Persian rugs are the go-to choice of rugs for their beautifully ornate colours, textures, and durability. Persian rugs can last for decades if you take care of them in your homes, yet they can come at a hefty price tag if you are looking for one to fill a large space. While we can find Persian rugs for reasonably cheap prices, we cannot lose sight nor appreciation for this ancient craft.
How to Buy a Persian Rug
Before venturing out to one of the many Persian rug purveyors, you need to decide whether you want to buy a city rug or a tribal rug. Traditionally, city rugs are considered superior for their sleek aesthetic, high quality finish, and high knot count whereas tribal rugs with lower knot counts will have more folk-art, rugged appearance, (but we think that’s part of their charm). Knowing the type of rug you want is important because this dictates the aesthetic of your chosen rug and the steps you will take down the line to preserve and care for it.
Size is important when deciding your rug because this affects price and value, since they are primarily handmade. Simply, the bigger the rug, the higher the price due to labour and material costs. But, there is an exception small rug made entirely from silk with a high knot count can sometimes cost more than a larger wool Persian rug with a low rug count. Pro tip, many oriental rug shops will let you take a rug home to experience it in your home before buying it.
Save: Medium Tabitha Rug Silver by Cielo, R1,750
You can find many rugs with Persian-inspired designs, but with a contemporary style flair. You can buy brand new rugs that have faded colours and a vintage effect, which carries its own style exclusive of the aesthetics of a traditional Persian rug. If you’re both small on space and budget, we recommend the Tabitha Silver rug from Cielo, which has been woven and stitched by hand in a rich blend of polyester and cotton. What’s great about this rug (besides its price point), is the soft and rich texture that is resistant to stains and fading, making it a practical and durable addition to any space, including high traffic areas.
Available through www.cielo.co.za
Spend: Juno Rug in Rosewater by Hertex, R3,700
There’s something about a Persian rug that isn’t afraid to show its age. There is a specific wisdom that comes with a Persian rug that shows its grey and faded colours, holding the stories it once played witness to. Hertex’s collection of rugs speak to our ever-lasting love of vintage appeal with recycled cotton rugs that come in a variety of colours and sizes. We love the Juno Rug in Rosewater, which speaks to the shared place of origins as the rug itself: Persia, which is Iran today. Today, Persian rugs and rosewater remain staples in many homes.
Available through www.hertexhaus.co.za
Splurge: Nain Light Blue Medallion By Rugs Original, R61,200
The trend of filling your space with vibrant Persian rugs has existed for centuries, but the trend has most recently been adopted by fans of New York streetwear brands like Aimé Leon Dore and Stüssy whose showrooms, exhibitions, and campaigns marry modern city life and hip hop culture with high quality, luxurious Persian rugs. If you’re looking for the best rug to lean into this trend, then look no further than the Nain Light Blue Medallion rug by Rug Original. Adorning multiple star-like medallion motifs made using a mixture of high quality wool and silk, this rug is the cream of the crop (and worth the splurge).
Available through www.originalrugs.co.za
