If you’ve ever browsed Persian carpets in Iran, you’ve probably wondered: why does one rug cost a few hundred dollars while another is priced like a car? The answer lies in a blend of art, heritage, labor, and raw material. This post breaks down the real reasons behind Persian rug pricing — and why Iran is still the best place to buy one.

1. Knot Density: The Higher the Knot Count, the Higher the Price

The value of a handmade Persian carpet often begins with its knot count. More knots per square inch means more detailed patterns and more hours of weaving. A rug with 500,000 knots per square meter might take a year to finish — one with over a million can take several years. That time and precision come with a cost.

• Low-knot tribal rugs: $300–1,000

• Fine-knot city rugs (Isfahan, Qom): $5,000–15,000+

2. Material: Wool vs Silk

Wool is traditional, durable, and more affordable. Silk, on the other hand, is expensive, luxurious, and allows for more precise detail.

• 100% wool: $500–3,000 depending on size and origin

• Wool & silk blend: $2,000–8,000

• Pure silk: $8,000 and up (especially from Qom and Nain)

Silk also affects the rug’s shine — under light, silk rugs almost glow.

3. Region of Origin: Where It Was Made Matters

Carpets from different parts of Iran carry different price tags due to reputation and quality. For example:

• Tabriz: Known for detailed floral designs and fine craftsmanship

• Qom: Famous for silk rugs, extremely fine knotting, and high value

• Hamadan or Shiraz: More affordable, geometric tribal styles

You could find a 2×3 meter Hamadan rug for $700 and a similar-sized Qom silk rug for $9,000.

4. Age & Condition

Old rugs (30+ years) can be more valuable — if they are in excellent condition. Antique rugs with fading, damage, or uneven repairs lose value, unless they’re rare collector’s items.

• A well-preserved vintage rug (40–80 years old): $1,000–6,000

• A damaged antique: might sell for under $500 — or $20,000, if rare and restored

5. Design, Signature & Uniqueness

Some carpets are signed by master weavers — a mark of quality and authenticity. Others follow unique or rare design patterns not commonly repeated. These features can significantly raise the price.

• Signed workshop rugs: often $3,000+ even in small sizes

• Unique or limited-edition patterns: $10,000+ for medium sizes

Why Iran Is Still the Best Place to Buy a Persian Rug

In Iran, you’re not paying for retail overhead, export duties, or luxury showroom markups. You’re often buying straight from the source — whether it’s a village market or a city workshop. Compared to prices abroad, you can save 50–80% on the same carpet.

In Short: A $300 rug may be handwoven, but simple. A $20,000 rug is likely a silk masterpiece that took years to complete. Both are Persian, but they tell different stories — and serve different purposes.

Thinking of buying a rug during your trip to Iran? Take time to learn, compare, and ask questions. In the world of Persian carpets, knowledge is value.