price point. While they may not be the same lifetime investment, they will still be a lasting addition to your interior.
If you have any questions on how to buy a Persian rug, our expert team is always happy to help. Contact us here. Check out our Youtube video below, where we cover even more information on these stunning pieces.
Shop our full range of Persian rugs here.
