Loading...
From Moroccan to Persian: Exploring Iconic Rug Styles

At Jaipur Living, we believe that rugs are more than simple floor coverings. Whether it’s the earthy elegance of Moroccan rugs or the ornate beauty of Persian designs, each style carries a unique heritage that tells a story.

By blending natural materials with centuries-old techniques and symbolism, Moroccan and Persian rugs don’t just decorate a space, but imbue them with unique heritage. Learn more about these timeless pieces with Jaipur Living.

Morrocan Rugs

Inspired geometric patterns, high-quality craftsmanship, and unique color palettes are just a few hallmarks of this iconic rug style. Handmade from wool in the Atlas Mountains and other regions of Morocco, Moroccan rugs reflect the artistry of its indigenous weavers whose traditions date back centuries. labor, it's their one-of-a-kind appeal that makes these rugs so special.

Design Motifs

  • Diamonds: The diamond shape is a common motif amongst Moroccan rugs and is believed to serve as a protective symbol.
  • Geometric Patterns: Clean lines, intricate borders, and graphic shapes lend structure and balance to these free-spirited designs.
  • Abstract Designs: Influenced by the land and traditions of Morocco, abstract motifs echo desert landscapes, mountains, and daily life.

Often referred to as Berber rugs, Moroccan rugs are made using traditional hand-knotting techniques and natural dyes from ingredients such as fruit, spices, and local minerals, making them one-of-a-kind pieces. Beloved for the bohemian and grounding touch they lend to living spaces, these rugs have taken over interior design spaces for their intricate and durable patterns.

Characteristics Of Moroccan Rugs

Color Palette:
Moroccan rugs often range in color palette from an earthy neutral, such as shades of white, cream, and beige, to a bold, saturated shade, like terracotta red or indigo blue.

Generally, the geometric patterns are woven in bold colors that reflect the natural hues of the desert landscape, such as red, ochre, yellow, or green.

What styles do Moroccan rugs blend with?

Although they're beloved in bohemian and globally inspired interiors, Moroccan rugs are surprisingly adaptable. Their organic texture and timeless style work just as beautifully in traditional, transitional, or contemporary homes.

They add visual interest to minimalist rooms, cozy up open floor plans, and bring texture to polished spaces. Whether used as a focal point or a grounding layer, Moroccan rugs make a strong yet versatile statement.

Common Moroccan Rug Designs:

  • Beni Ourain
  • Azilal
  • Boucherouite
  • Boujad
  • Beni Mguild

Persian Rugs

Steeped in tradition and known for their intricate patterns, Persian rugs are a hallmark of craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Originating from regions across modern-day Iran, these rugs are woven with a level of detail and artistry that can take months—or even years—to complete.

Persian rugs are hand-knotted using time-honored techniques, often with thousands of knots per square inch. Passed down through generations, these methods produce heirloom-quality pieces prized for their durability and visual richness.

Characteristics Of Persian Rugs

No two Persian rugs are alike, but many share symbolic elements woven into their designs:

Design Motifs:

  • Medallions: These central motifs symbolize unity and wholeness.
  • Floral Patterns: Detailed flowers, vines, and tree motifs are often used to represent beauty and nature.
  • Border Work: Intricate frames around the rug’s edge provide balance and structure to the ornate field designs.

Color Palette:
Color is a cornerstone of Persian rug design. Natural dyes made from elements such as pomegranates, turmeric, acorn shells, and green leaves create a wide range of hues, from soft blues and rich burgundy to deep navy and warm gold. These color combinations are often symbolic, with red representing luck, blue signifying peace, and ivory reflecting purity.

What styles do Persian rugs blend with?

Persian rugs thrive in both traditional and eclectic spaces. Their detailed design and timeless elegance bring depth to formal living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms. They’re equally at home in layered, collected spaces, pairing beautifully with antique furnishings, bold art, or mixed textiles.

For those drawn to color and detail, a Persian rug can serve as the centerpiece of a room or layer effortlessly with more minimal pieces.

Common Persian Rug Designs:

  • Gabbeh
  • Bakhtiari
  • Bijar
  • Tabriz
  • Senneh

Explore Unique Heritages and Unparalleled Craftsmanship

Whether you’re drawn to the geometry of Moroccan rugs or the ornate designs of Persian rugs, incorporating these iconic rug styles brings character, culture, and craftsmanship into your home. Beyond simply completing a room, these rugs tell a story steeped in cultural heritage and tradition. Shop Moroccan and Persian-inspired rugs with Jaipur Living.

2 Interior Designers Reveal The Rules To Pattern Play
Previous article

2 Interior Designers Reveal The Rules To Pattern Play

Next article

The Ultimate Guide to Blue Rugs: From Coastal Charm to Bohemian Chic

The Ultimate Guide to Blue Rugs: From Coastal Charm to Bohemian Chic

Become a Partner

Sign up to place orders and see prices.

Not a trade professional? Learn how to buy.