INTRO
Hand Knotted Persian and Oriental Rugs for Timeless Interiors
Every rug is made knot by knot, using techniques passed down for generations in Persia (Iran), Anatolia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Natural wool, cotton and silk give these rugs a depth, durability and feel that machine made rugs cannot match. A well made rug lasts for decades, often for generations, which also makes it one of the most sustainable furnishings you can buy.
We ship free of charge within the EU, you can return your rug within 30 days, and our team advises you personally, online or in our showroom in Hamburg.
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How to Recognise an Authentic Handmade Rug
Genuine oriental rugs are either knotted or woven by hand, which makes every piece unique. The easiest test is to turn the rug over. On a handmade rug the pattern is clearly visible on the back, and you can see the individual knots with their small irregularities. The fringes are the ends of the warp threads that run through the whole rug, so they are part of its structure and not sewn on afterwards.
Subtle shifts in colour, known as abrash, are another typical sign. They come from wool that was dyed by hand in small batches and are not flaws but proof of real craftsmanship. The pattern also tells you where a rug comes from: Persian rugs often feature fine floral ornaments and a central medallion, while tribal and nomadic rugs are known for bold geometric motifs.
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Rug Collections: Persian, Antique, Vintage and Kilim
Our collection brings together handmade rugs from the most important weaving regions. Each category has its own style, materials and weaving tradition.
Persian Rugs: Fine Hand Knotted Carpets from Iran
Persian rugs are known worldwide for precise knotting, balanced compositions and refined ornamentation. Especially sought after are rugs from Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan, Ghom, Bijar, Nain and Mashhad. Each city has its own signature, from the elegant floral designs of Isfahan to the dense, extremely robust weave of Bijar.
Antique Persian Rugs: Rare Pieces with Natural Patina
Antique rugs have been shaped by decades of use, natural dyes and traditional craftsmanship. Their softened colours, rare patterns and authentic patina make them valued collector pieces. Well preserved antique rugs from renowned regions are also known to hold their value over time.
Vintage Rugs: Oriental Rugs with Character
Vintage rugs combine traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary look. Careful restoration and finishing give each rug an individual appearance while preserving the original handmade carpet. They are a popular choice for modern and industrial interiors.
Kilim Rugs: Traditional Flatwoven Kilims
Kilims are woven flat without a pile, which makes them light, thin and very versatile. Their geometric motifs suit modern and minimalist interiors, and they work well under dining tables or in rooms where doors need to open freely. Browse our classic kilims and modern kilims.
Tribal and Nomadic Rugs: Gabbeh, Heriz and Kazak
Nomadic and village rugs are traditionally woven in rural regions from hand spun wool and natural plant dyes. Their geometric patterns and expressive designs reflect generations of tribal weaving culture. The range goes from the soft, thick pile of the Gabbeh to the robust Heriz and the colourful Caucasian Kazak.
Silk Rugs: The Finest Oriental Weaving
Silk rugs are among the finest examples of oriental weaving. High knot density, intricate patterns and the natural sheen of silk make them elegant statement pieces. Ghom in particular is famous for its silk rugs. Because silk is more delicate than wool, these rugs are best placed in rooms with little foot traffic or even hung on the wall.
Designer Rugs: Modern Hand Knotted Rugs
Designer rugs combine handmade quality with a modern design language. Clean forms, balanced textures and contemporary colours make them a natural fit for modern architecture.
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How to Choose the Right Rug for Every Room
The right rug depends on room size, how the room is used, the material and your interior style. A simple rule of thumb for the size: leave about 20 to 40 cm of floor visible between the rug and the walls. Measure your room before you buy and compare it with the exact dimensions on each product page. Wool rugs are also well suited for underfloor heating, and a thin anti slip underlay keeps any rug safely in place on smooth floors.
Living Room Rugs: Size, Style and Placement
In the living room, a handmade rug adds warmth and ties the seating area together. Choose a size that allows at least the front legs of the sofa and armchairs to rest on the rug, so the furniture forms one group. Persian rugs with medallion designs or tribal rugs with geometric patterns often become the centrepiece of the room.
Bedroom Rugs: Soft Wool Rugs with Calm Colours
Bedrooms call for soft textures and harmonious colours. Kashan, Mashhad, Nain and Gabbeh rugs are popular choices for their warm wool and calm look. Ideally the rug extends beyond the sides of the bed, so your first step in the morning lands on soft wool.
Hallway Runners: Durable Hand Knotted Runner Rugs
Hallways need hard wearing rugs with a stable structure and resilient wool. Heriz, Bijar, Gabbeh and geometric tribal rugs are especially well suited to high traffic areas. For long corridors, a narrow runner makes the space look longer and more welcoming.
Dining Room Rugs: Room for Every Chair
Under a dining table, the rug should extend about 60 to 70 cm beyond the table on all sides, so the chairs stay on the rug even when pulled back. Low pile rugs and kilims are the most practical choice here, as chairs glide easily and crumbs are quick to remove.
Office Rugs: Elegant Oriental Rugs for Workspaces
In offices, oriental rugs improve the acoustics, structure the room visually and create a calm atmosphere. Finely knotted Persian rugs bring elegance to professional spaces without overwhelming them.
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Wool or Silk: What Determines Rug Quality
The quality of a handmade rug comes from the right balance of materials, weaving precision and craftsmanship. Wool is elastic, durable and soft to the touch, which makes it the ideal material for everyday use. It is also naturally dirt repellent and flame resistant. Cotton is mostly used for the foundation of warp and weft and gives the rug its stability, while silk allows extremely fine details and a natural shine.
Knot density describes how many knots are tied per square metre and affects how sharp and detailed the pattern looks. A high knot count alone, however, does not make a good rug. True quality comes from the combination of good wool, careful dyeing, skilled weaving and lasting durability.
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What Determines the Price of a Persian Rug
The price of a handmade rug depends on several factors. The most important are the knot density and the time it took to make, the materials used, the region of origin and the size. Age and condition also play a major role: a well preserved antique rug from a renowned region can be worth considerably more than a new one. On every product page at Rugbloom you will find these details, so you can compare rugs and understand what you are paying for.
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How Hand Knotted Rugs Are Made
Making an authentic oriental rug takes time, patience and great skill. It begins with a traditional design, which the weaver follows from a pattern draft or from memory. Warp threads are then stretched onto the loom to form the base of the rug. Each knot is tied by hand, pressed down and secured row by row with weft threads.
Once the knotting is complete, the pile is sheared to an even height, and the rug is washed and stretched. Depending on size and fineness, the whole process can take several months or even years. This is why handmade rugs last for generations and keep their cultural and material value.
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How to Clean and Care for a Persian Rug
With the right care, wool and silk rugs keep their colours and structure for decades. For everyday care, regular vacuuming without a rotating brush is enough, ideally in the direction of the pile. If something is spilled, blot it immediately with a cloth instead of rubbing, and avoid aggressive cleaning products and too much moisture.
Turning the rug every now and then ensures that it wears evenly and that strong sunlight does not fade one side more than the other. Wool moths prefer dark, undisturbed places, so it helps to vacuum under furniture and occasionally the back of the rug as well. Antique rugs, silk rugs and valuable collector pieces should always be cleaned by professionals.
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Buying Persian Rugs Online with Confidence
Buying a rug online should feel as safe as buying it in a shop. That is why every product page at Rugbloom shows detailed information on origin, material, knotting technique, dimensions and condition, along with high quality photos. Filters for style, size and origin help you compare rugs easily, even without visiting a showroom.
Shipping within the EU is free, worldwide shipping is available, and you have 30 days to return your rug if it does not suit your home.
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Rug Showroom in Hamburg and Worldwide Shipping
Would you like to see a rug in person first? You can view selected rugs by appointment in our Rugbloom showroom in Hamburg. All orders are shipped from Germany, free of charge within the EU and with worldwide shipping options.
From your first question to delivery, our team supports you with personal advice and many years of expertise. A handmade rug is more than a piece of furniture. It is lasting craftsmanship with cultural depth.
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Why Buy Your Rug from Rugbloom?
Rugbloom combines traditional rug expertise with a carefully curated collection. Every rug is checked for craftsmanship, origin, material and condition before we offer it, and you will not find mass produced stock with us. Transparent descriptions and detailed photos help you choose with confidence, while free shipping within the EU, a 30 day return period and personal advice make buying simple and safe.
Discover our full collection of handmade Persian and oriental rugs, chosen for authentic craftsmanship, timeless design and interiors that last.
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FAQ about Persian and Oriental Rugs
What is the difference between a Persian rug and an oriental rug?
Persian rugs come from Iran, formerly known as Persia. Oriental rug is the broader term for handmade rugs from the whole region, including Turkey, the Caucasus, Afghanistan, India and China. Every Persian rug is an oriental rug, but not every oriental rug is Persian.
How can I tell if a rug is hand knotted?
Turn the rug over. On a hand knotted rug, the pattern is clearly visible on the back and the knots are slightly irregular. The fringes are part of the rug's foundation and are not sewn on.
What size rug do I need for my living room?
Leave about 20 to 40 cm of floor visible around the rug, and make sure at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs stand on it. In our shop you can filter all rugs by size.
Are wool rugs suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes. Hand knotted wool rugs are well suited for underfloor heating. Natural wool tolerates the warmth well and keeps the room comfortable without blocking the heat.
How long does a hand knotted rug last?
With proper care, a good hand knotted rug lasts for decades and often for generations. Many antique rugs are more than a hundred years old and still in daily use.
Do you ship worldwide, and can I return a rug?
Yes. Shipping within the EU is free, and we also ship worldwide. You can return your rug within 30 days.
Can I see the rugs in person?
Yes. Selected rugs can be viewed by appointment in our showroom in Hamburg.
