Often, most people confuse orient rugs for Persian rugs. To clarify the mix up, Persian rugs are a type of orient rugs that come from Persia, which is modern day Iran. Orient rugs is a general term for any kind of woven rug made in the countries that span from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Pacific. Authentic Persian rugs are characterized by elaborately woven, brightly coloured floral patterns that include a medallion in the middle of the rug as a centre piece. To avoid paying too much when buying a rug, below are some tips on what to look for.
What to consider when buying a Persian rug
Number of knots. Before buying a rug, always check the tag to make sure the knot count exceeds 100 knots for every square inch if the rug has a geometric design. If the rug has a floral design, then the knot count should be above 300 knots per inch because floral designs require a lot of detailing to make. Always consult the rug dealer on such information to assess the quality of the rug.
Origin of the rug. There are a lot of countries such as China that have flooded the markets with their own 'Persian rug' imitations. Original Persian rugs are made in Iran, thus if the tag says 'Made in China' or any other country for that matter, then the rug is an imitation.
Age of the rug. Some people buy Persian rugs as investments rather than decorative rugs. For such individuals it's essential to know that the older a rug gets, the rarer and more expensive it becomes. Thus, buying a 100-year-old Persian rug is a great investment since rugs with such an age tend to gain value more quickly than lesser aged rugs.
Design. Persian rugs come in different designs and trends. It is advisable to go for classy designs as opposed to modern designs. Mainly because modern designs tend to quickly go out of fashion, forcing the price of the rugs to go down. A traditional design always stands out as a unique piece that never goes out of style irrespective of upcoming designs and trends.
Price. Besides the design, authentic Persian rugs usually cost a small fortune even for small rugs. If a dealer offers a Persian rug for a substantially subsidized amount, it is more likely than not that the rug is not an original but rather a counterfeit. Always be prepared to pay a relatively higher price for an authentic Persian rug as opposed to cheaper rugs from other countries.
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