Pakistani Rugs

Pakistani Rugs: Exquisite Heirloom Pieces with Intricate Designs

Carpet-weaving and rug-making in Pakistan are heavily influenced by Islamic culture. Rugs are commonly used to cover the floors of mosques and houses. They also serve as wall decorations. After the establishment of Pakistan in 1947, the Muslim rug artisans and other craftsmen decided to migrate to the area and settled in Lahore and Karachi. These two cities soon became the centers of carpet weaving in Pakistan.

In the late 1970s, rugmakers created the Pakistani 16/18, more popularly called the Pakistani Persian rug. The rug was a by-product of the US market ceasing to buy Persian rugs after cutting off trade relations with Iran. This shortage in Persian rugs made the finely-knotted Pakistani Persian rug more appealing to consumers. On top of that, the 16/18 had a high knot density (a total of 288 knots per square inch), giving it smooth and fine details.

Today, the majority of Pakistani carpets and rugs in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi are either Mori or Persian carpets. Mori carpets are known for their Turkmenistan and Bochara-like patterns. Meanwhile, Ziegler carpets—another type of Pakistani-manufactured carpet—borrow patterns and styles from the older traditions of the Arak district in Persia.

Pakistani Rug Materials & Weaving Techniques

Weavers craft Pakistani rugs out of imported wool, while its warp and weft are fashioned from cotton. Rugmakers use fine Australian wool yarn when producing Pakistani carpets, giving these area rugs the same texture as silk carpets.

Pakistan area rugs are either hand-knotted or handwoven. Craftsmen adopted Persian techniques during the Mughal Dynasty, but today’s weavers use mainly open knots to produce Pakistan carpets. The open-knot technique helps alter the tone of the carpets when viewed from different angles.

Carpets in Pakistan can also have single or double warps. Mori rugmakers weave those rugs with a single warp, while other carpets use a double warp.

Colors & Patterns Found in Handmade Pakistani Rugs

While most rugs from Pakistan are red, they come in other colors as well. Bokhara rugs come in solid colors, from red to gold to jeweled shades. Some Pakistani rugs can also combine hues—Beljik rugs, for instance, feature different hues of black, blue, and deep red.

These handmade carpets have different patterns. Pakistani rug patterns range from the Bokhara’s geometric designs to floral patterns. Medallions can also appear on Pakistan rugs, including Peshawar rugs.

Caring & Cleaning Your Pakistan Area Rugs

To protect your investment, follow these tips:

• Remove dirt, lift fibers, and make your Pakistani rug look fresh again with frequent vacuuming.
• Use a soft broom to sweep debris off your handmade rug and straighten its fringe.
• Get a quality pad for your Pakistan carpet. Your rug won’t slip and wear out when it has a rug pad.
• Rotate your rugs at least once a year for even wear on the fibers.
• Rotate Pakistani handmade carpets in high-traffic areas at least twice a year.

Decorating Your Space with Pakistan Carpets

If you’re installing Pakistani rugs in your home, here are a few decor ideas you can follow.

• Give your room a rich ambiance with deep reds and a Heriz rug’s multiple color combinations.
• Jaldar area rugs have diamond motifs that look great in any setting, making them ideal if you’re after diamond-shaped elements.
• Decorate a very simple area with a Baluchi rug’s playful patterns.
• Frame your Pakistani rug and hang it on your wall.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pakistani Rugs

What are the different types of Pakistan carpets?

Carpets in Pakistan can be classified as any of the following rug styles:

• Pakistani Persian (Pak Persian)
• Bokhara
• Baluchi
• Beljik
• Chobi Ziegler
• Gabbeh
• Heriz
• Kazak
• Khan Mamdi
• Shairwan
• Qashqa
• Kilim
• Jaldar
• Lahore

Moreover, some Pakistani rugs can be Peshawar carpets. These area rugs from northwestern Pakistan are hand-knotted and naturally dyed pieces. Weavers create Peshawar area rugs from hand-knotted wool.

How do I know if a Pakistan area rug is authentic?

• A Pakistani carpet shows color changes. The piece can have thin or thick strips with these changes. The type of dye that artisans use to weave a Pakistan rug mostly alters the carpet’s shade.
• A Pakistani carpet forms a wool pile and looks distorted.
• Handmade Pakistani rugs have more vibrant designs at the back.
• A Pakistani carpet also features tassels all over its length, which forms its warp.
• The sides on a Pakistan area rug vary in size and shape, with uneven, imperfect patterns.

Are Pakistani carpets worth the investment?

Yes. Hand-knotted pieces are much bigger investments than machine-made area rugs since they have distinct designs. Moreover, some manufacturers produce machine-made pieces with the same settings. The process decreases the value of these carpets.

Weaving techniques for each Pakistani carpet dictate how valuable the pieces are, but these handcrafted rugs are worthy investments for your home.

Shop for Hand-crafted Rugs Only at Cyrus Artisan Rugs

Handmade Pakistani rugs are enriched with textures and artistry that will add luxury and comfort to any space. Cyrus Artisan Rugs offers a wide array of authentic Pakistan rugs in different sizes, styles, and patterns. Our inventory includes area rugs fashioned from high-quality materials like wool and silk. When they’re well taken care of, these masterpieces can be turned into heirlooms that can be passed on to the next generation.

Transform your home, office, or commercial space with an exquisite Pakistani carpet. Browse our inventory to discover more unique finds.