MondArt - Persian & Oriental Rug Warehouse

Carpet Pile Types

March 8th, 2010

There are a variety of carpets and rugs manufactured today.  While there are many ways to classify carpet types, one way is by looking at the pile.

The pile is the softer, raised part of the rug located on the top surface. Some rugs do not have any pile at all, such as kilims and dhurries, however the majority of traditional Persian and Oriental rugs do. Here are the common categories that classify piles:

Woven

At our Toronto area rug gallery showroom, you’ll notice that the vast majority of rugs on display feature this type of pile.  A woven pile is constructed by knotting pieces of yarn onto the foundation of a rug (the warp and weft). The manner in which knots are constructed depend on the region in which the rug was made, along with other factors such as artistic background and ethnicity.

Woven piles tend to create a flat and overall even surface that is denser and firmer, both visually and tangibly. Some consider this type of pile to be superior, believing it to be more resilient. When speaking about the archetype  of Persian rugs, you would only think about a woven pile.

Tufted

There are two main types of tufted piles: looped and cut.  Both are created by inserting each yarn forming the pile into the base of the rug with a needle or gun, then keeping it in place with adhesive and/or a backing on the underside of the rug.

Tufted rugs have become popular in recent times, particularly when manufacturing wall-to-wall carpeting. The manufacturing process tends to be mechanized, enabling mass production.

Looped: Regular and Cord

A pile that is looped creates a pile that is smoother than its woven counterpart, although it can be made coarser depending on the material, if the yarn has been twisted and the size of each loop. Each yarn that forms the pile is in the formation of a loop.

A cord pile is essentially a looped pile, except the size of the loops is smaller. This creates a very tight pile.

Cut: Regular, Velvet, Saxony and Shag

The loops inserted into the base of the rug are cut to create a cut pile. The length of the pile is what determines whether it is velvet, regular, Saxony or Shag: velvet is the shortest and shag is the longest.

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Styling with Persian Area Rug Colours

March 1st, 2010

When we decorate our home, we tend to choose colours that we like. However, this statement is far too simplistic. What makes us “like” a colour? In most cases, what we prefer depends on several factors, including the overall impression we hope to achieve when using colours to decorate a room – an impression that we would like to surround ourselves with.

There are two classifications of colour: warm and cool. Choosing the right Persian Area Rug colour to compliment the overall mood and feel of a room depends on a set of general rules that all interior decorators follow:

Warm

If you want your room to be warm and inviting, you’ve probably chosen orange, red, purple, yellow and/or soft brown to decorate. These colours, located on one half of the colour wheel, are great for places in your home like the living room or bedroom, where you tend to relax and escape. Fortunately, with the exception of purple and more vibrant shades of yellow, there are a plethora of Persian Rug designs that feature these colours, so it’ll be easy to find something that’s suitable for such a room.

Although some shades of blue may seem a bit austere, complimented by white the colours convey serenity (ideal for a bedroom).

Cool

The cool colours are blues and greens. These cool colours are commonly used to expand a space, best for spaces that are small, but you wish to make bigger. They may also be suitable for the laundry room or bathroom. Your Toronto Persian Area Rug Gallery, Mondart, offers plenty of rugs that feature cool colours. With intricate detailing in blue and/or green, these rugs are suitable to create the overall impression of spaciousness and serenity.

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Customized Rugs

February 22nd, 2010

At Mond’art, we strive to accommodate your needs. That’s why we offer Customized Rugs in Toronto, entirely designed according to your specific requirements.

Need a carpet with a picture you’ve sketched out? A traditional Persian design combined with swirls reminiscent of modern Tibetan rugs? A portrait of you and your family that you’d like to have duplicated? These are designs that you simply cannot find anywhere, unless you ask us. We can take your plans to our masterweavers in Iran to create the rug you want, following the time honoured techniques that have survived through the centuries. Our masterweavers will diligently follow the design you’ve presented to them using resilient materials and natural based dyes. Let us know your specifications regarding size, colour and type, and you will receive a beautiful handwoven rug of the highest quality, featuring the traits you outlined.

It’s all about getting what you want, without compromise.

Talk to us about our Customized Rug Services for the Greater Toronto Area by calling 905-482-0888, or drop by our fully stocked gallery to speak with a knowledgeable Persian Rug Sales Representative. And if you just can’t find what you want, let us know. We can help you determine the right design for your home or office.

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Persian Rugs Are In Style for 2010

February 20th, 2010

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.

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Common Persian Rug Pattern: Tree of Life

February 15th, 2010

One of the most beautiful aspects of handmade traditional Persian rugs and carpets is the design. Whether intricate and elaborate or simple and subtle, Persian rug designs are highly admired by buyers and rug weavers alike for their beauty and important symbolic meaning.

Each pattern on a Persian rug is not just an image that “looks nice” – it is far more than that.  The elements of a design also hold important cultural and/or religious meaning. For example, let’s discuss the tree of life.

The Tree of Life, or Derakhti
The tree of life, also referred to as derakhti, is a prevalent symbol that appears on Persian rugs. As a tree that boasts many branches (although those that appear on nomadic rugs may only have one with leaves), it is one of the oldest patterns used and can be found on rugs of antiquity.

For Persians, the tree of life represents immortality and the link between earth and heaven. Other traits that this may symbolize also include health, wealth, longevity and humanity. It is a symbol that is profoundly spiritual and dates back to Ancient Egyptian times.

Persian rugs may feature a single tree of life with branches stretching across the entire rug, or many trees in a repeated pattern. Weaving centres in Iran that commonly produce rugs featuring this symbol include Tabriz and Isfahan, although these towns are far from being the only ones. The kilims of nomadic groups also use derakhti, creating more abstract versions.

The rug pictured is a traditional Persian rug from the Qum region (Rug Code: 352n1195). It is 6.8′ x 4.3′, handwoven with a soft Kurk Wool pile and cotton base. For more information, please visit our Persian handmade rug gallery.

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Traditional vs Transitional Rugs

February 10th, 2010

Traditional and transitional Persian Rugs can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. Because elements of traditional rugs exist in transitional rugs, the categories can get blurred.
To the trained eye, the two are quite easy to pick out. Here are some key differences:

Traditional Persian Rugs
traditional1. Although there are variations in design depending on the geographical area in which a piece is created, all feature designs impassioned with cultural and historical meaning. Often, traditional rugs feature beautifully complex designs that can dazzle the eye.

2. A prominent central medallion exists, particularly when the motif is floral.

3. Designs are ornate, with elaborate patterns comprising curved motifs. They may vary in degree of intricacy.

4. Some traditional Persian Rugs are pictorials, meaning that the design is of a scene, often taken from nature.

5. Designs may also be geometric and linear in nature. These are traditional rugs, but usually tribal in origin.

6. The entire design on the rug is encased by a border that is typically ornate.

Transitional Persian Rugs
transitional1. Muted tones in earthy shades and lighter colours are common, however this trait should not be considered a hardfast rule since traditional rugs may also bear the same. Browns and beiges are popular, alone or coupled with earthy reds and blues.

2. While borders and traditional motifs are still featured, large central medallions are not as common and may be smaller and less pronounced. In some instances, no central medallion may appear at all.

3. Floral motifs are quite common, but have a less formal feel as those that appear in traditional rugs.

4. In general, transitional rugs tend to be easier to match – making them compatible with a wider variety of furnishings and decor.

At Mondart, our knowledgeable staff can help you better understand the differences between traditional and transitional rugs, assisting you in finding the perfect Persian Rug for your home or office.

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Hanging Persian Rugs and Kilims

February 5th, 2010

hangingrugFor the floor, or for the wall! That beautiful Persian rug or kilim you purchased can serve as a floor or wall covering. To hang your treasured “floor” covering on the wall, you have a number of options.

Frames
Perhaps the most elaborate way to hang a rug or kilim is to frame it, in the same manner as a painting, photograph or drawing. This is best for smaller pieces in terms of labour, however framing larger pieces can appear quite grandiose and suit posher interiors.

Carpet Rods
If your rug is a rectangle or square, a sleeve can be attached to the back near the top edge so that a rod can be inserted. This rod would then rest on brackets attached to the wall (or from hooks hanging from the ceiling).  It is best to seek the assistance of a professional before attaching a sleeve to your rug.

Carpet Hangers
In the past, carpet hangers were simply two strips of wood between which a rug would be secured in place by a number of small pins (or fine nails).  The rug could then be mounted on the wall. Another variation requires only one strip of wood with the pins pointing upwards. The rug would be pressed onto the pins, hanging over the wood strip. This allowed for easy removal of the floor covering for cleaning.

However, there are a variety of carpet hangers available on the market today, crafted from hardwood and metal that are in a whole range of shades and designs. Some are very plain while others can be highly ornate. If you’re having trouble selecting the most sagging-rugsuitable one for your rug, call us. We can help (even if you didn’t buy the rug at our store!)

And Remember…
The most important thing to remember when hanging a rug is that it doesn’t sag anywhere along the edge where it connects to the hanger, no matter what type of hanger you use (see the photo to the left of what NOT to do). This could be disastrous!

Regardless of size or weight, you have to make sure that the rug has plenty of support in a vertical state so that it doesn’t warp. Select a product that is strong enough to provide the support it requires. The last thing you want is to damage your precious rug, especially when in such a visible location.

You’ll also want to make sure that the wall is cleaned and thoroughly dried prior to hanging.

Posted in On the Wall | 6 Comments »

Goat Hair Rugs

January 29th, 2010

goatThe most common material used to construct the pile, warp or weft of a traditional Persian Rug is sheep’s wool. As a naturally sourced material, it is sturdy, durable and absorbs dyes well.

Less common, but still prevalent, are rugs woven from goats’ hair. Yarn produced from goat hair makes a remarkable material for weaving and is frequently used in more traditional and tribal rugs, particularly of Kurdish origin. It can be used to construct the foundation of the rug or for the binding of the edges to prevent unraveling (selvedge). Though coarser and stiffer, it is longer than sheep’s wool and tends to be far shinier, creating pieces with a vivid appearance and attractive sheen. Processing can help it become finer and silkier. In fact, some of the finest and softest yarns are of goat hair, including cashmere (taken from the inner hair of the cashmere/kashmir goat) and mohair (taken from the Angora goat). Pashmina (another term for cashmere) and mohair rugs are truly luxurious pieces that can bring warmth that ordinary sheep’s wool cannot.

Goat hair, much like sheep’s wool, is believed to have been used for thousands of years, beginning at roughly the same time as when both goats and sheep were domesticated (circa 8000BC).  Goat hair yarn does not have to be dyed, maintaining the original colour as it was on the animal.

A common rug that is woven from goats’ hair is the traditional kilim. This flatwoven floor cover has no pile. Traditionally hand woven goat hair kilims are thick and extremely durable, making them an ideal choice for heavily trafficked areas of the home.

If you’re interested in purchasing a goat hair Persian Rug, please contact us. We can help find the perfect Persian rug for your home.

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Appraising Persian Rugs

January 22nd, 2010

will

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.

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Authenticating Persian Rugs: Part 2

January 17th, 2010

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!

receipt2. 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.

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