Did you know that, as with any other consumer product such as a car or truck, there are many different types of Persian rugs? Today, we’re going to look at each of the primary styles, what makes them similar, what makes them different, and how you can decide which is right for your home.
The 18 different types of Persian rugs
We should start by clarifying that there are technically more than 18 different types of Persian rugs. However, the ones we’ve listed below are the most popular, and therefore the main types of Persian rugs. Some are geographic-specific while others are based on the design choices of the weaver.
In no specific order, they are:
Tabriz
Tabriz is a city in northwestern Iran that has been a center for rug weaving for centuries. Tabriz rugs are known for their fine craftsmanship, intricate designs, and use of high-quality materials such as wool and silk. Tabriz rugs are also high-quality carpets with cotton or silk warp.
Tabriz rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird motifs. The color palettes for Tabriz rugs are often rich and varied, with deep blues, reds, and browns being commonly used.
One of the different characteristics of Tabriz rugs is their fine knot count, which can be up to 1000 knots per square inch. This gives the Tabriz rug a very detailed and intricate appearance. They are also known for their use of high-quality materials, including wool and silk that are hand-spun and hand-dyed using classic and natural dyes.
Heriz
Heriz is a town in northwest Iran known for producing highly durable and distinctive rugs. Heriz rugs are known for their geometric designs, bold colors, and the use of high-quality wool.
Heriz rugs typically feature large geometric medallions with intricate designs and classic colors such as red, blue, and orange. The wool used in Heriz rugs is known for its durability, which allows the rugs to withstand heavy foot traffic and retain their vibrant colors and patterns over time. This rug has vibrant shades with oversized medallions and outlines.
One of its difference characteristics of Heriz rugs is its timeless and unique color palettes, which are often rich and bold, with a tendency towards darker tones. This is due to the use of natural dyes, which are extracted from plants and minerals found in the surrounding region.
Kashan is a city in central Iran that has been a center for rug weaving for centuries. Kashan rugs are known for their fine craftsmanship, intricate designs, and use of high-quality materials such as wool and silk.
Kashan rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird motifs. The variety of color palette of Kashan rugs is often rich and varied, with deep blues, reds, and browns being commonly used. The wool material used in Kashan rugs is known for its softness and fine texture, which gives the rugs a luxurious and expensive appearance and comfort. It elaborate floral designs with deep blues and ivory reds.
One of the distinguishing features of Kashan rugs is their high knot count, which can be up to 800 knots per square inch. This gives Kashan rugs a very detailed and intricate appearance. They are also known for their use of high-quality materials, including wool and silk that are hand-spun and hand-dyed using natural dyes.
Gabbeh
Gabbeh is a type of Persian rug that originated from the nomadic tribes of the Zagros Mountains in western Iran. Gabbeh rugs are known for their bold, abstract designs and use of high-quality wool material.
Gabbeh rugs typically feature simple geometric designs with bold colors such as red, blue, and yellow. The wool used in Gabbeh rugs is known for its durability and softness, which gives the rugs a plush feel underfoot. Gabbeh rugs also often feature long, shaggy piles that add to their distinctive appearance.
Gabbeh rugs are known for their unpretentious and rustic character, as they are traditionally woven using techniques passed down through generations of nomadic rug weavers. Their designs can vary widely depending on the weaver’s creativity, resulting in unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. Despite their simplicity, Gabbeh rugs are highly sought after as decorative pieces for both modern and traditional interiors, thanks to their classic rug designs and high-quality wool pile. They are commonly used in casual spaces like family rooms or bedrooms, where their warm and inviting appearance can create a cozy atmosphere. As a result of their unique rug designs and high-quality wool foundation, Gabbeh rugs are considered to be a valuable collection that may appreciate in value over time. These rug designs offer simple designs with a distinctive tribal influence.
Isfahan
Isfahan is a city in central Iran that has been a center for rug weaving centers for centuries. These rugs are also considered heirloom quality. Isfahan rugs are known for their intricate designs, high-quality materials, and fine craftsmanship.
Isfahan rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird motifs. The color palettes of Isfahan rugs is often rich and varied, with deep blues, reds, and browns being commonly used. The wool used in Isfahan rugs is known for its softness and fine texture, which gives the rugs an expensive and luxurious appearance and comfort. These rugs have a sense of harmony with lots of ivory.
Nain
Nain is a city in central Iran known for producing high-quality handmade rugs. Nain rugs are known for their fine craftsmanship, intricate designs, and use of high-quality materials such as wool and silk.
This rug is made of fine wool and including intricate motifs on light backgrounds. Nain rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird motifs. The color palette of Nain rugs is often soft and muted, with pale blues, greens, and creams being commonly used. The wool used in Nain rugs is known for its softness and fine texture, which gives the rugs a luxurious appearance and comfort.
One of the differences in features of Nain rugs is their high knot count, which can be up to 700 knots per square inch. This gives Nain rugs a very detailed and intricate appearance. They are also known for their use of high-quality materials, including wool and silk that are hand-spun and hand-dyed using natural dyes.
Sarouk
Sarouk rugs, also spelled Saruk or Sarough, are made in the village of Sarouk, located in the Markazi province of Iran. They are known for their high-quality wool, durable construction, and intricate floral designs.
Sarouk rugs typically feature a central medallion design with floral motifs and intricate borders. The color palette is often rich and varied, with deep blues, reds, and browns being commonly used. Sarouk rugs are also known for their use of a unique shade of pink that is sometimes referred to as “Sarouk pink.”
One of the distinguishing features of Sarouk rugs is their durability. Also, a compact weave with more mellow shades.They are made of a dense and thick pile, which makes them resistant to wear and tear. Sarouk rugs are also known for their excellent color retention, and their colors will not fade even after years of use.
Mashad
Mashad rugs, also spelled Mashhad, are made in the city of Mashhad, which is located in northeastern Iran. They are known for their large size, intricate designs, and use of high-quality wool and silk.
Mashad rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. Having a combination of floral and medallion designs. The designs may be asymmetrical and include multiple borders. The color palette of Mashad rugs is often rich and vibrant, with deep blues, reds, and golds being commonly used.
One of the distinguishing features of Mashad rugs is their use of silk in the design. Silk is often used to highlight specific details in the rug, such as the floral motifs or border patterns. This gives the rug a lustrous sheen and adds to its overall beauty.
Baluchi
Baluchi rugs, also known as Balochi or Belouch rugs, are woven by the Baluchi tribes of Afghanistan and Iran. They are known for their rustic, tribal designs and use of wool from local sheep, which gives them a thick and durable texture.
Baluchi rugs typically feature geometric designs with bold colors such as deep reds, blues, and browns. They may also include animal or human motifs, such as camels or warriors. The designs are often asymmetrical, which gives them a unique and authentic feel.
One of the distinctive features of Baluchi rugs is their quality of wool. The wool used in Baluchi rugs is often coarser than that used in other Persian rugs, which gives them a thick and sturdy texture. Baluchi rugs are also known for their use of natural dyes, which can produce rich and deep colors that are resistant to fading. Small motifs of a dynamic design.
Baluchi rugs are often small in size, with the most common size being around 4′ x 6′. They are often used as decorative statement pieces or prayer rugs. Due to their rustic and tribal designs, Baluchi rugs are a popular choice for bohemian and eclectic interiors. They are also valued for their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Qum
Qom rugs are made in the city of Qom, in central Iran. Qom rugs (also spelled Qum) are some of the most luxurious and finely woven Persian rugs. They are made in the city of Qom, which is located in central Iran. Qom rugs are known for their intricate designs, high knot counts, and use of high-quality materials such as silk and fine wool.
One of the distinguishing features of Qom rugs is their use of silk in the foundation and design. This gives them a lustrous sheen and a soft, luxurious feel. Qom rugs often feature intricate floral or medallion designs, with delicate borders and a subtle color palette. Often featuring birds, flowers, or gardens. Common colors used in Qom rugs include ivory, beige, and soft blues and greens.
Qom rugs are typically made in small sizes, such as 4′ x 6′ or 6′ x 9′, which makes them ideal for use in areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Due to their high quality and luxurious and expensive materials, Qom rugs are often considered to be investment pieces that can last for generations. They are highly sought after by collectors and interior designers for their beauty and craftsmanship.
Bakhtiari
Bakhtiari rugs are made by the Bakhtiari tribe, which is located in western Iran. They are known for their bold geometric designs and use of high-quality wool, which gives them a thick and durable texture.
Bakhtiari rugs typically feature a central medallion design with geometric motifs and bold colors such as deep reds, blues, and browns. The designs may also include floral or animal motifs, such as birds or deer. The borders of Bakhtiari rugs are often broad and feature intricate patterns. Also a Tribal in nature with strong hues.
One of the distinguishing features of Bakhtiari rugs is their high knot count, which can be up to 300 knots per square inch. This makes them very dense and thick, and gives them excellent durability. Bakhtiari rugs are also known for their use of natural dyes, which produce rich and deep colors that are resistant to fading.
Bijar
Bijar rugs, also known as Bidjar or Bidjarh, are made in the town of Bijar, which is located in western Iran. They are known for their dense and durable construction, intricate designs, and use of high-quality wool.
Bijar rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric rug patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird motifs. The color palette of Bijar rugs is often rich and varied, with deep blues, reds, and greens being commonly used.
One of the distinguishing features of Bijar rugs is their density and durability. They are made with a unique weaving technique that involves tightly packing the wool together, which makes them resistant to wear and tear. Bijar rugs are also known for their ability to withstand heavy foot traffic and are often used in high-traffic areas such as entryways or hallways. This rug is heavier than the others with an overall focus on double wefts.
Due to their durability and excellent craftsmanship and artisans, Bijar rugs are considered to be investment pieces that can be passed down through generations.
Farahan
Farahan rugs, also spelled Ferahan, are made in the city of Farahan, which is located in central Iran. They are known for their elegant designs, use of high-quality wool, and rich color palette. Utilizing a thin wool, a cotton base, and a relatively symmetrical design.
Farahan rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird symbols. The color palette of Farahan rugs is often rich and varied, with deep blues, reds, and browns being commonly used.
One of the distinguishing features of Farahan rugs is their use of a special type of wool known as “Kork,” which is known for its durability and luster. The handspun wool and hand-dyed are using a natural dye, which produce rich and deep colors that are resistant to fading.
Kerman
Kerman rugs, also spelled Kirman, are made in the city of Kerman, which is located in southeastern Iran. They are known for their intricate designs, use of high-quality wool and silk, and delicate color palette. Its wool uses a cotton weft with lightly colored floral designs.
Kerman rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird motifs. The color palette of Kerman rugs is often delicate and subdued, with pastel pinks, blues, and greens being commonly used.
One of the distinguishing features of Kerman rugs is their use of high-quality silk in addition to wool. Silk rugs are often used to highlight certain areas of the rug, such as the borders or medallion. This gives Kerman rugs a unique luster and sheen that is prized by collectors.
Kilims
Kilims are flat-woven rugs that are made in many regions of Iran, as well as other countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. They are known for their flat, thin texture and colorful geometric patterns. Also, Kilims rug has a popular design with intertwining wefts and warps.
Kilims are made using a special weaving technique that involves interlocking the warp and weft threads, which creates a flat surface with no pile. This gives Kilims a unique texture that is different from other types of rugs.
The designs of Kilims are often geometric in nature, with bold colors such as red, blue, and green being commonly used. They may also feature abstract or floral motifs, and some Kilims have patterns that tell a story or have religious significance.
Malayer
Malayer rugs are made in the city of Malayer, which is located in western Iran. They are known for their bold and intricate designs, use of high-quality wool, and rich color palette. This rug is containing an especially fine weave with unique patterns throughout.
Malayer rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The designs may also include animal or bird patterns. The color palette of Malayer rugs is often rich and varied, with deep blues, reds, and browns being commonly used.
One of the distinguishing features of Malayer rugs is their use of high-quality handspun wool and hand-dyed using natural dyes. This produces rich and deep colors that are resistant to fading. Malayer rugs are also known for their durability and are able to withstand heavy foot traffic.
Senneh
Senneh rugs, also spelled Sanandaj, are made in the city of Sanandaj, which is located in western Iran. They are known for their fine craftsmanship, intricate designs, and use of high-quality wool and silk. This rug has a soft and silky rug utilizing dark blue and red hues.
Senneh rugs typically feature a central medallion design with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The rug styles may also include animal or bird motifs. The color palette of Senneh rugs is often subtle and subdued, with earthy tones such as browns and beiges being commonly used.
One of the distinguishing features of Senneh rugs is their fine knot count, which can be up to 500 knots per square inch. This gives Senneh rugs a very detailed and intricate appearance. They are also known for their use of high-quality materials, including wool and silk that are hand-spun and hand-dyed using natural dyes.
Sultanabad
Sultanabad, also known as Arak, is a city in central Iran that has been producing rugs since the 19th century. Sultanabad rugs are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, durability, and bold designs.
Having larger weaves and unique combinations of colors and patterns. Sultanabad rugs typically feature large, classic styles with intricate floral or geometric patterns. The color palette of Sultanabad rugs is often rich and elegant, with bold blues, reds, and greens being commonly used.
One of the distinguishing features of Sultanabad rugs is their use of high-quality handspun wool and hand-dyed using natural dyes. This produces rich and deep colors that are resistant to fading. Sultanabad rugs are also known for their durability and are able to withstand heavy foot traffic.
What is similar about each style?
Because each of these different types of Persian rugs falls into the same category, they naturally have similarities between them.
For example, while the places they come from and the designs that the designers incorporate into them vary, the materials do not. Most Persian rugs will contain varying amounts of silk, cotton, and wool. Some will even include camel hair.
All Persian rugs are hand-woven and sturdy, between 3 and 6mm in thickness. And because they’re not made by a machine, no two rugs will ever be the same.
What is different about each style?
As may have been obvious from our list above, each of the different types of Persian rugs has similarities and differences. More often than not, the differences will fall into a couple of primary categories:
• Geographical or cultural influences, such as those with a tribal motif;
• Choice of color, with some focusing on darker hues and others on extremely light in color;
• The nature of the weft and weaves, including the thickness of the rug itself;
• And the overall design, with some incorporating wildlife, others with flowers, and some with distinctive geometric shapes.
How can I decide which is right for my home?
The best way to determine what type of Persian rug to buy for your home is to consider the overall design aesthetic of the room where the rug will occupy. If you like contrasts, for example, and have dark walls consider Nain or Kerman. If minimalism is your decor of choice, consider Gabbeh. Simply put, the choice will depend on your style.
Each of the different types of Persian Rugs is at Rug Source
Regardless of which of the types of Persian rugs you want to go with, we carry them all. You can visit our showroom at 7215 Smith Corners Boulevard in Charlotte or browse our online catalog here.
