Natural fibers are used in weaving handmade carpets, which is why the surface of the carpet feels cool in summer and warm in winter. However, machine-made carpets, due to the plastic materials (synthetic yarns) used in them, do not possess this feature. Moreover, synthetic fibers in machine-made carpets may cause allergies in children and can be harmful for people with respiratory diseases such as asthma. On the other hand, handmade carpets are generally woven with natural materials such as wool, silk, and cotton, which do not generate static electricity or cause allergies. The use of soothing and inspiring colors is another notable feature of handmade carpets. All these characteristics are implemented in Kalahdouzan carpets.
Types of Handmade Carpets Based on Material
Types of handmade carpets based on their material include:
- Silk warp carpet
- Wool warp carpet
- All-silk carpet
- Silk floral (Gol Abrisham) carpet
- Silk background carpet
Which Handmade Carpet Design Should I Choose?
Most people imagine a handmade carpet with a red or deep red background and a large medallion in the center (called a "toranj") surrounded by four corners ("lachak") adorned with beautiful floral patterns. While these are traditional designs, nowadays fewer people purchase carpets with deep red backgrounds. Nonetheless, medallion and corner (Lachak-Toranj) designs are among the oldest and most authentic Iranian patterns, still highly popular internationally.
But Iranian carpets go beyond the Lachak-Toranj design with a red background. There are other traditional patterns, some of which are fading over time. In this article, we intend to provide a guide to buying handmade carpets to help you choose the best one for your needs.
- If you prefer fine-knotted carpets and want your floor to look like a garden, designs such as Lachak, Hunting Ground, Tabriz-Qom-Isfahan medallion, and fine fish (Mahi) designs from Khoy and Marand are excellent choices.
- If you are interested in tribal and rural motifs, designs like Gol-o-Morgh (flower and bird), Tree of Life, Camel's Foot, Human and Tree, and Human and Animal from cities in Fars, North Khorasan, Kurdistan, and Golestan are suitable. Some of these are coarsely knotted and more affordable.
- If you prefer minimalist and calming handmade carpets, desert-style rugs from Yazd and Kerman are ideal. Their backgrounds, inspired by desert landscapes, include beige, gray, and camel tones. “Plain field” carpets are those without medallion and corner motifs. Quran panel, striped, and "Moharramat" patterns also fall into this category.
- If you like modern handmade carpets that match your sporty furniture, geometric designs such as Mikhanī, framed, paisley (Boteh Jegheh), and Khesti (compartmentalized) from Isfahan, Arak, and Kashan are excellent options.
- If you are looking for affordable handmade carpets, styles like Mehrabi, fine fish, and Lachak-Toranj from Zanjan, Hamedan, and Kashan—woven with thick wool—are the best choices.
Characteristics of a Good Handmade Carpet
How can one determine the quality of a handmade carpet? What are the characteristics of a high-quality handmade carpet? These are common questions for anyone planning to buy a handmade carpet.
By now, you've learned about various handmade carpet designs and can select based on your taste. However, determining quality is the most important factor when buying handmade carpets. This guide will help you identify quality carpets and possible defects.
Inspecting the Carpet's Design and Size
When buying a handmade carpet, you should pay attention to its dimensions. A few centimeters of variation between the top and bottom edges is normal for handmade carpets, but a larger difference is considered a defect—especially in small rugs. The design should also be symmetrical. You can test this by folding the carpet in half and checking the alignment of the patterns along the central lines. Use a ruler or tape measure for accuracy. If the difference from the top edge to the center motif and from the center to the bottom edge exceeds 3 cm, the price will decrease. Color symmetry is also important. Additionally, make sure that design elements are complete and not faded or unfinished. Kalahdouzan, a guardian of our cultural heritage, offers handmade carpets in 6-meter and 9-meter sizes.
Inspecting the Carpet Under Natural Light for Color Consistency
Examine the carpet from different angles under natural light. The color of the carpet appears darker in the direction of the nap and lighter against it. Patterns are better seen from the reverse direction of the nap. The color should be consistent throughout the surface with no mismatched or uneven tones. The color should be rich and deep. If there is a significant difference between the surface color and the base of the yarns, the carpet may have been dyed using low-quality dyes.
Tip: Rub a damp white cloth on suspiciously colored areas to test for colorfastness.
Quality of Carpet Pile
The pile should be durable, shiny, and flexible. Softer pile carpets are less durable, attract more dust, and are harder to clean than rougher pile carpets.
Inspecting Density, Design, and Weft Beating from the Back of the Carpet
The most influential factor in handmade carpet pricing is its design and weaving quality. The best way to assess the weave is to inspect the back of the carpet. You can observe knot count, density, weaving quality, and how tightly the wefts are beaten. Always check the back for a better understanding of the craftsmanship.
How to Count Carpet Knots: Use a magnifying glass with marked measurements to count the knots in a defined area. Multiply the number of knots in the length and width to get the total per unit area. Be precise—even a small counting error (e.g., by two) can distort the result. It is best to count knots in several sections and take an average.
Inspecting for Wear and Repairs
The best way to detect repairs is by checking the back of the carpet. Repaired sections often have different textures, roughness, and visible needle marks. To check for wear, fold the carpet and listen for crackling or signs of splitting. When checking pile quality, remember that pile height is not an indicator of fineness. Rub the pile with your hand—pile height should be even throughout with no wavy areas. Uneven pile is often caused by harsh washing or poor shearing techniques.