Persian Carpet Styles

The Most Complete Introduction To All Styles and Types of Persian Rugs

We gathered almost all the unique and extraordinary real Persian carpet styles, A complete and diverse collection from traditional styles of tribes, villages, and town workshops all over Iran to modern, transitional, and conceptual rugs woven inside the country. Though each part of Iran has a particular style with special motifs and patterns in its carpets, we take this responsibility to introduce over 30 diverse and miscellaneous types of unique and adorable Persian designs and textures. You can find specific features of styles in various collections of their designs, weaving techniques, and primary colors. You can find your desirable Persian rugs under the verification and acknowledgement of our team. Nomadic tribes, rural and urban workshops, and royal court manufacturers simultaneously weaved Persian carpets and rugs of diverse varieties. As a result, they show miscellaneous, concurrent lines of tradition and reflect Iran's history and varied peoples. Carpets produced in Tabriz, Kerman, Mashhad, Kashan, Isfahan, Nain, and Qom are distinguished by their unique weaving techniques and high-quality materials, colors, and designs. Therefore, diverse collections and types of traditional Persian carpet styles are classified into three main categories: town, rustic, and tribal rugs, and modern Persian rugs are considered too. Each has some unique and specific characteristics within their subgroups as well. Here are famous and well-known styles and types of Persian rugs you can choose from:

Percarin / Persian Carpet Styles

Modern Rugs
Traditional Rugs

Rustic Rugs
Town Rugs
Tribal Rugs

Classic Rugs
Contemporary Rugs
Transitional Rugs
Vintage Rugs

Yazd Rug

Khamseh Rug

Transitional Persian Rug

Vintage Persian Rug

Contemporary Persian Rug

Lilian Arak Rug

The Mysterious Story of Persian Carpet Styles

Different Styles and Types from Different Regions and Ages

You may get confused about where all the different types and styles of Persian rugs and carpets come from. All types of Persian rugs belong to a specific culture and society. That's why they are all beautiful with similar Persian art scenes but also different from each other. All the types of Persian carpets still typical and preserved in many carpet workshops weren't created at a particular time, but grew and changed during the time. The regions of Persian carpet styles affect their designs and weaving techniques. Weavers and designers were inspired by their environment in creating carpet designs. Although Iran is now the origin of real and authentic Persian carpets, you may find traces of Persian carpet art in neighboring countries such as Afghanistan or Azerbaijan (as once they were parts of the Persian empire). The story of carpet weaving in Persia refers to 700 BC in the Achaemenid empire. The Persian people were pioneers in the carpet and textile industries till now, as many types of Persian carpets were obviously born and saved for centuries, such as Isfahan rugs and Persian tribal rugs, and many were changed and inspired by the soul of time. All styles and types of Persian carpets are categorized into two groups: traditional and modern rugs. Those traditional-style rugs belong to specific tribes such as Qashqai nomads, Baluch tribes, or special villages and cities. However, all keep their regions' unique and mysterious identities inside their designs and motifs.

Different Types of Persian Rugs

As one of the world's rare, unique, and luxurious arts and crafts, the Persian carpet industry has thrived throughout history by balancing tradition and innovation. This enduring art form continues to evolve, not only to meet customer tastes but also to preserve its cultural essence. Different types of Persian rugs, including traditional Persian rugs and modern Persian rugs, are available in markets and stores worldwide, with some exceptional styles still hidden among Persian tribes and rural regions. Despite their diversity, all Persian rugs can be classified as either traditional Persian rugs or modern Persian rugs.

Traditional Persian rug Styles

Most Persian carpets and rugs from different regions are categorized as traditional Persian rugs. The traditional styles of Persian carpets is more than 1500 years old, including rugs with traditional Persian motifs and patterns woven for many years in the Persian regions. These rug styles have long stories and are created in long processes by many people, from those who spin fine wool from herds or pick cotton flowers from meadows, those who prepare great pots of natural color dye, and many weavers (most are women) and designers. However, not all Persian traditional rugs have their patterns from specific designers. Still, the unique thing about traditional Persian rugs is that most of them are woven by a weaver's imagination or designed according to a Persian myth or legend. Handmade Persian traditional rug styles have some lovely irregularities as humans weave them; these irregularities cause uneven designs and patterns, making some Persian carpets unique. Traditional styles of Persian carpets are categorized into three groups, city rugs, rustic rugs and tribal rugs. You can get more information about each types on traditional Persian carpet styles Page.

Buy Handmade and Machine-made Traditional Persian Carpets

Handmade Purple and Blue Persian Sultanabad Area Rug P44

Semi-antique Handmade Navy Persian Shahsavan Runner Rug 45111

Handmade Navy Persian Nain Wool Mat Rug 321222

Bakhtiari Persian Rug

Handcrafted Baloch Rug

Isfahan Silk Warp Rug 2045

Handmade Persian Bakhtiari Rug

Green Nain Carpet

Premium Isfahan Wool and Silk Carpet

Pictorial Isfahan Carpet

Hand Knotted Persian Saveh Rug

320 Reed Machine-made Persian Shahsavan Rug 8818

Nain Persian Carpet

Handmade Ivory Persian Baluch Rug 821221

Persian Qum Silk Rug

Modern Persian Rug Styles

We saw the Persian carpet industry as the great soul of Persian art, growing near our lives! As a unique but desired industry, not only antique Persian rugs or traditional Persian rugs but also some modern Persian rugs are now impressing this industry. The fast growth of machines and technologies also impacts the Persian carpet industry, as today, One of the main products of Persian carpets is power looms. These machine-made carpets with lower prices, even textures and flawless designs, became great benefits of the Persian carpet industry, though handmade Persian carpets still have their place. When we talk about modern Persian rug styles, it doesn't mean they are entirely different from traditional Persian rugs. Persian modern rugs include some elements of Persian traditional and antique rug designs. They create new visions of Persian rugs with modern color combinations. They still talk about Persian stories and myths in a modern and contemporary way. Modern Persian carpet styles know the trends and vibes of today's people and makes a remarkable feeling in interior decoration. The Persian modern rug styles are categorized into four groups by our team of experts: vintage and patina rugs, transitional rugs and contemporary rugs.

Buy Persian Handmade and Machine-made Modern Carpets

Machine-made Patina Persian Shahsavan Polyester Rug 100334

Handmade Modern Yellow Persian Wool Area Rug 2325607

Machine-made Black and Rust Vintage Persian Sultanabad Carpet 100339

Machine-made Cotton Rug

Machine-made Grey Contemporary Persian Area Rug kta586

Handwoven Modern Qom Rug

Persian transitional Vist machine-made rug DOOR007

Handmade Persian Tribal Wool Gabbeh Rug 21625

Heriz vintage machine-made rug 7758

3 x 2 Meter Handmade Modern Blue Persian Wool Rug 2325860

700 Reed Machine-made Persian Carpet

Machine-made Modern Ivory Persian Area Rug

Machine-made Patina Grey Medallion Persian Heriz Carpet 23004

Handmade Contemporary Colorful Jungle Persian Area Rug 1303

Persian blue vintage Kashan rug 709

A Guide to Identifying Persian Carpet Styles and Types

Did you ever think about how you could identify if a carpet is Persian? We understand if you get confused, as Persian carpets have various styles and types. The best way to recognize if a carpet is Persian or not and figure out its style is to know each kind and type of Persian carpet style. First, you should realize that Persian carpets aren't oriental rugs but are a kind of oriental rug! Oriental rugs refer to all carpets and rugs from oriental countries (all Asian countries), such as India, Turkey, China, and Iran! After you find out the difference between Persian and Oriental rugs, read the comprehensive introduction to each Persian carpet style we gathered here in Percarin, from Tabriz Rug to Khamseh Rug. Some factors for each style and type help you identify them. Another enjoyable way to learn about different types of Persian carpet styles is to study their designs, motifs, and their features, patterns, structure, and ...

Identifying Persian Carpet Styles by Their Designs, Patterns, and Motifs

It doesn't seem very easy to learn about all the designs of each Persian carpet style (as Persian carpets have diverse styles)! But according to their classifications (city rugs, rustic rugs, and tribal/nomadic rugs), you can feel each style sense and design quickly! Also, Persian carpets and rugs have some general structure. Let's try to know the general structure and total designs of Persian carpets:

General Designs of Persian Rugs

Although each Persian carpet style and type has specific features and motifs, they all usually follow some general designs and structures. Persian antique rugs and traditional Persian rugs are more subject to particular regulations than modern Persian rugs. These rug designs may be similar to other oriental rugs too, but they are mainly dedicated to Persian rugs. If you want to know what kind of rug you have or how to identify a Persian carpet, get familiar with the general designs of Persian rugs:

Centeral Medallion Rug Design

Most Persian rugs have a central medallion. These medallions are round or oval, mostly symbolizing the sun. Rugs with a central medallion usually come with four corners in the main field with a quarter design of a medallion.

Allover Rug Design

An all-over Persian carpet design usually consists of a specific repeated pattern. These patterns may be geometrical or curvilinear plant branch patterns. It doesn't have any medallions, but repetitive motifs near each other with a specific regularity all over the rug field, just like fabric patterns.

Prayer or Mihrabi Rug Design

Some Persian carpets have a prayer design structure. As most Persian people are Muslim, they use a unique rug for praying. These Persian rugs are symmetrical and have an arch at the top of the main field where Muslims put their hands and heads while praying. Under the arc shape, a flower vase, tree motifs, or sometimes geometric motifs are placed.

Triple Medallion Rug Design

While many Persian rugs (especially those woven in big cities such as Isfahan and Tabriz) have a central medallion, a triple medallion is another general design of Persian carpets. This structure is most common in Persian rustic and tribal rugs. Triple medallions have a diamond shape or are sometimes polygonal. Some rugs even can have more than three repeated medallions, too.

Kheshti Rug Design

The Kheshti design is a regular group of square or lozenge frames near each other that are filled with a tree or floral motifs. This general Persian rug design is prevalent among the Bakhtiari tribes, especially those living in Iran's "Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari" province. They contain diverse patterns and motifs of nature and animals.

Garden or Four Garden Rug Design

Gardens were always an integral part of Persian architecture. The unique structure of Persian gardens is called the "four gardens." This design consists of a central water pool and four gardens on each side of the pool. Persian four garden rugs are rare but unique and represent the traditional garden structure of Persian architecture. Some Persian rugs show abstract or realistic gardens too.

Gonbad or Dome Rug Design

One of the unique common designs of Persian carpets is the bottom view of a Persian dome. This design, called "Gonbadi," has the bottom structure of a typical dome and is found in almost all kinds of Islamic architecture, especially during the Safavid dynasty. If you've visited Iran, you've undoubtedly seen these majestic domes, which are designed with tiles in delicate patterns. The rug design consists of geometric shapes and a central medallion filled with similar details to Persian domes, mostly common in traditional Persian town rugs like Tabriz rugs.

Moharamat or Striped Rug Design

Moharamat design is a structure of horizontal, vertical or diagonal striped lines. These lines make equal or unequal spaces filled with various Persian rug motifs and patterns, such as Boteh or abstract forms of flowers. Moharamat design is not only used in Persian town and rustic cut pile rugs, but is common in Persian kilim rugs of Bakhtiari and Kurdish tribes and Persian gabbeh rugs of Qashqai tribes too.

Tree, Tree of Life Rug Design

Most Persian rugs (whether town or rustic and tribal rugs) have trees, gardens, and jungle patterns. They are filled with various trees, animals, and birds among them. One of the most remarkable Persian carpet designs is called the "tree of life." This design features a giant tree full of beautiful leaves and colorful blossoms or fruits protected by birds or animals. The whole tree is usually in a simple background or placed in a frame or under an arch-like Mihrabi or prayer rug structure. According to ancient Persian religion and culture (Zoroastrian beliefs), the universe was created by the tree of life!

Common Patterns and Motifs of Persian Rugs

Now that you understand some of the general structures of Persian rug design, let's take a closer look at Persian rug patterns! Knowing all the motifs and patterns used in Persian carpet styles and types may be challenging. In fact, each style is unique and created by a specific culture or lifestyle in Persia. Still, many motifs and patterns of Persian rugs from different types and regions have similar features. Some patterns and motifs are common among Persian town carpet workshops and factories or even identical to other Persian handicraft motifs, which all have Persian originality and are created from the heart of Persian culture and stories. They are placed individually or in a specific structural design, between spiral branches and lines or in lattice frames.

Shah Abbasi or Palmette Rug Motif

These motifs have a long history, symbolizing the Lotus flower and changing in form during the time. The "Shah Abbasi flowers," also known as Palmette or arabesque flowers, were common during the Safavid Empire in Persian land and are still today one of The most common motifs of Persian rugs. The whole structure of these flowers contains a central core and usually eight (or more) petals around it.

Islimi or Arabesque Rug Motif

Islimi (which came from Islamic art) is a delicate and soft design of lanceolate leaves placed in a curvilinear spiral line. They are also known as arabesque designs, but are specialized in Persian art and culture, mainly during the Safavid era. Islimi motifs and spirals are usually merged with Shah Abbasi or Palmette flowers and branches.

Hunting Rug Pattern

Hunting was an ancient entertainment in Persian culture for kings and royal families. This tradition became common during the Safavid dynasty, inspiring Persian rug designs. Persian carpets with this motif represent horse riders hunting wild animals such as lions, tigers, or gazelles. This pattern is more prevalent in traditional town rugs such as "Isfahan rugs and Kashan rugs".

Boteh or Paisley rug motif

This is one of the mysterious though popular and common motifs in not only Persian carpets and rug designs, but also in most of the handicraft arts of Persia. The Boteh, also known as Paisley, is a tear-shaped motif symbolizing the cypress tree. As cypress is sacred to ancient Persian people (Zoroastrians), the Boteh motif has been present in the long history of Persian art. It is also used in the designs of many Persian carpet styles and types like "Kerman rugs" and "Senneh rugs", either individually or near other motifs.

Weeping Willow Rug Motif

The weeping willow tree is a significant motif in Persian art and culture. It symbolized pure love and is always present in Persian love stories of separated and sad lovers. It is also one of the native trees of Persia (Iran). The importance of this tree has affected Persian carpets too. Many Persian rugs of different types and styles have weeping willow motifs in different shapes and usually come near cypress trees. This motif is prevalent in "Persian Bakhtiari Kheshti rugs, Sabzevar rugs, and Kurdish rugs".

Herati or Mahi Rug Pattern

To recognize a Persian rug with Herati or Mahi patterns, you should first know the story and strucrue behind this original Persian motif. Most Persian Herati rugs include repeated motifs. This motif, also called Mahi (meaning fish in Persian), represented two golden fish swimming in opposite directions but against each other. It also symbolized the Persian traditional water pools, called "Houz," filled with many golden fishes. The motifs include a central flower with two curvy leaves around it, spread from a lozenge frame on two sides of the flower. The Herati or Mahi pattern "is most common in "Bijar rugs, Senneh rugs, and Birjand rugs.

Cypress or Sarv Rug Motif

Cypress has been a spiritual tree in Persian beliefs and cultures for centuries. In Zoroastrianism, the cypress symbolizes eternal life and infinity. The Iranian people have admired the cypress as a glorious tree throughout history because it's always green. They paint it in their miniature Persian paintings or on the tiles of their mosques and palaces. The Cypress motif comes in various shapes and forms in different styles and types of Persian carpets; in a detailed medallion "Tabriz rug" or allover " Sabzvarand Bijar rug", in Persian "Kermanand Kashan prayer rugs", or even in " Qashqai tribal rugs".

Millefleur Rug Pattern

The word millefleur comes from French and means "thousands of flowers." It describes patterns filled with plants and flowers that are not connected. This pattern is also common in Persian rugs, especially in "Kerman rugs", rarely in "Tabriz rugs" and "Qashqai rugs". The Persian millefleur rug design contains trees full of blossoms near each other or repeated separate motifs of plants and shrubs. Sometimes this pattern includes birds and animals among the flowers, like some of the beautiful designs of Persian "Isfahan rugs".

Turkmen Gul or Bokhara Gul Rug Motif

This motif is dedicated to the Turkmen tribes' handwoven carpets and rugs. It is also called " Mari Gul" or "Kushal Davani," which means camel footprint. The Turkmen Gul is the most common motif among Persian Turkmen tribes, like the Tekke tribe. This motif is usually repeated all over the rug's field, with equal spaces and primarily red color.

Earthenware Rug Motif

Earthenware rugs include motifs of antique Persian clay dishes. These patterns come in an all-over structure among spiral floral branches and plants or around a central medallion of Shah Abbasi flowers or Islimi/arabesque leaves. Earthenware motifs are unique, mostly dedicated to Persian Kashmar rugs in Khorasan province.

Minakhani Rug Pattern

The Minakhani pattern includes a square with four flowers on four sides of the square that repeats all over the rug's field in regular horizontal and vertical rows. Inside square frames, there are usually floral designs and sometimes bird and animal designs. This pattern is dedicated to Varamin rugs, one of the important regions of the Persian carpet industry.

Tips to Find and Choose the Right Persian Carpet Style

Coming Soon ...

Common Questions About Persian Carpet Styles:

What are the names of Persian rugs?

How do I identify a Persian rug by its name?

How can you tell if a rug or carpet is Persian?

Each region and country has its specific patterns and motifs for carpets, as Turkish rugs have their designs and also Persian carpets. To identify the Persian rugs, explore all of the traditional styles we gathered in Percarin. Also, make sure that a rug hasn't sewn warp on its fringes. To ensure that your rug is Persian try to buy from Iran local manufacturers!

What are Persian carpet patterns called?

How do I identify my Persian rug pattern?

What are the most common patterns and motifs of Persian carpets?

How do I identify town, rustic, and nomadic rug styles?

How can I recognize a traditional and classic rug style?

Ask Anything You Need to Know about Persian Carpet Styles

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Ask Anything You Need to Know about Persian Carpet Styles

Faria

August 15, 2022, 11:18

Which types of Persian rug is good for my rock band stage ?

Jonas wallin

August 1, 2022, 07:56

How can I identify Persian nomadic rugs?

Admin in reply Jonas wallin

August 11, 2022, 08:31

To identify Persian nomadic rugs, don't look for many delicacies and curvilinear patterns! They don't have high densities, but a simple structure and thick texture with mostly geometric patterns and abstract motifs. Besides Baluch and Turkmen rugs, other Persian nomadic rugs have bright and vivid colors.

Cyrus.h

July 30, 2022, 10:42

Are Persian rugs modern?

Admin in reply Cyrus.h

August 11, 2022, 08:37

Persian rugs have a variety of types and styles, continuing their long life according to the people's desires and tastes at any time. Though traditional Persian rugs have diverse patterns and designs that are suitable for modern houses as a luxury floor covering, some other styles of Persian rugs, like transitional and contemporary Persian rugs, have modern designs.

Tom Delemar

July 11, 2022, 23:44

Is it possible to repair Persian carpet?

Admin in reply Tom Delemar

July 16, 2022, 07:52

In most cases, it is possible, but it depends on the damage! In the Persian carpet industry, many skilled carpet repairers have been trained from generation to generation to restore and repair Persian carpets of all types with great techniques that make your rugs and carpets as good as new.

Sara

July 3, 2022, 05:24

What is the difference between a Persian rug and a Persian carpet?

Admin in reply Sara

July 16, 2022, 07:38

A Persian rug or Persian carpet is used for covering flooring and has a thick texture, but the difference between a rug and a carpet is their size. Carpets usually have large or out of standard sizes and are wall-to-wall, while rugs only cover a specific area of the floor.

Anonymous

June 30, 2022, 18:18

Which Persian rug style is suitable for my cabin/cottage?

Admin in reply Anonymous

July 2, 2022, 07:49

The best Persian carpet styles for a snug and comfortable cottage are the Persian rustic rugs, with their warm colors and abstract designs of nature. For a cabin or cottage, Persian Heriz rugs and Bakhtiari tribal rugs may be good choices.

Grecco

June 28, 2022, 17:57

What is the best Persian carpet style for a bedroom?

Admin in reply Grecco

July 2, 2022, 07:39

Persian carpets have various designs and colors. Depending on your bedroom decorations and color harmony, you have diverse choices of Persian carpets. Our Persian carpet style suggestion for a cozy bedroom is those Persian carpets that have woollen fibers with long piles, like Qashqai gabbeh rugs.

Jamie Willy

June 28, 2022, 00:37

How heavy is a 2x3 m silk Persian rug?

Admin in reply Jamie Willy

July 2, 2022, 07:41

Silk rugs are basically lighter than cotton or wool rugs. The weight of a 2x3 meter silk-woven rug depends on its knot density. It gets heavier as the density increases too, but in total, it can be around 10 kg.

Amanda Schroeder

June 27, 2022, 19:44

Can you make the design that I want? I mean can I send you a picture and you the rug for me?

Florian

June 27, 2022, 19:41

How can I know that the rug is made in Iran?

Admin in reply Florian

June 28, 2022, 13:49

If you want to buy an authentic and original Persian rug, it's good to know that Iran is the main and the most significant producer of Persian carpets and rugs. To purchase a Persian carpet that is woven in Iran, try to find valid local markets in Iran that also have an online shop, services and standard shipping. You can also check the backing labels and review the information.

Frank

June 25, 2022, 20:11

Can I bring a Persian Carpet/rug to the US?

Admin in reply Frank

June 27, 2022, 12:06

With the great portal of Persian carpets, Percarin, you can easily find diverse types and designs of authentic Persian handmade or machine-made rugs and order your ideal Persian carpet. Due to our shipping and delivery services, we will quickly bring your rug to Us or other places in the world.

Rosa

June 25, 2022, 08:03

Which Persian carpet style is valuable?

Admin in reply Rosa

June 27, 2022, 12:02

We believe all Persian carpet styles are valuable as they are unique and noble! Persian rugs that are woven in large cities (traditional town rugs), such as Isfahan rugs and Qom rugs, have more accurate texture and design. They are also woven with the finest and softest materials. Though traditional Persian rustic and tribal rugs are woven in local and small workshops may have irregularities; however, they have valuable artistic designs.

Sara

June 19, 2022, 07:55

What are the Persian carpet styles that are silk woven?

Admin in reply Sara

June 20, 2022, 07:40

Most Persian city rugs are woven with silk yarns or have silk foundations. Persian Qom rugs are some of the best silk-woven rugs of Persian carpet styles. Also, Isfahan rugs and Kashan and Tabriz rugs may have silk fibers.

Robert

February 7, 2022, 08:33

Will the color of my carpet fade over time?