Gabbeh Rugs-From Tents to Your Home-A History

I love Gabbeh area rugs. They have been my favorite rug since I started working at Luv-A-rug, here in Victoria BC, 3 years ago. Gabbehs are thick, plush and whimsical. I enjoy the traditional designs of random characters throughout the rug more so then the symmetrical designs.

The history of Gabbehs is rich and doesn't really have a starting point. The word Gabbeh loosely translated means bedding. The first mention of them is in the 16th century, but they were probably made for centuries before that. There is just no written proof of any earlier Gabbeh rugs.

The reason for lack of beginnings for the Gabbeh is because they were woven by Nomads who migrated in the summers to higher pastures with their livestock. The history of the tribe is woven in the rugs instead of on paper.

The Nomads made rugs to cover the floor of their tents that were easy to carry with them during their migration from the valley to mountains. Gabbehs are still made today in the same traditions. The designs are more symmetrical for today's rug buyer though.

They are made by the women who use the landscape and everyday life events to inspire their designs. Gabbeh rugs are woven in more daring colours then most hand knotted rugs because of the unrestricted nomadic lifestyle and because the rugs were made for personal use more so than commercial. That was until a Swedish furniture company mass produced them and sold them world wide.

Gabbeh rugs add a nice punch of colour to any room and are thick and plush. Gabbehs look like they were painted as there looks like brush strokes in the main body of the rug.

A few weeks ago we picked up two Gabbehs that belong to a local computer store owner. I was kinda hoping that they would forget about one of their rugs. It had a blue background with a single female character about 2/3 of the way up the rug. It looked like she was standing in the middle of an ocean because the background looked like waves.

When I look at a Gabbeh it is calming and intriguing. I try to figure out why the weaver used the characters and what story they are telling.

So next time you are in a Rug Gallery in Victoria or beyond that sells hand knotted rugs ask if they have any Gabbehs. They aren't everyone's taste, but everyone should see and touch a Gabbeh at least once.

Thanks for reading, RugloverMary, Your Victoria BC area rug cleaning and Gabbeh loving specialist!

Another Moth Vacation comes to an End

It is very sad when we get in an area rug that has been infested by moths. For some rugs it is just a bit of minor damage, for others it can be an all out free buffet and the whole family shows up.

This video is of a small Gabbeh area rug that has somewhat minor, but noticeable, moth damage, and a moth larva caught in the act. I do apologize for the blurriness of the video. I was trying to get all the action that was happening and not paying attention to what I was doing with the camera.



THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT THIS IS TO HAVE YOUR RUGS CLEANED BEFORE STORING THEM.
No matter how short of a period. It only takes one pregnant female moth to lay 50+ eggs and your rug is a haven.

ALSO TO VACUUM THE ENTIRE RUG OFTEN.

Moth's cannot survive on a clean rug, they need dirt, dust, food spills, and for the rug to be undisturbed.

I know that it isn't easy to vacuum ALL of the rug because of furniture placement, but it is worth it!

It is cheaper to pay a few neighbour kids or con family members into doing it for you than having to replace the rug and getting rid of the moth infestation.
Here is more information about the life cycle of the moth, how to prevent an infestation and what to do if you find one.

Just like with fires.............Only you can prevent a moth infestation!

Thanks for reading and viewing, RugloverMary

Wool Gabbeh Rug

I love Gabbeh area rugs they are my absolute favorite rugs.

I love the whimsical, random, primitive figures and the bright vibrant colours used in these rugs.


Most Gabbeh rugs are wool pile on a cotton foundation, with a multi-coloured side wrap and randomly put figures. They are thick, plush, inviting rugs to walk upon.

The Gabbeh rugs I have seen lately have a symmetrical design of the primitive figures, not my preferred look. On this Gabbeh, you can see dark and light stripes in the orange area. That is a trait of a Gabbeh. It is called Abrash.

Abrash is caused by the wool being dyed in different batches and fading at a different rate. Very natural occurrence and usually a desired one on most hand knotted area rugs.

This is the Gabbeh that we received today for cleaning. The striping is very evident even though it is a off white/beige colour.

Again the pattern is symmetrical in lines, but the figures are random in the order they placed. The unique thing about this Gabbeh is that the foundation is wool. You can tell by the fact that the fringes are wool and not cotton.

Not a common feature of most Gabbeh area rugs.

You will notice that every two rows of figures are a lined and then the next two rows shift slightly. Just another way this Gabbeh rug is distinctive.

When was the last time you really looked at the pattern on your area rug?

Most people it is when they have it cleaned. If you don't get you area rug cleaned on a regular basis, once every year or two, then you may be missing out on what makes your area rug special.

Remember your area rug is more than just a floor covering, it is a work of art. There is beauty every where no matter if your area rug is hand knotted or an inexpensive department store rug.

Here is a closeup of the back of the rug and the fringes.

The red that you see is the weft, the piece of wool or cotton that is in between the row of knots. If this rug gets flooded or improperly cleaned the red can bleed through to the front of the rug, not good.



There are many little things that have to be considered when cleaning an area rug. That is why you shouldn't let just anyone clean your rugs.

Luv-A-Rug has been Victoria, BC's Area rug Experts for over 20 years. We know area rugs. Let us put the love back into your rugs, call 250-590-6210 /1-800-886-2802 for pick up.

Thanks for reading, RugloverMary