Dabbieri Blog

{ Difference between Persian and Oriental Rugs }

There are many people out there who believe that Persian rugs and Oriental rugs are similar, like peas in a pod. But there are just as many discerning designers and consumers who value the distinctions between the two. Either way, knowing the variations between Persian and Oriental rugs is good research to help make the most of your rug shopping experience.

The actual phrase “Oriental rug” is an out-dated (but still often used) term that refers to a wide range of rug types and rug makers based in Asia, Eurasia and parts of the Middle East. “Oriental rug” is a somewhat generic term for the rugs produced by artisans in these locations – and it is often further broken down into specific sub groups to define specific areas. 

Persian rugs are one of the sub groups of Oriental rugs. Authentic Persian rugs are made only in Iran (formerly known as Persia) and are hand knotted. The broader classification of Oriental rugs, on the other hand, may utilize a range of construction methods including hand-loomed, hand-knotted, hand-woven and even machine-loomed. Other characteristics of a Persian rug include an unusually thick pile (up to 160 knots per square inch), extremely rich color combinations and unique designs.

Remember that old quadrilateral rule from geometry class: all squares are quadrilaterals but not all quadrilaterals are squares?  It’s just like that with these lovely rugs: All Persian rugs are Oriental rugs. But not all Oriental rugs are Persian rugs!

{ Knot in the Know? }

Knot count refers to how many knots there are in the rug within a certain area--the higher the knot count, the longer it takes to weave the rug because it's more work. 

 

However, contrary to popular belief, knot count doesn't make a lot of difference in the actual strength of the rug. It will be strong either way, but it will only be slightly stronger if it has a high knot count.

 

What knots CAN do is provide evidence as to whether a rug is handmade or not.  If you can't see the knots on the back, it's probably not handmade.  If it is handmade, the knots you see will likely be quite uneven.

 

While you’re back there, check for the quality of your rug.  A good rule of thumb is: on a rug of finer quality, the design will show through more clearly on the back.

 

Peruse the Dabbieri Collection of area rugs if you’re looking for quality craftsmanship.  From the Vindhya collection with 80 knots, to the Lhotse line consisting of 100 and 150 knots, these rugs are “knot” messing around!  

 

What knots CAN do is provide evidence as to whether a rug is handmade or not.  If you can't see the knots on the back, it's probably not handmade.  If it is handmade, the knots you see will likely be quite uneven.

Description: Knot count refers to how many knots there are in the rug within a certain area--the higher the knot count, the longer it takes to weave the rug because it's more work. 

 

However, contrary to popular belief, knot count doesn't make a lot of difference in the actual strength of the rug. It will be strong either way, but it will only be slightly stronger if it has a high knot count.

 

While you’re back there, check for the quality of your rug.  A good rule of thumb is: on a rug of finer quality, the design will show through more clearly on the back.

 

Peruse the Dabbieri Collection of area rugs if you’re looking for quality craftsmanship.  From the Vindhya collection with 80 knots, to the Lhotse line consisting of 100 and 150 knots, these rugs are “knot” messing around!