MondArt - Persian & Oriental Rug Warehouse

Are you wondering if your barren floor needs a rug? Well, you’re asking the wrong people because as the largest Persian and Oriental Rug Gallery in Eastern Canada, we think every home needs a rug or carpet. Here’s why:

1. Comfort. Walk on a naked floor than tread upon one that’s covered with a rug or carpet, and you’ll understand. The cushioning and warmth offered by a rug creates a far more pleasant surface to walk on. It’s instant luxury – a feature that we believe everyone should be lavished upon with.

2. For the complete look. Rugs are often neglected features of an interior space. Everyone pays attention to furniture, window coverings, and the walls, but rarely do they look down – or so you think. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When you enter a room, one of the most important features your eyes pick up on is the floor, since you are almost always in contact with it. You do notice what’s laying underfoot, and the style and design of what’s on the floor contributes to the overall impression the room conveys. For example, can you imagine a classically inspired room with heavy oak furniture, posh drapes and elaborate fixtures without a complimentary fine handmade Persian rug boasting an intricate floral motif? It simply would not look complete. Rooms without rugs tend to look more barren (but if that’s the “style” you’d like to achieve, maybe a rug isn’t for you after all).

3. Creates boundaries. Walls aren’t the only way to create boundaries within a space. Rugs can easily mark areas, distinguishing their boundaries without the need for inhibiting walls. For example, interiors with no walls separating the living and dining areas can use area rugs to designate the living area from the rest of the space.

4. Family heirlooms. Finer handmade Persian and Oriental rugs can be quite expensive, but there’s a reason for this: the labour intensive craftsmanship and high quality materials used. And because of these reasons, such rugs can last for generations, becoming precious heirlooms that can cost far more than what you paid originally. Take a look at antique rugs, and you’ll understand the value fine rugs possess.

5. Noise reduction. Place a rug on the floor and you’ll notice that the harsh sounds of daily life bouncing off the naked floor and walls will be dramatically reduced. Rugs absorb sounds, especially those emanating from the heavy-footed. (Okay, if you live in an apartment the people beneath you will probably appreciate it more, but you get the picture.)

At Mondart, your Toronto Persian and Oriental Rug Gallery, we believe in social responsibility. That’s why we sell rugs that have been certified by the CARE & FAIR organization.

Founded in 1994, the CARE & FAIR organization is comprised of carpet importers committed to fighting against child labour in all of the countries that manufacture carpets and rugs. They also aim to improve the working and living standards of knotters in India, Pakistan and Nepal.

Members take an active role in the communities of employment, striving to better living conditions  for both the workers and their children.  Funds are acquired through participants in these three countries, who donate just 1% of the value of their imports. These funds are then invested to support educational and training programs (for children and adults) as well improve medical care.

It is important to note that CARE & FAIR is against illegal child labour, particularly where it is forced and takes place in substandard conditions. They seek to provide education and an environment that nurtures self-determination, so that children aren’t exploited and can make the choice to work or not.

Mondart supports CARE & FAIR, hoping that others will do the same to send this clear message to manufacturers: rugs, and other products originating from more impoverished countries, should be produced socially responsibly. As a buyer, we can change the world by making the right choice. Look for the CARE & FAIR label on our modern Persian and Oriental rugs.

We haven’t changed the way our living room looks since we moved in – which was back in the 80s. Needless to say, every time we enter the room, it’s like we’re stepping into a time warp. Any suggestions?

Few people change the interiors of their home over the course of a lifetime. Most people will move in and simply keep everything the same, adding one or two things along the way. However for some, the same tired old environment can feel stagnant and oppressive – especially when fashions have changed so dramatically over the years.

Bored with the look of your home? A little paint and a change of floor covering can transform any room instantly, giving it a fresh and new look. Even if you don’t bother painting and just add or change the rug, it can make a whole world of difference. Updating the look of your home can make it more enjoyable to live in, and create a more hospitable atmosphere for guests and visitors that you’ll feel less embarrassed about.

Don’t forget to bring a photo of the room you want to transform. Take a couple of shots from various angles so our experts can help you decide what type of rug would be suitable. There’s no need to invest in new furniture (unless you want to, of course!) Tell us the kind of “feel” for the room you’d like to have (modern, comfortable, elegant, chic, etc.) and we’ll help you choose the right  quality handmade area rug or carpet. You can also browse our online Persian Rug catalogue for ideas, but remember – what’s online is only a fraction of what we have at our rug gallery!

We know this comes a little late, but we’ve noticed that some of you out there are still searching for the perfect rug for your home or office that is current and captures the trends for 2010.

While you’re shopping, just remember the key words for this year:
environmentally friendly
economical
stylishly eclectic

Environmentally Friendly
Much like last year, 2010 is also all about consuming the environmentally friendly way. When buying Persian rugs this year, you can make the greener choice by choosing something that’s handmade from naturally sourced materials and dyes rather than synthetic. Opt for a rug that’s been made from wool, cotton and/or silk instead of polyester and/or rayon. Dyes should be made from plants rather than chemicals. And just because it’s all natural, don’t think that you’ll be restricted to one category of colour and style; there is a whole range of rugs out there!

Economical
When you’re looking at a handmade natural rug with a price tag that’s a few thousand dollars, how can you be “economical”? That machine made, synthetic rug may have a substantially lower price tag, but in the long run, you’ll definitely notice the difference in quality.

Handmade Persian Rugs are the economical choice because they are not only resilient, withstanding conditions that their less expensive counterparts cannot, they can also increase in value over time. That’s right – your pricier high quality rug can be passed down as a treasured family heirloom that may be more valuable in the future than the  original price you paid.

Stylishly Eclectic
2010 is all about your style, which means combining things that you like to achieve a space that is uniquely you. Like the posh and “old” feel of traditional Persian rugs but have minimalist furniture? No problem. Don’t want your rug to compete with showier elements in your space? No problem.  Simply select a quality rug that compliments your furniture and other interior design elements. With thousands of styles, there is sure to be the perfect one at our Persian and Oriental Rug Gallery.

I just inherited a beautiful Persian Rug but I don’t know anything about it. I know many Persian Rugs have a great history behind them and can be a great topic to discuss at parties, but only if you know what you’re talking about.

So how can I find out more information about the one I’ve just received?

First, congratulations on inheriting a Persian Rug. Not only will it be a wonderful addition to your home, it may also prove to be a priceless gift and precious heirloom that you can pass on to future generations. Obviously it is worth some value if it was passed down to you.

As a reputable rug dealer with one of the largest collections of rugs in North America, Mondart guarantees an encyclopedic level of knowledge. Simply put, we know about rugs. Our staff can help accurately identify your rug and certify its age and authenticity, helping you determine the style, origin, date of manufacture and material of your inheritance. If you can’t make it to our store, however, you can certainly bring it to any other reputable rug dealer in your area. They’ll also be able to help you, since they have to in order to be able to sell their products.

But before you haul your rug to us a dealer, call ahead of time to confirm availability of their experts. You may need to schedule an appointment. Our experts are always available to speak with you at Mondart, but we always like to make sure we can reserve a block of time just for you.

If you think your Persian Rug is over 100 years old, you can also try an antique shop dealer who specializes in handicrafts from countries with a rich rug weaving history, such as Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, India or even Tibet. Of course if you know it’s Persian, try one that sells wares exclusively from Iran. Again, call ahead of time to confirm availability and whether they have sufficient knowledge of rugs.

Last post, we answered a question from a reader about confirming the authenticity of a handmade Persian rug. We continue by giving more tips, this time on how to confirm whether the rug is from Iran, also known as modern day Persia.

Confirming whether it’s from Iran
1. The easiest way to determine whether a “Persian” rug is from Iran is looking at the label. The country of origin should be stated on the label, and if it isn’t ask the sales staff. Because Iran has a number of well known weaving regions, sometimes the label may only state the city or region from which it is from. This is when your knowledge of Persian Rugs comes in handy!

2. Persian, not Persian design. Does the store sell “Persian-Design” or “Persian-Style” rugs? Chances are, they won’t be from Iran, then. These types of rugs are hand or machine woven using dyes, techniques and/or designs that have been traditionally associated with authentic Persian Rugs. You’ll probably think that the prices are great, but don’t be surprised when you find out that they’ve all been machine made in China. (This isn’t to say that machine made rugs from China aren’t good quality. They just aren’t authentic Persian Rugs.)

3. Handmade Persian Rugs are always woven using natural dyes and materials. The materials are usually wool (sheep or goat), cotton or silk.

4. The invoice should say Persian Rug. If you’ve decided to purchase a rug, have the  invoice or receipt state what exactly you are buying. Make sure the paperwork says “Persian Rug from Tabriz” or “Authentic Handmade Persian Rug from Gabbeh”, with the official name of the store/company also visible. This may not guarantee that the Persian Rug is authentic, but it does give you evidence that can be used against the company if you find out that you’ve been duped. You can also ask for a certificates of authenticity.

How do you verify whether a handmade Persian Rug is authentic? I’ve found many “Persian” Rugs that are $100, but I want to know if they are actually authentic. Can you help me?

Anybody who has shopped around for handmade Persian Rugs knows that prices really vary. You’ll be able to find “Persian” rugs priced as low as $50, and as high as several thousands of dollars. With such pricing, it can be hard to figure out whether you’re getting the real deal or just getting ripped off, regardless of how much you spend.

Here are some tips to help you figure out what’s authentic and what’s not.

Confirming whether it’s handmade
1. Front = back. If they claim it’s handmade, then check the back of the rug. The design will look the same on the front as it does on the back. The only difference will be the presence of pile. If you can’t even see the design, then the rug might not even be woven. Tufted rugs have a piece of fabric that covers the back.

2. Softer and more pliable. The texture of a handmade rug is more pliable than a machine made one. Handmade rugs resemble thick fabric, while machine made ones are quite stiff.

3. Knots that aren’t identical. While looking at the back, check the knot formation. If every knot is identical, than it’s machine made (this trait actually contributes to the stiffness of a rug).

4. The fringe is part of the rug – not sewn on. The fringe on any handmade rug is actually a part of the foundation of the rug. It should not look like it’s been attached to it. If it does look that way, it’s not handmade.

5. Every rug is different. Handmade Persian Rugs are each unique, since every step of its creation is performed by hand. That means no matter how similar one Persian Rug is compared to another, there will always be something that’s different. It can be a slight variation in colour, shape, or style. Whatever it is, the difference will be visible to the human eye and you, when browsing.

More tips coming soon…

(The picture shows a rug that’s obviously not handmade. Look at the fringe – it looks like it’s been tacked on)

Kilims are flatwoven pileless rugs that can be used as floor coverings, wall decorations and table coverings. They generally feature geometric designs that can be intricate or simple, in subtle or vivid colours from  naturally sourced dyes. Although a variety of designs and colours are available, it may sometimes be difficult to find one that achieves an aesthetically pleasing balance with the rest of a room in your home. Here are some tips to help you choose a kilim that works well with the rest of a room and everything that’s in it.

1. Subtle colours and less intricate geometric patterns are usually easier to match with the rest of a room. Brighter colours and complicated designs, such as smaller motifs that repeat numerous times, are best for rooms that have plainer walls and monotone furniture, preferably of natural wood. That way, it’s not as busy and more than one thing isn’t competing for attention.

2. Consider the amount of natural light in a room. The more natural light there is, the more the colours and patterns of a kilim are visible. As a result, brighter rooms are better suited for any range of colour or pattern. Darker rooms may be more suited to less intricate patterns so that the overall beauty of the kilim is not hidden by dim lighting and can still be appreciated.

3. Matching the dominant pattern of a kilim is easier to do than trying to match every part of the patterns visible.This goes for the colour as well.

To determine the dominant pattern, simply look at the kilim from a distance instead of studying it up close.

4. Bring samples of the paint, wallpaper, and fabrics that you’ve used in the room. It’ll be easier to find a match when you have something concrete with you as you shop.

5. Ask the rug dealer if you can take the kilim home with you. Many places will allow you to do this.

However, if you’ve already purchased the kilim, make sure to retain the receipt. You can always return or exchange it for something else if you realize it’s not suitable when you get home.

6. Choose a thicker, more durable kilim for areas of higher traffic. That way, it’ll last longer. Softer, more delicate kilims are more suitable as table coverings, wall hangings, or placed in areas that are less frequented, such as beside the bed (imagine feeling a luxuriously soft kilim under your feet first thing when you get out of bed!)

Persian rugs and carpets make the interior of any home cozier, warmer and more interesting. Depending on their type and design, they add a unique touch that enhances the beauty of a room.

However, rugs and carpets can also be a potential health hazard. They can seriously harm the air quality of your home, emitting VOCs (voltaile organic compounds) and allergens. They may also serve as a fertile breeding ground for dust mites.

There’s no need to get rid of that beautiful rug, though. Instead, follow these tips to keep floor coverings from threatening your health.

1. When considering which rug to purchase, it’s not just enough to think about how it’ll look in your home. Also consider the material from which the floorcovering is made. Higher quality rugs that are created from natural fibres, such as wool and cotton, as well as naturally sourced dyes from vegetables and minerals do not release chemical smells. They may have a particular odor, but they won’t be as harmful as those that are released from synthetic materials and dyes. If the smell bothers you, simply air it out in the garage for a while before you place it inside your home.

2. The thicker the plush, the harder it is to clean. It’s easier for allergens and mites to get trapped in lusher piles, which means that you may want to go for rugs with a lower pile.

3. Tufted carpets have a backing that secures the pile in place. Adhesives used to seal the backing to the body can release a number of VOCs,  so you may want to choose woven carpets instead. If you really want a tufted carpet, though, it may be worth choosing one that has a Green Label. This certification is given to carpets that have low VOC emissions.

4. Your rugs should be vacuumed at least once a week to eliminate or reduce allergens and mites. Target both sides when vacuuming.

5. Get your rugs professionally cleaned about once a year to get rid of dust mites and moths. This will also prolong its longevity.

Many of us decide to buy a Persian rug after we’ve chosen the colour and style of the walls, furniture and fabrics of the room where it will be located. Obviously when considering a particular rug, decisions are made depending on whether the rug matches the rest  of the room’s aesthetics (i.e. colours, style, and design). But it is also important to keep in mind whether the rug can serve its practical function as a floor covering without being a nuisance. This means, among other things, that its edges/fringes shouldn’t be in the way of heavily trafficked areas (to prevent damage or tripping), frequently moved furniture like chairs should be able to serve their purpose without impediment, and doors shouldn’t be blocked from opening and closing easily. The Persian Rug you decide to buy should compliment the rest of the interior elements while at the same time being practical. The rug that’s best for a room does not have to cover the entire floor nor does it have to be rectangular. It may cover a small area left undesirably bare, or a space that is round or square.

On the other hand, if you haven’t decorated the room already, you may want to consider starting off by choosing the Persian rug first. This may be difficult, since most times it is the walls that get preferential treatment. However, although floor coverings come in a wide array of styles and colours, you’ll most likely have an easier time finding paint, furniture, or drapes to match a rug rather than the other way around. Planning the interior of a room by beginning with the rug can make the designing process easier and create an end result that compliments the beauty of every element – and it is all too common that a rug, as valuable as it may be, is simply placed carelessly on the floor as if it were just an afterthought.

Helpful Tip

Take a piece of advice from the pros. Bring a floor plan of the room with you when you’re shopping around for a rug, with dimensions. Include everything in the room, from distinct features like a bay window to anything that takes up floor space. You may also want to bring in fabric and paint samples so that you can refer to the exact colours in the room. This will help you figure out which size, colour and style of a Persian rug is most suitable.