How to choose a Persian or Oriental rug
The right rug starts with your room, how you use it and what you enjoy seeing every day. Our Houston showroom lets you compare pieces in person; our online catalog gives you a place to start.
Start with the room, then the rug
Measure the space and bring photos of furniture, flooring and wall color. In a seating area, decide whether front furniture legs should rest on the rug or the entire group should sit within it. Check door clearance and traffic paths before choosing a size. A runner should leave a balanced border of visible floor.
Explore current rug listings with sizes and materials; call to confirm inventory before visiting.
Understand handmade construction
Hand knotted
Individual knots are tied to a foundation. Density alone does not establish quality: design, fiber, dye, condition and workmanship all matter.
Flatweave
Kilims and other flatweaves have no raised knotted pile. They often have a lower profile and different placement and care needs.
Choose a fiber for daily life
Wool is a common choice for living rooms and busy spaces. Silk can bring fine detail and sheen, but requires careful placement and specialized cleaning. Wool and silk blends vary by construction. Ask whether “silk” describes the pile, highlights or foundation, and request a clear material description for the particular piece.
Compare origins and styles
Persian rugs include many regional weaving traditions; Tabriz, Kashan, Heriz and Isfahan are examples you may encounter. Oriental rugs can come from multiple weaving regions beyond Iran. Oushak styles, contemporary designs, tribal patterns and antique pieces offer different palettes and scales. A label alone does not prove age or origin; examine the rug and supporting information.
Inspect before you purchase
Look at the front and back for wear, uneven areas, repairs, stains, color variation and edge or fringe condition. Ask about construction, dimensions, provenance when documented, prior restoration and appropriate care. Antique rugs may show age-related wear that affects both appearance and value.
Pricing and availability
Size, materials, design, age, condition, craftsmanship and market demand affect pricing. Our online rug collection shows listed prices and rug codes; availability and final details should be confirmed with the showroom. We can help compare options at different price points without assuming that all rugs of one origin or material are equivalent.