Persian and Oriental Rugs

Persian Oriental rugs are luxury floor coverings are woven from natural materials like wool, silk and hemp or from synthetic polyester and nylon for more affordable prices. Contemporary reproductions are almost impossible to tell apart from antique originals when they are manufactured with traditional designs.

Quality machine woven styles are available in round, oval and rectangle shapes. Choose a large handmade area rug, a tribal kilim or carpet runners from Iran and Turkey. Online sites display textile art from around the world as part of a gallery of ethnic design.

Oriental rugs come in an infinite variety of designs such as geometric or floral patterns. Tibetan and Chinese styles display dragons and birds. Symbolic meaning accompanies the rugs and motifs - the cypress tree for mourning and immortality, the coconut for blessing and fulfillment, and the peony for wealth.

Decorative flatwoven kilims with no pile have been an authentic expression of tribal life in the Middle East as traditional designs have been handed down through the generations. A variation in the style of weaves by Baluch, Turkmen and Persian artisans offers unique patterns and detail for distinctive looking rugs.

Although sheep's wool is most commonly used in Persian rugs, both camel and goat's wool as well as cotton and silk are also fibers that create a beautiful product. Two types of knots are common - the Turkish and the Persian knot. Skilled craftsmen can tie 15 knots per minute.

The rich colors of Oriental rugs are another striking characteristic. For many years natural dye recipes were handed down by artists to the next generation to ensure the craft lived on. Red, yellow and blue are the most popular colors used in Oriental rugs while yellow and dark green are more often used for fibers in Persian rug construction. Synthetic dyes are now used more often than natural sources.

Oriental rugs can be purchased from a retailer or at auctions. Before buying check for artistic beauty, the condition of the rug, the quality of weaving, place of origin and age - and buy from a reputable dealer. Low prices are not good deals if rugs are damaged or poorly made.

Persian and Oriental rugs are made to last for many generations. With proper care and protection (remove shoes) and maintenance (don't use the vacuum beater brush and don't vacuum against the pile), carpets will retain their beauty for years. Learn more about cleaning oriental rugs.

Choose from a collection for a distinctive floor covering:
From the Caucasus - rugs with abstract and geometric patterns including Kazak and Talish.
From Persia - known for its curvilinear style eg. Tabriz, Khorasan and Baluch.
From Turkey (or Anatolia) - polygons, arches and the Ghiordes style with numerous borders.