As you browse among rugs for purchase, you’ll come across both Persian and Oriental rugs. Learning the similarities and differences can help you decide which hand-knotted rugs are perfect for your home or business. These are some of the most important things that you need to know about Persian vs. Oriental rugs.
Similarities
Both of these rugs have several things in common. That is why some people use the terms Oriental rugs and Persian rugs interchangeably. While these are two different types of rugs, you can enjoy the qualities that they have in common.
Intricate Rug Designs
Both Persian and Oriental rugs offer beautiful designs of intricate patterns. You can easily find an all-over pattern of intricate scrolls or a floral pattern on both Persian and Oriental rugs. Symmetrical patterns carefully woven with wool yarn can be found in both rugs. As you browse among rugs, you’ll notice that both types of rugs consist of gorgeous ornate designs.
As traditions tend to be melted together, you’ll find that you can occasionally purchase a Persian rug in an Oriental design and vice versa. This is because some weavers have mastered how to make different types of patterns. However, it’s important to note that even though patterns may have similar designs, their country of origin and the knotting technique used will often determine whether a rug is considered an Oriental or Persian rug.
Both Are Hand Knotted
Although modern technology has made it possible for yarns to be dyed using machines, most rugs are still made with hand knotting techniques. Both Oriental and Persian rugs are created using a loom and strings of yarn.
Durability
Because both Persian and Oriental rugs are created using thousands of hand knots, you can trust that both are durable. Regardless of which type of rug you choose to purchase, you can rest assured that it will hold up to wear and tear as it should. Most of these rugs quickly become family heirlooms.
Both Are Considered Investments
Both Oriental rugs and Persian rugs tend to increase in value over time. Because of this, these rugs are considered wonderful investments.
In order to preserve the value of your rug, it’s important to take proper care of your rug. Preserve its beautiful colors by avoiding sunlight. Consistent exposure to sunlight will make a bright color fade quickly. Avoid scrubbing your rug when necessary. Instead, have your rug cleaned properly by a professional cleaning service or handwash your rug. To remove dirt and debris from your rug, use a broom instead of a vacuum. Overusing a vacuum on your rug will make the fibers lose.
Unique Patterns
It can be difficult to find two rugs that are exactly the same. Weavers often make mistakes, and few weavers make multiple rugs of the same pattern. When you purchase a handmade rug, you will know that your neighbors don’t have the same piece in their living room.
Differences
The differences in these rugs will help you determine whether you would like a Persian or an Oriental rug. There are several things rug enthusiasts can learn about both of these rugs to expand both their knowledge and their rug collection.
Traditional Rug Designs
One way to identify an Oriental rug next to Persian rugs is to look at the designs. Oriental rugs are more likely to have scrollwork that is carefully crafted into symmetrical designs. These rugs are known for common designs that consist of a geometric design comprised of natural colors or a modernized rug design of abstract blocks of color. You’ll find landscape designs as well. Oriental rugs commonly display symbols used to depict a story. They are perfect for homeowners that would like a contemporary design to coordinate with their modern home interior.
Intricate designs are the traditional design of Persian rugs. These rugs feature designs that consist of floral designs, a gorgeous design with scrollwork centered around a medallion in the center of a rug, or detailed designs that display bold color choices.
Country Of Origin
The key difference between Persian rugs and Oriental rugs is where they are made. The Persian Empire officially changed its name to Iran in the early 1900s, so most Persian rugs are created in Iran. Pakistan weavers are also known for creating Persian rugs.
Oriental rugs are made in several other countries in the same region of the world. You can find these in China, Egypt, Tibet, and India. Turkey is known for being an oriental country as they produce some of the most sought after oriental rugs in the world.
Type Of Knots Used
Persian rugs are known for being created with a Persian knot. This makes it easier for Persian rugs to have distinctive styles and a better curved line quality than you see in most other hand knotted rugs. Persian knots lead to most Persian rugs having higher knot counts than other hand knotted rugs.
Other Oriental rugs typically use a double knot. The double knot that is used, which is also called the Turkish knot, makes it easier to create straight lines. Oriental rugs made with this knot are more likely to have landscape designs with mountains or geometric patterns because it can be difficult to make curved lines with this type of knot.
Caring For Rugs
Persian rugs are known for being made of natural sheep’s wool, and for requiring hand washing. Other oriental rugs may be made from manufactured materials. These rugs can often be tossed in the washer.
Persian Rugs Can Be More Expensive
Persian rugs are often prized when compared to other Oriental rugs. They remain well-known throughout the world for their high quality, and their high value. Because of this, the cost of Persian rugs has continued to rise, often leaving them with a high price tag than Oriental rugs.
As you learn more about the fascinating differences in rugs, you’ll learn which ones you love. To educate yourself further on rugs, browse through the rest of our blogs.