There’s nothing quite like the classic look of a beautiful persian rug. However, if you’ve never purchased one, knowing where to begin can seem a little bit daunting. Add that to the fact that in 2010, the United States government began regulating imports from Iran, making true Persian rugs tougher to come by. The good news is that quality Persian floor coverings can still be yours if you learn a bit about where and how to shop for one.
Cost:
Let’s begin by talking a bit about price points. There seems to be a common misconception that Persian rugs have to be expensive. In reality, a good quality Persian rug should cost no more than a well-made wall-to-wall carpeting made from wool might. Of course, you’ll want to take the dimensions of your room into account before you go shopping. This will also affect the final cost. Choose one just slightly smaller than the room’s dimensions if you’re looking for all-over coverage.
Consider your needs:
Before you head out (or better yet, get online) to buy, ask yourself a few questions. First, what size of rug am I looking for? Are you looking for area rugs that will provide a stylish welcome for your guests or would a larger rug that’s meant to sit under a dining room set or other furniture make a better option? What colors or patterns would be best suited to your room’s current décor?
Types and styles:
It’s important to note that there are many different types of Persian rugs, classified by carpet dealers according to their type of fabric, weave, and design. You may hear or read about styles such as Qom, Shiraz, Tabriz, and Kashan. Each type features a distinct design. Further exploring the varying types might help you find a style that your most prefer. Weavers from other nations such as India, China, and Russia will often copy these distinct styles, opening up the availability of these types to the Western world. Maybe not the most “authentic” approach, but certainly the easiest to obtain.
Materials:
Most feature a foundation material of either silk, cotton, or wool and a pile of wool and silk. As you might have guessed, silk will feel nice under bare feet, but it’s the most vulnerable to stains and tearing. One made of wool will be the most resistant to wear and shed stains and dirt the best while one with a cotton foundation will lie flat when other materials might curl at the edges. So again, this is another area where you’ll be wise to keep your needs in mind.
Construction:
They typically feature two basic knot styles: symmetrical Turkish knots and asymmetrical Persian knots. In finer carpets, the Persian knot will most often be used. When shopping, take a look at the back to notice the density of knots. The front should feature a color shift from the edges to the middle that will show off the asymmetrical pattern of fine Persian knotting.
Design:
While design can vary greatly, most stick to an all-over pattern, a compartmented pattern, one sided, or a center medallion. More modern styles may feature a more abstract design. Beyond the type of design that you choose, careful consideration should be given to your room’s existing décor, flooring, and color patterns. If you’re in the market for larger floor covering, keep in mind that darker colors will always make a space feel smaller.
Care:
Your rug is an investment, so when you finally do make a purchase, be sure to retain and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for caring for them. A reputable dealer will be able to provide you with guidance when it comes to cleaning and caring for your purchase. Never roll or fold them when storing it as either can lead to creasing and fading. It’s also not a good idea to use your vacuum’s roller brush on the front of it as the fibers can become trapped and damaged. However, you can vacuum the underside and use your vacuum’s hose to loosen and remove dust and dirt from the front.
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