A Persian rug is a rug woven in Iran. Until the 1930s, most English speakers called that country Persia, and the trade name stayed. Names such as Tabriz, Kashan, Isfahan, and Sarouk refer to weaving places, not to a brand.
Persian rugs are one kind of oriental rug. Turkish, Caucasian, Turkmen, Indian, and Chinese rugs are oriental rugs, and they are not Persian rugs unless they were woven in Iran. A rug labeled "Persian style" describes a look. It does not mean the rug was woven in Iran.
What to look for
This is general guidance for buyers. It is not a list of rugs the shop has for sale today.
- Many Persian city rugs use a central medallion with matching pieces in the corners. Village and tribal rugs are often more geometric. Either may be wool or, less often, silk.
- Knotting, dyes, and age vary from rug to rug. Look at the back, the ends, the sides, and the color in daylight.
- Measure the room first. A rug that looks right in a photo can be the wrong size on the floor.
A longer account of the weaving history is in the history of Persian rugs. The oriental rug store in New Hampshire page covers the shop more broadly.
At the shop in Keene
Oriental Rug Works is at 109 Key Road, Keene, NH 03431. The owner is Suhail Bhatti. Photos on this site show Persian rugs at the shop, including a Heriz, a Malayer, and a Sarouk. Visit during open hours to see what is in the shop. The showroom has rugs and rug pads. The shop also buys rugs. New Hampshire has no sales tax. There is no price list on this site.
The shop cleans rugs, and you can call or visit for a repair assessment. Free pickup in Keene (other arrangements can be made). Hours are Monday–Friday 10–6 and Saturday 10–5. Sunday the shop is closed. Call (603) 357-8400 or (603) 357-5152.
"We love our groovy new rug! The man in the store is very knowledgeable and helpful. The prices are great."
Google review by Gustav Heinzmann, copied as posted.
See oriental rugs for sale in Keene, oriental rug cleaning, rug repair, rug pickup, and about the shop.
Visit or call
Oriental Rug Works
Monday–Friday 10–6
Saturday 10–5
Sunday closed
No sales tax in New Hampshire.