Vintage (antique-looking) carpets and their features

Nowadays when choosing between tradition and modernity has become so difficult, a vintage carpet is a perfect option for an original change in decoration. We have all been in situations that make us want to remove anything traditional from our lives and minds and bring modernity into our homes instead. And sometimes we would be willing to pay fortunes to get back the old days or at least relive those feelings once again

We see often that people buy old items and accessories and keep them in the modern environment of their homes so that they can create a unique and memorable contrast. Vintage carpets, also called antique-looking carpets, are designed, produced, and sold with this very idea in mind If you wish to multiply the beauty of your home with old decorative elements, vintage carpets are just the thing for you.

1- What is a vintage carpet?

The term Vintage or antique-looking is generally used for decorative elements that are considered antiques, and have a long history This is why old-looking carpets that have a great resemblance to old ones are called vintage carpets. You surely know in the expertise of carpets, that the older and more well-worn a carpet is, the more its price and value will be.

As you know nowadays the price of antiques is higher than ever and acquiring them has become very difficult. There is no doubt that antique carpets are no exception. Seeing as we cannot buy actual antique carpets because of their hefty price, we should turn to new carpets that look old. Buy this we mean vintage carpets.

A vintage carpet is a popular carpet that has lost its original fresh color and doesn’t have any pile. This group of carpets that have an old and worn-out look, are an appropriate replacement for the antique carpets that many of us can no longer afford.

2- Making new carpets look old; a work with a long history!

It might interest you to know that making new carpets look old isn’t something limited to the present and has roots in the distant past. In the past, they laid new carpets in streets and alleys so that their appearance would change and they would look aged because of sunlight and the passing of people. Then they would be washed with water, a brush, and ash, which is alkaline. Today this is called a cure-wash (Dava-sho)

By using calcium hypochlorite during the Cure-washing process, the wool and fiber in the carpet lose their luster and color, and look old and well-worn.

Now you might say to yourself that we pay money to get a new carpet and give our home a beautiful appearance So then what is the use of a vintage carpet? Why would someone rather pay money for a carpet that already looks old?

3- The use of vintage carpets:

A carpet is one of the most essential elements of home decor for us Iranians. So much so, that if there is no carpet, nothing can show its beauty the way it should!

Carpets with any design, pattern, or color will create a unique and stylish environment. The thing that makes vintage carpets popular is their harmony with various decoration styles and with modern items and furniture. It doesn’t matter if your home is decorated in a minimalist or classic style. The important thing is that your home will gain a grand authenticity with the use of this beautiful vintage carpet!

4- How vintage carpets are made:

So far we’ve said that a vintage or antique-looking carpet is a carpet that has a classic pattern and has been made to look old and antique using industrial methods This type of carpet is usually made using machines, however, there are various other ways to make them, but seeing as these methods are somewhat complicated, they are not used often!

Are you interested in learning about this method?! Stay tuned.

To make a vintage carpet, first, we choose a carpet and cut off the roots from around it. Then it is re-sewed or in some instances the white roots are colored with dark colors like pomegranate skin, so they take on a golden color and look old. In the next step, the carpet’s pile is trimmed and is thus made to look like an old and well-worn carpet. Next, the carpet is washed with chemicals like Calcium Hypochlorite, so its color will appear faded and less intense. As we pointed out before, this process is called a cure-wash.

After the cure-wash, the carpet is folded and put into a roller machine so the surface of the carpet will become smooth. In this stage, the carpet is laid out under the sun so its color will change as much as is desired. It doesn’t end there! Now they must re-dye the carpet. Even though some of the carpet’s color fades after cure-washing, none of its pattern is lost. Therefore, the desired color can be added to the remaining parts by re-dyeing them. This is what causes the colors used in vintage carpets to be inconsistent. You will understand this if you look at the appearance of vintage carpets.

Some vintage carpets are vibrant and some are faded. Some are full of bright colors, and some are dark. You can purchase and use the appropriate vintage carpet according to your taste, and your home’s interior decor.

5- The benefits of vintage carpets:

Vintage carpets, like any other type, have their advantages and disadvantages. By keeping in mind the various features of these carpets, you can choose one and thus give your home a unique appearance, if you wish to do so. Some of the most important benefits of vintage carpets are their classy and beautiful appearance, authentic design, affordable pricing, compatibility with interior decor, etc. If you have a carpet that has gotten old and you no longer wish to use it, you can turn it into a beautiful and lovely vintage carpet.

6- Vintage carpets; a carpet suitable for a variety of interior decorations:

Maybe when you see a vintage carpet, you think to yourself that these carpets would not suit your home, and are only good for old homes with old furniture. If you think this, you are deeply mistaken. The captivating design of vintage carpets has turned it into an ideal option for use in minimalist decor.

These seemingly old carpets are available in various designs and can therefore cater to various tastes. Even if you have decorated your house to look modern, but are fond of antiques, we suggest that you enhance your home’s beauty with a vintage carpet.

These carpets are offered in many patterns including Eliz, Negar, Venice, Turkish, French, Isfahan, modern, Maryam, etc. They are also weaved in various sizes and reeds, including 700, 1200, and 1500 reeds.

7- The price of vintage carpets:

The price of vintage carpets is one of the most influential factors in buying this type of carpet for consumers. It is interesting to know that the price of these carpets, like all other carpets on the market, is dependent on various factors, the most important of which are density, reeds count, thread type, brand, the company that makes them, etc.

Even though the price of these carpets may vary, and is dependent on the aforementioned factors, what really matters is that their price is ideal relative to their beauty and efficiency. Especially since these carpets replace the expensive antique carpets that we cannot afford. So it is better to use the cheaper alternative!

The 1500 reeds carpet! The epitome of detail and beauty

A carpet can be regarded as one of the essential and important elements of home decor, that is a suitable covering for the floor. A carpet is a woven expansive of wool and sometimes silk fiber, that is usually used to cover the floor. Seeing as rugs and carpets have beautiful designs and patterns, these days their decorative aspect is also considered.

All researchers in the world deeply acknowledge that carpets and carpet weaving started in Asia. The history of carpet weaving goes back to the fifth and sixth century B.C. in central Asia. It should be noted that the city of Kashan has been known as the carpet capital of the world since 2014.

Because of their high artistic value, hand-woven carpets are expensive, and not affordable for all families. And so machine-made carpets entered the market, and demand for them increased by the day.

You might think at first that buying a machine-made carpet is not a reasonable and logical choice, because they are not beautiful and high quality enough. But you would be completely wrong, because not only are machine-made carpets amazing in terms of beauty, but they also have great quality, and are cheaper than hand-woven carpets

In recent years the growth of machine-made carpet production in Iran, and Kashan specifically, has been quite remarkable. Kashan carpet factories have bought most of their machines from big international companies. Having the best machines and cutting-edge technology, as well as a highly skilled and artistic workforce results in producing the best and most high-quality carpets in the world. The most high-quality and new carpets are made in Kashan and then shipped to other cities.

Choosing a carpet that has beauty, quality, durability, and longevity is of the utmost importance. There are several types of machine-made carpets, and they are classified based on a characteristic called density (knot count). 500, 700, 1000, 1200, and 1500 reeds carpets are available in the market in a variety of densities. To understand machine-made carpets, it is best to understand terms like knot-count and density. Here, we will learn about these terms.

Knot count refers to the number of knots or roots in a meter of a carpet’s width. To understand this better, let’s imagine a 1500 reeds, 9-meter carpet, that is 3 meters by 3 meters in size. There are 1500 reeds in each meter of the width of this carpet. The higher a carpet’s reeds, the more beautiful it will be.

The density of a carpet is twice the number of knots in the length of the carpet. For instance, a 1500 reeds carpet has a density of 4500 in each meter of its length of 2550 knots. The higher the density of the carpet, the stronger and thicker it will be.

The most basic and important difference between reeds and density is that reeds is related to the pattern and fine texture of the carpet, but density relates to how compact the carpet is.

It should be noted that these days’ machine-made carpets are categorized based on reeds and density. But in the past, these carpets were only made with reeds of 320, and the categorization of carpets was only based on their design, patterns, and color scheme.

With the passing of time and the advancement of technology, machine-made carpets have progressed and become revolutionized Carpets with 1500 reeds are the newest and most recent type of machine-made carpets. Here, we intend to explain some things about carpets with reeds of 1500, including why you should buy them.

In the year 2017, the most detailed machine-made carpet in the world was unveiled in Kashan. 1500 reeds carpets, with their beautiful and unique patterns, are suitable for many types of decoration, especially classic decor. The brightness and beauty of these carpets is incomparable to other machine-made carpets.

1500 reeds carpets are considered luxurious and opulent and bring significant beauty to homes with their extraordinary beauty and variety in colors. These carpets are a good choice for big houses, mansions, and other luxurious and glamorous spaces.

Another advantage of 1500 reeds carpets is that with their beauty and pleasantness, and their detail and subtlety, they bring immense beauty to homes.

The dense weave of this carpet causes its patterns to be clear and coherent and gives the carpet the appearance of a smooth velvet fabric. Only the most delicate threads can be used to weave 1500 reeds carpets; because the high density with cause the threads to become entangled and for the flowers to become unrecognizable. This is why only very thin treads can be used so that the carpets can have the utmost beauty.

The threads used in these carpets, like the ones used in other machine-made carpets, are usually made of heat-set acrylic, polyester, and polypropylene. The use of heat-set acrylics in these carpets causes them to be resistant to moisture, stretching, etc.

Because of the high density of 1500 reeds carpets, only very thin and delicate threads are used. The use of the thinnest threads (36) is one of the most prominent qualities of these carpets. The heavy detailing in 1500 reeds carpets causes them to have a unique and beautiful pattern that can compete with hand-woven carpets. This has made it possible to weave very fine patterns in these carpets. The threads used in 1500 reeds carpets do not shed and are perfect with people who are allergic to carpets shedding.

One quality of 1500 reeds carpets is their fine weaving and finely detailed patterns, compared to other machine-made carpets. Another prominent quality is how thin 1500 reeds carpets are because of their high density. Because of their high detailing and low thickness, these carpets don’t stay in place on the floor, so it is best to use a carpet grip or rug pad to stop them from slipping. These carpets also cannot tolerate heavy objects like dinner tables. It is best to avoid placing these objects on 1500 reeds carpets. So as we said before, 1500 reeds carpets are best suited for grand and luxurious places.

The best and most unique characteristic of 1500 reeds carpets is how similar they are in their special and beautiful appearance to fully silk hand-woven carpets.

Another characteristic of these carpets we can point out is the closeness of knots because of the density of the carpet, which prevents dust, dirt, or anything else from entering it.

How to buy a carpet? Key points in buying a carpet

Buying a carpet can become complicated and tedious if you do not employ the use of a carpet-choosing guide or a carpet expert. When buying a carpet, you have a wide variety of options.

Whatever your budget is, you can make many choices between a variety of carpets, including machine-made carpets, Gabbe carpets, or modern carpets. But how must we find the best carpet, and not regret our purchase? Don’t worry! The experts at Miniature Carpets have put together a comprehensive guide that when read will turn you into a carpet-buying expert.

1- The density of a machine-made carpet:

The best guide to choosing a machine-made carpet is to pay attention to its density. You have definitely heard of a 1500-reeds or 1200-reeds carpet. The reeds value in a machine-made carpet shows the density of its weave. The denser a carpet is, or in other words the higher its reeds, the more detailed and beautiful its design will be.The price would also be higher. Of course, a 1500-reeds carpet is thinner than a 1000 or 700-reeds carpet. So if you care about the design of your carpet being raised, buy a carpet with lower reeds.

The densest machine-made carpet you can find on the Miniature Carpet website is 1500 reeds. The knot count of a carpet shows the number of knots in every meter or 100 centimeters of carpet. So to make sure of a carpet’s knot count, you can examine its back and count the number of knots in each 10 centimeters. For instance, a 1500 reeds carpet would have 150 knots in 10 centimeters.

2- The color and patterns of machine-made carpets:

You should choose the color and pattern of your carpets based on your taste, and depending on the color of your couches and curtains. Of course, it is better to keep in mind the use of the carpet when choosing its design and color as well. The color of the children’s room’s carpet is different from that of the living room. If the space where the carpet is going to be placed is small or crowded, you should use a carpet with light colors The type of couch you have can also be a good guide for the design you choose. Classic carpets go best with classic or royal furniture and modern carpets are best for filling a space where you have placed modern furniture.

3- What the carpets are made of:

Another important detail in choosing a carpet is what it is made of. At the moment acrylic tread machine-made carpets, which have a similar feel to woolen tread and are very soft, are some of the most popular 1500 reeds carpets. Carpets woven from acrylic thread have appropriate longevity and durability and can be sent to the carpet cleaners dozens of times without any issues.

In the past few years, acrylic carpets have been less popular because of their amount of shedding. But the technology of the carpet weaving machinery has advanced so much that they can now be made in a way that they no longer shed. The best fiber used to make 1500 reeds carpets is acrylic. Some of its qualities are being soft and washable, not shedding, and high color stability. Acrylic thread, as the best and highest quality of machine-made carpets on the market, is the thinnest; usually between 6 to 7 millimeters.

4- A guide to Gabbe carpets:

Gabbe is a type of carpet with a long pile. The pile is usually between 1 to 3 centimeters. The reason for the softness of Gabbe carpets is their weft count, which is between 3 and 8. In the past, the use of Gabbe carpets was only common among the nomadic people, but nowadays they have become much more popular and are made much more often, thanks to their unique and classic designs.

Unlike many other types of carpets, Gabbe carpets are woven on horizontal looms on the ground. The most high-quality Gabbe are made of wool that is hand-sheared during the spring, and colored naturally.

Usually, the weaver starts weaving by taking inspiration from nature and does not limit themself to predetermined patterns. The patterns and designs of the Gabbe carpets of the nomadic tribes include:

  • · The lion design
  • · The brick design
  • · The Gabbe pond design
  • · Gabbe flower
  • · Tribal design
  • · Tree design
  • · Geometric design
  • · Twilight design
  • · Four design
  • · Duck design

In all these designs the colors that are used most often are black, white, brown, red, yellow, and purple. These colors go very well with classic furniture. Seeing as Gabbe carpets are usually longer than machine-made or hand-woven carpets, they are very useful for bedrooms and hallways.

5- A guide to modern rugs:

These days’ modernity has entered the lives of people in the form of modern cars, houses, products, and furniture. It is no wonder that modern carpets with their fantasy designs that are compatible with modern homes are well-received.

The design of modern carpets doesn’t have small patterns and details like classic carpets. Instead, they are woven in bold shapes that have empty space between them; geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, rectangles, and diamonds. These colors are usually matched with other household furniture.

Modern carpets are a good choice for a child’s room. Because the bright and bold designs of a modern can be matched well to the atmosphere of a child’s room. The best carpet for a child’s room is one with childish motifs, which has a happy design, is non-allergenic and doesn’t gather dirt and bacteria

The vast array of colors and patterns available for modern carpets makes them an easy option for use in offices and lobbies. You can see and choose between a wide variety of modern carpet designs in the Miniature Carpet store.

The most common colors used in modern carpets are happy colors like red and blue, or calm colors like taupe and coffee that are bought to match the furniture in the buyer’s house.

In general, the machine-made carpet produced today can be divided into two groups; classic (oriental), and modern. Classic and oriental machine-made carpets have the same designs as those that have existed in the past, have heavy details, and are commonly called Arabesque designs in books on Islamic art. Modern abstract carpets are inspired by various geometric shapes, and designed for a variety of spaces, such as an office, a home, a child’s bedroom, a door-mat, etc.

Three-dimensional carpets are also a type of modern carpet that gives you a sense of depth when looked at. These days if you plan to carpet a hallway in your home it is best to use frieze carpets, which are very dense and durable, for traffic-heavy areas. These carpets do not shed, are non-allergenic, and can be cleaned well. The best carpets for bedrooms are machine-made Chenille carpets that have a short pile, are very soft, and are perfect for bedrooms.

Revitalizing the home using the principles are Feng Shui.

The ancient people of China and Other eastern countries believed a proper and tidy arrangement of house or workplace furniture would cause positive energies like health, wealth, and love to flow well. This is called the Feng Shui theory. Feng Shui is an ancient knowledge and philosophy that goes back more than three thousand years; and means air and water, which are both bringers of health. By using this method one can reach the best layout, which will in turn have the best effect on financial prosperity, health, success, etc, this will generally bring positive energy into the home or workplace.

1-History:

This knowledge, which has existed in the East and China for centuries, consists of information that has been passed from generation to generation from master to student in the traditional manner.In some periods of history, this theory became very popular, and in others, it was completely forgotten. Feng Shui fully flourished between the 7th and 10th centuries, gained countless followers, and regained its vitality again after about half a century of stagnation.

2- The purpose of Feng Shui:

The main purpose of Feng Shui is to bring success and wealth and to balance family life and other such things by creating and improving the proper flow of energy in the environment.

From a traditional Chinese viewpoint, each person has a specific amount of vital energy in them from birth, which is called “Chi”. Each person receives this energy that allows them to live, like an inheritance, and when the person’s life ends, so does their energy

In Feng Shui “Chi” is a type of energy that, if in its positive state, will turn good luck into financial stability, emotional relationships, physical energy, etc, which in this state, is also called “Sheng Chi”. This energy is constantly rejuvenated with good food and clean air.

But if “Chi” remains stagnant and cannot move freely, it will turn into a destructive force called “Sha Chi” or “Sha”. Disorder and untidiness causes Chi to turn into Sha Chi. Also, Chi moves in curved lines but Sha Chi moves in jagged and sharp lines. Because of this, it is best to use objects that have round edges.

3- Yin and Yang:

Everything in the world is made of two opposing but fully connected powers, called Yin and Yang. The Interaction between these powers is what creates change in life.Whenever we feel good about ourselves and our surroundings, Yin and Yang are in their best and most balanced state, which creates harmony.

The international symbol for Yin and Yang is a circle with a curved line down the middle, which divides the circle into black and white halves, each with a dot of the opposite color in it. The meaning of these dots is that when Yin reaches its peak, it contains Yang. This means when one ends, the other grows inside it, and so on and so forth.

Yin indicates silence, peace, and darkness. So it is suitable for places that need less movement, and more peace. The color white represents Yang which is known for brightness, loud noises, and high kinetic energy. Yang can be used to decorate the home and workplace.

If the energy in your environment is not right, you will lose your chance, so the only way is to create a balance between Yin and Yang.

4- Five Phases:

Researchers have found that the world is created of five major elements that are studied based on the natural seasons, day, month, and year. The world and all things that are in it are classified under one of the five elements. These elements are only beneficial as long as they are interacting in harmony. Otherwise, they will become problematic and destructive. Also, the correct use of these elements will allow you to gain power in life:

  • Water: The element that shows peace and movement in life. (Black/Dark blue)
  • Fire: The element that brings emotion, high energy, and excitement. (Red/ Purple)
  • Metal: It is one of the most important elements of Feng Shui, which will bring power to your life. (White/ Silver)
  • Wood: The element which represents life, growth, and development. (Green/ Light blue)
  • Earth: The element that by surrounding you, gives you stability and balance. (Yellow)

5- The effect of colors in Feng Shui::

Colors play an important part in a person’s temper and emotions, and their impact on Feng Shui cannot be overstated. Now, we will analyze the effect of some colors in this science.

Red is a powerful color and evokes power. Purple and green are great colors for attracting wealth, but you must keep in mind that purple must be used in moderation because of the high amount of movement it has. It is best to use brighter colors like lilac. The color blue in Feng Shui causes calm and peace and generally gives people a feeling of comfort. One of the most calming combinations is the combination of blue and white, which creates happiness and vitality.

It is noteworthy that if for instance, you do not like green, it will not attract wealth for you.

Another point is that you must not fill your environment with a single color. Instead, you should use it wisely so you can get a unique and significant effect from your environment.

6- The principles of Feng Shui::

You should bring the energy of nature to your home and workplace. For instance, you can use natural flowers or a small water fountain.

Refrain from putting sports equipment, a television, or other such things in the bedroom. Because they will disturb your peace and safety.

The ancient Chinese believed that each person must have a small and cozy corner that they can retreat to and find peace in.

If your house has numerous bedrooms you can switch rooms. This change in your environment will cause your mood to improve.

Try to have food on the table and with family.

Every winter morning you should open your windows for a few minutes to allow air flow.

Clear your shelves and display cases.

If your sofa covers have been damaged, mend them.

Throw away ineffective and useless things.

Place happy family pictures all around the house, especially in high-traffic areas. Remember not to put any family pictures in your bedroom. Only use your couple’s photos so it will improve your married life.

Repair leaky faucets.

Make sure all your furniture is in good condition.

Remove wilted and dry plants from the inside and outside of your home.

7- Carpets and Feng Shui:

One of the most basic elements of home decor is how you cover the area’s floor.The most common method is by using carpets. When choosing your carpets, there are two things you must know:

A) What part of Feng Shui will the carpet be placed in?

B) Which one of the 5 elements is most prominent in that area?

Beloved machine-made carpet!

Although there are many pieces of furniture without which a house lacks beauty, carpets are surely on a whole other level. A carpet is one of the most useful household items that never gets old.

It is interesting to know that because of its great performance in the machine-made carpet industry, our country has been able to expand its trade with other countries. The name of Iran is a reminder of the best and most beautiful carpets all over the world. Not to even mention the Kashan machine-made carpets with all their beauty!

You should know that carpets are divided into two general groups, machine-made, and hand-made carpets. The thing that differentiates these two types of carpets is the types of fiber used in making them and the way they are made. Each of the aforementioned carpets has specific qualities and its own specific fans. Next, we will fully introduce machine-made carpets. if you would like to know more about these carpets, stay with us to the end!

1) 1- An introduction to machine-made carpets:

Machine-made carpets are a popular type of carpet that is made with mechanical devices. Actually, you can say that machine-made carpets are the artificial version of a carpet. The weave of these kinds of carpets has a repeating pattern. Machine-made carpets are made by using the raw materials and the combination and repetitions of these patterns and then sent to the consumer market.

The raw materials used in the weaving of Machine-made carpets are cheaper than those used in weaving hand-made carpets, and seeing as they are made with industrial machinery, they are quicker to make. So producers can make many machine-made carpets in a small amount of time and send them into the market. The fact that machine-made carpets are cheaper while also coming in a variety of attractive designs, makes them popular among people.

Would you like to know more about the history of machine-made carpets in Iran?! If your answer is yes, then the next title is just for you!

2- The history of machine-made carpets in Iran:

Have you ever heard of the Pazyryk? The Pazyryk is the oldest carpet in the world! It might interest you to know that this carpet is an Iranian work that is more than 2500 years old!

The evidence suggests that Iranian carpets have been well-liked by the people of the world, especially traders, throughout all of history. Authentic Iranian carpets are one of the most popular and important goods produced in Iran and exported throughout the world. So don’t be shocked if you run into an Iranian carpet on the other side of the world. Iranians make carpets so that the world can experience the joy of buying an unparalleled carpet!

It should be said that machine-made carpets in our country date back to the 50th decade of the Islamic calendar, when the first machine-made carpet was made in the velvet and silk factory in Kashan, using industrial machinery. Although the machines used were very simple initially, the exceptional result was very well received by the people.

It should be noted that the first Iranian carpets were inspired by the Belgian carpets that at the time, were recently being imported into the country. As time passed, the machinery used for making machine-made carpets became more complicated and the carpets were made in a variety of colors and patterns so that today we can witness the beautiful and charming Iranian carpets in most homes

3- Kashan; the capital of Iranian machine-made carpets:

Aran, Bidgol, and Kashan are known as the machine-made carpet capital of Iran. It is interesting to know that these not-so-big towns have over 800 machine-made carpet manufacturers. Of course, the story of high-quality carpet manufacturing in Iran doesn’t end with Aran and Bidgol. The gears of this industry also spin well in cities such as Tehran, Tabriz, Mashhad, Yazd, and Isfahan.

In the not-so-distant past carpet factories were managed by government organizations. But today we have witnessed many small and large private companies produce and become renowned for the production of machine-made carpets!

As we said before, machine-made carpets are made with industrial machinery. Some of the most important machinery are as follows:

  • · Taxima
  • · Schonherr
  • · Vandewiele
  • · Alpha
  • · ASR
  • · CRX
  • · VTR

4 Machine-made carpets; as beautiful as a world of color and patterns:

It makes no difference whether you are a fan of classic patterns or a lover of modern ones. You can easily find and purchase your desired machine-made carpet!

Iranian machine-made carpets are made using classic and modern patterns in various colors so they can cater to various tastes. These types of carpets incorporate high-quality pictures within them and display colors with extra beauty and pleasing clarity. Maybe that is why they are so popular!

The patterns used in the making of these carpets are reminders of the culture of the place their maker lives, as well as being beautiful.This is where culture and art interact and take beauty to a new peak.

The old and authentic patterns of machine-made carpets like Shah Abbasi, Arabesque, Gol Khatayi, Afshan, Mehrab, Botehjegheh, Telfiqi, Islamic Architecture, and … have more loyal fans than modern patterns. These types of carpets are divided into two categories based on design and pattern; those being normal and with protruding flowers.

Machine-made carpets have more varied and detailed designs than their handmade counterparts. One of the most influential factors in the design of machine-made carpets is the variety in their color, which is dependent on the density of the carpet. It should be noted that these carpets are made in 8, 10, 12, and 14 colors, depending on their density, and then sent to the consumer market.

5- What machine-made carpets are made of:

It is both interesting and vital to know that three types of thread are used in weaving machine-made carpets, those being warp thread, weft thread, and pile thread. The warp and weft thread of carpets is usually made of polyester, cotton, and Jute. The most noticeable difference between machine-made and handwoven carpets, which influences their appearance and quality, is their pile or nap tread. The pile tread used in the production of machine-made carpets is most commonly made of a type of wool, nylon, polyester, propene, BCF, or a mixture of acrylic and BCF.

The pile thread used for the production of the best machine-made carpets is made of wool. Of course these days, acrylic fibers that are significantly similar to wool, and have better durability are used in the production of machine-made carpets. Acrylic carpets that are well-liked by consumers today are of higher quality, and as a result, more expensive.

The most popular types of machine-made carpets are those made of synthetic silk. These types of carpets have a brighter color than their non-silk counterparts, and seeing as they have higher color stability and durability, they are popular with a lot of people. Their easy and hassle-free cleaning is another quality that makes these carpets more popular!

6- The density of machine-made carpets:

Another one of the most important features of machine-made carpets is their density. It should be noted that each rug has two densities; length density, and width density. The higher the density and reeds of the carpet, the higher its durability, quality, and detail will be. So when buying a machine-made carpet choose one that has a noteworthy quality, as well as being beautiful; and to detect this quality, pay attention to its density and reeds.

Now you might be thinking what length and width density are.

Width density, also known as reeds refers to the number of knots in a meter of carpet. Machine-made carpets are sold with 4 different reeds: 700 reeds, 1000 reeds, 1200 reeds, and 1500 reeds.

The rows of knots in a meter of carpet are known as length density. Carpets are usually available in 1000, 2550, 700, 3000, 3600, and … knots per meter.

It should be noted that carpets with 700 reeds, enter the market with a density of 2100. This is while carpets with 1000 reeds enter the consumer market with a density of 3000, and those with 1200 reeds enter with a density of 3600. The aforementioned carpets are available in 6, 9, and 12 meters, and you can even order them in your desired size if you wish to do so

The longevity and durability of machine-made carpets are dependent on the reeds and quality of the tread used in its weaving. The correct use of these carpets plays an important role in prolonging their life. Some other elements that play a part in adding to the longevity and durability of machine-made carpets are as follows:

  • · Keeping the carpet away from sunlight and moisture
  • · Not folding the carpet
  • · Washing it properly and at the correct time
  • · Not putting heavy objects on the carpet
  • · Proper transportation

An introduction to Kashan carpets, carpets as ancient as Iran itself

1- Kashan, the flagship of Iranian machine-made carpets:

You have undoubtedly heard the praise of Kashan carpets again and again. Is it even possible to be Iranian and not have heard of Kashan carpets?!

Kashan, which is in the center of Iran, is one of the most important cities that carries much of the country’s economy. Historical findings in this city suggest that Kashan was at first a producer of valuable fabrics. The essence of the Iranian people has been imbued with art, so that Iran may have a hand in every art.

It might interest you to know that Kashan is still known as the heir to infamous velvet fabrics, Atlas embroidery, and Hormozi fabrics. Even more interesting is that infamous people such as Marco Polo, Anthony Shirley, and Jean Chardin have praised Kashan’s art in different areas such as textiles, carpets, and rugs, and what could be better than that?

Kashan’s brilliant history doesn’t stop there. Kashan was one of the most well-known producers of valuable carpets during the Safavid era. These carpets are still kept in famous museums and big collections. The silver and gold woven silk carpets belonging to the reign of Abbas the Great were also made in Kashan. It should be mentioned that Kashan’s carpet-making can divided into several groups based on maps and technical details, including those made in Kashan, Natanz, and Joshaghan.

Kashan’s art is not restricted to handmade rugs. These artistic people have introduced many unique machine-made carpets to the markets as well. In actuality, 1986 can be regarded as the beginning of the changes and fundamental progress regarding the industrial production of machine-woven carpets. From then on, more than 80 big and small production units have been opened in Kashan. This is a stunning number for a city as big as Kashan. Seeing as Kashan carpets are made faster and with less expensive material, they tend to be cheaper than hand-woven carpets.

2- Qualities of Kashan carpets:

The use of quality wool in the production of Kashan carpets is one of the most important reasons for the high quality of these carpets It is noteworthy that the wool used in the production of Kashan carpets is mostly supplied by the herding done in cities such as Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, and Tehran.

It is interesting to know that the carpets made in different areas of Kashan have different pile heights. For instance, if a rug made in Kashan itself has a medium pile height, rugs made in the Aran village have more basic colors and a much higher pile.

The warp and weft used in the making of Kashan carpets are usually made of cotton thread. It is noteworthy that a silk warp and weft are used when making delicate carpets. If we wish to study the warp and weft of Kashan carpets from a structural standpoint, we can say that the lower weft of Kashan carpets is thicker than the upper weft. This is why two kinds of thread are used, called Shahri thread and Isfahan thread, which have different thicknesses. In regards to the difference between the two threads, it can be said that a 10-ply Isfahan weft is equal to a 12-ply Shahri weft.

One of the most important characteristics of Kashan carpets that differentiates them from other carpets is their very fine texture. Kashan carpets are so delicate that one will notice all the details of their design with just a small amount of attention. If you run your hand over the Kashan carpets, you will feel a velvet-like and enjoyable softness. This is because unique Merino wool is used in the production of Kashan carpets.

After one of the citizens of Kashan attempted to import Australian wool to this city, novel Kashan carpet production was founded, and thus different varieties of Kashan carpets entered the market so that any person with any taste could buy their desired carpet.

3- The heights of elegance and beauty in Kashan carpet

The fine and delicate texture of Kashan carpets has made it so; many people want to buy them. This has caused the pattern used in the production of the carpets to become embossed, giving them a more noticeable appearance.

4- The dreamy background and border of Kashan carpets:

The use of a red background and a navy blue border is one of the most common qualities of a Kashan carpet that captures the heart of any viewer. The use of white Arabesque around the medallion, spandrel, and borders are the other lovable characteristic qualities of these carpets. It should be noted that the knot count of these carpets is normally low, and is between 30 to 45 knots.

Kashan carpets come in many different patterns and colors, each one more beautiful than the next. It is worth noting that in terms of pattern and design, these carpets have a notable resemblance to the patterns and designs of the city of Isfahan. The designs of these carpets have been influenced by the round designs of medallions and spandrels of Isfahan. Of course not with the same detail, focus, or color variety.

Designs of birds would be woven into the medallions and the borders of the spandrels in the not-so-distant past, thus creating an extraordinary carpet. These days, those patterns have gone out of fashion and instead given way to designs known as Shah Abbas flowers. It is worth noting that carpets woven based on these designs and patterns have a noticeable beauty and are very popular.

It is interesting to know that the designs and patterns used in weaving these carpets are rooted in the ethnic culture and conditions of the region in which they are made. Clearly, Kashan is no exception. Some of the most famous and well-liked patterns in Kashan carpets are the Toranj, Mihrab, Mohtasham, the Botejeghe, the Kashan prayer rug, the five-colored Kashan carpet, and the flower and tree pattern.

In the past Kashan carpets were made with a variety of lively colors and high contrast. Whereas today, with the commercialization of these carpets, calmer colors take precedence over high-contrast colors.

Maybe you are one of the people asking them-self what a Kashan carpet is even good for.

What you should be asking is, what it is isn’t good for?! ?! That way it would be easier to answer your question! The production of Kashan carpets in many different sizes and designs has made it so that these carpets can meet the needs and tastes of everyone. If you are looking for a suitable carpet for your living room, finely woven and detailed carpets with high densities of 2550 and 3600 are great options for you. You can also use miniature rugs, casual rugs, or modern carpets based on your taste.

Do you need a machine-made carpet? Do you intend to buy a machine-made carpet with the Gabbe design? Do you want to buy a vintage carpet?

No problem. Whatever you want is made in Kashan carpet factories. All you need to do is request your carpet of choice from the various Kashan carpet dealerships in your city.

5- Kashan carpet prices:

As we said before Kashan carpets are made in various measurements. Even though the most common sizes are 6, 9, and 12 meters, you can order the carpets to be made with your desired measurements. No doubt the bigger the carpet, the more expensive it will be. So you should not expect the price for the 6-meter and 12-meter Kashan carpets to be the same.

Another factor that influences the price of Kashan carpets is the type of thread used when weaving them. Usually, various threads are used in weaving machine-made carpets, some are more expensive and some are cheaper. The more expensive the thread, the more expensive the carpet will be.

Carpets are divided into four types (main types) based on reeds. 400 reeds, 700 reeds, 1200 reeds, and 1500 reeds. It must be noted that the higher the reeds are, the higher the price will be. The effect the number of colors used in weaving the carpet has on its price must not be overlooked.