The intricacy of design, high quality fabrics, simple but lovable patterns, the overall coziness of the whole composition – sometimes a single rug cannot have it all, in most cases we can easily distinguish the prevalent features of a given carpet. Eventually, it all depends on our tastes and needs.
While some of us would most probably search for charming, colorful, simple-patterned rug, like Dhurrie, the others would choose a floor-covering with sophisticated designs and more formal look, like Aubusson carpet.
The division on formal and informal things, with all the characteristic features included in these terms, refers to rugs as well. However, when talking about carpets, formality is first and foremost attributed to cities, whereas informality to villages. Manufactured in workshops – formal rugs are known for their refined designs woven on a first-class materials. They are free of imperfections and give the interior a touch of elegance and prestige. Antique Persian, Indian and Turkish rugs that were produced in urban setting are all formal carpets. As for the West, Aubusson, Savonnerie, Spanish carpets and also some Art Deco ones are classified as formal rugs. Generally, the most significant examples of formal carpets come from Tabriz, Kashan, Khorassan, Kirman, Doroksh, Meshad, Tehran, and Sarouk.
The informality of a rug, on the other hand, manifests itself in simple designs, e.g. geometric patterns. That’s not a rule, though. An informal carpet may combine various features – nomadic or tribal motifs can appear together with city-inspired ones. Rugs that are labelled informal, come from the villages like Malayer, Sarab, Bakhtiar, Bakshaish, Sultanabad, Bibikabad, Senneh, Fereghan, Heriz, Hamadan and Shiraz. These are the most important examples.
Coming back to formal antique carpets – in some spaces these rugs are the most desired choice. In elegant apartments or business places, formal carpets seem to be more appropriate than informal ones. Their classic look and intricate designs make them an ideal element of the interior. No wonder, rare antique formal rugs are sought after by collectors from all over the world.
