When you buy a hand-knotted rug, this means that a skilled weaver individually tied every knot, this creating a one-of-a-kind handmade rug. That is what makes hand-knotted rugs so special, and that is what makes them so much more expensive than all other types of area rugs. Depending on how many knots are in each square inch (50 to 160 knots per inch is typical, 400 per square inch is remarkable), it can take more than a year for one weaver to complete a 9x12 rug. Wool, silk and cotton are the three primary materials that are used to make a hand-knotted rug. Wool is the most used material. New Zealand and South Korean wools are often mixed with local wools because they have more lanolin, which adds sheen, strength [...]

Wool has a natural ability to resist staining and soiling. In fact it has more than a 30% higher rate of stain resistance than even the best synthetic fibers. It’s so good at resisting stains because of the natural light lanolin that coats the surface of the wool. This coating helps stop dirt and stains from actually penetrating the wool leaving any soiling on or near the surface. That’s why spills on wool is very easy to clean. Wool fiber is also flame resistant providing natural flame retardant without the addition of chemicals. Because of this wool is an excellent choice for any room in your home and especially for children’s rooms. Wool is also very durable and will last for many years without showing signs of wear. While wool [...]

  (Hand-Knotted Moroccan rug with braided fringe) Hand-knotted rugs are the most unique, and since they require more effort and time to create, cost more. The benefit of these rugs is that no two would ever be exactly alike. You’re getting a piece of art. “These types of rugs are produced on big looms, quite similar to other fabrics, which are woven. The piles can be Berber or plush. However, plush ones are generally cut piles and Berber ones are loop piles. Innovative style carpets combining the two techniques have also been launched. Vibrant colorful yards are usually employed to weave intricate patterns and designs on the rugs.  Woven rugs are generally the most expensive ones due to the involvement of a lot of toil and labor. (Tufted Rug in progress.  [...]

Persian rugs are frequently absorbed into the generic description “oriental,” a class of fine, patterned rugs woven throughout Asia and the Middle East. Strictly defined, Persian rugs come from Iran, although historic Persian Rugs originated in that entire region, not just within present-day geographic boundaries. The rugs are characterized by dense weaves, unique knots and opulent colors. The oldest known rug in existence is from the 5th century BCE. The 2,500-year-old Pazyryk rug, was found frozen in an icy tomb in Siberia, and still retains its deep red dye. The art of rug weaving is ancient and so too are the color dyeing techniques, symbols, styles, and motifs. The meaning attributed to these are a way to share stories and pass them down from generation to generation. Colors for the dyes are obtained from nature. Colors [...]

The process of hand knotting rugs goes back a few thousand years. The oldest rug in the world is the “Pazyryk” carpet, which dates to the 5th century BCE. The ancient art form and master craft of hand knotting rugs continues today. It starts with a design drawn on graph paper, called a "cartoon". Then the weavers take the design and begin the process of making the rug, one knot at a time. Each color of yarn is chosen according to the graphed design and then tied unto the "warp." Depending on the type of knots made, the size of the wool strands, and how tightly the knots are tied and pounded down, this will determine the density and level of quality of a rug. For fine "oriental" rugs a high [...]

(Durie Kilim Hand Woven Flat Weave Rug) Advantages/Disadvantages of Flatwoven Rugs Advantages ◦Flatwoven rugs are reasonably priced. ◦There are many beautiful colors and patterns available.... ◦Flatwoven rugs are reversible. ◦A flatwoven rug can also be considered a collecting piece if the rug was made by hand in the Middle East. Disadvantages ◦Flatwoven rugs can cause slippage without a proper rug pad. ◦They are not as thick or as durable as hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs. ◦It's difficult to identify machine-made from hand-woven construction. ◦Flatwoven rugs do not hide stains as well as rugs with a pile. Oriental Rug Salon is a Certified Partner with the prestigious Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification and the international Carpet & Rug Institute, CRI.  We are also A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau and [...]

(Heriz Persian Rug - Country) Country rugs have a reputation for using natural dyes and bold and geometric patterns that are unique to each community. Because the dyes are natural, country rug weavers often use less color in each rug. The age-old process started with nomadic tribes in Mongolia and Turkey and continues today to define the cultural heritage of many countries throughout Asia and the Middle East. The process may begin in a pasture where men shear the sheep. The wool is then spun and dyed, preferably using natural plants such as indigo, madder, pomegranates or oak. The wool is then brought into villages where the women of extended families sit together around a loom and weave designs that are integral to their history, religion, and way of life. [...]

(The above is a Persian Tribal rug from Iran) When preserving a client's beautiful area rug we often hear that they have a "Persian" or "Oriental" rug and many clients don't the difference between the two very distinct rug types. Oriental Rugs By the strictest definition, Oriental rugs are rugs hand knotted only in Asia. Iran, China, India, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, Tibet, and Nepal are some of the biggest rug exporters. Persian Rugs Persian rugs also are Oriental rugs but they are made only in Iran (formerly known as Persia). An authentic Persian rug or carpet is hand knotted. Persian rug designs were once named after the city in which they were created. As their popularity increased, these patterns became produced elsewhere and kept their original names. Tabriz, Hamadan, Gabbeh, Heriz, [...]

Did you know Rugs and carpets used in mosques often have motifs like the Kaaba (in Mecca), a mosque lamp (symbolic of Allah), a water basin (symbolizing of ritual ablution) and sometimes a mountain (symbolically elevating the worshipper) woven into them. Above is a prime example of an antique Turkish prayer rug with a mosque lamp motif.  (Note the lamps hanging in the background). Oriental Rug Salon is SW Florida's largest and most experienced Oriental, wool and silk area rug cleaning and repair facility.  We are a Certified Partner with the prestigious Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the international Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI).  We are also A+ certified with the Better Business Bureau and Angie's List. If we can ever be of service to you or [...]

Ever wonder why "Hand-Knotted Oriental Rugs" cost so much?  Here's why.... An 8X10 hand-knotted wool rug of good quality with 400 knots per square inch (4,608,000 total knots) takes approximately 6,144 hours or 768 eight hour work days to make. Now you know..... Oriental Rug Salon is SW Florida's most experienced and largest Oriental, wool and silk area rug cleaning and repair company serving all of Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel, Punta Gorda, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples FL. We are a Certified Partner with the prestigious Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the international Carpet & Rug Institute.  We are also A+ certified with Angie's List and the Better Business Bureau. At Oriental Rug Salon we do not use automated equipment to "clean" rugs as we [...]