After years of selling carpets in Abu Dhabi, we could walk into a shop and instantly tell where the carpet was made, how old it was, and if it was handmade or made by a machine, along with for what space it was suitable.
Many of our clients ask how you identify them so quickly. This comes with experience in the carpet industry,
Today, we will share our experience to help you learn how to spot the difference between handmade vs machine-made carpets and which one is better for your space in the UAE, just like an expert, but in a way that is super easy to understand.
What’s the Big Deal About Carpets in the UAE?
Carpets and rugs are a huge part of the culture in many UAE homes and offices. They make the house look pretty and feel cozy.
But should you choose a handmade carpet or a machine-made one? That is the most asked question by our clients. Let’s first learn how to tell them apart and what makes each special.
Handmade or Machine-made: How to Identify
From a distance, they might look the same, but the details mentioned below really set them apart.
Look at the Front
The first trick is to look at the front of the carpet. Machine-made carpets usually look perfectly even, and the patterns are super straight. Everything matches up, like a picture printed from a computer.
Handmade carpets look a bit different. Their patterns might have small mistakes or wavy lines, and the designs are not always the same on both sides. That’s because people make them by hand, not machines!
But they still look beautiful and feel special because every little difference shows that someone worked hard to make it.
Check If It’s Straight
Another way to tell is to see if the carpet is perfectly straight. Machine-made carpets are always perfectly shaped because machines make sure of it.
Handmade carpets can be a bit crooked or not the same size all over. This happens because people use simple tools, and sometimes the wool or cotton they use can stretch or shrink a little.
Touch and Feel the Back
Now, flip the carpet over and feel the back. If it’s machine-made, the back feels kind of hard or plastic, because machines use strong, fake materials like polyester or nylon.
Handmade carpets feel softer on the back. They’re usually made from real wool, cotton, or even silk, so you can feel the difference!
Look at the Knots
If you look really closely at the back of the carpet, you’ll see the knots. Machine-made carpets have knots that look like a honeycomb or are perfectly lined up. The design and colors are hard to see from the back.
Handmade carpets have knots that are a little messy or uneven, and you can actually see the design and colors on the back, too. That’s because each knot was made by hand!
Inspect the Fringes
The last trick is to look at the fringes, or the tassels, at the ends of the carpet. Machine-made carpets might not have fringes, or if they do, the fringes are sewn on after the carpet is made and look super neat and even.
Handmade carpets have fringes that are part of the carpet’s base. Sometimes, they’re different lengths or even decorated with extensions. This is a big sign that the carpet is handmade.
Handmade vs Machine-Made Carpets: Value Difference
Both types have their good sides, and both are available in options for wall-to-wall, area carpets, and small rugs.
Hand-made Carpets
These carpets are special, last a long time, and each one is unique. They’re perfect if you want something beautiful and full of tradition. Keep in mind, these are not just pieces of carpet, they are artwork with prices of a few thousand to millions, depending upon origin and fineness of work.
Machines Made Carpets
These carpets are usually cheaper and come in lots of styles. They’re great if you want something quick and easy. The value of the machine made is usually about the material quality used in manufacturing.
Factors to Consider before Buying
Don’t decide too quickly. There are important factors to think about before getting caught up in the excitement of buying.
Where Will You Use It?
Think about where the carpet will go. Is it for your living room at home, or for a busy office or shop? Handmade carpets are great for quiet places and homes, while machine-made carpets are better for busy spots.
How Much Do You Want to Spend?
Handmade carpets usually cost more because they take a long time to make, and each one is unique. Machine-made carpets are usually cheaper, and you can buy more of them for the same price.
Do You Want Something Special or Practical?
If you want a carpet that is super special, full of tradition, and one-of-a-kind, go for handmade. If you just need something that looks nice and is easy to clean, machine-made is a good pick.
How Long Do You Want It to Last?
Handmade carpets can last for many, many years, sometimes even passed down in families! Machine-made carpets last a good while too, but might not stay nice for as long as handmade ones.
How Easy Is It to Clean?
If you have kids, pets, or lots of people walking around, you might want a carpet that’s easy to clean. Machine-made carpets are usually better for that.
What Style Do You Like?
There are all sorts of designs and colors in both kinds of carpets. Take a look at different styles and see what you like best!
Which is Better for Your Spaces in the UAE?
Both types have their benefits! But each has its own strengths and weaknesses, which we have discussed to determine which one is better for your space.
Although we always encourage you to buy one specific to your needs, here is our generalized suggestion.
Machine-made Carpet
These carpets are usually tougher, easier to clean, and cost less, which makes them a great choice for commercial spaces where lots of people walk every day. If you want something strong and practical for your business, machine-made carpets are the way to go!
Hand-made Carpets
These carpets are beautiful, unique, and show off tradition. You can use them for both floor and wall decor. While they are an excellent choice for homes and commercial places with low traffic, they might not be the best fit for busy places like offices or shops.
Conclusion
To tell the difference between handmade and machine-made carpets, look closely at how they are made. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, but both can be great choices for different budgets and spaces in Abu Dhabi. Machine-made carpets are a practical and affordable option, while handmade carpets are long-lasting and can become treasured family heirlooms, as well as beautiful works of art.
This guide aims to help you find the best carpet for your needs. If you want to learn more or see our range of quality carpets and services, please visit our website, carpetsabudhabi.ae.
FAQs
- How much do handmade vs machine-made carpets usually cost in the UAE?
Handmade carpets are much more expensive and can cost thousands, while machine-made carpets are more budget-friendly. - Which type should I choose for my situation (kids, pets, office, majlis, etc.)?
Choose machine-made for busy, messy areas and handmade for quiet, special spaces like a majlis or show area. - How do I maintain and clean each type?
Vacuum often, clean spills quickly, and use gentle or professional cleaning for handmade carpets and a simple shampoo wash for many machine-made ones. - How can I be sure a “handmade” carpet is truly handmade?
Check the back and fringes for small imperfections and non-sewn fringes, and buy from a trusted seller who explains the origin. Some manufacturers of high-end rugs do provide a certificate of authenticity. - What does your store offer, and what should I do next if I want to buy?
We offer both handmade and machine-made carpets for homes and offices with fast delivery and professional installation across the UAE, and you can visit our website or contact us to get expert help for choosing one.
