How to choose a Gabbeh rug you won't regret

Gabbeh (Gabbeh) is a thick wool carpet handwoven by nomads living in southwestern Iran. The word "Gabbeh" means "rough" in Persian, and it is characterized by its long pile and rough texture. Made from hand-spun wool and plant-dyed yarn, the carpets are woven with simple and unique patterns inspired by the lives of nomads and nature. Each piece is unique in color and pattern, and they are also attractive for their durability, which means they are strong, stain-resistant, and can be used for up to 100 years .

Common mistakes people regret when choosing a Gabbeh rug

Mistake in choosing the right size: Many people feel after purchasing that they should have bought a larger size. If it is too small, it will look unbalanced in the room, and if it is too large, it will feel oppressive.
Color and design mismatch: The color you saw in the store may look different in your home lighting, and you may end up regretting your purchase because it doesn't match your other furniture. Since one-of-a-kind Gabbeh rugs are irreplaceable, you need to be especially careful about mismatches in color and pattern.
Insufficient quality and origin assessment: If you accidentally purchase an imitation made outside of Iran (such as an Indian or machine-woven product), you may find that the texture is not as good as you expected. Authentic Gabbehs are produced around Shiraz in Iran and are expensive, but extremely cheap ones are likely to be machine-woven.
Lack of care: Gabbeh carpets are quite heavy due to their thickness and density, and cleaning and rearranging large carpets can be difficult. Also, new carpets can shed fluff.

Tips for choosing the right Gabbeh

Choose the right size for your application: Choose the appropriate size for the installation location. For example, there are standard sizes for different applications, such as approximately 60 x 90 cm for a doormat or 150 x 200 cm for in front of a sofa in the living room. If it's too small, it will be unsatisfying, and if it's too large, it will feel oppressive, so it's important to measure the dimensions of the installation location beforehand.
Achieve harmony with your interior and intuition: Consider whether the design matches the overall color scheme and atmosphere of the room. Harmony with other furniture is important, but since you'll be using it for a long time, choosing a pattern that you fall in love with at first sight is also a key point you won't regret. If you choose a timeless design that isn't affected by trends, you'll be able to use it for a long time without getting bored.

Gabbeh Rugs: The Average Price and Why They're So Expensive

The price of Gabbeh varies greatly depending on the size and the fineness of the weave. Generally, a small entrance mat (approximately 50 x 80 cm) costs between 30,000 and 100,000 yen, a medium-sized mat (approximately 100 x 150 cm) costs between 100,000 and 300,000 yen, and a large mat (approximately 200 x 300 cm) costs over 500,000 yen .

The reason they are so expensive is that each one is woven by hand, with time and effort. It takes several months to make, resulting in a taste and artistry that machine-woven rugs just can't match. The cost is also reflected in the fact that they are made from 100% high-quality wool and dyed with natural dyes such as plant dyes to create vibrant colors. They are valued as one-of-a-kind traditional crafts, and their durability and uniqueness make them a rug that will last a lifetime, well worth the price.

Points to check when purchasing

The knots and weave on the reverse: You can tell if a Gabbeh is truly handwoven by looking at the reverse. A genuine Gabbeh will have visible hand-knots on the reverse, and will have slight irregularities or unevenness. Machine-woven imitations will have a tightly woven reverse, so be sure to check.