Not all traditional rugs are the same. The differences between a Tabriz and a Kashan, or between a Persian and a Turkish rug, go well beyond geography. Here's what you need to know about the most important traditional rug styles.
Persian Rug Styles
Tabriz
From northwestern Iran, Tabriz rugs are among the most technically accomplished in the world. They feature an enormous range of designs—medallion, hunting scene, garden, pictorial—and can be found in both coarse and extremely fine knotting. Tabriz is one of the few cities that produces both city-workshop rugs and village-style pieces.
- Distinguishing feature: Incredible design variety; often have a central medallion with elaborate corner pieces
- Best rooms: Formal living rooms, dining rooms, studies
- Price range: Wide—from a few hundred dollars (machine-made Tabriz-style) to tens of thousands for authentic hand-knotted antiques
Kashan
Kashan rugs from central Iran are known for their refined, curvilinear floral patterns and rich reds and blues. The wool is typically lustrous, and the overall effect is formal and elegant. Antique Kashans (pre-1930s) are particularly sought after.
- Distinguishing feature: Dense floral arabesque field, often with a central medallion and matching corner medallions (spandrels)
- Best rooms: Formal dining rooms, master bedrooms, traditional living rooms
- Price range: Mid to high; antique pieces command premiums
Heriz
Heriz rugs from northwestern Iran are the workhorses of the Persian rug world. Bold geometric medallions, angular drawing, and extremely durable wool make them practical as well as beautiful. They age exceptionally well.
- Distinguishing feature: Large-scale geometric medallion, angular rather than curvilinear, often in red and navy
- Best rooms: High-traffic living rooms, family rooms—anywhere you need beauty and durability
- Price range: Mid-range; good value for the quality
Turkish Rug Styles
Oushak (Ushak)
Oushak rugs from western Turkey are among the most popular traditional rugs in American interiors. Soft color palettes—dusty blues, warm golds, faded reds—and large-scale medallion or lattice patterns make them extraordinarily versatile. They work in both traditional and contemporary rooms.
- Distinguishing feature: Muted, aged-looking palette even when new; looser, more organic drawing than Persian city rugs
- Best rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, transitional spaces
- Price range: Mid to high; widely reproduced at lower price points
Kilim
Kilims are flatwoven (no pile) Turkish rugs with bold geometric patterns in strong colors. They're lighter, thinner, and more casual than pile rugs—excellent for layering or in rooms where a thinner profile is practical.
- Distinguishing feature: No pile—completely flat; geometric, often tribal patterns
- Best rooms: Kitchens, entryways, casual living rooms, layered under a larger rug
- Price range: Generally more affordable than pile rugs
How to Choose Between Styles
- Want maximum formality? → Kashan or fine Tabriz
- Want versatility in a modern home? → Oushak or Heriz
- Need durability in high traffic? → Heriz or a coarser Tabriz
- Working with a tight budget? → Machine-made versions of any of these styles offer the look at accessible prices