Gabbeh Rugs

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Welcome to Rug Source, your one-stop destination for high-quality antique, vintage, and modern handmade rugs from all over the world. In this section, we will introduce you to the captivating world of Gabbeh rugs. Prepare to immerse yourself in the rich history, exquisite materials, unique weaving style, vibrant colors, versatile sizes, and affordable pricing of Gabbeh rugs.

At Rug Source, we want our buyers to make informed choices about the rugs they purchase from us. To that end, we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about Gabbeh rugs, including their history, how they’re made, what colors and sizes they come in, and even what pricing options you have.

Where do Gabbeh rugs come from?

The origins of Gabbeh rugs can be traced back to the Qashqai nomads of Southwestern Iran in the 19th century. Originally used for practical purposes such as insulation and protection against cold mountain air, Gabbeh rugs have gained immense popularity in the 21st century for their artistic beauty and have become coveted pieces for interior design.

While Gabbeh rugs were primarily woven by the Qashqai, their unique style grew in popularity among other nomadic tribes, too, due to their beauty and functionality. As a result, the Gabbeh style branched off into different subtypes, including Kashkoli and Zollanvari. Iran’s nomadic people groups coined the term “Gabbeh” because it translates to “uncut” or “rough” and references the thick, often shaggy pile this style is famous for.
Gabbeh rugs were not originally created to be sold; the Qashqai and other indigenous peoples used them for everyday life and, until multiple political events occurred in Iran, kept them among themselves. But when the West became exposed to Iran’s indigenous peoples in the 70s and 80s, Western tourists fell in love with the bold colors and popularized the style throughout the rest of the world.

What are Gabbeh rugs made of?

Gabbeh rugs are crafted using the finest natural materials, ensuring both durability and a luxurious feel. The primary material used is wool, sourced from the sheep in the region. Wool fibers make Gabbeh rugs soft, long-lasting, and resistant to dirt and stains. After all, their makers lived hard lives on mountain roads; they couldn’t waste precious time by constantly stopping to clean them.

The use of natural dyes derived from plants and minerals creates a stunning visual effect, ensuring the rugs retain their vibrant colors for years to come. However, it’s not uncommon to find Gabbeh rugs in more neutral beiges and browns, as well. So no matter what your aesthetic is in your home, you can find a color scheme that works beautifully with your décor.

How are Gabbeh rugs made?

The weaving style of Gabbeh rugs is distinctive and showcases centuries of techniques being passed down through the generations. Skilled craftsmen meticulously weave every knot by hand, creating a durable and long-lasting masterpiece. These rugs feature a relatively low knot density, giving them a plush and thick pile that feels wonderful underfoot. Interestingly, due to their thickness, the Qashqai people often used Gabbeh rugs as mattresses!

Because they were originally designed and used by nomadic tribes, it was impractical for them to carry enormous looms with them wherever they went (especially since they often walked through hazardous mountain trails in the winter!). As such, the Qashqai and other Iranian tribes wove their masterpieces on small, portable looms. And, because Gabbeh rugs have a lower kpi (knots per square inch), they can be made more quickly on the road.

Color Variations in Gabbeh Rugs.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the vivid and captivating colors of Gabbeh rugs. Traditional Gabbeh rugs often feature earthy tones such as rust red, rich browns, deep blues, and warm golds, reflecting the natural surroundings and the weavers' cultural heritage. However, modern Gabbeh rugs now embrace a broader color palette, offering bold and vibrant options to suit various contemporary design schemes.

While bold rug colors are commonly used by weavers of Gabbeh rugs, there was also a trend in the 20th century of muted, neutral-toned rugs. This happened because when garish synthetic dyes became more popular in 60s, 70s, and 80s, Iran’s indigenous peoples moved away from bright colors and stuck to more subdued designs with angular geometric patterns. As a result, you can find Gabbeh rugs in neutral colors if that is more to your taste.

Do Gabbeh rugs come in different sizes?

Gabbeh rugs come in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to find the perfect rug for any space in your home. Whether you're looking for a small accent rug to put under your coffee table or a large area rug to cover your bedroom floor, there's a Gabbeh-style rug for every room in your home. Our inventory is currently stocked with standard sizes, as well as rugs that fall outside those size ranges due to being handmade.

At Rug Source, our inventory includes rugs as small as 1x2 and as large as 13x9. The shape affects the size, as well; we currently stock rectangular, square, round, and runner-style Gabbeh rugs. Because we have so many shapes and sizes available, you can easily find a Gabbeh-style rug that suits both the size of a room and complements the shapes and lines of your other furniture and décor.

How valuable are Gabbeh rugs?

At Rug Source, we believe in offering exceptional value for your investment in a Gabbeh rug. Gabbeh rugs provide superior quality, so they’re worth the money it takes to buy them. It should be noted that the pricing of Gabbeh rugs varies depending on factors such as size, materials used, intricacy of the design, and knot density.

While buying an antique or vintage Gabbeh rug can be a big investment, you can rest assured that you’ll find a Gabbeh rug within your budget without compromising on the quality and beauty that these rugs offer. Additionally, you can always check the Rug Source website for clearance items, seasonal sales, and a team of rug experts ready to help you find the perfect Gabbeh rug for your home!

Find your own Gabbeh rug at Rug Source!

Congratulations! You are now well-versed in the captivating world of Gabbeh rugs. Whether you're looking to add a touch of warmth to your living room, enhance the coziness of your bedroom, or create a focal point in your entryway, Gabbeh rugs are the perfect choice. Their rich history, unique construction, and wide variety of colors and sizes make this style perfect for any room in your home.

You can explore our wide selection of Gabbeh rugs at Rug Source and bring home a timeless piece of art that will elevate your living space for years to come. If you have any questions about Gabbeh rugs, feel free to browse our website, call our team at 980-422-4080, or visit our warehouse at 7215 Smith Corners Boulevard in Charlotte!

Other Popular Rugs You Can Explore

Gabbeh Rugs

Tribal Gabbeh Oriental Area Rug 6x9

Tribal Gabbeh Oriental Area Rug 5x8

Tribal Gabbeh Handmade Wool Rug 5x5

Tribal Gabbeh Square Wool Area Rug 10x10

Tribal Gabbeh Handmade Large Area Rug 10x12

Handmade Wool Gabbeh Square Area Rug 10x10

Sky Blue Handmade Gabbeh Square Area Rug 9x9

Beautiful Red Gabbeh Large Rug 9x12 with a Delicate Border Touch

Little Animals Wool Gabbeh Square Area Rug 10x10

Tribal Gabbeh Handmade Area Rug 8x10

Little Animals Design Wool Gabbeh Area Rug 8x10

Dark Blue Gabbeh Handmade Area Rug 6x9

Tribal Green Gabbeh Handmade Area Rug 6x9

Olive Green Gabbeh Area Rug 6x6 Featuring Minimalist Patterns

Red Wool Gabbeh Handmade Area Rug 6x8

Tribal Gabbeh Handmade Area Rug 5x8

Stylish Gabbeh Area Rug 5x8 Combining Minimalism and Traditional Charm

Refined Gabbeh Area Rug 5x8 with Discreet Tribal Patterns

Handmade Blue Gabbeh Square Area Rug 6x6

Elegant Olive Green Gabbeh Rug 6x6 with Subtle Tribal Patterns

Elegant Handmade Blue Gabbeh Rug 6x8 with Subtle AnimalPatterns

Tribal Gabbeh Oriental Area Rug 6x8

Little Animals Design Gabbeh Handmade Area Rug 6x8