8' x 12' Persian Bijar Rug

Vintage Persian Rugs versus Persian Antique Rugs: What Buyers Should Know

 

Looking for a way to add incredible beauty and timeless style to your home? Whether you’re looking for a rug for the living room or to add warmth and class to the master bedroom, a Persian rug could be exactly what you need. 

 

Of course, you must learn how to navigate this area. You’ll find area rugs labeled as vintage and antique, but what’s the difference? Which of the many fine Persian rugs is better suited for your needs?

 

Antique vs. Vintage

 

First, let’s address the question of an antique rug versus vintage rugs. Technically, any rug labeled as “vintage” is between 20 and 80 years old. However, a Persian rug labeled as “antique” is over 80 or even 100 years old. So, vintage means that the rug is old, but antique means it is among the oldest examples of its kind.

 

Questions about Materials and Dyes

 

Genuine Persian rugs are stunning works of art. However, you’ll probably encounter similar-looking rugs that claim to be the real thing but aren’t. Understanding the materials, dyes, and crafting processes that go into making genuine Persian rugs can help prevent you from falling victim to these counterfeits.

 

Material

 

For a real Persian rug, wool is the material of choice in most cases. Whether you’re thinking of purchasing a traditional Persian rug in red, a Persian rug in blue and cream, rugs in teal, or a combination of different colors, authentic rugs are made with real wool. However, you will also find silk rug examples that include Persian knot patterns.

 

Manufacturing

 

These beautiful, timeless rugs are made by hand. Hand-woven rugs offer much better durability than machine-manufactured pile rugs, and they provide individual character only available with rugs hand knotted by expert craftspeople. 

 

Dyes

 

These classic rugs use only vegetable dyes. Organic dyes made from vegetables last for decades without fading and are nontoxic, unlike synthetic dyes used in manufacturing modern rugs. 

 

Knot Patterns

 

Knotted rugs offer eye-catching beauty and style, but did you know that knots are more than mere decoration? A hand-knotted rug will have more knots than a machine-woven rug. The more knots present, the longer the rug took to make, and the finer the craftsmanship with most fine rugs.

 

Names

 

You might be familiar with the category “Persian” or “oriental” rugs, but genuine fine rugs can be marketed and sold under many different names. These refer to different characteristics of the rugs, including their geographic area of origin, the pattern woven into them with hand-spun yarn, and the type of Turkish rug knot used around the border. Just some of the names you may encounter include the following:

 

• Gabbeh rugs

• Kashan rug

• Kilim rugs

• Heriz rug

• Bakhtiari rug

• Tabriz rug

 

How to Choose Your New Wool Rug or Silk Rug

 

Choosing between one-of-a-kind rugs can be challenging. Let your intuition guide you. Start with the colors of the room and your goal for the space. Do you want a hand-knotted rug that adds a sense of calm and peace? Do you want a dramatic centerpiece for the space? 

 

Next, choose the pattern that best suits your needs. How will it tie into your existing aesthetic? Knotted rugs can add a lot of detail to any space, but it’s easy to overwhelm them with other décor. Keep your space minimally decorated so that the rug becomes the focal point of the design.

 

Finally, make sure you work with a reputable retailer of one-of-a-kind rugs. The right retailer will offer fine rugs handcrafted in this ancient tradition that will last your family for centuries, becoming treasured heirlooms.

Bidjar Rugs: The Most Durable Persian Rug of All

 

Persian rugs have long been valued for their incredible beauty and ability to stand the test of time. However, they can be quite delicate. Bidjar rugs are different.

 

Originating in the Genus and Afsha areas of Iran, these classic rugs are also called “iron carpets” thanks to their incredible durability. What should you know about these fine Persian rugs and is this the right choice for your needs?

 

One thing that sets these hand woven rugs apart from other options out there, such as kilim rugs, is that they are made using two wefts. This creates a very stiff, heavy, and durable rug. 

 

The first weft is thinner and the second is thicker. The second weft is then beaten down between rows of Persian knots. This process creates a compact, dense pile that actually stands up vertically. 

 

Unlike some types of fine Persian rugs, Bidjar-style rugs can use several different foundation types. These include cotton, sheep’s wool, and camel’s wool. Most modern versions use cotton, but an antique rug may use camel’s wool, and you will not find a silk rug in the bunch.

 

You’ll also find that the designs woven into these one-of-a-kind rugs can vary greatly. There are traditional Mina-Khani and Herati designs, but other patterns are also possible. 

 

Colors also vary. They’re all created using vegetable dyes, but these rugs can be pink, yellow, beige, ivory, navy, brown, or even cherry red (the red rug is among the most classic designs, of course). 

 

Finally, Bidjar-style Persian rugs come in many shapes and sizes. The traditional rectangle is common, but you can find larger rugs ideal for use as area rugs, as well as hand knotted rug types ideal for use as hallway runners.

 

These timeless rugs can last for generations when cared for properly and will add incredible beauty to any room in your home.

Traditional Persian rugs are made using handspun wool rather than machine-spun wool. This requires more labor, but many feel that it is a better process because it is not as abrasive. It allows for the retention of more of the natural oils and fewer fibers are broken. Using handspun wool helps to ensure the rugs and carpets are more resilient and can last for decades without issue.

 

The wool used is called winter wool or long strand wool. It features more natural oil than other types of wool. Additionally, handspun wool tends to absorb more dye when loosely spun and less when tightly spun. This creates gorgeous variegation in the rug’s colors. Buyers who want a traditional rug will always opt for handspun.

Organic dyes are used in traditional Persian rugs for several reasons. First, vegetable dyes were the only option available when these rugs were first created. Before 1850, there weren’t other choices aside from animal or vegetable dyes. Even after synthetic options were available, traditional craftspeople often kept using pure organic dyes.

It’s a common misconception that organic dyes result in dull and muted colors. Anyone who has seen Persian carpets and rugs that use pure organic dyes can attest to their beauty and vibrancy. Craftspeople using organic dyes can create stunning colors including royal blue, earthy brown tones, and brilliant red. Just look at the variation of traditionally made rugs available today to get a sense of the colors.

Fine rugs, like those crafted in the Bidjar style, must be cared for correctly. Rugs originating from Bijar should not be folded for transport but rolled to prevent damage to the fibers. You should also avoid using harsh cleansers that might bleach the organic dyes.

 

Light sweeping or vacuuming should be enough for regular cleaning, and you should have your rug dry-cleaned once per year. Heavy soiling or stains can be cleaned by using a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and water, and blotting the area until it is clean. 

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.