249

Oriental rugs

Unique beauty
Oriental rugs online shop
Oriental rugs

Hand-knotted and beautifully finished

Oriental Rugs – Timeless Masterpieces with Character

For centuries, oriental rugs have captivated with their craftsmanship, expressive patterns, and enduring beauty. Their charm lies in the intricate, often symmetrical motifs, expertly knotted by hand. To let these designs fully unfold, oriental rugs should be displayed openly in the room – as a focal point or a subtle foundation within an interior concept. A genuine hand-knotted oriental rug is not just a decorative item, but a lifelong companion. As we go about our daily lives, it quietly rests beneath our feet, offering warmth, structure, and a comforting sense of permanence.

Often underestimated, oriental rugs are true treasures of the home – rich in tradition, character, and craftsmanship. Our goal is to shine a light on their value and remind people of the lasting comfort and artistry they bring into a space.

Oriental Rugs Evolving Through Time

Many associate oriental rugs with the furnishings of parents or grandparents – cozy, but perhaps a little outdated. However, this perspective overlooks how adaptable these rugs truly are. Rooted in tradition, oriental rug designs have continually evolved over time. Today, in addition to classic floral patterns, you’ll find modern interpretations featuring minimalist motifs, geometric lines, and contemporary colors like grey, turquoise, sage green, or soft rose.

This diversity of styles creates new possibilities: Oriental rugs are no longer confined to traditional interiors. They now complement modern, minimalist, or Scandinavian design concepts just as effortlessly. The combination of comfort, heritage, and design flexibility often pleasantly surprises our customers – making oriental rugs a timeless and versatile home accessory.

Rediscover Oriental Rugs – Classic, Modern, Unique

Whether traditionally styled or reimagined with a modern twist, oriental rugs are a powerful expression of personal taste. Each piece is a hand-knotted original that can be passed down through generations. In a world of fast-changing trends, these rugs offer a sense of stability and serenity. Choosing a genuine oriental rug is more than a design decision – it’s an investment in culture, craftsmanship, and lasting beauty.

Knüpfung eines Orientteppich von Hand
Genuine craftsmanship

Repairing a genuine oriental rug by hand, even today

Oriental rugs

Oriental rugs - a genuine hand-knotted natural product

Pure Wool – Natural, Durable, and Sustainable

Authentic oriental rugs are traditionally made from 100% pure sheep’s wool – a renewable natural material with exceptional properties. Long before industrialization, wool was the go-to material for clothing, textiles, and floor coverings. To this day, it remains unmatched in quality, comfort, and durability. A hand-knotted oriental rug made of wool not only adds visual warmth but also improves room acoustics and indoor climate. Wool naturally dampens sound, regulates humidity, and insulates – creating a pleasant and cozy living atmosphere.

Thanks to its natural fat content, wool is also dirt-repellent and extremely hard-wearing. No other fiber combines aesthetic appeal, comfort, and functionality quite like genuine wool.

Hand-Knotted Quality You Can Feel

A hand-knotted oriental rug is far superior to its machine-made counterpart. Skilled artisans can respond to the natural texture of the wool during the knotting process, creating a more refined and durable surface. Machine-made rugs, by contrast, are often produced using mixed fibers and adhesives to hold the base structure together – which are entirely avoided in traditional hand-knotted rugs. The result is a more breathable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting product that reflects true craftsmanship.

Vibrant Colors from Natural Sources

Traditionally, the wool used in oriental rugs is dyed with natural pigments – including plants like indigo and saffron as well as various minerals. This method is still widely used in many nomadic and tribal rugs today. Modern oriental rugs may also be dyed with high-quality textile dyes – both options offer long-lasting, colorfast results. Popular colors include rich reds, deep blues, and soft beiges – perfectly suited to highlight the intricate patterns of oriental design.
Kelims quadratisch 300px
Oriental kilims

Kilim cushions and kilim rugs

Oriental rugs Knotting areas

Countries of origin of hand-knotted oriental rugs

Afghan and Turkmen Rugs – Ancient Tradition in Every Knot

Oriental rugs from Afghanistan and the Turkmen regions of Central Asia boast one of the oldest weaving traditions in the world. Originally crafted for personal use, these rugs were typically made entirely from wool – both pile and foundation. Their deep red and earthy brown tones, paired with geometric motifs, radiate a sense of calm, balance, and groundedness. These rugs are ideal for interiors seeking authenticity, warmth, and character rooted in tradition.

Persian Rugs – Masterpieces of Art and Craftsmanship

Persian rugs are renowned across the globe for their fine knotting, artistic detailing, and timeless beauty. The most exquisite examples are woven from pure silk, offering a refined texture and vibrant color spectrum. Well-known weaving cities such as Nain, Isfahan, Sarough, and Tabriz each bring their own regional style, symbolism, and design language. A genuine Persian rug is more than a decorative piece – it’s a living expression of Persian heritage and craftsmanship.

Indian & Pakistani Rugs – Creative Interpretations of Tradition

India and Pakistan are not only home to the famous Ziegler rugs, but also to many innovative reinterpretations of traditional rug design. Weavers in these countries often break with convention, experimenting with new patterns, color palettes, and forms. The result is a rich diversity of rugs that blend classical charm with contemporary aesthetics. Especially Indian designer rugs have become increasingly popular in recent years for modern interiors.

Turkish Rugs – Silk Weaving with Historic Roots

Historically, Turkey played a key role in the oriental rug trade, with Istanbul serving as the gateway to Europe via the Silk Road. While rug production once flourished across the country, today the small town of Hereke is the last stronghold of this noble craft. There, some of the finest silk rugs in the world are still woven by hand – known for their unmatched precision, luxurious sheen, and exceptional quality.

Sortiment Wahdat Teppiche
Pile of rugs

Mixed from all countries of origin

Wahdat Orientteppiche

40 years Wahdat Teppiche

We have more than 10,000 carpets stored on more than 2,500 square metres directly in Hamburg's Speicherstadt warehouse district. Our customers like to visit us here directly and those who don't have the opportunity can get an overview in our online shop.

Service and customer advice

We at Wahdat Carpets have been dealing in genuine hand-knotted oriental carpets for more than 40 years. We have acquired our many years of experience in both retail and wholesale. In the retail trade, we always try to find the best carpet in our large selection according to your wishes and requirements. We are happy to take your living situation and visual requirements into account. Photos of your home and an approximate idea of the dimensions are also helpful. We also offer free shipping.

Tamim
A. Tamim Wahdat

Expert for oriental rugs

Selection oriental rugs from Wahdat Teppiche

5% with Wahdat5
Buy oriental rugs
WAHDAT TEPPICHE

Known from:

History

Orientteppiche – Geschichte und Kultur

Oriental Rugs – Thousands of Years of Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

For thousands of years, oriental rugs have been hand-knotted in the regions of the Middle East and Central Asia. The oldest known example is the famous Pazyryk carpet, discovered in a Siberian burial site and estimated to be over 2,500 years old. Remarkably well-preserved, it serves as compelling proof of the durability and resilience of authentic oriental rugs. This ancient artifact is a testament to how design, symbolism, and cultural values have been passed down through generations — woven into each knot.

Even today, oriental rugs are more than just decorative items. In many homes across the East, they continue to serve as floor coverings, seating areas, and natural insulators during colder months. Their unique combination of utility and artistry makes them an essential element of both traditional and contemporary living spaces.

Profile

The most important features of an oriental rug

Pile Height and Texture

The pile height of a traditional oriental rug is typically around 8 to 12 mm. Silk rugs and vintage-style carpets are usually low-pile or even shaved down to the foundation, giving them a unique, worn look. In contrast, Gabbeh rugs feature a thick, plush pile ranging from 15 to 25 mm. Low-pile rugs like Ziegler are ideal for dining areas, as chairs glide easily and cleaning is more convenient.

Knot Density and Detail

Knot density is a key indicator of a rug’s quality. Standard oriental rugs have between 200,000 and 500,000 knots per square meter. Finer pieces, especially Persian silk rugs, can exceed one million knots. Higher knot counts allow for greater precision and more intricate designs.

Shapes and Sizes

Most oriental rugs are rectangular, as they are woven on rectangular looms. Round rugs are rare and technically complex—they are knotted on a rectangular base and later shaped by skilled artisans. Square and runner formats are also gaining popularity in modern interiors.

Coloration and Dyeing

The vibrant colors of oriental rugs have traditionally been created using natural dyes from plants, minerals, and roots—such as indigo, madder root, or walnut shells. In Iran, it remains legally required to use at least some natural dyes in authentic hand-knotted rugs. Common colors include cream, red, blue, beige, green, and brown—each associated with specific regions and design styles.

Wool Quality and Yarn Selection

Sheep’s wool is the most essential material in oriental rug production. Its quality directly influences the rug’s durability, softness, and color brilliance. High-grade wool results in richer hues, greater resistance to wear, and a more pleasant texture underfoot. Well-made wool rugs can last for generations when properly cared for.

Fringes – Functional and Decorative

The fringes on an oriental rug are not merely decorative—they are the ends of the warp threads onto which the rug is knotted. These fringes are an integral part of the rug’s structure. While long fringes were common in the past, modern rugs tend to feature shorter or more subtle ones. They can also be trimmed, sewn, or removed upon request.

Borders – Framing the Design

Every genuine oriental rug includes a border that frames and completes the central field. Far more than a visual boundary, the border enhances the overall composition and balances the design. Often composed of smaller motifs and repeat patterns, the border plays a critical role in the rug’s visual harmony and structure.

Wir verwenden Cookies, ...