The Story of Persian Carpets
Persian Carpets: A Living Textile Art
Weaving Regions, 
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Persian Carpets and Their Worldwide Reputation 
Choosing a Persian Carpet 
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1. Persian Carpets and Iranian Life
Why Are Persian Carpets So Well Known?
What Do They Mean within Iran?
How the Tradition Developed
An Integral Part of Daily Life
Carpets have long been practical household furnishings as well as valued possessions. Their place in Iranian homes has helped sustain a deep appreciation of weaving.
Wool Suited to Rug Making
Resilient wool from local flocks is an important resource for the craft.
Materials for Natural Dyes
Plants grown or gathered locally have supplied a rich palette for traditional dyers.
Design and Workmanship
Fine carpets combine visual beauty with careful construction and practical durability.
An International Community of Admirers
Collectors around the world appreciate Persian carpets for their artistry, regional traditions and the character of well-preserved older pieces.
Carpets in Iranian Homes
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A sofreh, or dining cloth, spread over the carpet for a meal. |
Carpets are closely woven into everyday life in Iran. They provide a comfortable surface over hard floors and have long been central to how rooms are furnished and used.
Shoes are commonly removed on entering a home. Some rooms are covered with carpets, while others use individual rugs over stone or other flooring. These arrangements reflect both family habits and changing interior styles.
Not every household uses expensive hand-knotted carpets. Machine-woven carpets also serve daily needs. Fine handwoven examples remain admired as works of traditional craft and valued possessions.
2. Regions, Sizes, Materials and Construction
Map of Persian Carpet-Weaving Regions
▼ Select a region for further information. Linked reference material may be in English or Persian.
| Shiraz | Nain | Qom | Tabriz | Isfahan | Abadeh | Kashan |
| Gholtogh | Sarouk | Mashhad | Bijar |
Carpet Sizes and Shapes
Large carpets may be called qali or farsh,
while smaller rugs are often described as qalicheh. Traditional size names are approximate and vary.
Traditional Names and Approximate Dimensions
| Poshti |
About 60 × 90 cm A small accent or entrance size. Poshti also refers to a backrest or cushion. |
| Zar-o-Chārak |
About 80 × 125 cm Literally one and a quarter zar. The zar is a traditional length measure a little over a metre; this is a useful small entrance-rug size. |
| Zar-o-Nim |
About 100 × 150 cm Literally one and a half zar, a compact accent-rug size. |
| Do-Zar |
About 140 × 200 cm Literally two zar, a familiar medium rug size. |
| Pardeh |
About 170 × 250 cm A size larger than do-zar. Pardeh is also the Persian word for a curtain. |
| Qali |
About 200 × 300 cm, 250 × 350 cm or 300 × 400 cm Commonly used for larger carpets, around six square metres and above. |
| Kenareh |
About 100 × 300–500 cm A long, narrow runner. The name relates to the edge of a room, where such pieces may accompany larger carpets. |
Shapes
Morabba: square
Gerd: round
Beyzi: oval
Materials and Weaving
Common Materials
Pile is commonly wool or silk, with cotton, wool or silk used in the foundation. Wool varies considerably in quality; fine, soft wool described as kork or kurk is especially valued in some carpets.
Wool is often selected for resilience and everyday use. Silk brings a smooth feel and a reflective sheen that changes with the viewing angle. Neither material alone determines quality. Choose according to the individual carpet, its intended position and your preferences, and protect delicate colours from strong sunlight.
Construction
Knotting Methods
Hand-knotted carpets are built by tying pile yarn around foundation warps. Symmetrical and asymmetrical knots are both used in Iranian weaving, depending on the tradition. Knot type alone does not establish quality or durability.
Weaving Density
Finer knotting can allow more detailed designs and usually requires more work, but density is only one part of a carpet's quality and value.
Different weaving regions use different terms to describe fineness.
A widely comparable measure is knots per unit area. For example, 100 knots per cm² corresponds to 1,000,000 knots per m².
Raj is a traditional fineness measure associated especially with Tabriz, counting knots over a length of approximately seven centimetres. Terms such as 40, 50 or 80 raj describe different levels of fineness.
Nain carpets are often described using la, related to the structure of the foundation yarn. Categories such as 9-la, 6-la and the especially fine 4-la provide an indication of construction; lower numbers commonly indicate finer work.
Isfahan carpets may also use local density descriptions based on marks or divisions at the foundation. Ask the seller how a particular figure is measured and how it relates to the carpet's actual construction.
Treat density figures as a guide. Differences in materials, drawing, colour, finishing and condition matter too; a higher number alone does not make a better choice for you.
The Weaver's Skill
Skilled handling of the design, tension and finishing has a strong influence on the final result, alongside the fineness of the weave.
3. Choosing a Carpet and Common Questions
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A close view of the pattern and knotting on the reverse. |
Older and antique rugs need assessment of wear, fading, repairs and condition. For a newer rug, the following checks are a useful starting point.
Visual Appeal
Look at the drawing, colours and texture together. A carpet should be something you enjoy seeing and using.
Overall Balance
View it from a distance and from several angles, since pile direction changes its appearance.
The Weave
Examine the reverse for the clarity and regularity of the design, the structure of the knotting and any unexpected distortion.
Condition
Inspect for broken threads, holes, damaged edges or repairs and ask the seller about anything unusual.
Silk is not automatically better than wool. Think about the intended location and care needs, then choose the individual carpet whose design, feel and quality you most appreciate.
A woven signature is useful information but is not, by itself, proof of a famous workshop. Some fine workshop carpets are unsigned.
Persian Carpet Questions and Answers
How Should I Care for It Day to Day?
Vacuum gently, avoid persistent damp and manage strong sunlight. Rotate where practical to encourage even exposure and wear. Leave full cleaning of a fine carpet to a suitable specialist.
How Should I Store It?
Clean and dry the rug fully, roll it appropriately and support it horizontally in a dry place away from sunlight. Inspect it periodically and use suitable pest-prevention measures according to their instructions.
What If I Spill a Drink?
Blot immediately with a clean dry cloth. Avoid rubbing or saturating the rug. If colour changes or a mark remains, consult a specialist before adding detergent or other products.
Can It Be Used with Floor Heating?
Many hand-knotted rugs can work with suitable floor heating, but confirm compatibility with the particular rug, underlay and heating system and follow the equipment's restrictions.
Can Damage Be Repaired?
A specialist may be able to repair holes, burns, damaged edges or other defects. What is possible depends on the rug and extent of damage, so request an assessment.
