The floor of your home says a lot about your style and personality. It's the first thing that people see when they enter and they're constantly reminded of it since they're standing on it. A lot of homeowners opt to go with hardwood floors these days and, indeed, these can be quite lovely...but they are hard, therefore the name. Sadly, carpets are known for attracting huge amounts of dust and other undesirables, so they're not always an option. Have no fear; a wonderful balance can be achieved by using rugs or, more specifically, oriental rugs.

Oriental rugs are hand-woven pieces, made from wool, silk or cotton, and created in what would be considered one of the Eastern countries. The major producers of oriental rugs are Iran, China, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan and India. Although sold there, genuine oriental rugs are not woven in the United States. Instead, 'oriental design' rugs are manufactured using machines. Perhaps the most famous examples of authentic oriental rugs are Persian rugs.

Let's get this straight from the start. A Persian rug is an example of an oriental rug, but not all oriental rugs are necessarily Persian rugs. A Persian rug is defined as one which was specifically woven in present-day Iran. These rugs are beautifully designed and have become a major source of income for many Iranians as the worldwide demand continues to grow.

However, the greatest demand is not for contemporary pieces but rather for antiques. Antique Persian rugs are typically over 100 years old and, as such, originated from the former Persian Empire. They are categorized mainly on the basis of their designs. Basically, the name says it all. Flower rugs will feature flowered patterns, and animal rugs have animals on them. Antique Persian rugs are very distinctive and offer a striking balance of color and elegance.

They can cost quite a bit, though, depending on the age and the intricacy of the design. On the other hand, antique Persian rugs are, of course, long-lasting. They've made it past a hundred years so I doubt very much that they won't last the duration of your lifetime. Antique Persian rugs are therefore an excellent choice if you're looking for something that you want to keep for a long time, or that you'd like to pass down through the generations. In other words, they're a great investment and they look good too. Antique Persian rugs can enhance the decor of any living space for years to come.