Beginner guide · 8 min
Persian rug vs oriental rug: what's the difference?
Editorial team · updated 2026-10-03
Definitions
Oriental rug is a broad trade term for handmade rugs from Iran, Turkey, the Caucasus, Central Asia, India, Pakistan, China and beyond. A Persian rug is one made in Iran.
Persian-style
Many rugs are woven elsewhere in Persian designs. They can be good rugs, but they are not Persian rugs.
A note on this guide
This guide is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. Prices, workshop locations and practices change; check current details before travelling or buying.
Related photographs
Representative photographs, not of any specific catalogued object. Sources on the credits page.