Hand-Knotted Rugs That Don’t Break the Bank
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When it comes to decorating a home, there is a time to save and a time to splurge. One of my favorite splurges is hand-knotted rugs for my living room and bedrooms. Not convinced you want to spend a little extra on a rug? Learn more about their craftsmanship, durability, aesthetic appeal, and where I find affordable options that will save you money!
SOURCES: Rug | Bed | Quilt | Nightstands | Lamps
What Makes Hand-Knotted Rugs Special?
Each knot is tied by hand, making each rug unique. This process can take months but the result is durable and can last for generations with proper care. Made with natural materials like wool, silk, or cotton you can expect a softness that doesn’t come with mass-produced machine-knotted rugs.
I’ve had other wool rugs in my home, and while I appreciated the durability, I didn’t care for the amount of shedding. Wool rugs with a pile tend to shed more because the fibers can come loose. I find this to be the biggest complaint of homeowners with cut-pile rugs.
SOURCES: Rug | Bed | Quilt | Nightstand | Bench
Wool fibers tied in knots tend to stay in place making them less susceptible to shedding. This fact convinced me to give wool rugs another try and I have zero regrets. Read my post explaining the DIFFERENT TYPES OF RUGS for more information on materials and construction!
Why Are Hand-Knotted Rugs More Expensive?
I’ve mentioned that creating these rugs is a time-intensive process but it also takes time to learn the skill of making them. This coupled with the fact that they are made with high-quality, natural materials can certainly drive up the cost. Rugs constructed with premium materials can cost you thousands!
SOURCES: Rug | Velvet Sofa | Coffee table
Hand-knotted vs. Machine-made Rugs
Like most of the design elements in my home, I prefer timeless style and natural materials. Budget can be a factor when choosing home decor, and I do have a few machine-made rugs in my home, but none of them compare to the hand-knotted rugs.
Here are a few key differences that set them apart:
- Production time: machine-made rugs only take a few hours to produce while hand-knotted rugs take a lot longer.
- Materials: handmade rugs are mostly made with natural materials while mass-produced rugs made with machines are typically made with synthetic fibers.
- Durability: knotted rugs made from natural materials usually last longer than synthetic ones.
- Appearance: manmade rugs are more uniform, but lack the authenticity of their handmade counterparts.
SOURCES: Bed | Rug | Lamp | Small dresser | Wall art | Duvet | Quilt
Affordable Alternatives
I’ve always loved the classic Pottery Barn style so it’s no surprise I started my hand-knotted rug search there. I knew the cost would be an investment but the price tag for the size I wanted was more than I wanted to pay for a rug. I will splurge on more permanent design elements like furniture and LIGHTING, but my living room needed a rug and I didn’t want to wait for the next big sale.
One of my favorite things is finding high-quality alternatives that won’t break the bank and those Pottery Barn price tags sent me on a mission. Retailers like Amazon and Wayfair are my go-to places to do just that.
SOURCES: Rug | Sofa | Coffee table | Drapes
My Amazon search turned up some really beautiful choices and I quickly discovered a hidden gem: Safavieh hand-knotted rugs! The color options were a perfect match for my home and they were a fraction of the cost than higher-end retailers like Pottery Barn, McGee and Co, and Arhaus.
SHOP WAYFAIR HAND-KNOTTED RUGS HERE!
Safavieh Hand-Knotted Rugs
Two of the most frequently asked questions I get are “What is that paint color?” and “Where did you get that rug?” You can read my PAINT COLORS blog post for answers to the first question, but here are the rugs that grab everyone’s attention:
Frequently Asked Questions
Flip the rug over to inspect the underside. Handmade rugs usually have a few uneven knots. Also, the fringe will consist of the same fibers used to construct the rug vs. a decorative addition. The pattern on the back side should be a less-saturated mirror image of the front.
Regular vacuuming and professional cleaning as needed will help to keep your rug looking like new. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. We are a “shoes-off” household which greatly lessens the wear and tear on our rugs.
Amazon and Wayfair are great choices for finding high-quality and affordable alternatives.
Conclusion
I hope this post has provided additional information to help you feel more comfortable investing in your next rug. Still a little unsure but love the look of hand-knotted rugs? Try adding one to a smaller space in your home that doesn’t get much traffic. This way you can enjoy its beauty and keep costs down while not worrying about protecting your new purchase.
