Size: 7' 2'' X 2' 6''
Size: 7' 2'' X 2' 6''
Runner rugs — those long and narrow carpets that grace hallways, corridors, and entryways — have a rich history that dates back centuries. These elegant and functional floor coverings have provided warmth and comfort to homes and have been woven into the tapestry of various cultures worldwide.
In exploring what runner rugs are and why Rug Source customers love them, we’ll unravel the fascinating story of runner rugs, their enduring allure, and why Rug Source is the ultimate destination for high-quality antique, vintage, and modern rugs.
Runner rugs have a storied history that dates back to ancient times. They were initially crafted for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Here’s a glimpse into how and when runner rugs first became popular:
Runner rugs can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were used to protect feet from cold, hard floors. In Egypt, for instance, runners adorned the grand hallways of pharaohs’ palaces.
Nomadic tribes in Central Asia wove runner rugs to decorate their tents and create cozy living spaces. These rugs featured intricate designs that were aesthetically pleasing and told stories of the nomadic way of life.
During the Middle Ages, runner rugs found favor in European castles and manors. They were symbols of prestige and added a touch of luxury to the majestic interiors.
In the early days of America, runner rugs were imported from Europe and became prized possessions in colonial homes. They added warmth to the cold, wooden floors of that era.
Today, runner rugs are cherished for their elegance and practicality. They are a staple in contemporary interior design, adding a touch of sophistication to homes.
Different countries and cultures have left their imprint on the art of crafting runner rugs. Let’s explore the unique traditions of rug-making from around the world:
Persian runner rugs are renowned for their intricate patterns and timeless beauty. Crafted in Iran, these rugs often feature floral motifs and rich colors, symbolizing artistry and craftsmanship.
Turkish runner rugs are celebrated for their geometric designs and vibrant color palettes. These rugs have been woven for centuries, and each piece carries the cultural heritage of the Anatolian region.
Moroccan runner rugs are prized for their unique tribal designs and the use of natural materials like wool. They add a touch of exoticism to contemporary interiors.
Kilim runner rugs, originating from Central Asian countries like Turkey and Afghanistan, are known for their flatweave technique and intricate geometric patterns. They tell stories of Kilim traditions and are prized for their durability.
Native American tribes like the Navajo have a rich rug-making tradition. Their runner rugs often feature bold, geometric designs and earthy colors, reflecting these textiles' spiritual and cultural significance.
In the 21st century, runner rugs have not lost their charm; they have become a design staple for several reasons:
Runner rugs are perfect for optimizing narrow spaces like hallways and corridors. They add a layer of style without overwhelming the area. These rugs bring an element of design to rooms that are often overlooked. They can tie together the colors and themes of your interior decor.
Walking on a runner rug provides a comforting and soft feeling underfoot. It’s a practical choice for homes with hardwood or tile floors. They are versatile and can be used in various settings, from homes to offices and hotels. They offer a practical solution for high-traffic areas.
Runner rugs provide many benefits to their owners, both functional and aesthetic. They protect your floors from wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways.
The cushioning effect of runner rugs helps reduce noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment. These rugs provide insulation, making your home cozier and more energy-efficient.
Of course, design matters! Runner rugs serve as a design element that ties together the overall aesthetic of your space. You can choose various colors and patterns to match your decor and express your style.
Decorating with runner rugs requires a keen eye for design. Here are some tips on effectively incorporating them into your interior decor:
Rug Source offers various runner rugs, from antique and vintage to modern designs. You’ll find the perfect rug to suit your style and preferences. Our knowledgeable team has a deep understanding of rug craftsmanship. We travel the world to handpick the finest rugs, ensuring quality and authenticity.
We source our rugs directly from manufacturers, allowing us to offer competitive prices while maintaining quality. Enjoy exceptional customer service with toll-free phone and email support available six days a week. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Runner rugs are more than just floor coverings; they are statements of elegance and sophistication. They transform narrow spaces into design showcases, adding warmth and comfort to your home.
At Rug Source, we understand the transformative power of runner rugs. Our collection features an extensive range of runner rugs that cater to various design preferences and budgets. Whether you’re decorating a modern home or preserving the charm of a historic one, our runner rugs will elevate your space.
Embrace timeless elegance, indulge in comfort, and make a lasting style statement with a runner rug from Rug Source. Explore our collection today and experience the timeless allure of these elegant floor coverings.
Gabbeh Rugs are Part of a Rich Persian Tradition
The traditional Gabbeh Persian carpet – known as gava in Kurdish and Luri and called khersak in Bakhtiari – is a simple, hand-woven pile rug traditionally made by the nomadic Qashqai tribes who dwelled in the Zagros Mountains of southern Iran, near the city of Shiraz. Other tribes, such as the Lurs, the Kurds and the Bahktiari also weave these carpets.
In Persian, the word “Gabbeh” means “fringe” or “in the rough.” Gabbeh rugs are rough cut and long piled rugs of rich color and the best quality wool. Most Gabbeh carpets are medium size – up to 3’ x 5’ – and feature abstract designs where shapes and color dance playfully with one another.
Variations of the gabbeh rug – such as the “Loribaft”, “Amaleh”, “Kashkuli” – may reflect the heritage of the tribe by which they are woven or the name of the city in which they are most often traded, such as “a Shiraz Gabbeh.”
The 19th century gabbeh rugs were very coarsely knotted (40kpi or less), often with shaggy pile. The name of Gholam Reza Zollanvari is synonymous with modern Gabbeh rugs. Zollanvari learned the rug business from his grandfather, a merchant in the Shirazi rug bazaar. Zollanvari pioneered the construction of fine-weave gabbehs with knot counts of 200+ kpi. Today, Zollanvari rugs are among the most popular styles of Persian rugs.
The Making of a Gabbeh Rugs: A Craft Shared Across Generations
Most Gabbeh carpets are made by women, and many are one-of-a-kind works of art. Some patterns are passed down thru the generations as mothers and grandmothers teach their daughters the art of Persian rug making. Many patterns reflect the weaver’s observations of the environments through which the tribe has passed. Some rugs are even made by the hands of many weavers.
Traditional Gabbeh rugs were woven on makeshift ground looms. These looms are built with materials are carried long distances by the nomadic tribes, or materials found where the tribe settled. Since each loom is unique, each rug is unique; this is how Gabbeh rugs get their distinctive irregular in shape.
Woven with the Wool of Mountain Sheep
Gabbeh rugs are woven from high quality wool from the tribe’s own sheep. As the tribe herds its sheep over hundreds of miles, the nomads reach high altitudes. In the summers, they stay in the highland pastures north of Shiraz in the Zargos Mountains; by winter they sojourn to pasture lands near the Persian Gulf. Sheep grazed in high altitudes produce more lanolin, giving their wool a luxurious softness and resistance to stain.
Rich, Colorful Dyes Give Gabbeh Carpets a Remarkable Color
The Qashqai people find the dyes used in Gabbeh carpets or purchase them in towns where they trade their finished carpets. Often, they use all-natural vegetable dyes to give the wool vibrant color while retaining its lanolin.
Hand-Knotted Rugs with Turkish Symmetrical Knots and Persian Asymmetrical Knots
Most of the wool used in the construction of Gabbeh rugs is handspun using a drop spindle. After the wool has been dyed and handspun, the weaver uses the loom to hand-knot the rug using Turkish symmetrical knots or Persian asymmetrical knots, or even a combination of the two. Because the all the Qashqai tribes use both types of knots, it is difficult to tell from which individual tribe any one rug has come from.
Gabbeh Rugs Are Small – Often Just 3’ x 5’ in Size
A typical size for a Gabbeh carpet is 3 feet by 5 feet. It can take 18 to 25 hours to weave even a small Gabbeh rug. Tribal Gabbeh rugs usually have lower knot counts compared to other types of Persian carpet. This low knot count and the high quality of wool makes Gabbeh rugs famous for their exceptional durability.
Durable Floor Coverings, Wraps and Bedding to Protect from the Mountain Cold
Gabbeh rugs are often floppy because they have wider rows of multiple wefts. This made the soft, pliable rugs ideal as wraps or bedding to insulate against the bitter cold of the mountains.
Gabbeh rugs are often not symmetrical due to the nomadic lifestyle of their creators, and color variations within a rug are common. Often, the variation in color in a rug tells a story of the tribe’s migration, the climates and environments it encountered, and the tribe members who contributed to its creation.
Where to Buy Gabbeh Rugs
Unless you plan to travel to Iran to shop for Gabbeh rugs in the marketplace, we’d suggest buying a Gabbeh rug online from RugSource.com or visiting our showroom. We’re proud to bring these highly coveted rugs to you – please contact us if you’d like to know more.