Is a handmade carpet better than a machine-made one?
Carpet, in one word, is Iranian art! An art deeply rooted in the history and civilization of Iran. Each knot in its design represents the ingenuity, taste, culture, and artistry that truly belong to the Iranian people. From the past to the present, the Persian carpet has been recognized worldwide as a symbol of our culture and art.
Modern or classic, it doesn’t matter! Undoubtedly, you will incorporate a Persian carpet into your home décor. Therefore, before purchasing a carpet, you should first become fully familiar with the characteristics of Persian carpets.
Without a doubt, the first question that comes to mind when buying a carpet is: Should I choose a machine-made or a handmade carpet?
To answer this question, various factors such as quality, price, advantages, and disadvantages of both machine-made and handmade carpets must be carefully examined to provide a comprehensive response.
The Difference Between Handmade and Machine-Made Carpets
The primary difference between handmade and machine-made carpets lies in their weaving process. Machine-made carpets are produced using large weaving machines, whereas handmade carpets are knotted by hand on a loom. This fundamental difference is why handmade carpets have higher quality, durability, and price compared to machine-made ones.
Decades ago, machine-made carpets couldn’t compete with handmade ones, but today, the situation has changed. The high cost of handmade carpets has led more people to opt for machine-made alternatives. Additionally, improvements in weaving technology and the use of high-quality materials have made machine-made carpets a serious competitor to handmade ones.
Quality of Handmade and Machine-Made Carpets
The quality of both handmade and machine-made carpets largely depends on the type of fibers and threads used. Handmade carpets are made from natural materials such as silk, cotton, and wool, which contribute to their higher price and longevity.
On the other hand, machine-made carpets are crafted from synthetic fibers like acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, and artificial silk. The better the quality of these materials, the more durable the carpet will be. Although handmade carpets have a longer lifespan, machine-made carpets typically last between 20 to 25 years.
Price Comparison: Handmade vs. Machine-Made Carpets
Due to the time-consuming production process and the high cost of raw materials, handmade carpets are significantly more expensive than machine-made ones. It takes about a year and a half for three people to weave a 9-square-meter handmade carpet made entirely of natural silk.
Naturally, the price of a premium silk handmade carpet ranges between 2000 to 70000 US Dollar. However, handmade carpets with lower density and cheaper materials are available at much lower prices.
Designs and Patterns of Handmade and Machine-Made Carpets
The choice of carpet design and pattern largely depends on personal preference and the interior décor of the space. When comparing handmade and machine-made carpets, it's important to note that handmade carpets usually feature more intricate and detailed patterns compared to machine-made ones. This complexity can sometimes make it more challenging to incorporate handmade carpets into modern décor.
Machine-made carpets, on the other hand, offer greater variety in design and color. They are available not only in traditional and classic designs but also in modern, sporty, minimalist, and simple styles. This diversity is one of the key advantages of machine-made carpets over handmade ones, making them a more versatile option for different interior designs.
Knot Density and Weave Density in Handmade and Machine-Made Carpets
The higher the knot and weave density of a machine-made carpet, the more it will resemble a handmade one. However, increasing these factors also raises the price. Machine-made carpets come in different densities, with lower-density carpets (350 and 500 knots) being more affordable than high-density options (700, 1200, and 1500 knots).
Key Features of Handmade Carpets
- Handmade carpets hold greater artistic value and, unlike machine-made carpets, their price increases over time.
- Their lifespan is several times longer than that of machine-made carpets.
- Due to the use of natural fibers, handmade carpets retain warmth in winter and stay cooler in summer.
- The craftsmanship and stitching quality of handmade carpets are significantly higher than machine-made ones.
- The older a handmade carpet gets, the more valuable it becomes.
- Being entirely handwoven makes handmade carpets more durable and long-lasting.
- Handmade carpets feature a wider range of colors compared to machine-made carpets.
- Unlike machine-made carpets, where fringes are added after production, the fringes of handmade carpets are an integral part of the weave itself.
These distinctive qualities make handmade carpets not just a flooring option but also an investment in art and culture.
Is a Handmade Carpet or a Machine-Made Carpet a Better Investment?
When considering all the discussed factors, both handmade and machine-made carpets hold value in their own way. However, due to the significant price difference between the two, we recommend purchasing a machine-made carpet for those looking to buy a high-quality Persian rug at a more affordable price that also complements their home décor.
With modern and minimalist interior design styles becoming more popular, machine-made carpets are often the preferred choice. No matter what your décor style is, you can easily find a suitable carpet among the thousands of beautiful and elegant designs available in machine-made options.
Final Words
If you decide to purchase a handmade carpet, make sure to verify its authenticity. As explained in this article, handmade carpets have a high density, the color of the fibers on the front and back is identical, and the fringes are an integral part of the carpet, not sewn onto it. Additionally, the pattern on the back of the carpet mirrors the front design, and handmade carpets are heavier than machine-made ones.
If you opt for a machine-made carpet, pay close attention to the details. The back of the carpet should display essential information such as the manufacturer, knot density, weave density, and other key specifications. We recommend purchasing a carpet with a higher knot and weave density, such as 700, 1200, or higher. However, keep in mind that as density increases, both quality and price will also rise.
Regardless of whether you choose a handmade or machine-made carpet, always buy from reputable stores. Ensure that your purchase comes with after-sales services and a warranty so that in case of any issues, you can rely on the provided support.