Teppiche

Teppiche is the German term for carpets or rugs, floor coverings used to insulate, decorate, and acoustically dampen interiors. They range from small mats to wall-to-wall installations and are found in homes, offices, and public spaces.

Materials and construction: Traditional Teppiche are woven from wool and backed with cotton; silk provides luxury. Modern production uses synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon, or polyester. Pile height ranges from dense low-pile to long, fluffy piles. Common methods include hand-knotted, machine-knotted, hand-tufted, and flatweave (kilim). Knot density, measured in knots per square inch or square centimeter, signals quality and durability.

Regional and stylistic traditions: Teppiche have strong regional identities. Persian carpets are known for intricate patterns and high knot counts; Turkish and Caucasian pieces emphasize geometric motifs. Kilims are flatwoven. Design ranges from floral arabesques to medallions and pictorial scenes. In addition to traditional hand-made rugs, machine-made Teppiche are common and affordable.

Care and use: Regular vacuuming removes surface dust without aggressive brushing. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading. Use a rug pad to reduce slippage and wear, and rotate large pieces to promote even aging. For delicate, antique, or valuable pieces, professional cleaning and conservation are advised.

Market and value: Value depends on material, construction quality, knot density, size, age, provenance, and condition. Antique and historically important pieces can command premium prices, while contemporary machine-made rugs tend to be more affordable. Conservation and documentation are important for notable pieces.