Persian Rugs – Choosing the right design

Hand-crafted Persian rugs are unique and choosing one that suits your tastes and reflects your personality can be a delightful dilemma.
Persian rugs were traditionally made by hand by nomadic tribes, and producing a Persian rug isn’t an exact science. Symmetry, consistency of colour and the perfect finish are all the province of the machine manufactured rug, whereas the handmade Persian rug is beautiful because each one is different.
You can visit our ‘carpet types’ page to get more in-depth descriptions of the various Persian rug designs based on their region of origin. Simply, the designs and variations in Persian rugs are so numerous that it would be impossible to describe them all. However Persian rug design can be broken down into three broad categories – geometric, curvilinear and floral, and pictoral.
Variations in design occur in the two main parts of the Persian rug: the field (interior) and the borders (framing the interior). Designs of the field and borders fall into two different catagories – curvilinear and rectilinear.
Geometric designs
All the Persian rugs in this group are decorated with repeated linear elements of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. Most of the elements are symbols of cherished or sacred icons belonging to each specific tribe, and have been handed down through the generations.
Curvilinear and Floral Designs
Many of the elements in Persian rugs reflect their close affinity with nature. That's why nature in some form, whether in small plants and flowers or delicate animals, can be seen in almost all carpets.
The central medallion is at the heart of most Persian rugs, and even though two may look similar, no two medallions are completely identical. Experts suggest that the medallion design stems from the spiritual nature of the weavers and that their inspiration probably came from the domes of the Mosques.
Common motifs in the Persian rug include scrolling vine networks, arabesques, cloud bands, medallions, and overlapping geometric compartments. Animals and humans are rarely the subject of design, although some feasting or hunting scenes do depict both.
The Herati pattern - a central diamond shaped figure forming the medallion while also a border to another similar medallion (which is another border to another inner medallion) is found in Persian rugs, although almost all rug producing countries have made this design one time or the other. It is probably one of the most famous designs, deriving from the town of Herat, now in Afghanistan but once part of the Persian Empire.
Pictorial Designs
Perhaps the rarest of Persian rug styles is the pictorial design.
This type of pattern doesn't follow a standard outline and the weaving of a pictorial Persian rug demands much more skill from the weaver. They must be great artists because unlike curves, circles, or repetitive floral elements, it is more difficult to weave details and smaller elements that require great accuracy.
We at Karel Weijand are happy to answer any queries you may have about each of the Persian rugs we have in stock. Call us on 01252 726215, e-mail us at carpets@karelweijand.com or visit our showroom today.