Is A Persian Rug A Good Investment?

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Persian Rugs Are Investments

One of the biggest differences between hand-knotted Persian rugs and the machine made varieties is their investment value.

You can buy a Persian rug and use it in your home and it will still retain its value after several years provided of course that it is not worn out or damaged.

Machine made rugs, on the other hand, tend to lose their value once they are used even if they are in good condition. This is one of the main reasons why if you are looking to buy a rug as an investment, you should buy a Persian rug and not a machine made rug.

Tabriz 6’6″ x 9’11”

So Why Exactly Is A Persian Rug A Good Investment?

There are several reasons for this. All Persian rugs are made entirely by hand, from the shearing of the sheep to the weaving of the rug.

This means that it takes much longer to produce each piece and also because it is handmade, every piece tends to be unique and different from any other piece. Even if the variation is very subtle, the difference will always be there because of it made by hand. This uniqueness is what makes Persian rugs such a great investment.

With machine made rugs, you can be sure there will be several others made using the same machine settings. This instantly lowers the value of each piece.

Antique Bakhtyari Rug
Antique Bakhtyari ( tribal) 14’2″ x 22’8″

What To Consider When Buying A Persian Rug

While you will want to be very careful and check any rug thoroughly before you buy it, you will need to be doubly careful if you are buying a rug purely for investment.

First, take a close look at the general state of the rug. Is it soft and pliable or is it stiff and brittle?

If you fold one corner of the rug, and you hear it cracking and can see a few cracks, you know the rug is very old.

Keep in mind that age by itself does not matter. In fact, the older the rug the higher the value provided the rug is well-maintained and undamaged.

Secondly, examine the quality of silk or wool in the pile and the quality of the knots. All of these factors will give you a pretty good estimate of how well the rug will age with time.

The better the quality of the wool or silk, the longer the rug will last.

Rugs that feature vibrant colors and unique patterns also make better investments rather than run of the mill designs and dull patterns.

If you are buying a Persian rug as an investment it is important to care for the rug so it wears well and lasts longer so that when it is time to sell it, there should be no depreciation in the value.

Blue Mashad 8'7" x 12'2" Floral Design with Hasari|Moud Hadi Nea signature
Mashad 8’7″ x 12’2″

When it comes to home decor, few things can add as much elegance and culture as a Persian rug. But did you know that investing in a Persian rug can also be a wise financial decision?

In this article, we’ll explore why Persian rugs make a great investment and provide tips on ensuring that the rug you buy is of investment quality.

1. The Timeless Appeal of Persian Rugs

Persian rugs are a classic home furnishing that has stood the test of time and never goes out of style. They have been used to decorate the homes of 15th-century European royalty to modern-day luxury homes.

They are also a relatively low-priced art form to invest in. Art investments usually start in the millions and up, but you can buy a genuine museum-quality rug for a fraction of the price.

2. Cost of Materials and Labor: Driving Up the Price of Persian Rugs

Another factor that makes Persian rugs a great investment is the cost of materials and labor. As these costs continue to rise, they drive up the price of Persian rugs.

Additionally, there are fewer skilled rug weavers available with each passing year. The tribal and village weavers are becoming rare as Iran develops and the villagers move into cities and seek factory jobs. This lack of supply from tribes and villages makes purchasing more complex and can increase rugs’ prices.

3. The Legacy of Persian Rugs

In addition to being a great investment, Persian rugs are easy to pass down to the next generation.

You can give them as a gift to your children, and no paperwork or title transfer is required. The next generation can easily inherit your investment without any extra hurdles.

How to Buy an Investment Quality Persian Rug

Buy Authentic Persian Rugs from Reputable Dealers
The first step is to ensure you’re buying an authentic Persian rug. For a Persian rug to be authentic, the rug must be made in Iran and hand-knotted.

Rugs made in other countries don’t count; undoubtedly, machine-made or hand-tufted rugs are not genuine Persian.

One way to ensure your rug is authentic is to buy from a reputable Persian rug dealer. Look for a dealer that provides certification of authenticity with every rug, has been in business for a long time, and has positive reviews online.

Condition and Material
Another essential factor to consider when buying a Persian rug is the condition of the rug. Ensure the rug is in excellent condition, with no repairs, straightness, or pile condition.

Additionally, look for a rug made of high-quality material, such as wool, that feels soft to walk on and absorbs and keeps dying well. If it’s silk or silk and wool, make sure it’s natural silk, not synthetic.

Design and Rarity: How it Affects the Value of a Persian Rug
The aesthetics of the rug are also important. Look for a rug with an artistic and unique design, color combination, symmetry, and no mistakes in the pattern.

The more rare and unique the rug, the more it will increase in value. Rugs from famous workshops, especially those that no longer exist, and rugs from tribes and cities that no longer exist are precious.

Proper Care: The Key to Maintaining a Persian Rug's Value

Vacuuming The Rug
Regular Vacuuming Will Remove The Dirt And Debris That Settles At The Bottom Of The Pile.

Finally, it’s essential to properly care for your rug to keep it in excellent condition. Vacuum your rug and rotate it, protect it from heavy furniture, and clean up stains immediately if they happen.

Persian rugs are a classic and timeless home furnishing that can also be a wise financial investment. They are a form of art that is relatively low-priced to invest in and can appreciate over time.

When buying a Persian rug, make sure to purchase from a reputable dealer and ensure that the rug is authentic, in excellent condition, made of high-quality material, and has a unique and rare design.

Proper care and maintenance make your Persian rug a valuable addition to your home and inheritance for future generations.

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One thought on “Is A Persian Rug A Good Investment?

  1. Is there still an embargo on Persian carpets in the States? The prices that you quote seem very high than here in South Africa.eg I recently bought a 70 year old silk Qum in excellent condition 150×105 cms for around $845,I also bought a beautiful Serifian Isfahan 2 years ago of about the same size for $1160.

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