Persian rugs have a way of bringing elegance and sophistication to a room. By the time they land in your custom home, they’ve travelled a long way, and that distance adds another layer of dimension, character, and beauty that you’ll enjoy for decades. And like fine wine, the older a Persian rug becomes, the better it gets.
Large, colorful Persian rugs can add vibrance and serve as a focal point in main rooms of your custom home, while smaller rugs make great accent pieces in places like the bedroom and kitchen.
If you’re considering investing in a Persian rug, it can be daunting to know where to look – and what to look for. To help you get started, we’ve answered some common questions about Persian rugs below.
What makes Persian rugs so special?
Persian rugs have been made in small villages across Asia and the Middle East for hundreds of years, and while each tribe and region have their own style, the rugs they make all share the same features. They are all made from high quality, natural fibers like silk or wool. And while some parts of these rugs are now done on a machine, they are all still hand-knotted in the traditional method.
What are the most popular types of Persian rugs?
First, it’s important to know that Persian rugs are generally divided into two categories: city and tribal. Usually, the style of rug is also the name of the city where it was made or the tribe that made it.
City rugs tend to be the most expensive and are often very high quality, crafted by professional weavers hired by wealthy city dwellers. These rugs tend to be very vibrant in color and ornate in design.
Tribal rugs are made by craftspeople, and often inspired by their travels and surroundings. These rugs often feature geometric, woven designs. Some popular tribal rug styles include Heriz, Tabriz and Kashan.
Heriz rugs, made in the village of Heriz in Azerbaijan, feature colorful rectangular designs, a central medallion and floral motifs. Tabriz rugs are known for their floral, hunting or tree motifs, while Kashan rugs incorporate deep blues and reds into ornate designs.
What do I look for when buying an antique Persian rug?
Both vintage and antique (made more than 100 years ago) Persian rugs should have solid edges. If they are fraying, things can get expensive, as the ends can unravel with more wear.
Make sure that the bottom of the rug is soft from wear, and that the top and bottom of the rug is similar. There should also be a nice patina, or shine, to the rug.
Where do I buy a Persian rug in Cincinnati?
Buying a gorgeous Persian rug is an investment and a special occasion. After all, you’re purchasing a piece of history that could become a family heirloom. It’s probably also good to note that buying a Persian rug can be fun. Get comfortable while staff rolls out rugs for you to consider. Often, they will let you take a few home to see how they look with your furniture and other décor.
Cincinnati is home to many expert rug dealers who import high-quality new, vintage and antique Persians. Here are three places in Cincinnati to find the perfect rug for your home.
Fazel Rug Gallery
Located on Erie Avenue in Hyde Park, Fazel Rug Gallery has been selling antique, semi-antique and new rugs for 27 years. All rugs sold by the gallery are hand-knotted and use natural dyes. Owner Fazel Aria will visit your home to help you make the best decision. And he’ll even leave a rug at your home so you can see how it looks in different light.
The Rug Gallery
The Rug Gallery has come a long way from their humble beginnings in a little shop at the University of Cincinnati. That was back in 1972. Today, The Rug Gallery is located in a 21,000 sq. ft. showroom in Blue Ash.
Expert staff at The Rug Gallery can help you choose a Persian rug that matches your home and your budget. You’ll also find an incredible selection of rugs – from new to antique. And since they carry about 4,000 rugs of various shapes and sizes, you may just leave with more than one special purchase.
Heriz Oriental Rugs
Heriz Oriental Rugs has been helping Cincinnati homeowners find their perfect Persian rug since 1980. Family-owned and in business since 1980, Heriz is located in Montgomery. Not only can the staff work with you to find a gorgeous rug, but they will also let you try it out at your home before you purchase it. They also do appraisals, hand cleaning and rug repairs.
Tip: Look at websites like Everything But The House and Etsy for vintage Persian rugs on a budget.
Want to learn more about creating a beautiful custom home? Give the team at Classic Living Homes a call.
Read more
A guide to buying cookware and dinnerware
