Persian rugs: Authentic and hand knotted

Yes — we ship nationwide, and internationally on request. Reach out and we'll get you a shipping quote for your location.

Yes — use our room visualizer to see how a rug looks in your own space before you decide, no showroom visit required.

Custom rugs are hand-knotted to order, so timelines vary by size and design — we'll give you a specific estimate when you place your order.

It depends on four things: size, knot density, material and age. A small tribal wool piece and a room-sized silk Qum sit at opposite ends of the range, with fine city rugs and antiques in between. Higher knot counts mean more months on the loom, silk costs more than wool, and antiques in good condition carry a premium for rarity. Every rug on this page lists its price, so you can compare like with like, and our team will gladly explain why two rugs of the same size are priced differently. No pitch, just the reasons.

Flip it over. On a hand-knotted rug the design is as sharp on the back as on the front, the knots are slightly uneven, and the fringe is the rug's own warp threads rather than a strip sewn on afterward. For machine made rugs, typically the type of foundation and how the pile is woven is in a different direction. However, in many instances, it is not easy for an untrained eye to tell the difference between some of these qualities.That's why every listing here states the country of origin, construction and pile content.

Age, origin, knot density, condition and rarity decide value, roughly in that order of difficulty to judge at home. A 19th century Heriz, Sarouk or Farahan with natural dyes, full pile and original ends will be worth far more than a mid-century piece of the same size. Wear, repairs, moth damage and color run all reduce value, and so does a poor restoration. For insurance or resale, get a written rug appraisal: we document origin, design, dimensions, condition and replacement value, and recommend updating it every three to five years.

At the top of the market both are costly, so origin alone won't tell you much. Persian city rugs and 19th century antiques generally command higher prices than most Turkish production because of finer knotting and stronger collector demand, and the U.S. import ban on Iranian rugs has tightened supply. Turkish Hereke silks are the exception and can exceed many Persian pieces. Antique Oushaks, popular for their soft palettes, often cost less than a comparable Persian antique, which is part of their appeal. Judge each rug on its own weave, materials, age and condition, and compare within the same category.

A specialist who washes by hand and knows old dyes. Never let anyone use a steam cleaner or strong chemicals on an antique, since both strip the wool's natural oils and can make colors bleed. We start with a dye and condition inspection, remove grit and dust, then deep wash, rinse and dry each rug flat. Stain removal, deodorizing, moth proofing and repairs are handled in the same visit if needed. Rug cleaning is recommended every two to three years, and pickup and delivery is available within about 30 miles of Los Gatos. Call (408) 343-8800 for an estimate.

Buy from a dealer who states origin, construction and materials on every rug, shows you the back of the rug on request, and stands behind returns. Serapi Rug Gallery ships free within the U.S. and Canada, offers a 10-day full refund on online orders, and lists every antique, classic and tribal piece with its details. San Francisco Bay Area homeowners can visit the gallery in downtown Los Gatos or book an appointment and we'll set out rugs in your size and colors before you arrive. Ask us anything about any rug; the honest answer is the whole point.