When choosing a rug for your room décor, there are countless options and variety. If you want something simple and minimal but still in the Persian rugs category that, then Gabbeh rugs will be right up your alley. Here is what to know to about these Persian handmade rugs.
What Are Gabbeh Rugs
Gabbeh is a Persian word that translates to “rags”, a.k.a. old and worn clothes. Gabbeh rugs are flat woven rugs that are made out of wool, cotton, or silk, but the detail that stands out the most is the fact that they’re very minimal in patterns.
The colors are beautiful and rich, but the patterns are extremely simple. They can either be small motifs in the center of a rug or there can be borders of different colors.
Low-Pile Persian Rugs
Gabbeh rugs are very versatile and they’re a type of Persian rugs. Persian rugs, as we all know by now, are extremely vibrant and dramatic rugs, with a thick pile and very eye-catching colors and details. The motifs, the designs, and the embroidery are all so beautiful, but sometimes, it can be a lot for someone who likes simple things.
So, this is where Gabbeh rugs come in. They’re just as beautiful and durable as authentic Persian rugs, but if you want something softer on the eyes, then Gabbeh rugs will sate your inner minimalist.
Naturally-Sourced Vibrant Dyes
Gabbeh rugs are dyed in various colors, all of which are naturally sourced and they make such a beautiful rug that won’t bleed colors and will last for a long time. This is an amazing feature of Gabbeh rugs, as they are minimally designed but they tend to be very potent in color, so much so that they can last for years, even after getting washed and dry cleaned over and over.
Minimalism Wins
If you love the idea of intricate rugs that are not entirely overdone, then you will love Gabbeh rugs, as they are the epitome of rustic beauty and considered one of the best types of nomadic rugs.
Gabbeh rugs are a more muted version of a Persian rug, so if that’s something that you fancy, then you’ll love these rugs.
What Is The History Of Gabbeh Rugs?
Gabbeh rugs originated in Iran, formerly known as Persia. These are one of the most rustic forms of rugs that you just can’t get anywhere else. The weavers of these rugs are thought to be nomadic people of Persia who used to weave and color the strands of these rugs by hand and without any use of chemicals. It is truly an amazing rug and all of the beauty is owed to the excellent handwork of the people.
It’s believed that these people traveled to all parts of the world to introduce this new form of rugs to people and soon they gained popularity in places like the Middle East, South Asia, and even China. These rugs are truly a work of art and the minimal beauty shines through in every strand and how the rug is made.
Gabbeh rugs originated in the 19th century and it is believed that the nomadic weavers of these rugs were quite popular in the Persian and Medes areas. Gabbeh rugs also were quite popular in Europe around the same time and it’s still quite popular among people who love the muted beauty of these rugs as using vibrant colors coupled with muted designs is an interior design trend that’s evergreen.
How Are Gabbeh Rugs Made?
The trick to making the perfect Gabbeh rugs that can catch the attention of people and lock their hearts in, is in the preparation and design.
First of all, the best of the best materials are chosen to weave these rugs. Wool, silk, and cotton are mostly used in the making of these rugs. Once the material is chosen, the next step involves the inspiration of the design.
The mind of these weavers is a trove of creative ideas and they can pen down stories with illustrations and designs that are imprinted on the rug with their own hands.
Speaking of hands, before the weaving process can begin, the strands of the material used in the making of the rug are dyed and left in the colorful solution for a long time. This allows the color to stick to the strands.
Lastly, once everything is ready, the strands are ready to be knotted. Since Gabbeh rugs are thinner than most Persian rugs, the knot intensity is less than the traditional rugs. This makes Gabbeh rugs thin, but very sturdy and durable, which is amazing because, in this way, they can last for years to come.
What Are The Key Features Of Gabbeh Rugs?
Here are some of the key features of Gabbeh rugs that make them very popular.
Quality
Gabbeh rugs are quite luxurious as is the case with Persian rugs. Since they’re made out of wool, these rugs are extremely high quality and they can last long.
However, the quality of the rug isn’t just in the strands. It’s also in the design of the rug as well. The design is just so clean, intricate, and meticulous that you just can’t help but fall in love with the beauty of the rug. There’s just so much that a Gabbeh rug has to offer and it gets better as you go.
Heritage
Gabbeh rugs are very cultural. Even though the designs are quite minimal, that’s exactly what the weavers want to embody. The simple, no-frill culture of the nomads trying to live their lives in the rawest form possible, shines through the rugs from every angle.
The heritage of any rug and its history is really important, but the way it is represented makes all of the difference. You need to be able to understand the culture and story of the people weaving these rugs just by looking at the design and Gabbeh rugs make sure that it’s visible and vibrant.
Design
Even though Gabbeh rugs are termed as “plain and simple”, their design is just amazing and out of this world. The rugs make up for it by introducing bold color patterns that are just so mesmerizing to look at and you will have no choice but to like its understated beauty.
The design, the motifs, and the light embroidery, combined with the vibrant color palette, make the rugs just so amazing to look at and they will elevate a room beautifully, wherever you put them. Gabbeh rugs might be minimal, but they pack a punch.
Craftsmanship
Gabbeh rugs are handmade and exceptional in quality. These rugs are unmatched when it comes to quality and craftsmanship. These rugs are entirely made by hand and every minute and hour spent in making these rugs, makes the experience of appreciating the beauty and elegance of these rugs all the more interesting and elating.
Even though these rugs don’t have a lot going on, the simplicity is what makes everything that much better and you just can’t help but appreciate the little things that make Gabbeh rugs just that more alluring.
Conclusion
Gabbeh rugs are really beautiful and minimal at the same time, so you can get the durability of wool rugs with a very subtle design. People who fancy minimal, low-pile rugs, really love this interesting type of Persian rugs VA.
