What Are the Most Popular Colors for Persian Rugs

Rugs from Central Asia are known for their high-quality weaving, durability, as well as their interesting designs and patterns. One particular item of note is the varying colors of a Persian rug. Often used with a specific intent to convey a thought or emotion, the most popular colors for Persian rugs will highlight the shapes and symbols present in the design.

So what are the most popular colors for Persian rugs? Today, we’ll unpack the 9 most popular colors and what they mean.

Green

Let’s start with green. As many people are well aware, religion and faith are extremely important to those in Eastern Asia. With many in that region practicing Islam, green is used sparingly because it has a direct connection with the Prophet Mohammad. Often, you’ll find it in areas that are rarely walked on and it symbolizes both renewed life and hope.

Red

As in other cultures across the world, red is often seen as a symbol of wealth. It’s a bold color, which takes courage to use in home decor. It also represents joy along with beauty, symbolizing our inner and outer selves.

Blue

While we won’t dive into beliefs in the afterlife today, blue often evokes this feeling of an eternal existence. It can also refer to the driving force of all things, our collective solidarity with each other.

Orange

The next four colors — orange, brown, yellow, and gold — are sequential. Let’s first look at what orange represents.

It’s been said that humility is one of the strongest aspects of the Islamic faith. Orange and humility go hand-in-hand. Think about the last time you went to a Middle Eastern Restaurant and the humble service from the wait staff. Think about the colors on the wall. If you’re picturing the color orange, it’s because this tenant is a strong component of Persian culture.

Brown

Brown is family, or more specifically, a representation of fertility. Orange and brown blend well together, and as one of the most popular colors for Persian rugs, helps to reinforce the humility we’ve already talked about.

Yellow

And now we come to joy. Of course, if you hand a grade school child a box of crayons, and told them to draw a beautiful scene it’s likely that they’ll use yellow to draw the sun. This is inherent throughout the world, and the use of the color yellow in a Persian rug draws from our joy of experiencing sunlight.

Gold

Following up to yellow, gold represents power. It’s a subtle shift in hue, yet a tonal shift from the previous color. Gold also evokes one of the same emotions as red: wealth.

White and Black

We’re lumping both white and black together today, although they have contrasting meanings. Black is often used on the outlines of a Persian rug, representing the end. On the other hand, white on a Persian rug helps to convey purity and cleanliness.

Beige

Beige is a versatile color that can be used in many different parts of a Persian rug, from the background to the intricate designs. It can range from a light, almost white shade to a warm, earthy tone.

Pink

Pink is a softer color that is often used in floral and botanical motifs in Persian rugs. It can range from a pale, almost white shade to a bright, vibrant pink that adds a pop of color to the overall design.

Color Symbolism in Persian Rugs

Persian rugs are known for their intricate designs and vivid colors, each of which often carries a symbolic meaning. Here are some common colored symbols found in Persian rugs:

Red: Red is a dominant color in Persian rugs and is associated with life, energy, passion, and warmth. It can also represent courage and sacrifice. In some cases, red can also symbolize danger or a warning.
Blue: Blue represents tranquility, peace, and infinity. It can also symbolize spirituality, wisdom, and devotion. Light blue is often associated with the sky and water, while dark blue can represent power and authority.
Green: Green represents nature, growth, and harmony. It is often associated with spring and renewal. In some rugs, green can also symbolize fertility and wealth.
Yellow: Yellow is associated with the sun, light, and happiness. It can also symbolize prosperity, optimism, and hope. In some cases, yellow can represent treachery or jealousy.
Orange: Orange is associated with joy, warmth, and creativity. It can also represent good health and strength.
Purple: Purple is associated with royalty, power, and luxury. It can also symbolize mystery and spirituality.
Black: Black can represent mystery, elegance, and sophistication. It can also symbolize mourning or death.
White: White is associated with purity, innocence, and cleanliness. It can also represent peace and serenity. In some cases, white can symbolize death.
Gray: Gray can represent neutrality, balance, and sophistication. It can also symbolize sadness or mourning.
Silver: Silver is associated with the moon, and can represent intuition, emotional stability, and reflection.
Cream: Cream is associated with purity and innocence, and can also represent elegance and refinement.
Turquoise: Turquoise is associated with the sky and the sea, and can represent serenity, healing, and protection. It is also often used as a symbol of wealth and luxury.

In Persian rugs, the use of color is often used in combination with other design elements such as patterns, shapes, and motifs to convey deeper meanings and messages. The choice of colors and designs can be influenced by a variety of factors such as geography, history, religion, and cultural beliefs.

The most popular colors for Persian rugs are at Rug Source!

While not all of the most popular colors for Persian rugs are usually in a single rug, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a color pattern or design of your choosing to match your home decor. We carry rugs in all of these colors and more. Visit our website or stop by our showroom to see our selection!

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