10' x 16' Antique 1910s India Rug Persian design

Are India Rugs the Same as Persian Rugs?

You have lots of options in the world of fine rugs. You can buy vintage rugs, peruse antique rugs, and explore unique area rugs ideal for any home. However, there’s a degree of confusion here, too, particularly when it comes to buying an India rug. 

Is a rug from India the same as an Oriental rug? Are Persian rugs the same as Jaipur rugs? 

A great deal of this confusion stems from the different names used for similar-looking rugs. Yes, a handmade rug from India is much the same as a Jaipur rug. The primary difference is in pattern and geographic origin.

Made from handspun yarn and colored using vegetable dyes, these one-of-a-kind rugs are often named for their weaving pattern. For instance, kilim rugs originated in Anatolia and use Persian knots, but are in the same family as a hand-knotted rug from India.  

You’ll find several different types of classic, handwoven rugs out there, too, including wool rug options, silk rug choices, and more. Whether you want a rug with blue coloring, a red rug, or a rug with teal accents, knotted rugs are made from all-natural materials and use organic dyes. 

What does it take for a rug to be considered “Persian”, “Oriental”, or “Indian”? In the traditional sense, they should feature:

• Hand knotted rug designs

• Use only handspun yarn made from wool or silk

• Have no backing (the knots should be visible), unlike modern pile rugs

• Use a classic weaving pattern, such as kilim-style weaving

Given their warmth and style, authentic rugs can be used in any room of your home, and they’re even ideal for some offices, although you’ll want to watch the level of foot traffic. For instance, a rug hand knotted in India might be ideal for a master bedroom, while another might make a great rug for living room use. 

How long do genuine rugs from India last?

While a lot depends on how they’re cared for and stored, a high-quality rug can last for generations.

Note that these rugs do require special attention. They can last for decades, but they will require regular cleaning. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals, though. 

With a bit more of an explanation about the various rug types and pattern origins, it should be easier to choose the best rug for your needs. From area rugs to hallway runners and everything in between, there’s a gorgeous, hand-made rug that will work for you.

How to Choose Oriental Rugs for Your Home

Oriental rugs offer a depth of history and level of craftsmanship unmatched by mass-produced rugs manufactured today. These one-of-a-kind rugs can add warmth and energy or calm tranquility to any space in your home. 

However, choosing the right Oriental rug can be challenging if you’ve never purchased one before. We’ll walk you through what you should know.

What Constitutes an Oriental Rug?

Oriental rugs embody a tradition and shared history, rather than coming from a single place in the world. The term applies equally to a handcrafted Persian rug as it does to a Pakistani rug or a rug from India made in the traditional way. Some of the names you’ll find these authentic rugs sold under include:

• Jaipur rugs

• Afghan rug

• Kilim rugs

• Nepali rugs

• Turkey rug

What about Aubusson rugs? While they share some visual similarities in terms of patterns, these rugs originate in France and cannot be called Oriental rugs. 

Colors and Dyes

When it comes to choosing a hand-knotted rug for your home, color is one of the more important places to start. You’ll find rugs in teal, as well as options for an Oriental rug in blue, an Oriental rug in red, and more. Choose a color that will complement the space where you’ll use it and tie it into your existing color scheme.

Patterning

All Oriental rugs have a rich pattern, although they can vary a lot in terms of depth and amount of decoration. The patterns will also vary from region to region. Choose a pattern that’s appealing to you, but that will also work well in your space.

Size

Size is a major consideration, whether you’re purchasing an Oriental rug, vintage Oushak rugs, or something else. For instance, if you’ll be using the rug in a narrow space, Oriental runner rugs will be better suited than classic rugs. 

Make Sure It’s Authentic

Finally, make sure any Oriental rugs you might consider are genuine. They should be made with hand-spun yarn and colored with organic dyes. Vegetable dyes offer softer, more muted tones than what you’ll find with many of today’s Art Deco rugs or pile rugs. Genuine hand woven rugs should also feature a traditional pattern and knotted fringe.

Unsure if that Oriental rug is antique? Worried a hand-knotted rug you’re considering might not be the real deal? Check the backing. If it has plastic or synthetic backing, it’s not genuine. A true Oriental rug is hand knotted and has no backing material – the knots are plain to see.

When it comes to purchasing authentic rugs, it’s important to work with a trusted retailer. At Kurosh Persian Rugs we make sure to import our rugs directly from other nations and that they provide us with a guarantee of authenticity. We are highly knowledgeable about where each rug comes from, the materials used to craft it, the dyes used in coloring, as well as the history of the style. 

Follow these tips and you’ll find choosing the right rug is easier than you might have thought, no matter where you want to use it.

Manual cleaning is recommended for these rugs and if your rug is heavily soiled or stained, you’ll need to have a professional cleaning for hand knotted rugs.

Kurosh Persian rugs  can guide you when it comes to caring for your new rug. We also recommend that you put them in lower-traffic areas of the home to preserve them as much as possible. 

All orders are processed within 2-3 business days. We find the best shipping company and rates for each order. The carrier may vary. Once the order is ready to be shipped you will receive a tracking number. Orders are usually delivered within 5-7 business days depending on your location. 

We offer free shipping on orders across the United States.