Rugs are rugs, right? Why does it matter if it’s different in origin or how it’s weaved? Well, not exactly. Every rug is unique depending on the way they’re made and where they’re made. If you’re looking for area oriental rugs, two of the most-bought types are Persian and Turkish rugs. How to choose between them? By learning more about them. Let’s begin!

Persian Rugs Vs. Turkish Rugs

The Origin

Rugs hold a lot of cultural and historical value depending on the place where they come from. This is something that a lot of people take pride in when they know about the beautiful and very detailed history of rugs and the places where they were first made or introduced.

Sometimes, it’s not even a place, but a specific tribe or a group of people that made these unique rugs what they are today and this is what makes different types of rugs unique and enchanting.

Persian Rugs

So, Persian rugs originate from Persia, which is now known as Iran. Even though the name of the country changed, the rug stayed pretty much the same, weaved in time permanently, and much loved by people to this very day.

Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs come from – you guessed it – Turkey or Anatolia for history lovers. And this is why they are also called Anatolian rugs.

Primarily, Turkish rugs were used by people higher up in the social circle. These rugs are the symbol of opulence and prosperity. Turkish rugs are very rich in history and their unique and vibrant colors and patterns bring out the best in them.

These rugs are loved by people because of how timeless they are. You would think that a centuries-old rug style would lose its appeal, but that isn’t the case with these babies.

The Design

The next thing to go over in this comparison of Persian and Turkish rugs is the difference in design. This is something that really puts each of these rugs apart and they’re also the reason why they’re so popular among people after generations have come and gone by.

Persian Rugs

When it comes to Persian rugs, the designs are more elegant than they are contemporary. The signature Persian rug has a beautiful central motif that steals the show every single time and the designs around this showstopping medallion can be anything from words to pictures to even people. The medallion or embellishment in the middle is what makes people gravitate towards this rug a lot.

Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs are pretty simple when it comes to design. They don’t have that elaborate design in the middle that screams color. Rather, Turkish rug designs are more abstract and better suited for those who love minimal designs but still want to walk down history lane.

So, Turkish rugs can either have patterns or very random designs on the rug, but they’re anything but random. They tell a story about these rugs, in which you want to take a dive.

The Knotting Technique

The next thing to consider is the knotting of the strands. You might think that all rugs are knotted the same way and there’s no difference. Well, there is a huge difference in how the knots are weaved and it shows the quality of the rug.

Persian Rugs

When it comes to Persian rugs, the knots are mostly a single knot and it is done by wrapping a strand of fiber completely around every other one. This knot is also known as a Persian knot. This gives the rug its characteristic feel and makes it look like something premium. This knotting technique also makes Persian rugs a lot more durable.

Turkish Rugs

Turkish rugs are knotted using a double knotting technique. This is a technique in which the fiber is wrapped around every strand and it makes for a beautiful and very tightly packed rug. The beauty of this knot is in the symmetry of it all.

They look in line and it’s also an amazing way to incorporate different designs in the rug as well, which makes the rug unique and beautiful at the same time. Even though Turkish rugs have double knots, the knot count is lower in these rugs as compared to Persian rugs. Knot count is the number of knots in a per square inch space of a rug. It is also known as knot density.

Materials Used

Next up is the material selection of the rug. Even though materials are of many kinds and lots of rugs use the same materials in this comparison, you should be more concerned with how each rug was first introduced and what material is more like a trademark than anything for that specific rug.

Persian Rugs

When it comes to Persian rugs, the material that is most commonly used to knot and weave is wool. Silk and other materials are also used, but it’s wool that gives the rug its characteristic and unique texture and feel. If you’re going to go for a Persian rug, then it has to be wool. It’s kind of default at this point.

Turkish Rugs

Even though wool is used to make these rugs, sheep’s wool is more common in this rug type. Turkish rugs were made out of anything and everything back in the day. Weavers would use tenting materials, animal wool, and other things, but the material by which Turkish rugs are known the most is untreated sheep’s wool.

The Value

Both Persian and Turkish rugs are amazing when it comes to value. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that these rugs are very popular in the vintage and antique department. New rugs can be just as popular, but there’s something about worn and used rugs that have a different level of beauty and appreciation.

It is like a piece of history, frozen in the strands and whenever you look at them, it’s like peeking into the lives of people who made and used these rugs. Both Persian and Turkish rugs age exceptionally well. Antique Persian and Turkish rugs are some of the most expensive rugs you will find.

Types

Persian and Turkish rugs are a wide and very detailed umbrella of rugs. There are several different types of rugs that are available for use and some of them are very popular among people.

Persian Rugs

When it comes to Persian rugs, some of its famous types, based on people they’re named after or their birthplace, include:

• Tabriz rugs
• Heriz rugs
• Kashan rugs
• Ziegler rugs, a.k.a. Peshawar rugs or Chobi rugs
• Shah Abbas Rugs, named after the renowned ruler of the 16th century
• Isfahan rugs, named after the place they originated from in the 16th century
• Kazak rugs from Kazakhstan

Turkish Rugs

As for Turkish rugs, they are named after the different places they belong to as well. Some of the most notable types of rugs include:

• Kilim rugs are classified based on how these rugs are weaved. There is a significant gap or slit between each of the strands, making this rug look exceptional.
• Sumak rugs are often referred to as flat-weaved rugs.
• Tulu rugs have a very thick and cushiony pile, making these rugs perfect for people who want sufficient padding on the floor
• Bright red Konya rugs, which are stories embedded in the rug strands.
• Kars rugs
• Oushak rugs
• Sivas rugs
• Hereke rugs

Conclusion

Turkish and Persian rugs are two of the most popular types of rugs out there. With this knowledge, you can now decide if you should choose Turkish rugs or look for wholesale Persian rugs Virginia.