Gabbeh Rugs

Persian Gabbeh rugs are known for their rustic charm, dense wool pile, and bold yet simple designs. Hand-knotted by tribal nomads in Iran’s Fars Province, Gabbeh rugs carry a warmth and authenticity that connect tradition with everyday living. Their patterns are often abstract or geometric, woven in vibrant natural colors that make each piece a beautiful rug with its own story.

From vintage and antique Gabbeh rugs with deep cultural roots to new Gabbeh rugs that bring a cozy, tribal  charm to modern interiors, Landry & Arcari offers authentic Persian Gabbeh rugs for sale, bringing together heritage, durability, and everyday function.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece in earthy reds, soft beige tones for your bedroom, or a large Gabbeh area rug to anchor a room, each hand-knotted carpet reflects centuries of weaving tradition.

What is a Gabbeh rug?

A Gabbeh rug is a hand-knotted tribal rug woven primarily by nomadic groups in Iran’s Fars Province. The word "Gabbeh" means “raw” or “uncut” in Persian, reflecting the rug’s dense pile and unrefined charm. Originally used as sleeping rugs by nomads, Gabbeh rugs are crafted with thicker wool and bolder, more straightforward patterns, often geometric shapes, stripes, or whimsical motifs.

Made with natural dyes and hand-spun wool, these rugs are both functional and expressive, lending warmth and character to any home.

Why choose a Persian Gabbeh rug?

A Persian Gabbeh rug is not just a floor covering; it’s a cultural artifact that connects your space to centuries of artistry and nomadic existence.

- Durable craftsmanship: Hand-knotted from dense wool, Gabbeh rugs are built for everyday use.

- Natural beauty: Dyes derived from plants, roots, and minerals create vibrant, earthy tones that age gracefully.

- Cultural significance: Each rug is woven by nomadic artisans, reflecting centuries of tradition. Originally used as sleeping rugs, Gabbeh rugs are pieces of utilitarian art. 

- Versatility: From modern rooms to rustic interiors, Gabbeh rugs add warmth, texture, and cultural depth.

Antique vs. vintage Gabbeh rugs

Both antique and vintage Gabbeh rugs offer authenticity, durability, and artistry, making them a valuable addition to any collection.

- Antique Gabbeh rugs: Over 100 years old, with natural patina and symbolic motifs—such as animals, trees, or geometric forms—that reflect nomadic life and beliefs.

- Vintage Gabbeh rugs: Typically 20–80 years old, still hand-woven with high-quality wool and traditional patterns but often more accessible in price.

Styles of Gabbeh rugs

Tribal Gabbeh rugs

Woven by nomadic groups, these rugs showcase bold, geometric patterns and vibrant colors. Each piece is unique, reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the weavers.

Antique Gabbeh rugs

Crafted generations ago, these rugs carry natural wear and patina. Their rich history turns them into collectible works of art.

Vintage Gabbeh rugs

Produced in the mid-20th century, vintage pieces retain traditional patterns and wool craftsmanship while offering versatility for modern interiors.

Modern Gabbeh rugs

Simplified designs and neutral tones—such as beige, warm reds, or earthy browns—make these rugs especially appealing for modern spaces, though their versatility extends across many settings.

Where to buy Gabbeh rugs

Searching for “Gabbeh rugs near me”? Landry & Arcari offers a curated collection of authentic Persian Gabbeh rugs, as well as reproductions from Afghanistan and India, for sale online and in-store. Our detailed photography and descriptions make it easy to shop with confidence, whether you’re looking for a small accent piece or a large room-sized carpet.

Visit our Boston, Salem, or Framingham showrooms to see the collection in person, or request an in-home trial to experience how a rug transforms your space. Insured shipping is available across the continental U.S., with specialty handling for oversized rugs.

Gabbeh rugs: FAQs

What is a Gabbeh rug?

A Gabbeh rug is a hand-knotted Persian tribal rug woven by nomads in Iran’s Fars Province. Known for its thick wool pile, bold patterns, and natural dyes, it’s both durable and decorative. Many Gabbeh designs are inspired by everyday things from nomadic life—animals, plants, or family scenes.

What is the difference between kilim and Gabbeh?

Kilim rugs are flat-woven with no pile, resulting in a lighter, more flexible textile. Gabbeh rugs, by contrast, are hand-knotted with a dense wool pile, making them thicker, warmer, and more cushioned underfoot.

Where are Gabbeh rugs made?

Gabbeh rugs originated in Iran’s Fars Province, where nomadic tribes such as the Qashqai and Luri hand-knotted them with thick wool pile, natural dyes, and bold patterns. This weaving heritage has been passed down for generations, making authentic Persian Gabbehs highly valued.

In recent decades, the style has also been produced in India. Indian artisans have embraced the Gabbeh tradition, adapting its essential characteristics—dense wool pile, vibrant colors, and handcrafted quality—while incorporating their own weaving techniques, cultural references, and color palettes.

The result is a broader variety of Gabbeh rugs, both Persian and Indian, that share the same hallmarks of durability, vibrancy, and artistry.

What is considered the best rug in the world?

While opinions vary, many consider Persian rugs, especially hand-knotted pieces from Iran, to be among the best for their quality, artistry, and cultural significance. Gabbeh rugs, with their tribal charm and durability, hold a respected place within the world of Persian and oriental rug weaving.

Are Gabbeh rugs durable?

Yes. Gabbeh rugs are hand-knotted from dense, high-quality wool, making them thick, resilient, and long-lasting. With proper care, they can endure daily use and remain beautiful for decades.

Do Gabbeh rugs work in modern interiors?

Yes. Their bold geometric motifs, earthy colors, and thick pile add warmth and texture that complement both traditional and modern rooms. Neutral-toned Gabbeh rugs, in particular, are popular for contemporary spaces.

How do I care for a Gabbeh rug?

Vacuum regularly without a beater bar, rotate your rug every few months, and blot spills quickly with a clean cloth. For deep cleaning or repairs, it’s best to work with professionals experienced in antique and Persian rugs.

Landry & Arcari offers expert rug and carpet cleaning services so you can preserve the natural colors, dense wool pile, and hand-knotted craftsmanship of your Gabbeh rug for generations. Our team also provides repair and restoration services, ensuring your rug remains a functional and beautiful piece of art in your home.

What other types of rugs does Landry & Arcari offer?

Our inventory includes a wide variety of rug types—lots of different styles, ages, fibers, sizes, and design origins.

Antique and vintage rugs

We have a curated selection of antique rugs and vintage pieces. These include Persian rugs with intricate floral patterns, tribal designs, and geometric motifs—all showing the character and softened tones that only age can provide.

Kilims, flatweaves, and dhurries

These rugs are flatwoven from wool, cotton, or both, giving them a lighter texture and reversible design. Styles like kilims and dhurries, often produced in India and other regions, are durable choices for high-traffic areas or for layering.

Traditional, tribal, and oriental rugs

Our collection of traditional, tribal, and oriental rugs includes designs such as Heriz & Serapi, Bijar & Bakhtiari, Oushak, Caucasian, and Spanish styles. Known for their bold patterns, cultural motifs, and handmade construction, these rugs remain popular for both their beauty and craftsmanship.

Modern and contemporary rugs

Landry & Arcari's modern and contemporary rugs highlight simplicity—soft colors, geometric elements, and open designs that lend a clean, current aesthetic. Ideal when you want a rug that complements modern furnishings or minimalist décor.

Rajasthan collection

This special collection is produced in India, featuring vintage-inspired rugs with a chunkier weave, Afghan wool piles, and gently washed finishes. Available in a wide range of sizes, including oversized and custom dimensions, Rajasthan rugs offer flexibility in both length and width to suit different spaces.

Oversized rugs and runners

We also offer rugs in very large dimensions, including palace-size and oversize pieces, as well as runners in a variety of lengths. Whether you’re furnishing a spacious room or a long corridor, our collection of oversized rugs and runners provides plenty of options to fit your needs.

Have more questions? Reach out to our customer service team. We're here to help you choose the rug that best fits your space.