If you are looking to buy a rug that has great quality and 100% authenticity then head over to Persian rug stores because these are the ones to get. The art of Persian rugs is dying slowly in this modern era so that is one more reason to buy them. Here is a guide to buying Persian rugs.

Gabbeh

Gabbeh is an abstract patterned rug option that is produced in Zagros, Iran. These rugs aren’t very good in quality, but the vivid colors make up for it. The colors and design are unpredictable and unique in their own way. So if you want some abstract in your carpets then Gabbeh is the best option with minimal design.

Look Underneath the Carpet

If you are finding a rug that has an attractive price tag and looks very good then you must be very tempted to buy it. However, you need to know if your Persian rug is valuable. Also, the rugs should be hand-knotted to be durable. To check the authenticity of this, flip the rug over and check if there is any netting. If yes, then the rug is glued to the bottom and it won’t be durable, and shedding will occur in a short time. Avoid such rugs.

Check the Material

Persian rugs are made of many different materials and it’s important to check for their authenticity for the best quality rugs. These materials are wool, silk or a mixture of both. Wool is mostly used because it is soft and fire-resistant. Silk rugs are fine and give off a clean shine off its surface. There are also machine made fibers which are all synthetic and have a peculiar lint. Don’t mistake the two off them and ask the Persian rug store owner about the authenticity of the materials.

Know What You Want Beforehand

The variety of the Persian rugs can be overwhelming, and it can double mind you quite easily if you haven’t made up your mind beforehand. Upon viewing them for the first time, the rugs may seem all the same but when you get to know about them from up close then it is a different scenario and even the tiniest details can affect your final decision. Primarily, there are antique Persian rugs and modern Persian rugs among others. Have a fair idea on a range of varieties that will suit best in your house and then go out and shop.

Knot Count

Persian rugs are known for their natural look which is created by the loom on which it is handwoven. If you are determined to get the best natural rug that doesn’t have a trace of machining involved then look underneath the rug for authenticity. The natural and synthetic rugs will have a clear difference. The natural Persian rugs must have at least 120 knots per square inch but you aren’t required to count them individually. Underneath the rug, if you see the uniformity in the binding of knots then you will know that the rug is machine-made.

Know Your Rugs

There are different types of Persian rugs and each has its own characteristics. Here are a few of the popular ones

• Gelim or Kilim: Thinner, geometrical designs, variety of colors.
• Ziloo: Made of cotton, woven in larger sizes, symmetrical design, inexpensive and mostly used in mosques.
• Jajim: Simpler design, even thinner than Kilim, used as a fabric for backpacks and furniture covers

Natural Dyes

With all its natural feel, Persian antique rugs Vienna VA must also have a natural dye for their extravagant colors. The natural dyes coat the surface rather than penetrating the threads. If you notice unevenness in an isolated thread, it is a sign that the dye is artificial.