The experience of shopping for a Persian rug may be both exhilarating and intimidating due to the wide range of carpets available in a dizzying assortment of colours, designs, and sizes.
Stylish, long-lasting, and incredibly comfortable, Persian rugs have earned a worldwide reputation for excellence. Long service life is possible with regular care and maintenance.
Many beautiful Persian rugs are often passed down through families and kept in pristine condition over many years.
To help the complete novice get the most out of purchasing a Persian rug, we've included some suggestions and tips for anyone interested in establishing a collection of these beautiful carpets.
1. Check whether the rug is hand-woven or machine-made
Woven by the hands of master craftspeople, each and every Persian rug is unique. Having a look at the knot work on the rug's back is a good approach to verify that you are indeed purchasing a hand-woven item.
Examine the knots closely for blemishes and inconsistencies. Study the knots that form the rug's edging. Due to the nature of handiwork, every hand-knotted Persian rug will have its own unique set of flaws.
Curiously, these flaws do not affect the rug's market worth in any way. Contrarily, they substantially raise the value.
All-natural rugs, such as those created by hand, will have subtle variations in colour saturation and hue due to the use of plant or vegetable dyes in the dying process. Machine-made rugs tend to be uniformly smooth on both sides and have consistent coloration across the board.
VIEW: Persian Rugs for SALE
2. Check the edges of the rug
Check the ends and edges of the rug. A high-quality rug will have perfectly straight edges, same breadth on both ends, and secure ends. Rugs with loose ends are more likely to come apart when vacuumed or cleaned, so avoid purchasing such items.
3. Examine the fringe of the rug
Any fringes on the rug should be properly trimmed, and any loose ends should be knotted or sewn tightly. The best fringe is made of cotton, but wool is also a good option. If the rug's fringe is faded or made of a material other than cotton or wool, you should not purchase it.
Synthetic fringe, including those made of silk, is generally frowned upon.
How consistent is the colouring? Many different colours are used in the weaving of Persian city carpets, but there is always a uniformity to the palette.
Be on the lookout for any alterations in hues. A lighter patch could indicate that the rug has faded over time, while a darker patch could indicate that it has been restored in a different hue.
4. Don’t get hung up on the knot count
Since there is such a wide range in knot count among Persian rugs, it would be unfair to categorise all carpets with a lower knot count as being of poorer quality. While the knot count is one indicator of rug quality, it is not the only one, and should not be used to discount tribal carpets. The only difference is in the weaving process.
You should know that rugs with a more detailed pattern typically have a higher knot count and are significantly more expensive than rugs with a more simple pattern or a lower knot count.
Also Read: Top Boutique Hotels in Johannesburg
