Everyone knows what a Persian rug is but what it is really, where did it originate, and how was it made when it first came about. When you think of Persian rugs you think of outstanding quality and a craftsmanship that is hard to beat. These rugs are made completely by hand, the weaving and the dying of the materials all done by a person. That alone makes the Persian rug an outstanding thing.

The Persian rug came from what is now Iran, being made well over half a millennium ago for the first time. At that time it was not called a Persian rug, but a carpet, a Payryk. Though not the same as today’s Persians still these carpets had an amazing 232 knots per inch.

Business boomed for the next millennium and, by the 16th century, much change had happened in the preferences of carpet buyers in the region. Depictions on carpets grew fewer and rarer, with more buyers preferring to get abstract and geometric patterns instead. The best known Persian carpet, the classical style Ardabil, came from this period and featured a radial arabesque design and a poetic inscription.

Size is a very important factor for Persian rugs, and a formal convention is used for them. Qalicheh are those rugs that measure up to six feet by four feet, while Qalii is anything larger than the Qalicheh dimensions. A separate class, Kilim, is used for rugs produced by nomadic groups that live between Southeast Europe and Pakistan.

Layout and design are considered together when creating Persian rugs. Patterns can usually range from central medallions, all-over designs and one-sided images. Motifs are a big part of design for Persian rugs, and that much is apparent in almost every rug you’re likely to see. Different formal motifs can be interpreted to carry different meanings, though several motifs could be used on a single design.

These rugs are a huge and popular industry. Just in 2008 alone it is said that $420 million of these rugs were exported to other countries. There are thought to be around 1.2 million people in Iran who work as weavers of these Persian rugs.

These Persian rugs are sure to remain a classic item for many in their homes. The art has been passed on from generation to generation and will continue to go on.

A Persian rug is a classic look that can pretty much fit into any decor, adding a touch of elegance and a wonderful look to your home. These rugs have been around for years and will be for years more, add one into your home today.