In modern day surroundings it is easy to take carpets for granted. Carpets were first introduced as decorative tapestries that were hung in stately homes and palaces. These carpets often depicted significant historical events and were considered fine art.

So how did carpets go from being works of art to simple floor coverings? The following article sheds some light on the history of carpets in society.

Eastern Origins

Some of the earliest evidence of carpet production dates back to Ancient Egyptian times. Traces of woven carpets were found in tombs of pharaohs and noblemen which were produced using flat weaving methods.

Carpet production as we know it today is thought to have originated from Persian civilisation. Some of the earliest recorded literature of the Persian people refers to forms of weaving but it is unclear as to whether flat weave carpets or pile carpets were being produced.

The inspiration for carpet design seems to focus on necessity and fits in with the activities of nomadic people in the east. Nomadic tribes would travel taking herds of sheep with them for food and to use their wool. Historians believe that these nomadic people used wool from their sheep to make clothing and that carpet weaving started as a means to produce warmer coverings.

As Eastern society began to develop its people started to explore the world, bringing their culture to new shores. This included the production of carpets and other weaving methods.

Influence on Western Culture

The first traces of Eastern carpets began to appear in Europe as soldiers retrieved them from The Crusades and brought them back home. These first carpets were decorative pieces that were hung as tapestries and were highly valued.

Eastern carpets continued to appear in Europe in small quantities and it was some time until the techniques were adopted for Europeans to begin producing their own. Carpets remained an elite decoration of the upper classes who displayed them as pieces of art. Royalty and revered clergymen were the exceptions to this and could afford to use carpets as we do today to cover the floor.

Eventually carpets began to become more commonplace and people in the west started to produce their own carpets. Early designs didnt surface until the industrial revolution with the exception of Frances monarchy instigating carpets production under royal commission. These early designs clearly acknowledged their eastern influences; replicating original patterns and colour schemes and imitating the weaving methods.

Modern Production Methods

Today carpets are something weve all grown up with and become accustomed to. Carpets are available in an almost limitless range of designs to suit different budgets and interior dcor schemes.

Carpets are available that are made from a range of materials to suit different environments. From traditional wool carpets to functional nylon constructions and also specified carpets such as ESD carpets which minimise the discharge of static electricity for use in controlled environments.

Carpet is usually available in 12ft lengths that can be cut, fit and laid to fit any room regardless of shape or size. Carpet continues to be a versatile solution, providing a warm floor covering which is easy on the eye.