If you're one of those people who's ever wanted a Persian or Oriental rug but didn't know what to look for, we'll show you a few tips to help you succeed in your search. Let's show you!
How the carpet was made
One of the first things to consider when purchasing a rug is the way it was made. Handmade rugs are much more coveted than machine-made ones, as they take much longer to make, are more expensive (they can be worth three times as much), and errors are corrected by hand. However, these small imperfections are what give them their special charm and allow you to distinguish the way they are made.
Check the carpet inside out
Related to the previous point, one way to see these imperfections is to inspect the rug from the back, the side that won't be exposed. By examining the reverse side, you can more clearly see whether it was hand-made or machine-woven. As you might guess, machine-made rugs usually have no imperfections.
What materials has it been made of?
The materials typically used are traditional noble materials, such as cotton, silk, or wool. Each of these is used in different parts of the garment, and synthetic materials are generally not commonly found. Interestingly, camel hair was also used in the past, although it is now rejected for several reasons, including the unpleasant odor the garments gave off.
Check its origin
Another important aspect to consider is where it comes from. Look at the label to verify its place of origin. Authentic Persian rugs are made in Iran; other rugs are called Oriental rugs and may have been made in other countries such as Turkey, Nepal, or Afghanistan. This doesn't mean that the quality isn't equivalent, but you should be suspicious if the rug was made in an area that doesn't have a tradition of making Oriental rugs.
Test the feel of your carpet
Don't be afraid to touch it and examine the entire piece. It's also important to unfold it completely to check the symmetries of the drawings and figures depicted. Ultimately, that piece should convey positive feelings because, in some way, it will represent a part of you.
Look at the luminosity of the lattice weave
Ideally, you'd be able to see the rug in the area where it would be placed to accurately assess whether it's what you're looking for. But that's obviously complicated. Alternatively, we suggest you try to visualize it in a light similar to the place where it will be displayed in your home. For example, if the rug will be next to a bright window, look at it in natural light.
After all, the rug serves an important purpose as a decorative piece, and this way you can get an idea of how it will look displayed in your home.