How Much Does a Persian Rug Cost?

“How much does a Persian rug cost?” is one of the first questions we are asked, and one of the hardest to answer in a single line. Two rugs that look similar at first glance can have very different values, and the other way round. There is no “standard” price: the value of a hand-knotted rug depends on a set of factors that can only be read by looking at the rug up close. In this guide you will find the main ones, explained simply, so you know what to look for whether you want to buy or you already have a rug at home and are curious to know more.

The number of knots: what is raj

A Persian rug is made of millions of small knots tied by hand, one at a time, on the warp threads. The smaller and denser the knots, the more precise and detailed the design can be, and the more time it takes to make.

In the Persian rug trade, and particularly in Tabriz, the fineness of the weave is often expressed in raj: a traditional unit that indicates how many knots there are along a stretch of 7 centimetres. A 40 raj rug has, broadly speaking, about 40 knots every 7 cm; a 60 raj rug has about 60 in the same stretch. The higher the number, the denser the weave.

In general, a higher raj means finer workmanship, longer work and, as a rule, greater value. But with an important caveat: the number of knots is not the only quality criterion. A rug with many knots but poor wool, unharmonious colours or a weak design is not necessarily worth more than one with fewer knots that is well made and in excellent condition. Raj is a useful indicator, not a verdict.

Materials: wool, silk and more

The material a rug is made of weighs heavily on its value. Wool is the most common fibre, but its quality varies: good wool is hard-wearing, soft and holds colour well, while poorer wool wears out faster.

Silk allows a fineness of workmanship that is otherwise unattainable and gives the rug a particular brilliance. In general, a rug made entirely of silk has a higher value than most wool rugs. There are also rugs that combine wool and silk, where the silk is used to highlight the designs: in these cases the proportion and quality of the two materials matter.

The base of the rug, that is the warp and weft, also matters. You can find out more about recognising materials in our guide on how to tell if a Persian rug is authentic.

Colours and dyes

The colours of a rug say a lot about its quality. Natural dyes, obtained from plants and other substances, tend to give deeper, more nuanced tones, with those slight variations in shade that bring the surface to life. Synthetic dyes, if of good quality, can be excellent and long-lasting; if of poor quality, they can bleed or fade unevenly.

For this reason, when a rug is evaluated, we look at the harmony of the colours, the stability of the dyes and any fading or areas where the colour looks “tired”.

Place and tradition of weaving

Speaking of “the Persian rug” as if it were a single category is reductive. Under this name there are very different traditions, tied to the places where the rugs are knotted: each centre has its own designs, its own materials, its own way of working.

• Tabriz, in north-west Iran, is one of the best-known centres, with work ranging from medium to very fine quality.
• Other centres, such as Isfahan, Qom or Kashan, are known for their designs and for the fineness of many of their productions.
• Tribal rugs, knotted by nomadic and semi-nomadic peoples, have simpler, more geometric designs and a different charm.
• The kilim is not knotted but woven flat, and the gabbeh is a rug that often has a long pile with very simple designs: types in their own right, with their own evaluation criteria.

All other things being equal, the provenance and the tradition a rug comes from affect its value. Recognising them takes an eye and experience.

Size

A larger rug requires much more work and material, so it generally costs more. But the value does not grow in proportion to the square metres: it also matters how much demand there is for that size, and very large or unusual formats can be harder to place.

Age and condition

Age can increase the value of a rug, but it does not do so on its own. An antique rug in good condition can be much sought after; an old one that is badly worn, with damage or poorly executed repairs, can be worth less than a more recent, well-kept one.

Condition matters as much as age: pile wear, damaged fringes, moths, stains, faded dyes. Much of this damage can be put right with a good repair and restoration job, and proper care over time helps maintain value, as we explain in the guide on how to clean a Persian rug.

Quality of execution and the character of the individual piece

Finally there is what no table fully measures: the care with which the rug was made. We look at the regularity of the edges, the symmetry of the design, the precision of the lines, the consistency of the colours. Every hand-knotted rug is a piece in its own right.

Why there is no “right” price without seeing the rug

All these factors combine with one another, and for this reason a serious valuation can only be given by looking at the rug in person, without relying on generic figures found online.

If you have a rug and want to know more about its value, you can bring it to us at Via delle Forze Armate 43 in Milan: we offer a free evaluation in person with Ali, who will tell you what he sees and what it means for your rug. If you prefer to write to us first, contact us. And if you are looking for a rug, you can browse our selection of rugs on sale.

Frequently asked questions

What is raj in a Persian rug?

It is a traditional unit, used mainly in Tabriz, that indicates the number of knots along a stretch of 7 cm. The higher it is, the finer the workmanship, although it is not the only element that determines quality.

Is a silk rug always worth more than a wool one?

In general a rug made entirely of silk has a higher value than most wool rugs, but workmanship, condition, origin and design also matter. An excellent wool rug can be worth more than a silk rug of modest quality.

Is an antique rug worth more than a new one?

Not necessarily. Age can increase value, but only if the rug is in good condition and has adequate quality of workmanship and provenance.

How can I find out how much my rug is worth?

The most reliable way is to show it to an expert, who can examine the knots, materials, colours and condition. You can bring it to us for a free evaluation in the shop, in Milan.

Does a handmade rug always cost more than a machine-made one?

In general yes, because it takes much more work and time. If you are not sure which one you have, you will find some signs to check in the guide on how to tell if a Persian rug is authentic.