Guide
Heriz Rug Guide: Persian Heriz Rugs and How to Choose One
Bold medallions, brick reds and a famously tough weave. Where they come from and how to choose one.
Where they come from
Heriz rugs are woven in the villages around the town of Heris, in northwest Iran, east of Tabriz. Weavers there have made rugs in the same bold style since the 1800s.
Older, finer pieces from the area, often in softer colors, are sold as Serapi. The name Heriz design is also used for new rugs woven in the style elsewhere.
How to recognize one
Look for a large, angular medallion on a brick red or rust field, with ivory corners and a wide navy border. The drawing is geometric, with straight lines and sharp corners rather than curves.
The weave is thick and firm. Heriz wool is known for its strength, which is why these rugs hold up so well in busy rooms.
What we carry
We carry vintage and antique Heriz rugs woven in Iran, and new Heriz design rugs hand-knotted in Afghanistan. Each listing says which it is, with its age and measured size.
Where a Heriz works
A Heriz anchors a living room, a dining room or a library. The red and navy go well with dark wood, leather and brass, and the bold pattern stands up to large furniture.
The dense pile wears well under dining chairs and in family rooms. Use a Durahold Plus pad, cut to size, to keep it flat and in place.
How to choose a good one
Turn the rug over. A hand-knotted Heriz shows each knot on the back, slightly uneven, and the fringe is the end of the warp threads. On an older rug, even wear is normal. Look for thin spots, repairs and color run before you buy.
Questions
Where are Heriz rugs made?
In the villages around Heris, in northwest Iran near Tabriz. New rugs woven in the same style elsewhere are sold as Heriz design rugs.
Why are Heriz rugs so durable?
They are woven with strong local wool into a thick, firm pile. That makes them one of the hardest-wearing Persian rugs.
What is the difference between a Heriz and a Serapi?
Serapi is a trade name for older, finer rugs from the Heriz area, often in softer colors. Both come from the same group of villages.
Do you sell Heriz rugs?
Yes. We carry vintage and antique Persian Heriz rugs and new Heriz design rugs from Afghanistan. Every listing shows the measured size and photos, and you can see them at our Chicago and Evanston showrooms.