STYLES OF PERSIAN RUGS

CENTRAL PERSIA
MAHAL
Mahal rugs originate from the city of Mahallat in central Persia. These rugs are renowned for their larger, all-over patterns and laid-back look. As these rugs are often crafted by families, the style is somewhat floral yet not quite geometric, with the patterns having a charming, folksy flavor to them, giving each rug its own character. This versatility makes them extremely sought after; the larger, scale design and subtle, earthy color palettes make them full of personality - perfect for bringing a warm and cozy feel to any space.
SOUTH-CENTRAL PERSIA
KERMAN
Located in south-central Persia, Kerman is a city famously known for producing some of the finest quality Persian rugs. Kerman carpets are renowned for their superb weaving, intricate detailing, stylish designs, and a variety of color palettes. The classic wool used in Kerman rugs is dye-treated before spinning, giving it a vivid hue and uniform color across the piece. The knot count is also another remarkable characteristic of Kerman carpets making them highly sought after by interior design experts and rug lovers wanting a soft and luxurious feel to their spaces.
NORTHWEST PERSIA
MALAYER
Malayer is a special part of northern Persia, a region that is located in the province of Hamadan. Beautifully hand-crafted rugs, often in runner-to-scatter sizes are created with a focus on detailed borders. The field style of the Malayer creates a peaceful, classic charm, usually featuring finely designed boteh paisley motifs in an all-over pattern. Malayer rugs are garnering more appreciation and becoming increasingly sought after in interior design while holding their value very well.
NORTHWEST PERSIA
HERIZ
The village of Heriz is situated east of Tabriz in Persia, in an area strongly influenced by Turkish and Caucasian nomads. Compared to the typical Persian rug with its floral scrollwork, Heriz rugs boast an angular, rectilinear pattern, commonly with a central medallion. Heriz carpets are characterized by their hearty construction - made from tough, thick-piled wool and a robust cotton warp and weft. It's this hard-wearing nature that has allowed them to be passed down through the generations. Even now they remain the most recognizable Persian rugs of all, thanks to the classic, bold color combined with the dense structure and tribal geometric designs. Introducing Heriz rugs into your decor gives a room a modern touch and yet offers a timeless look. Because of their durability and versatility, these wonderful carpets have been around for many years and are sure to stay around for many more - made from the strong wool of the Heriz region and designed to last for generations.
NORTHWEST PERSIA
TABRIZ
Tabriz rugs, originating from the city of Tabriz located in northwest Persia, are renowned for their tendency to stand out based solely on the quality of their weave and craftsmanship - making them incredibly durable and lasting. This also applies to their design, as they don't possess any particular pattern or color palette - rather they're found in all sorts of designs, from having floret-designed center medallions to the all-over Herati fish motifs, and designs that may have more elaborate detailing with animals, or forests. To rug aficionados, these exquisite pieces of art are even more than a delight to the eyes, and as a result of their indisputable quality, the demand for Tabriz rugs are highly sought after across the globe.
NORTHEAST PERSIA
DOROKHSH
Crafted in the Dorokhsh hills of the Qanat area in Khorasan, Iran, these carpets use a Persian or asymmetric knot, which can be opened either on the left or on the right. These rugs are great for decorators - they have subtle colors and often come in brushed-up big sizes. The composition is usually woolen, although cotton warps and wefts can be seen in 20th-century rugs. And the knot count is really fine, ranging from 120 to 275 kpsi.
WESTERN PERSIA
BAKHTIARI
Bakhtiari carpets, made by the nomads of the Bakhtiari tribe near the city of Isfahan in the Zagros Mountains, are well-known for their strength and durability. These carefully crafted carpets aren’t as soft and delicate as some Persian carpets, but due to their thick wool yarn, they are far less likely to be damaged over time. Many Bakhtiari carpets feature designs inspired by Persian gardens, featuring motifs of plants and animals from nature, known as the Chesti pattern. Plus, since these carpets have a look similar to those of the Isfahan region, they’re perfect to welcome guests - and nature - into your home in style!
SOUTH PERSIA
LILIHAN
Highly regarded for their intricate designs, Lilihan rugs are handcrafted by the Armenians in their namesake Lilihan in the Persian region just south of the city Arak. These mid-sized rugs boast of eye-catching color combinations of pink, khaki, and brown, over a salamander background, with their traditional curved linear lattice design and floral motifs. Notable for their soft, plush pile, these Lilihan rugs are known for their durability and vibrancy - traits that American folks particularly find attractive. Rose color weft is the hallmark of Lilihan carpets, with occasional pops of khaki and brown thrown in too. You can't deny - Lilihan rugs look stunning!
SOUTHWEST PERSIA
SHIRAZ
Shiraz is one of the oldest cities in southwestern Persia, having been a major city since ancient times. It is now the capital of the Fars province in the south and is home to the Qashqai tribe. Notorious for their strong reds and browns, each of the traditional nomadic rugs is woven on either a cotton or wool foundation with a woolen pile and is nearly always characterized by geometrical figures and medallions. Softer than other materials, they're extremely hard-wearing, adding texture to any floor. The average knot count of the enchanting motifs is around 120 KPSI. They offer a rustic modern feel to any space and are highly regarded for their designs.
SOUTHERN LESSER CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS
CAUCASIAN
Caucasian carpets and rugs tend to be created in villages, and not in cities. Because the materials used are usually linked to the various tribal provinces, these rugs usually show distinctive geometric shapes and bright colours. Popular styles associated with this area are Daghestan, Verne, Shirvan, Ganja, Kazakh, Karabagh, and Quba rugs. There are also several carpet designs coming from northwestern Iran, like the Ardabil rugs. Creating these items is an essential part of the culture in the Caucasus region.
EASTERN CAUCASUS PERSIA
SOUMAK
In the 17th century, Soumak rugs are believed to have originated from the region of Shirvan in the Caucasus. They have been crafted in certain parts of Persia by the Kurds and Shahsavan tribe, and in more recent times, in certain areas of Afghanistan too. Unlike pile area rugs that we are most familiar with, Soumak rugs don't come with a pile at all. Instead, they closely resemble a tapestry, as it is this unique woven technique that gives them a coarse finish, as well as an earthy, rustic look. Soumak weavings have a distinctive look, with geometric patterns of medallions and allover coverings. Some of the best-known allover designs are part of the Dragon style, said to be the oldest existing. A lot of Soumaks also feature large palmettes of flower heads, leaves, animals, birds, and tribal symbols like the Star, S, and EE shapes. What's more, these exquisitely detailed rugs start with a sheep's hand-sheared wool, which is then spun into bundles of yarn and transformed once more into the sought-after area rug.