Oriental rugs are beautiful, colorful, and add a touch of refined elegance to any space. If you’re in the market for Persian carpeting, you may wonder how to identify authentic from counterfeit products. Here are a handful of tips on how to tell whether or not your rug is real. 

5 Signs of a Genuine Oriental Rug

1. Natural Materials 

Traditional Oriental rugs are almost always made from 100% all-natural wool. Though typically more expensive, wool tends to stand the test of time and will continue to look beautiful throughout the years. Inauthentic Persian carpeting is often made from synthetic materials, such as nylon, acrylic, and polyester, that often deteriorate within about five to seven years. 

2. Hand Knotting 

Real Oriental rugs are completely knotted by hand. Keep in mind that hand knotting and hand tufting are two different things. The latter involves stretching a canvas over a stencil and using a tufting gun to incorporate the design into the fabric. This is an inexpensive way of making Oriental rugs, and they tend to fall apart much faster. 

3. Colorfast 

The dyes in a genuine Oriental rug should not bleed. All-natural vegetable dyes are traditionally used in the making of Persian carpeting, and they’ll keep their color despite spills and foot traffic. Test your rug for artificial dyes by leaving a damp cloth on it overnight. If the colors bleed, it’s a fake. 

4. Structural Fringe 

Genuine Oriental rug making starts with fringe, which forms the skeletal structure of the carpeting. If you notice that fringe has been glued or sewn on after the fact, the rug is not real. 

5. Durability 

Inauthentic rugs are generally made from low-quality fibers. These rugs can break down in less than a decade or even a few years. Whereas, an authentic rug made from wool can last decades, passed on to a new generation. 

When you’re ready to purchase an authentic Oriental rug, check out the selection at Persian Rug Gallery. For over 40 years, they have provided rugs from Persia, India, and China to clients throughout the Miamisburg, OH community. Call (937) 436-3655 to place an order for round rugs or carpet runners. Visit them on Facebook to browse through their many gorgeous products.