Why Oriental Rugs Are Such A Good Investment

Unique One of a Kind 10 ft. X 13 ft. Heirloom Kashan 
Dabir Genuine Antique Persian Rug c. 1920 Nejad Rugs - Doylestown
Unique One of a Kind 10 ft. X 13 ft. Heirloom Kashan Dabir Genuine Antique Persian Rug c. 1920 Nejad Rugs – Doylestown

Like their famous counterparts in western art history such as Italian master Titian,
Flemish Master Rubens and Dutch master Rembrandt, the history of Persian carpet
making boasts its own list of renowned old masters such as Mohteshan (kashan),
Habibian (Nain), Jamshidi (Qom) and Haji Jalili (Tabriz), who, through their
innovative genius and creativity, elevated the craft of oriental rug weaving to
that of a bona-fide art form – thus insuring the reputation of the Persian rug as
the finest in the world.

Silk Persian Esfahan Rug - Nejad Rugs - 
Designers, Manufacturers & Importers, Doylestown PA
Silk Persian Esfahan Rug – Nejad Rugs – Designers, Manufacturers & Importers, Doylestown PA

Steeped in tradition and history, the antique Persian rug has achieved a revitalized
status as a desirable investment because they have not only weathered the storm of
fluctuating markets and, as an investment commodity, have withstood the test of time.
In addition to their appeal as investments, antique rugs remain what they have
traditionally been, objects of art that beautify and embellish the home and improve
the overall quality of life.

French Aubusson Tapestry c. 1900  (after the painting La Musette by Francois Boucher)
French Aubusson Tapestry c. 1900 (after the painting La Musette by Francois Boucher)

Unlike modern and mass-produced or machine-made rugs, a quality Persian rug will
increase in value as it ages. The current market reflects a trend markedly favorable
to the seller whereas the estimated value of a rug at auction can be greatly
exceeded – doubled tripled or more – by the actual sale price. Of course, not all
Persian rugs have such windfall potential for the seller but a fine Persian rug –
especially a 1-of-a-kind or particularly rare piece – typically increases in
value over time.

This 16th century Persian Kerman Sickle-Leaf Vase Carpet
sol for over 3X the estimated value - Sotheby's, New York
This 16th century Persian Kerman Sickle-Leaf Vase Carpet sold for over 3X the
estimated value – Sotheby’s, New York

In determining the investment value of an oriental rug some of the most desirable
and sought-after qualities to be considered are color – Is the color vibrant
yet harmonious? Some of the exceptional quality Persian rugs have a full color
palette of up to 30 colors. Pattern – Is the overall design fluid, balanced,
curvelinear? The innovation of the Persian knot allowed for more finely detailed,
gradual transitions in the pattern. Originality – Is the rug unique or rare?
Quality 1-of-a-kind rugs, especially older ones, have certainly increased in value
and are desirable as an investment commodity. Age – How old is the rug? The most
valuable antique Persian rugs were woven during the late-19th to early 20th
century in the period before commercial production known as the 2nd Golden Age of
Persian Weaving. Authenticity – Is the rug a genuine Persian rug? Persian rugs are
often imitated but very high quality Persian rugs are usually only 3 – 6 mm in
thickness and always include fringes; additionally, some carpets are signed and/or
labelled. Quality – some of the measurables include overall quality of the wool,
the dyes and craftsmanship and especially the fineness of the weave. A fine quality
wool or silk Persian carpet may feature a knot density of 400 KPSI or more with
often over a million knots.
www.nejad.com/2022/INVESTMENT/Silk-Isfahan.png
7 ft. 7 in. X 5 ft. 7 in. Silk Isfahan Rug 
16th Century Safavid Dynasty  $4,450,500 - Christie's
7 ft. 7 in. X 5 ft. 7 in. Silk Isfahan Rug 16th Century Safavid Dynasty – Christie’s

Advantages of Owning a Persian Oriental Rug

Beauty – Aesthetic Value of a Textile that is truly a Work Of Art
(Adding color, texture and cohesive design to any interior –

Style – Always in style – Enhances room & furniture, Adds Color and
Helps to Organize Space (Ties Together Interior Design Elements)

Comfort – Oriental Rugs are an upgrade to overall quality of life
and should be on any Home Improvement list – Besides visual appeal
Oriental rugs can soften and cushion steps

Quality – Craftsmanship – 100% Made By Hand – Hand-woven using Tradional
Methods (Hand Knotted by expert weavers using centuries old technology)

100% Natural – Made With Organic Fiber and Materials environmentally
and eco=friendly – made of all-natural wool fibers that contain a bacteria-resistant
fatty acid

Longevity – Quality Construction and Materials insure Long Life
Expectancy – Many rugs last over 100 years in excellent condition

Resale Value – a good investment – Retains its value and increases
in value with age – When Properly Maintained an Oriental rug offers a
Good Return On Investment

Safety – Sound Absorbent – Dampens Echo (especially on Stairwells)
Staircase Rug Runners improve mobility and visual access and clarity
for people and pets – Flame resistant

Heirloom – Can Stay in Family for Generations while increasing in
value over time

Insulation – Helps to Lower Heating Costs (Especially with larger
room-size wool rugs)
11 ft. X 5 ft. Mid-17th Century Kirman 'Vase' Carpet $9.5M - Christie's, London
11 ft. X 5 ft. Mid-17th Century Kirman ‘Vase’ Carpet $9.5M – Christie’s, London

'Polonaise' Isfahan Silk & 'Polonaise' Isfahan Silk & Metal Thread Carpet - 17th Century - Christie'sMetal Thread Carpet - 17th Century - Christie's
‘Polonaise’ Isfahan Silk & Metal Thread Carpet – 17th Century – Christie’s

“… the weavers of Kirman in the 17th century are considered the most inventive and
influential in the history of the Persian carpet.” – Christie’s

Oriental Rugs Can Help Cut Rising Heating Costs

Nejad  Room Size very fine Pak Persian Tabriz Rug
features plush insulating wool pile
A room sized oriental rug can effectively help to insulate your home during both hot and cold months

Rising high heating costs and overall average increases in the cost
of energy have become a growing concern for the American homeowner.
During 2021 US retail electricity prices increased at the fastest
rate since 2008 and again from the period 2020 to 2022 have
increased nearly 5% while the price of gas has nearly doubled in
most areas across the country. Additionally the price of a barrel
of oil has virtually skyrocketed in a relatively brief period driving
gas prices to unprecedented levels. Most Americans will be looking
for ways to save on energy costs especially when it comes to heating
and cooling their homes. Although rugs – and Oriental rugs in particular
– are selected primarily for aesthetics and comfort, in these days of
rising energy costs they can provide some savings for homeowners on
their heating and even cooling bills.

Nejad's Signature Tabriz #M022GOBK room sized rug 
helps to insulate and warm this interior space while 
balancing the architectural elements
Nejad’s Signature Tabriz #M022GOBK room sized rug helps to insulate and warm this
interior space while balancing the architectural elements

Insulation, and more specifically, efficient insulation,
is an important consideration in the design and fabrication of any home,
especially with regard to cost-efficient cooling and heating.
Insulation of walls, windows, ceilings and doors are the most obvious
areas of concern, but insulation of flooring is, not only, just as
important, but is an area that can be improved or enhanced without
the need of hiring any contractor or home improvement specialist,
Each flooring material from hardwood to laminate, tile – either
porcelain, ceramic or other composite material – has its own
listed insulating value, depending upon the type and thickness.

A room size area rug can help to insulate the designated space 
from extremes in temperature
A large fine weave wool rug and padding can have an R-value of 2.0 – or more –
equating to a savings on your energy bill of up to 5% or more

Before the relatively-recent developments in building technology, and
with respect to insulation and residential heating methods specifically.
at least as far back as medieval times large wool area rugs and
tapestries were hung from the interior walls of castles, churches
and residences for the express purpose of providing insulation from
the weather – using heavier rugs in fall and winter and lighter rugs
in spring and summer. These rugs were often aesthetically and
artistically rich even portraying elaborate pictorial scenes.
The shelters of nomasic middle eastern and Caucaian
nomadic tribes consisted primarily of colorful hand-woven rugs that
served insulation as well as decorative requirements.

This elegant, plush and finely-woven heirloom Persian Sarouk area rug 
by Nejad offers both insulation and comfort as well as aesthetic appeal
This elegant, plush and finely-woven heirloom Persian Sarouk area rug
by Nejad offers both insulation and comfort as well as aesthetic appeal

R-value (R-factor) is a numeric indicator (.2 – 2) of how well a
2-dimensional barrier, such as a layer of insulation, resists
heat conductivity – or, more specifically, based on the material
thickness, density and type. the thermal resistance rating or
insulating value. This value is often indicated on the product label
– the higher the value the better insulating property. Basically,
R-values vary based on the type, thickness and density of the
insulation material.

An oriental area rug perfectly complements wood flooring and improves comfort 
and quality of life
An oriental area rug perfectly complements wood flooring and improves comfort
and quality of life

To optimally increase the warmth of a room with an area rug,
choose a rug based on its material – preferably wool, thickness –
preferably a rug with dense, plush pile, and the overall size in
relation to the size of the room it occupies – preferably room size.
Generally, larger-size, thick rugs provide better insulation
than smaller-size, thin rugs. Also, higher knot-density wool rugs
increase the insulating effect and help to lower utility bills.
This traditional room size Herati Rug - Nejad #M011TLNY - helps to insulate and warm 
this contemporary living room space
This traditional room size Herati Rug – Nejad #M011TLNY – helps to insulate and warm
this contemporary living room space

Another way to optimize room insulating properties of your Oriental
rug,especially for larger rugs, is the type and density of the rug
padding you use. Types of Rug Padding vary in material thickness
from less than a quarter inch to a half inch and feature several
brands with a range of properties from non-slip, dual-surface,
eco-friendly, low-profile, Indoor/Outdoor and cushioning

A Guide to Purchasing Oriental Rugs

INTRODUCTION

This guide is designed to simplify your purchase of an Area or Oriental rug to enhance the beauty of your home.

Getting Started

On a room to room basis, determine how you use your room, the look and feel you want to create, and a budget per rug. There is a wide variety of rugs from which to choose at many price points.

DESIGN & COLOR

  • Start with your rug first – fabric and wall-coverings should be selected after you have made your rug choice.
  • Determine the mood you want for a room e.g. formal or casual. The design personality and color of the rug chosen will help to create the desired feeling for the room.
  • Formal rugs can anchor a room with a calming effect.
  • Elegant fine lines and subdued colors have a quiet pleasing effect.
  • Pure colors are more formal and elegant.
  • Bold medallions make a dramatic statement.
  • Abrash (blending of two or more colors) creates a broader color palette and can be easier to decorate with.
  • Casual and fun elements are great for a family room.
  • Rug patterns can work with the existing designs and fabrics in your room.

SIZE

Big Rugs First

  • Prioritize your rug purchases according to room size and importance.
  • Each rug acquired will influence your choices for future rug selections.
  • Accent rugs and runners are easier to coordinate with the main rug than vice-versa.

Room Size

  • Room layout will limit rug dimensions.
  • Note the max/min length and width in feet and inches

Furniture

  • A furniture setting suggests the minimum size rug that will create an island effect to visually hold the pieces together.
  • There are no  rules about on or off the edges. Simply, what feels right and functions best.

Traffic

  • Foot pathways should avoid pivot points at the edges of rugs.

Template

  • Use a tarp or sheet folded to size to determine your preferred rug sizes, or – Mark the rug size on the floor with masking tape.
  • Some areas can use a room size rug or an assortment of smaller rugs.

Types of Rugs

There are three types of handmade rugs to consider for purchasing:

  • Handmade Knotted
  • Handmade Flatweave
  • Hand Tufted

Factors that influence price

  • Materials – wool, cotton, silk or synthetic fibers
  • Complexity of design
  • Number of colors used
  • Dying technique (vegetable or synthetic)

Knot count

  • Age and condition of antique and semi-antique rugs

Use of Room & Rug

  • Are you looking to purchase a rug as an investment that can be passed down through the generations or as a decorating accessory to use and enjoy now?
  • Consider the amount of traffic and soil to which the rug will be exposed.

Texture

  • Handmade weavings from natural fibers have an inviting soft appeal.
  • Pattern Clarity is achieved by using tight smooth finishes.
  • Rugs used as wall hangings, made into pillows, or used as tabletop coverings add warmth and texture to a well appointed room.

Investment

  • Area rugs are movable from room to room and house to house.
  • Quality materials and construction will insure the longevity of both the look and the value of a fine rug.
  • Handmade Oriental Rugs will last for generations with proper care and maintenance.

Standard Rug Sizes

Handmade rugs will vary slightly

2’×3′    4’×6′    8’×10′        12’×15′
2’×4′    5’×7′      9’×12′    12’×18′
3’×5′    6’×9′     10’×14′    14’×24′

Runners: 2’3″, 2’6″, 2’8″, 3′ wide and come in lengths of 6′, 8′, 10′, 12′, etc.

Staircase Runners: Average length is 1’6″ per step

Rounds: 6′, 8′, 10′, 12′ diameters

Squares: 6′ and 8′

* Many rugs can be custom made to your size specifications

Color Swatches

It is always best to start decorating with your rug first. However, if you are using existing fabrics and wall-coverings, bring these and any other samples with you when shopping.