How to Identify a Persian Rug

Persian rugs are very popular among decorators and homeowners, and many dealers sell fake Persian rugs at authentic prices. There are quite a few differences between authentic Persian rugs and knockoffs. With just a little bit of knowledge you'll be able to identify a real Persian rug. Real Persian rugs are made Iran, which was once Persia, and nowhere else. They are also hand-knotted, not machine-knotted, and have more knots per square inch than most ordinary rugs.

Step 1

Ask the merchant if the rug was made in Iran. If it was not made in Iran, it is not an authentic Persian rug.

Step 2

Find out what the KPSI (Knots Per Square Inch) is. A real Persian rug will have at least 150 to 250 KPSI.

Step 3

Fold the rug to test it's sturdiness. If the rug flops like a blanket when you fold it in half, it is not an authentic Persian rug. If the rug folds more like a thick carpet, it is authentic.

Step 4

Ask the dealer if the rug was hand-knotted or machine-knotted. Real Persian rugs are hand-knotted.