Carpet Glossary

The most important terms relating to carpets, explained briefly and clearly.

Reading asymmetric knots in a rug and verifying your purchase yourself

Asymmetric knots, also known as Senneh or Persian knots: how to read the back, expose false claims and assess a rug before you buy.

Teppich-Lexikon

Arabesque Rug: the sweeping scroll pattern and its effect in the room

What defines an arabesque rug: the origin of the scroll, its effect in the room, differences from kilim and Berber, plus tips on color, size and care.

Teppich-Lexikon

Alum Mordant: the metal salt behind permanently vibrant wool rugs

Alum mordant explained: what the metal salt is chemically, which color nuances it produces, whether it is non-toxic, and why naturally dyed wool rugs stay vibrant longer.

Teppich-Lexikon

Abrash Meaning: the Color Stripe in Hand-Knotted Rugs

Abrash meaning explained simply: where the color stripe in hand-knotted rugs comes from, why it is a quality feature, and how to tell real from artificial abrash.

Teppich-Lexikon

Buy a rug bridge: the small rug for cold floors in the hallway and bedroom

Buy a rug bridge: what the small, elongated rug does in the hallway and bedroom, which size fits, which material lasts, and how to make it non-slip.