How To Build a Persian Rug Collection
Rugs are more than just something to walk on—they’re works of art with stories woven into every thread. Persian rugs and Oriental rugs, in particular, have been cherished by collectors for centuries, from royalty to famous thinkers.
If you’re thinking about starting your own rug collection, learning about different styles is an exciting first step. And to keep your rugs looking their best for years, working with a trusted rug cleaning London specialist is a smart move. Follow these steps to ensure you get the best additions to your Oriental or Persian rug collection.
1. Learn How Rugs Are Made
Before picking an Oriental or Persian rug for your home or collection, it helps to know what goes into making one. Every rug starts with the warp and weft; long strands of material, often wool rugs or silk rugs, woven together on a loom. Knots are added between the threads to create the rug pile, and the more knots, the finer and more detailed the design.
Knowing how a rug is built also makes it easier to care for, especially delicate hand-knotted rugs, and helps you choose the right specialist rug cleaning London service to keep your pieces looking their best.
2. Know a Rug’s Origins and Materials
Every Oriental or Persian rug has a story—where it was made, who made it, and the culture behind it. Looking at the materials, weave, and knots can tell you a lot about a rug’s quality. Wool rugs and silk rugs feel different and last differently, while the knot density affects the detail of the rug pile.
Knowing both a rug’s origin and materials is important for building a rug collection. It helps you pick pieces with history and personality, whether that’s a rare Royal rug, a handcrafted tribal rug, or a charming village rug. Read more about Oriental rugs with RugVista here.
3. Look at the Rug’s Design
When choosing Oriental or Persian rugs, the design is just as important as the materials. Great rugs are not only detailed and intricate—they feel balanced, harmonious, and visually pleasing. A well-designed rug creates a natural flow and rhythm across the rug pile, making it a joy to look at from any angle.
For collectors, paying attention to design matters even more. Rugs with clear, harmonious patterns—whether hand-knotted rugs, antique rugs, or contemporary pieces—tend to hold their beauty and value over time. Choosing the right design helps your rug collection stay timeless and even become an investment piece for your home.
4. Choose Rugs with Natural Dyes
Natural dyes make antique Persian rugs, vintage Persian rugs, and Persian style rugs highly valued. They give each rug unique colour variations and subtle depth that synthetic dyes can’t match, while also keeping its vibrancy for longer.
Look for rich shades like cochineal rose, Tyrian purple, saffron yellow, and green. Steven price from Paradise Oriental Rugs, explains that “natural green dyes are fairly rare”. Rugs made before 1860 are usually naturally dyed, and tonal changes across the rug pile are a good clue. Choosing natural dyes keeps your collection authentic, beautiful, and timeless.
5. Care for Your Rugs
Keeping Oriental and Persian rugs in top condition is all about regular care. For antique rugs or second-hand pieces, check for fading, stains, or fibre damage—these can be hard to fix, even with specialist rug cleaners London.
Quick tips:
💨 Vacuum gently and regularly
🔄 Rotate rugs to avoid uneven wear
🌯 Roll rugs for storage (pile inwards; for silk rugs, pile outwards)
Professional cleaning is recommended at least once a year. Use companies that specialise in Oriental rug cleaning or professional rug cleaning to protect delicate fibres and intricate rug piles.
Avoid DIY cleaning—rugs are works of art, and improper care can cause damage. Check stored rugs occasionally for mildew, moths, or damp, and have them cleaned professionally when needed.