There are many countries around the world from which to source a unique rug. A lot of diverse nations are known for their beautiful textiles, impeccable handiwork and uncommon materials. Whether you’re travelling and buying rugs from markets or purchasing them from online retailers, here are the top countries to source a unique rug:
India
Indian rugs are well-known around the world due to the large number of gifted weaving experts, high level of production and diverse mix of traditional and modern styles. These rugs are typically made from slightly coarser wool that makes them heavy and thus, very durable. Indian rugs can withstand years of wear and tear and are a great option for offices and living rooms.
Pakistan
Pakistan is specifically known for its production of two distinct styles of rugs. These styles are Peshawar and Bokhara. They both feature classic designs and traditional colours. Peshawar rugs are usually made from wool and cotton but occasionally silk is included in the weave for an extra luxurious touch. It doesn’t matter when they were made, they will always look like antiques because of their unique texture. Bokhara rugs are easily identified because of their oval or diamond shaped designs. Both make a fantastic addition to any space.
Iran
There’s a reason the word “Persian” is synonymous with the word “rug.” Iran has been one of the highest-quality rug producers for centuries. This heritage is due to its superior knot style and value. A Persian rug could almost be considered an investment as it is likely to be treasured as a classic piece for many generations. If you’re looking to purchase a Persian rug, check out our rug buyers’ guide.
Turkey
Weaving rugs has been a time-honoured tradition in Turkey for approximately 800 years. Turkey’s rich and diverse history means the weavers have a variety of influences which makes for extremely creative and unique rugs. If you’re looking for a stand-out conversation piece, consider sourcing a rug from Turkey.
Nepal
For a lower-budget oriental rug that is still high-quality, look for a rug from Nepal. Bamboo silk is a very popular Nepali fibre so it is typically used in their hand-knotted rugs. The only reason the costs are low are because of its quick and efficient technique hand knotting techniques.
Once you’ve decided which country you’d like to get your rug from, consider these three quality factors in your search:
1.The Knot Count
These rugs should be hand-woven on a loom or hand-knotted. Look at the backside of the carpet to ensure it is authentic and not machine-made. If the knots look uniform, you should exercise caution as it might be fake. A real “exotic” or “oriental” of high quality should have upwards of 120 knots per square inch. Ask your rug dealer the knot count to ensure you’re sourcing the best rug possible.
2.The Fibre
The “burn” test is a fantastic way to figure out what fabric your rug is made from. It also suggests to the person you’re purchasing the rug from that you are savvy when it comes to carpets. This makes it less likely that they will try to fool you. The burn test includes burning a piece of fringe or an unpicked knot within the rug. Silk and wool will smolder. On the hand, lesser quality fibres will catch fire. This is another fantastic quality test for sourcing unique rugs.
3.The Colour
One of the main reasons people source rugs from around the world are the rich colours they provide. Artificial dyes are great and can make for lovely, vibrant patterns but they cannot top natural dyes. Natural dyes include henna, fruits, flowers, plants and even dried insects. For non-colour experts, a good way to detect if the rug you’re sourcing has used synthetic or natural dye is to investigate how it penetrates the fibre. If you expose individual threads by bending the rug from base to tip you can see whether or not they’ve been coloured evenly. If so, the rug maker has used synthetic dyes.
Once you’ve sourced your one-of-a-kind rug, do some research and learn how to keep it looking like it’s brand new.
If you need to call in a professional, contact Love Your Rug today. We know exactly how to maintain a high-quality rugs!
