This is a common misconception. Although essentially true, the same design may be used in more than one rug, but since each rug is handmade slight variations in weave and design are inevitable. No matter how skilled the weaver, it is impossible to exactly duplicate another rug. Every rug will differ slightly.

When investing in an authentic, hand-woven Oriental rug or kelim, you’re investing in one of the highest art forms practised by humankind. The rugs usually hold their value quite well, but if you want them to appreciate they need to either be antique or very fine or rare pieces.

The rugs are usually named after their place of origin, or with nomadic items, the name of the weaving tribe. Sometimes the names also refer to the design, eg: Afghan bokhara (bokhara denotes the small multiple medallion design).

The price is dependent on the size of the rug; the number of knots per square inch (how finely woven it is); The materials used (eg: wool/cotton/silk), and type of dyes used (eg: chemical or vegetable).

There are several factors: • The design is not “crisp” or easily visible on the back of the carpet on a machine-made rug. • If you look on the back of the rug and the web and warp lines are in “too straight” (perfectly straight) lines, it may be machine-made. • If you open the pile on the front of the rug near the fringes, you can sometimes see that the wool is not knotted over the warp on a machine-made rug. • You can sometimes see that the fringes have been added after the weaving, ie: the fringes are not part of the body of the carpet, in machine made rugs. • The materials used in machine made carpets on not natural materials rather machine made carpets are made of synthetic materials. • The number of colours in machine made carpets are never more than 3 to 5 but in Handmade carpet, colours could reach up to 20 to 25 depending on carpet.

No. Although some people do like one look throughout their house, it is often more interesting to have a variety of rugs and kelims. As long as the rug/ kelim fits in with it’s specific area’s style and colours.

It is best to start with the rug and work up from there. Your rug will probably be the item that stays with you the longest, so rather that choosing a rug to match eg: curtains, try to start with the rug you like best and find fabrics that complement it.

Persian rugs are relatively easy to care for. Simply vacuum on a weekly basis. We don't suggest you vacuum the fringes, as this can pull them out over time. If you spill something or have a mark on the rug, you can use some dry carpet foam and sponge it out. It is of critical importance that you never wet your rugs or kelims, or attempt to wash them yourself. Rather leave this to the experts! Bring them in to us and let our workshop clean and repair them for you.