The difference between Persian and Oriental Rugs

Would you like to enjoy the beauty of an oriental rug in your home? But, do you know the difference between an oriental rug and a Persian rug? Many people believe that these two are one and the same thing or that they are related in some way. Considering that genuine oriental rugs are not that cheap and that there are fakes on the market, you should know as much information as possible before shopping for oriental rugs online. This way, you will know for sure what you purchase and enjoy the high-quality and beautiful ambiance triggered by an authentic oriental rug.

Oriental rugs and how to identify one?

The term “oriental rugs” makes reference to rugs coming from various countries of the Orient or Eastern world. This means India, Turkey, China, Egypt, Tibet, Pakistan, and Iran. Looking at this, it is easy to tell that Persian rugs can actually be considered as oriental rugs. However, it is worth knowing that not all oriental rugs will be Persian rugs. So, pay a lot of attention to this slight, yet very important difference between the oriental and Persian rugs.

Because oriental rugs come from so many countries, they will indeed be different when it comes to designs, patterns, and materials. Before deciding to purchase an oriental rug, it is worth setting your expectancy in regard to this type of item? How would you like your oriental rug to look and feel? For example, oriental rugs made in China contain silk fibers, so they will be soft and elegant, and will usually feature natural landscapes or elements. Oriental rugs, in spite of their classic design, even worn and faded pattern, have a unique charm and work amazingly well even in modern indoor spaces. So, it is definitely worth taking the time to find an oriental rug that is of high quality and can answer to your needs and preferences.

Persian rugs and how to identify one?

The term “Persian rugs” makes reference to rugs made where once was the Persian Empire. This means the area where Pakistan and Iran lie today. The majority of Persian rugs are made in Iran, but it is not uncommon to find this kind of rugs made in Pakistan as well. In order to be able to properly identify a Persian rug, you must pay attention to the special characteristics of these rugs. Persian rugs will feature an outer border that will beautifully outline the rug. This outer border will be followed by an inner border, which is a bit thicker and has another border, thinner this time, within it. In the center of a Persian rug, you would usually find a gorgeous medallion with a lot of intricate details. The medallion is also surrounded by small details made to decorate it even more. Another aspect that is worth having in mind is the fact that Persian rugs are made with rich and warm colors. You will find these rugs featured shades of deep red and gold. These two are mainly preferred, but it is possible to find blue and other colors on Persian rugs, like light green. Because they are so colorful and adorned with so many details, these are the kind of rugs that work best inside traditional houses. They have the power to create a warm and welcoming environment.

The differences that set these two types of rugs apart

The oriental rug is hand-knotted while the Persian rug is handmade, at it presents a higher quality when it comes to craftsmanship. The oriental rug comes from various countries in Asia, like Turkey and Egypt, while the Persian rug comes only from Iran and, on rare occasions, in Pakistan. But, in spite of the fact that these two types of rugs are indeed different, the Persian rug is actually one of the seven sub-categories of oriental rugs. This is due to the fact that the term oriental rug makes reference to all the rugs made in the Orient area, which includes the countries that compose the Eastern world.

However, when it comes to Persian rugs, they are the perfect reflection of a long history and cherished traditions. If painting didn’t exist back in the days, people chose to decorate their homes with rugs, and they used motifs and designs that represented their daily lives and beliefs. Thus, the elements and craftsmanship of a Persian rug will reflect only the skills and traditions that were developed by the people in this area alone. This is why the Persian rug is a very specific kind of rug, while oriental rugs is a group of rugs that includes items with a wide variety of details, designs, patterns, and colors. Of course, oriental rugs are handmade as well, but only if you choose to buy high-quality oriental rugs.

Regarding the design of Persian rugs, it is worth knowing that the types of this particular rug bear the name of the villages where the rugs were initially created. Because Persian rugs are so closely connected to tradition, each area developed a particular type of weaving or pattern. Thus, Persian rugs will have names like Kerman, Kashan, Heriz, and Tabriz. All these names represent not just villages, but also cities or nomadic tribes of the former Persian Empire. So, each time you will opt for a Persian rug, you will actually get a piece of the local traditions along with the rug. Their colors are also amazing and they will certainly upgrade the décor of any interior space. It is worth knowing that it took more than one year for a Persian rug to be completed, due to its tight knot system that is made entirely by hand. Also, for the making of one rug, 5 to 6 craftsmen used to work six hours every day until it was completed.

Oriental rugs, on the other hand, contain symbol and patterns of the region from which they came, not of a particular village or tribe. So, they are more general and diverse in terms of design. A rug that is made in China, for example, will be made out of silk and may represent the life of Buddhist monks, as the material and motifs are specific to that part of the world.

The price differences between a Persian and Oriental Rug

You probably wonder if there are any price differences between Persian rugs and the oriental rugs. One thing is for sure and that is the fact that handcrafted rugs will be more expensive than machine-made rugs, the kind you can find in almost any store. You will pay a high price indeed, but handmade rugs and carpets are an investment worth made, as they will last for much longer periods. All you need to do is take proper care of the rugs and they will not lose their beauty and properties.

The price tag of such a rug depends on the size, condition, and age of the rug. So, they can range from a few hundreds of dollars and can go up to several tens of thousands of dollars. The best part is that the offer is varied, so you can find a Persian or oriental rug on the desired size, which will fit great no matter where you want to place them. Whether it is the living room, bedroom, or dining room, these rugs will be an amazing addition that you will cherish for years in a row.

Just don’t forget to keep an eye on the particularities of these rugs when looking to purchase one, in order to make sure that you will get the real thing. Unfortunately, there are quite enough fakes on the market that doesn’t go near the quality and charm offered by authentic Persian or oriental rugs. While it is good to know the distinct signs of each type and what sets them apart, you can always ask for the opinion of an expert, especially when you’re looking to spend consistent amounts of money. After all, you want to make sure that the rug you are about to purchase will indeed offer the degree of quality you are looking to find.

At the end of this guide, you will have the basic knowledge required to identify a Persian rug and set it apart from an oriental rug. Still, looking for oriental rugs online involves certain risks you should be aware of. Make sure you choose your provider right, to avoid any unpleasant surprised. See if the provider can offer proper information about the rug and it the business is reliable, by checking out reviews and what customers have to say about it. With a bit of care and attention, you will become the happy owner of a gorgeous oriental or Persian rug, depending on your preferences. If you’re looking for an indoor style upgrade, any of these two rugs will help you get there.

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