4 Varieties of Persian Rugs Explained

Persian rugs are hand woven rugs made mostly in Iran. The technique of making Persian rugs is a huge part of Persian history and culture. The look of a Persian rug is very unique and usually very easy to identify. There are three main varieties of Persian rugs which are then classified based on the type of fabric used, the technique used and the design with over thirty classifications in all.

1. Kilim

Kilim rugs are usually noted for the design being geometrical. They can be used as decorative rugs but are also used as prayer rugs, cushion covers, bedding and horse saddles. They are flat with no pile made mostly from wool with some cotton and hemp. They are made cheaper than the pile types of Persian rugs. Some Kilim rugs are embroidered after being woven. There are many classifications of Kilim rugs including khorjin, masnads and zilu. These rugs are sometimes referred to as nomadic rugs.

2. Farsh

Farsh rugs are the second type of Persian rugs. They are made from wool, cotton or silk. The silk types are the most expensive but are usually used as more of a decorative tapestry on a wall than a rug because of the lack of durability. The Farsh rugs are known to be larger rugs that usually come in sizes bigger than six feet by four feet. Many times Farsh rugs have a center medallion with the remaining design focused around this. Some families may have a specific design for that particular family.The classification of being a Farsh rug is based on the size so many rug types may fall into both the Farsh and the Qalich types if they are made in both large and small rugs. Kerman rugs, for example, are available in both smaller and larger sizes and are known for their floral patterns with bright colors.

3. Qalicheh

Qalicheh rugs are Persian rugs that are smaller than then six feet by four feet that define a Farsh rug. They are also usually made from wool, cotton or silk and include many subcategories of Persian rugs. Again, some rug types may fall into both categories if they are made in different sizes. Tabriz rugs are another example of this. Tabriz rugs are made in the city of Tabriz, one of the oldest cities known for carpet weaving and among the most respected. Tabriz rugs come in many different designs including a medallion and pictorial. The Tabriz rugs themselves are then even further classified into different subtypes within their classification as well based on the design and the fabric.

4. Factory Made

Legitimate Persian rugs are classified into the three above categories and are all hand woven. If purchasing a hand woven work of art is not in the budget however, there are copycat rugs that are factory made at a much lower price. They are available in many different sizes and styles, similar to real Persian rugs. The patterns are what many people find beautiful about Persian rugs and many of these same patterns are available in factory made rugs as well, just without the look of the authentic hand knotted Persian rugs.