Both have long histories. Both are made by hand. But they offer very different looks, and they wear differently too. Here’s how to decide which one fits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.
What Makes a Rug Persian?
Persian rugs come from Iran. People there have been weaving them for centuries. Each one is made by hand, using a knot called the Senneh knot. It’s asymmetrical, which allows for detailed patterns.
Persian rugs often feature flowing floral designs. You’ll see vines, flowers, birds, and sometimes entire garden scenes. Some tell stories using mythical animals. Others center on a single medallion and branch out.
These rugs feel soft underfoot. That’s because they’re made with fine wool or silk. They also have very high knot density. A skilled weaver may tie hundreds of knots per square inch.
To check if it’s real, turn the rug over. You should see uneven but neat knots that are slightly offset—not perfectly mirrored like machine-made rugs.
Turkish Rugs: Bold and Strong
Turkish rugs are different in style and feel. They use a symmetrical knot, called the Ghiordes knot. This makes the weave tighter and the rug thicker.
Instead of curves and flowers, Turkish rugs lean toward bold geometry. Think diamonds, stars, and sharp lines. These shapes often stand for strength, protection, or spiritual ideas. The “Tree of Life,” rams’ horns, and eight-pointed stars are common.
The colors are loud and proud. Deep reds, strong blues, and sunny golds dominate. These rugs often come from tribal areas in Anatolia, and they carry a more rustic feel.
They’re tough too. The tight weave and thicker pile hold up in busy rooms.
How to Tell if a Rug is Handmade
Both Persian and Turkish rugs are hand-knotted, but the signs differ.
With Persian rugs, check for:
- Asymmetrical knots
- Soft touch
-
Intricate, flowing designs
With Turkish rugs, look for:
- Symmetrical, even knots
- Strong geometric shapes
- Bold, solid colors
Real rugs are rarely perfect. A few irregularities are normal and often welcome. They prove a person made the rug, not a machine.
Reading Persian Rug Patterns
Persian rugs often reflect the culture and stories of the region. Here are a few pattern types to look for:
- Medallions: Big centerpieces, often with vines branching out
- Garden layouts: Split into panels that represent paradise
- Hunting scenes: Animals, birds, and people with bows
- Isfahan: Clean, geometric but very detailed
- Heriz: Large, bold, and easier to spot from a distance
Rugs from Qom, for example, may be made of silk and show minute details. Heriz rugs, by contrast, are bolder and more practical.
Which Rug Fits Your Life?
Think about how you’ll use the rug.
If the space gets lots of foot traffic or pets, a Turkish rug may work better. It’s thicker, holds up well, and hides wear.
If the rug will sit in a quiet room or under a coffee table where it won’t take a beating, a Persian rug may suit you. The texture is softer, and the patterns add elegance.
Some buyers put Persian rugs in bedrooms or sitting rooms. Turkish rugs often go in entryways, dining rooms, or family areas.
Is It an Investment?
Both rug types can hold value. But Persian rugs tend to cost more and appreciate faster. A real antique Persian rug, even with some wear, may fetch a strong resale price.
What adds to value?
- Age (older rugs often rise in value)
- Condition
- Knot count
- Whether it’s silk or wool
- Region or tribe of origin
There’s no app to tell you exactly what your rug is worth. But a certified appraiser can give you a ballpark estimate.
Don’t Just Walk on It—Hang It
Some people hang rugs on walls instead of laying them on the floor. Persian rugs work especially well for this, given their detail.
To hang one, use a system that spreads the weight across a sleeve or bar. That keeps the rug from sagging or tearing. This works best with small to medium rugs.
It turns a rug into art. And it keeps it out of harm’s way.
So Which One Should You Pick?
If you want rich detail, soft texture, and quiet elegance go with a Persian rug. If you need something bold, practical, and tough, try a Turkish rug.
Both are hand-woven. Both carry stories from centuries ago. And both will last if you care for them.
Visit a dealer who stocks both kinds. Touch them. Flip them over. Ask questions. Think about where it will go in your home. Pick the one that feels right—not just to your eyes but to your hands.
Are You Ready to Buy?
Measure your room first. Know your limits. Then decide: do you want floral or geometric? Subtle or loud? Soft or sturdy?
Once you’ve answered those questions, you’re ready to find the right piece.
These rugs aren’t just floor coverings. They’re part of your home’s history from the day you bring them in.
