Persian Rug Patterns

Persian rugs offer an incredible array of patterns, and the pattern is usually determined by the region in which they were woven.  So the name of the ‘pattern’ is actually the name of the city or province in Iran in which it was woven.  Some of the best known rugs are:

Hamadan

A Hamadan rug is usually woven outside the city capital of Hamadan in the Northwestern area of Iran, and is a catch-all name of the rugs woven in this area.  Characteristics of Hamadans include:

  • Geometric patterns;
  • Red, blue, dark brown and camel backgrounds;
  • White, black, green and gold colors.
  • They tend to be smaller in size and
  • A less expensive rug.

Consider Hamadans for runners or throw rugs as a good solid flooring choice.

Heriz

Heriz rugs also come from the Northwestern area of Iran, closer to Tabriz.  They are generally ‘busier’ than Hamadans and are characterized by:

  • A large diamond or star like floral medallion with similar corners;
  • Geometric patterns;
  • A busy background design; and
  • Brownish red, pink, blue and ivory colors.

Heriz are usually larger area rugs and slip right into formal and traditional rooms and tend to be more expensive than Hamadans.  Serapi’s are Heriz rugs usually woven before 1900 and tend to be very expensive, but stunning, larger rugs.

Kerman

Kerman rugs tend to be woven for the Western market and use softer colors.  They also have more open backgrounds than typical Persian rugs and have more curvy patterns than geometrics.  Older Kermans tend to use rich reds and blues and newer Kermans expand the use of pastels.  Quite popular today, Kermans lend a formal look to traditional, formal and even cottage interiors.

Sarouk

Sarouk rugs come from the central area of Iran and tend to be either traditional Sarouks with red, blue, burnt orange and champagne colors or the Sarouks for the American market, which used rich reds and blues.  Sarouks are fine quality rugs and make lovely traditional and formal area rugs.

Tabriz

Tabriz rugs are made in the Northwestern area of Iran and usually offer a very high quality. The designs of Tabriz rugs are mostly floral, with borders in intricate designs that are usually arranged to give the delicate appearance of lacework. Colors tend to be a bit softer than in other Persian rugs.  Tabriz rugs are expensive and have an unparalleled formality.

If you plan on investing in a Persian rug, invest wisely, learn about what you are buying before you go to a rug shop.  Auctions are a good method for purchasing estate rugs, so there are affordable options in quality Persian rugs, both new and old.