1960 Millefleur Kerman Rug

Antique and vintage Kirman rugs and carpets are named for the southern Iranian city that has been a renowned major center of high-quality carpet production since the 16th century. These furnishings are considered works of art and are celebrated for their fine craftsmanship, sumptuous colors and durability.

This type of Persian carpet is sometimes spelled Kerman, like its place of origin, the capital of the Western Asian country’s Kerman Province. Iran encompasses different cultures, languages and dialects, and its exquisite rugs reflect this diversity.

The different types of Persian carpets are named for the towns, villages and regions where they’re made. Kirman rugs, carpets, wall hangings and other textiles have long been popular with international audiences, including in the early 20th century when they were marketed as Kermanshah carpets. Compared to other Persian rugs, Kirman examples are known for being vividly colored with natural dyes and characterized by a diverse variety of patterns, ranging from arabesques embedded with floral touches and details like deer and lions to overlapping cartouches in a broad palette of rich hues.

Others feature an ornate central medallion, vase shapes, rows of shrubs or a flourishing tree of life created through an asymmetrical knotting technique so that the wool pile on cotton is “double warped.” Some of the more elaborate carpets commissioned from the Kirman workshops in the 18th and 19th centuries included large-scale naturalistic scenes based on European paintings or Gobelin tapestries.

The major workshops of Kerman informed weaving in nearby rural areas such as those created by the Afshar tribe. The international popularity of Kirman carpets, meanwhile, inspired designers across the globe, such as William Morris in England. A leading designer of the Arts and Crafts movement, Morris revived historical techniques such as printed fabrics in the furnishings he created. He owned Kirman carpets and used them as a source for his work.

Both vintage and contemporary rugs influenced by Kirman designs remain in demand for their lavish palette and distinctive patterns. In 2013, a 17th-century Kirman carpet was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for an astounding $33.8 million.

Find a range of antique Kirman rugs and carpets, wall decorations and other furniture on 1stDibs.

Antique, new and vintage area rugs and carpets are a simple way to add warmth and style to any space. Area rugs can be seasonal or changed with other decorative objects to refresh an interior. Carpet piles materials can vary from wool and cotton to silk and synthetic fibers, and the purpose of a floor covering can range from reducing noise to offering a place to sit.

Vintage rugs can ground a space, and arranging furniture around them creates a measured focal point. Key furniture pieces can be placed on the rug or just the legs, such as with furniture like coffee tables in your living room.

So, how can you tell if a rug is high quality or vintage?

The three main components that determine the quality of a piece are the dyes, the wool and the number of knots per square inch. Ultimately, however, if you want to be sure the rug you’re buying is truly an antique, it is best to consult an expert.

If you want a creative design that stands out, area rugs or carpets can provide layers of color. Rugs and carpets reflect a global heritage of textiles and weaving, such as ornately patterned Persian and Indian designs. Visually striking Chinese rugs can add a delicate touch of color, while modern rugs make a statement with their geometric patterns.

Turkish rugs, with their ruby reds and misted blues, their entwined botanical designs and rhythmic geometries, are as beloved today as they were in the 13th century. The West’s current infatuation with Moroccan and North African tribal rugs stretches to the mid-20th century, when modern furniture designers embraced bold geometric patterns and even bolder palettes as counterpoints to form-follows-function interiors. Alvar Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier were among the designers who used these rustic, natural rugs to offset austere interiors.

If you properly maintain your antique and vintage rugs, they will last for many years. When you’re thinking about how to clean a rug, it is important to keep in mind that your vacuum is not too harsh for your favorite floor covering. Frequent vacuuming is in fact necessary to remove everyday dirt that otherwise wears down the pile. Omri Schwartz of Nazmiyal does, however, stipulate that “it’s best to use an ordinary suction vacuum without bristles, as the bristles can damage the rug’s pile.” Rotating the carpet every couple of years is also recommended — it ensures that the rug gets even foot traffic.

On 1stDibs, find a vintage rug or carpet to add a layer of beauty and function to your room.