There's a reason why Persian rugs are still such a desirable rug choice, even after thousands of years of textile innovation. It's because of their ageless appeal, their inherent character and warmth, and their unique ability to make any room truly feel like home.
Some might argue that Persian rugs are better vintage, and in some cases, they are. However, even newly made designs have this inviting vintage appeal. They can work wonders in a room, filling a space with a sense of personality and charm. 'Persian rugs have an undeniable allure because they bring history, craftsmanship, and soul into a space,' interior designer Buffy Ferguson explains. 'Each one feels like a piece of art underfoot – the variation in color and pattern tells a story that no machine can replicate.'
Other rug trends can come close, but the truth is, nothing can top the timeless appeal of a vintage-style Persian rug.
10 Vintage-Style Persian Rug Ideas for Your Home
'A Persian rug instantly grounds a space with character and craftsmanship,' interior designer Marie Flanigan explains. 'Including a Persian rug often creates a sense of quiet sophistication – one that feels authentic, storied, and carefully curated.' If you feel as though your home is lacking in character, charm, and warmth, a Persian rug might be your ticket to transforming any given room.
I spoke to a number of interior designers who have used Persian rugs in a variety of projects, from living rooms and bedrooms to kitchens and bathrooms. Below, find their expert input on how best to incorporate one in your home.
1. Enhance Your Entryway
What better way to welcome guests into your home than by greeting them with a charming Persian rug underfoot? That's just what interior designer Lisa Guest did in the project above. As visitors walk through the main door, they're welcomed in with a vintage-style Persian runner rug and all of its attractive allure.
The inclusion of the Persian rug in this entryway not only adds character to the space, but it softens it, as well, since the floors are made from stone. 'I think having a rug on top of stone make the entry feel more welcoming, and it’s also nice to have a pattern if the walls are solid so it benefits the space a few ways,' Lisa explains of the Persian rug in this room.
Here, the Persian rug invites color to the home's entrance, softens the space, and tastefully complements other vintage-style elements like the wooden bench, the urn planters, and the ornate transom window above. It's a detail that makes this entryway feel complete. Get the look for yourself with this Antique Persian Hamadan rug.
2. Lean Into Its Coziness
Persian rugs have a way of making rooms feel instantly more cozy, and that's just what this one does in the above room designed by Karin Bennett. Of course, the color drenched walls and ceiling add to the level of coziness, but it's the Persian rug that ties everything together.
'The Persian rug we incorporated in this client's living room adds to a cozy, inviting ambience by introducing warmth, texture, and pattern,' Karin explains. 'The saturated navy hue and detailed design draw in the eye and create visual interest, while the soft fibers underfoot make the space feel comfortable and lived-in.'
This rug grounds the space in which it lays, in more ways than one. 'I love how it anchors the furniture, and defines the area fostering a sense of intimacy, and turning this room into a welcoming, stylish retreat,' Karen remarks. For a similar look, try incorporating Joon Loloi's Doheny rug into your living room's design.
3. Use a Persian Rug to Soften a Space
Persian rugs have this inherent ability to soften any room in which they're added – by means of their inviting patterns, but also with their traditionally soft weave. In the room above, Lisa Guest used a Persian rug to literally soften the room by layering the rug on top of a sisal carpet.
'The carpet in this room is sisal, and I don’t find it very comfortable, so I always layer a cozy rug on top. When you’re stepping out of bed your feet have a soft place to land,' Lisa explains, demonstrating the importance of bedroom rug placement.
Aside from its soft material, this Persian rug also creates a comfortable ambience in the room – its colors tastefully blend with the existing color scheme, and its pattern adds stylish elegance underfoot.
4. Don't Forget the Office
Home offices are rooms where practicality is at the forefront of the design scheme. However, that doesn't mean these rooms can't be stylish, too. In the office above, Karin Bennett was able to combine practicality and style with the help of a beautiful rug design.
'I always appreciate how a Persian rug can influence a room’s aesthetic by creating a focal point, and adding cultural richness through history and craftsmanship to any room,' Karin explains. In this example, the rug invites you into the space. It's a sophisticated detail that doesn't neglect comfort.
Plus, the Persian rug is a practical choice for this office, too. 'A large rug can also help soften acoustics which is so important in an office,' Karin tells me. Take this as a home office design tip: rugs, whether Persian rugs or not, won't only enhance aesthetic appeal in your workspace, but they'll absorb sound too, leaving you with a quiet, peaceful, and stylish place to focus.
5. Let a Runner Rug Warm Up the Kitchen
The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, so it only makes sense to design it as such. One way to make your kitchen ideas look and feel more inviting is by adding a rug underfoot. Not only are kitchen rug ideas helpful as they give your feet a soft place to rest, but they're stylish, too, as they can positively impact the design of your space.
Karin Bennett used a Persian runner rug in the design scheme of the kitchen above. According to Karin, this detail instantly gives the kitchen more character. 'It softens hard floors underfoot, protects against spills, and absorbs noise,' she says. 'But more than that, it adds warmth, texture, and a touch of personality. With its intricate patterns and rich colors, it turns a functional space into a cozy, inviting area offering style and charm.'
A Persian runner rug is a cozy kitchen idea that can make the kitchen a spot that you'd never want to leave. Try it for yourself by adding this Magnolia Home x Loloi Sinclair rug to your kitchen floor. Its vintage-inspired design will certainly bring character and warmth to your space.
6. Use a Small Size for a Big Impact
One of the reasons why Persian rugs are such a desired rug style even thousands of years after their creation is because of the way they can transform a room – regardless of their size.
In the space above, interior designer Raili Clasen incorporated a Persian rug into its design. And despite the rug's small size, it makes a tremendous impact on the overall scheme. 'Adding a small, distressed Persian rug acts as art... on the floor,' Raili tells me. 'In this space, the concrete floor needed a bit of warmth, color, and texture, so we found the perfect rug to add all of those features.'
Scale plays a big role in interior design – whether going large, or going small. This small Persian rug is a prime example. It doesn't overwhelm the space – instead, it tastefully complements the other decor features. It's just the artistic, colorful detail needed to make this space feel complete.
7. Choose a Light-Colored Design
Oftentimes, we associate Persian rugs with dark, rich colors like deep red, brown, and blue. However, many are made in all sorts of styles, including light color schemes. Take the rug in this room as an example. Its light color scheme delicately contrasts the darker features in the room, creating a sense of visual balance.
'The light-colored Persian rug serves as the soul of this transitional space, offering a gentle, time-worn elegance that grounds the dramatic scale of the dark four-poster bed and lightens the room,' the room's designer Buffy Ferguson explains. 'By intentionally contrasting this antique foundation with the sleek, clean lines of the modern mirrors, nightstands, and artwork, we create a perfectly balanced sanctuary that feels both timeless and completely current, with the final touch of a plush fur throw ensuring layered, tactile luxury.'
While an alluring, dark-colored Persian rug might be tempting, don't neglect a lighter choice – especially if it can help balance the design of your room. This Hobart rug is a prime example. Paired with dark wood, antique furniture, it'll help create a visually pleasing room.
8. Try a Layered Look
While Persian rugs are beautiful enough to lay on their own, it can be beneficial to enhance a rug's presence with another rug layered underneath. According to Marie Flanigan, 'layering rugs adds both depth and warmth to a room.' By layering a Persian rug on top of a neutral rug, that's just what Marie accomplished in the room above.
'The neutral base layer makes a visual impact by expanding the footprint of the space and creating a calm foundation for everything that follows,' Marie explains. 'The Persian rug, placed on top, then defines the seating area – introducing pattern, history, and a touch of soul. Together, they make the room feel intimate, collected, and intentionally composed.'
Layered rugs act as a living room rug idea that can add dimension and intrigue to your space – just like in the above room designed by Marie. Try it in your home by layering this Persian-style Chelsea rug on top of this neutral Amina Wool rug.
9. Transform an Entryway Sitting Area
When it comes to designing a sitting area right off of a front door, you want to choose a rug that'll make guests feel welcomed, warm, and comfortable from the moment they walk in. A Persian rug can do just that.
'This one brings a subtle layer of age and warmth – the faded pattern and muted tones quietly ground the antique pieces and cane chairs, making the space feel collected over time rather than newly decorated,' Buffy Ferguson explains of the Persian rug in the entryway above. Plus, the rug itself helps to soften the transition from the outdoors in, according to Buffy.
In a way, the Persian rug in this space is like a warm embrace – 'it adds that sense of welcome and familiarity you want guests to feel the moment they walk through the door,' Buffy says. It sets the scene for a comfortable place to sit and relax upon entering.
10. Lay a Persian Rug on the Bathroom Floor
In case you've forgotten, bathroom rug ideas go beyond mini bathmats next to your shower or beneath your sink. If the size of your bathroom permits, consider laying a long Persian runner rug in the space for some added character. That's what Karin Bennett did in the bathroom above.
'Choosing to incorporate a Persian rug in this bathroom infuses the space with warmth which is so nice when getting ready for the day,' she tells me. 'This rug introduces a bit of color and character, and creates a layered, luxurious look. At Karin Bennett Designs, we always include a bathroom rug to enhance comfort and introduce texture.'
But here's a pro tip: when choosing a bathroom rug, it's best to pick a style that's machine washable, like this Granada Sunset Terracotta rug. This way, you can clean it often, and you don't have to worry about any stains that might occur.
Shop Persian-Inspired Rugs
Size: 3′ X 4’11”
Persian rugs don't have to be large in size to influence the design of a room. The small styles can be just as impactful – like this one. Despite its size, its colorful pattern can elegantly fill a room with character and charm.
Size: 2' 10" X 9' 8"
Looking to add some personality to a hallway in your home? Do so with this Persian runner rug. Its rich, purple color scheme is effortlessly elegant, and adorned with medallion motifs, this rug is like a work of art underfoot.
Size: 6'x 9' (more sizes available)
Not all Persian-inspired rugs need to feature pronounced colors and patterns. In fact, the faded styles often have just as much character in their designs, like this rug. Despite its allover fade, this rug can still imbue a room with personality.
Size: 6' x 9' (more sizes available)
With its rich, dark color scheme, this rug could ground any room of your home with comfort and elegance. Since it's handwoven with 100% wool, this rug will ensure comfort underfoot. Plus, it can soften any room in which it's laid.
Size: 5' x 7'6" (more sizes available)
When I picture a Persian rug in my mind, this is what I envision – an ornate and detailed rug finished in brilliant shades of red and blue. This Persian-inspired style would add immense warmth to any room in which it's added.
Size: 7'6" x 10' (more sizes available)
Looking for a Persian-style rug to complement the neutral color scheme of your home? Here's your pick. This rug doesn't draw too much attention to itself, but it can gracefully enhance any room in which it's laid. Plus, its medium pile height will add softness underfoot.
Whether you choose a true vintage Persian rug or a new Persian-inspired rug with aged appeal, Persian rugs are guaranteed to give any room in your home more character, warmth, and timeless elegance. They're a traditional decorating idea that has stood the test of time and will continue to enhance interiors for years to come.
