🧵 Understanding the Differences
When searching for a handmade rug, two names frequently come up: Persian rugs and Ushak (Oushak) rugs. Both are celebrated worldwide for their beauty, quality, and history — but they have distinct differences in origin, design, and style.
At Sharafi & Co, we specialise in both antique Persian rugs and new production Ushak carpets, offering clients and designers the ability to choose the perfect piece for their interiors. Here’s a guide to help you understand the key differences.
🏺 Origin & Heritage
Persian Rugs
- Origin: Iran (historically Persia)
- Tradition: Considered the gold standard of rug weaving, with over 2,500 years of history.
- Regions: Famous weaving centres include Tabriz, Kashan, Isfahan, Qom, Heriz, and Kerman.
- Reputation: Known for exquisite detail, complex knotting, and rich symbolism.
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Antique Kashan Dabir Carpet 364x271cm
Ushak Rugs
- Origin: Western Anatolia, Turkey
- Tradition: Flourished during the Ottoman Empire (15th–17th centuries), often featured in European Renaissance paintings.
- Regions: Woven in the city of Uşak and its surrounding villages.
- Reputation: Valued for large-scale patterns, soft palettes, and a more open, relaxed aesthetic.
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Antique Finished Ushak Carpet 374x265cm
🎨 Design & Motifs
Persian Rugs
- Intricate patterns with detailed borders and central medallions.
- Common motifs: Boteh (paisley), Herati, Shah Abbasi florals, hunting scenes, arabesques.
- Often symmetrical and highly detailed, reflecting the cultural emphasis on artistry.
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Vintage Kashan Carpet 565x415cm
Ushak Rugs
- Large-scale floral or geometric designs with more open fields.
- Motifs: Palmettes, star medallions, stylised vines, and leaf motifs.
- Designs are bold yet soft, creating a sense of calm and space — ideal for modern interiors.
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Antique Finished Ushak Carpet 312x250cm
🧶 Colour & Palette
Persian Rugs
- Deep jewel tones: crimson reds, indigo blues, emerald greens, and ivory highlights.
- Rich contrasts designed to emphasise intricate details.
Ushak Rugs
- Softer, more muted tones: pale blues, soft golds, terracotta, peach, and ivory.
- Gentle fading and tonal variation are highly prized, especially in antique and antique-finished Ushaks.
🪡 Weaving & Technique
Persian Rugs
- Typically use the asymmetrical Persian knot (Senneh knot).
- High knot density allows for intricate, finely detailed designs.
- Dense pile with a velvety feel.
Ushak Rugs
- Traditionally woven with the symmetrical Turkish (Ghiordes) knot.
- Lower knot density but thicker, lustrous wool gives a plush yet relaxed texture.
- Known for their durability and soft handle.
🏡 Where They Work Best in Interiors
Persian Rugs
- Perfect for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and libraries.
- Work beautifully in classic and traditional settings, or as statement pieces in contemporary spaces.
Ushak Rugs
- Ideal for light-filled, airy interiors.
- Popular in modern, minimalist, or rustic-chic spaces thanks to their soft tones and open designs.
- Favoured by interior designers for large, open-plan layouts.
⚖️ Choosing Between Persian and Ushak Rugs
| Feature | Persian Rugs | Ushak Rugs |
| Origin | Iran (Persia) | Turkey (Western Anatolia) |
| Design | Intricate, detailed, formal | Bold, large-scale, relaxed |
| Colours | Deep jewel tones | Soft, muted pastels and earths |
| Texture | Dense, fine pile | Plush, softer wool, lower density |
| Best For | Traditional elegance & detail | Airy, light, modern-classic mixes |
📍 Explore Persian & Ushak Rugs at Sharafi & Co
Whether you’re drawn to the intricacy of Persian rugs or the soft elegance of Ushaks, our London showroom and online collection offer something for every interior. We also provide bespoke services for clients seeking custom-sized or antique-finished pieces.
[📞 +44 (0)20 8735 0701]
[✉️ info@sharafiandco.com]
