The Beauty of Persian Rugs

Persian rugs are celebrated for their unique qualities, making them a desirable addition to any space. These oriental rugs are authentically crafted, making them valuable and highly sought-after in the world of luxury design. Persian rugs can be defined by the following characteristics:

• Materials: Persian rugs are crafted using natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton.
• Weaving Techniques: These rugs are hand-knotted using traditional techniques passed down from generations.
• Patterns: The skill displayed in these rugs can be seen in the intentional creation of patterns that display motifs and symbols.
• ‍Pigments: The key to a well-crafted Persian style rug is how the original vibrant and organic pigments have matured and toned down to become a beautiful patina through natural dyes that age wonderfully.

Our Persian Rug Collection

At Lawrence of La Brea, we have a diverse selection of Persian rugs, from traditional designs to modern interpretations. Our traditional rugs represent ancient craftsmanship through floral and geometric motifs. These old-world Persian rugs also incorporate colors like crimson red, indigo blue, and sage green. Our antique rugs depict the evolution of Persian rug design over the centuries. The collection showcases examples that embrace solid and linear patterns, light-colored hues, and vibrant bursts of color.

Each piece in our modern and ancient collections is a stunning display of craftsmanship unique to different regions around the world. Our traditional rugs come from various countries, including India, Iran, and Turkey, whereas our modern rugs are sourced from Afghanistan, India, Morocco, Nepal, and Turkey. Traditional wool rugs are perfect for emphasizing a formal space in a home, while modern rugs play wonderfully in a more “lived-in” space. Each rug significantly differs from the others, with unique qualities that stem from their region of origin.

Choosing Your Vintage Persian Rug

When selecting the perfect Persian rug, it’s important to consider your wants and needs for the intended space. First, measure your room and determine what size you’ll need for your Persian rug. Next, consider hiring an interior designer for your desired color palette and bring paint fabric samples to our showroom for a seamless, suitable color selection. Finally, choose your room’s decor style, whether it’s modern, transitional, or bohemian, and find a wool, cotton, or silk piece that adds dimension to the design.

What Factors Determine the Value of a Persian Rug?

The value of a Persian style rug can vary significantly based on different factors like age, condition, material, and craftsmanship. Generally, an antique rug over 100 years old will be worth more than a modern rug, but that depends on the uniqueness of the rug.

Material and Craftsmanship Also Play a Huge Role in Pricing the Rug

For example, knotted wool is a common pile material, whereas silk is rare and considered a luxury, delicate material. Collectors and enthusiasts carefully weigh these factors to determine the value of each rug.

How to Choose the Right Size Persian Rug

Although the possibilities may seem endless, it’s easy to narrow down the options of Persian rugs based on furniture arrangement and room dimensions. For example, a 2’x9’ runner perfectly fits a 3’ wide hallway or staircase. Aim for a maximum of 18”, showing the hardwood floor around the room and setting. For a dining room, select a rug at least 4 feet longer than your dining table to move end chairs in and out easily.

Caring for Your Vintage and Antique Persian Rug

Maintaining and caring for your one-of-a-kind Persian rug requires some gentle vacuuming and spot cleaning to maintain its beauty. To store your cotton, silk, or wool rug, roll it with the pile facing inward and keep it in a cool, dry, dark place. If you notice any significant stains or damages, the experts at Lawrence of La Brea can professionally clean and repair your rug.

How to Style Your Persian Rug

The beauty of a Persian rug is that it can be effortlessly incorporated into various interiors. At Lawrence of La Brea, our designers love to see a traditional rug paired with minimalist, modern furniture and light fixtures for a dynamic design. Our Persian area rugs pair wonderfully with bold artwork, subtle color palettes, and warm spaces. The possibilities for styling your rug are endless when you think creatively.

Find Your Perfect Persian Rug at Lawrence of La Brea

Finding your Persian rug has never been easier than with Lawrence of La Brea. Our skilled team acquires authentic, quality pieces from around the world. We’re dedicated to providing our valued customers with a stunning selection that guarantees satisfaction. Shop our full collection online at Lawrence of La Brea or visit our Los Angeles showroom for a personalized shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is so special about Vintage Persian rugs?

Persian rugs are highly sought-after for their rich history, unique designs, and quality craftsmanship. The more than 2,500-year-old practice of Persian hand-knotting and wool fiber dyeing has been passed down from artisans for centuries to create unique pieces.

How can you tell if a Persian rug is real?

A Persian rug can be identified by analyzing its knots, fringe, design, and material. It is crafted using an ancient hand-knotting technique using natural materials like wool, silk, or cotton, to name a few.

Why Vintage Persian rugs are so expensive?

Persian rugs are expensive due to their high-quality wool, silk, and cotton fibers that are hand-dyed to achieve specific colors and intricate hand-knotted patterns. Making one of these rugs is extremely time-consuming as opposed to a machine-made rug. They also hold global cultural and historical significance, which adds to their worth.

Are old Persian style rugs worth anything?

Vintage or antique Persian rugs can be worth a significant amount based on their age, condition, size, design, and quality of craftsmanship. Antique oriental rugs over 100 years old or vintage rugs 20-100 years old can be highly sought-after by collectors, which drives up their value.

What should I look for when buying a Persian rug online?

When purchasing a knotted Persian rug online, verify the seller’s authenticity, shipping/return policy, and reviews. Always buy from reputable sellers or websites to ensure you get a quality piece that has been authenticated.

How can I tell the age of a Persian rug?

You can identify a rug's age by examining its design, colors, condition, and wear. Older Persian carpets will have some natural signs of wear, such as uneven fading, unraveling, or fraying, whereas newer rugs may be in better condition. The best way to age a rug is to bring it to a professional for accurate testing.

What is the best way to store a Persian rug?

The best way to store a rug to ensure its safety is to tightly roll it with the pile facing inward. The rug must then be placed in a cool, dry, and dark space to avoid sun fading and moisture-related issues. With wool rugs, take extra precautions to avoid wool moths.

Can Persian area rugs be placed in high-traffic areas?

Persian rugs can be placed in high-traffic areas like the living room, dining room, etc. but may require more cleaning and maintenance to preserve their beauty and condition over the years. To reduce the sun fading or wear that may occur on wool, cotton, or silk, you can rotate your rug every few months within the space.