Persian Carpet in United States

Buying Persian Carpet in United States

Buying a Persian carpet in the United States is no longer limited to high-end showrooms or antique dealers. Today, a variety of trusted channels give buyers access to authentic Persian rugs straight from Iran’s most renowned weaving centers. Here’s how to shop smart:

1. Specialized Rug Stores and Galleries
Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston host dedicated Persian carpet dealers. These shops often carry a curated selection of hand-knotted rugs from regions like Tabriz, Kashan, Qom, Isfahan, and Kerman. Visiting in person allows you to feel the texture, inspect the weave, and discuss provenance with experts. Prices typically start around $800 for small wool rugs and can reach $10,000 or more for large silk pieces.

2. Online Marketplaces
Websites like eBay and Etsy offer a wide selection of Persian carpets, both vintage and new. Look for sellers with high ratings, clear return policies, and detailed product descriptions. Some U.S.-based sellers import directly and may offer domestic shipping with no customs hassle. Expect to pay between $300 and $2,000 depending on size, condition, and origin.

3. Direct-from-Iran Online Retailers
Some websites based in Iran now ship globally, including to the U.S. These stores often offer better prices and a wider range, as they cut out middlemen. Make sure they provide secure payment options, trackable shipping, and authenticity guarantees. You can often find excellent deals here, such as medium-sized Gabbeh rugs for $400–600 or larger pieces for $1,000–2,000.

4. Import/Export Warehouses and Wholesalers
Cities with large Iranian or Middle Eastern communities may have warehouse-style sellers who import carpets in bulk. These places can offer competitive pricing, especially for larger rugs or multiple purchases. Prices are often negotiable and may start as low as $250 for smaller rugs.

5. Art and Antique Auctions
Auction houses like Sotheby’s or Heritage Auctions occasionally offer rare Persian carpets. This route is best if you’re looking for collector-level or museum-grade pieces. Bidding prices vary widely, but top-end carpets can fetch $20,000 and beyond.

6. Cultural Festivals and Exhibitions
Persian cultural events or international rug expos sometimes include vendors selling handwoven carpets. These are great for discovering new sellers and negotiating directly. Pricing ranges from $300 for tribal styles like Baluch or Afshar to $5,000+ for fine city carpets.

What type of Persian Rug to Buy

• For durability: Look for Bidjar, Heriz, or Hamadan rugs with strong wool and tight knots.
• For luxury and silk: Choose Qom or Isfahan carpets with intricate floral designs.
• For affordability and charm: Gabbeh, Baluch, and tribal Afshar rugs are colorful and less expensive.
• For investment: Tabriz, Kashan, and rare antique pieces hold long-term value.

Persian Carpet Price Guide by Category

Here is a general price overview and description of different categories of Persian carpets available in the United States. Prices can vary based on size, age, material (wool, silk, or mixed), condition, and origin.

Gabbeh Rugs
Rustic, tribal rugs with thick wool, minimal patterns, and earthy tones. Known for their softness and modern appeal.

• Small (2×3 ft): $200 – $400
• Medium (4×6 ft): $400 – $700
• Large (6×9 ft+): $800 – $1,500

Baluch Rugs
Woven by Baluchi tribes, these rugs are compact and portable, often with deep reds and blues in geometric designs.

• Small: $150 – $400
• Medium: $400 – $800
• Large (rare): $800 – $1,200

Afshar Rugs
Produced by the Afshar nomads, featuring angular medallions and vivid tribal motifs with high durability.

• Small: $150 – $400
• Medium: $400 – $800
• Large (rare): $800 – $1,200

Hamadan Rugs
Woven in western Iran, Hamadan rugs come in varied patterns with bold colors and are known for affordability and strength.

• Small: $250 – $500
• Medium: $500 – $900
• Large: $1,000 – $2,000

Heriz Rugs
Famous for their large-scale geometric medallions and robust structure, ideal for high-traffic areas.

• Small: $400 – $700
• Medium: $900 – $1,500
• Large: $2,000 – $4,000

Bidjar Rugs
Often called the “iron rugs of Iran,” Bidjars are dense, heavy, and built to last for generations.

• Medium: $1,200 – $2,000
• Large: $2,500 – $5,000

Kashan Rugs
Classic central medallion designs with balanced floral motifs, reflecting the elegance of Persian court styles.

• Small: $500 – $1,000
• Medium: $1,500 – $3,000
• Large: $4,000 – $10,000+

Isfahan Rugs
Intricately woven with precise symmetry and refined colors, often using silk and featuring arabesque floral detail.

• Small: $500 – $1,000
• Medium: $1,500 – $3,000
• Large: $4,000 – $10,000+

Tabriz Rugs
Highly detailed and diverse in design, from pictorial scenes to fine floral arrangements, often with silk accents.

• Small: $500 – $1,000
• Medium: $1,500 – $3,000
• Large: $4,000 – $10,000+

Qom (Silk) Rugs
Made almost entirely of silk, these luxurious rugs feature delicate craftsmanship and vibrant color palettes.

• Small (silk): $800 – $1,500
• Medium (silk): $2,000 – $5,000
• Large (silk): $6,000 – $15,000+

Antique or Collector-Grade Rugs
Older, rare carpets that exhibit masterful artistry, historical significance, and unique materials and dyes.

• Prices range widely: $5,000 – $50,000+, depending on rarity and condition.

Key Buying Tips for U.S. Buyers

• Check for knot density, materials (wool, silk), and origin.
• Ask for documentation or a certificate of authenticity.
• Understand return policies and shipping costs, especially for international orders.
• Know that real Persian carpets increase in value over time when well cared for.

Conclusion
From local galleries to global e-commerce, buying a Persian carpet in the U.S. is more accessible than ever. Choose the channel that best suits your needs and enjoy a timeless piece of Iranian culture in your home.