At Surround Living, our passion for timeless design extends beyond furniture to the very foundation of your space—rugs that anchor, accentuate, and add soul. Alongside our curated selection of vintage and antique furnishings, we proudly offer an expanding collection of soft goods, including handwoven pillows, throws, and our most beloved category: vintage rugs.
Each rug in our collection tells a story. Whether it’s a vivid Persian Heriz, a sun-faded Turkish kilim, or a richly hued Afghan tribal weave, we source these pieces from regions steeped in tradition and craftsmanship—from Iran, India, and Turkey to Afghanistan. Every piece is hand-selected for its character, quality, and ability to transform a room. With sizes and styles to suit every space—from cozy nooks to grand salons—our vintage rugs are more than décor. They are soulful companions.
Why Rugs Matter in Interior Design
A rug is the heart of a room. It grounds the furniture, defines the layout, adds warmth underfoot, and introduces texture, colour, and personality. But the best rugs do more than look beautiful—they hold history. Handwoven rugs are tactile legacies, bearing the imprint of the artisan and the landscape from which they came. The right rug will not only enhance your design scheme but also infuse your space with cultural depth and timeless character.
Handknotted vs. Machine-Made Rugs: Understanding the Difference
Handknotted rugs are created entirely by hand, knot by knot, often taking months or even years to complete. This slow craftsmanship results in a unique, organic texture and exceptional durability—many last for generations and only grow more beautiful with time.
In contrast, machine-made rugs are woven quickly on power looms, producing uniform designs at a lower price point. While perfect for short-term use or high-traffic areas, they cannot match the individuality or long-term value of a handmade piece.
Pro Tip: Flip the rug over. If you see slight irregularities and individual knots—it’s handknotted. A machine-made rug will have a flawless, grid-like backing.
Rug Highlights from Our Artisan Collection
1. Heriz Rugs (Iran)
• Origin: Heriz, a mountainous region in northwestern Iran.
• Design: Bold medallions, geometric motifs, and an architectural sense of balance.
• Colours: Deep terracotta, indigo blue, ivory, and olive made from Madder & Indigo natural dyes.
• Texture: Coarse, dense hand-knotted wool.
• Why They’re Special: Iconic for their durability and striking style—perfect for both modern and traditional interiors.
• An Archival Detail: Serapi refers to the finest grade of Heriz-style rugs, prized historically for its refind weaving – a term that evolved from local geography and trade annotations.
Left : Heriz Rugs (Iran) Right : Afghan Tribal Rugs
2. Afghan Tribal Rugs
Above: Weaving in Process: Detailed Frame
An artisan captures the in-the-moment artistry of weaving with wool and tools, reinforcing the tactile nature of rug-making.
• Origin: Woven by nomadic tribes in Afghanistan.
• Design: Symbolic gul motifs and tribal diamonds.
• Colours: Rustic reds, browns, navy, and burnt orange.
• Texture: Handspun wool, firm and robust.
• Why They’re Special: Rich in cultural meaning and beautifully imperfect.
3. Baluch Rugs
• Origin: Baluchi tribes across Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• Design: Prayer-arch patterns and fine borders.
• Colours: Deep burgundy, brown, navy, and ivory highlights.
• Texture: Soft, pliable wool.
• Why They’re Special: Portable, intimate, and ideal for layering in smaller spaces.
Left : Baluch Rugs Right : Persian Medallion Rugs
4. Persian Medallion Rugs• Origin: Isfahan, Kashan, and Tabriz (Iran).
• Design: Ornate central medallions, floral arabesques, and elegant symmetry.
• Colours: Sapphire, ruby, emerald, and gold.
• Texture: High knot count, often with silk for sheen.
• Why They’re Special: Luxurious and regal—perfect for formal spaces.
5. Bokhara Rugs
• Origin: Traditionally woven by Turkmen tribes of Central Asia, particularly in regions of modern-day Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and northern Afghanistan.
• Design: Repeated oval or diamond-shaped motifs known as guls, arranged in rows with minimal border variation.
• Colours: Deep reds, burgundy, rust, ivory, and occasional dark blues or greens.
• Texture: Soft, plush wool with a dense, low to medium pile and a smooth, velvety hand.
• Why They’re Special: Timeless and versatile—Bokhara rugs bring warmth, symmetry, and understated elegance to any space, from classic to contemporary.
Left : Bokhara Rugs Right : Tribal Boteh Rugs
6. Tribal Boteh Rugs
• Origin: Nomadic Persian and Central Asian weavers.
• Design: Ancient boteh (paisley) motif symbolising life and eternity. The Boteh is used as a teardrop shape, or flame shapes.
• Colours: Earthy reds, ochres, browns, and softened blues.
• Texture: Hand-knotted with charming irregularities.
• Why They’re Special: Storytelling in textile form.
• An Archival Detail: Boteh in Farsi means “budding flower or plant” in Persian culture stands for growth and regeneration a powerful symbol to rug weavers.
7. Belgium Machine-Woven Rugs
• Origin: Belgium’s precision textile industry.
• Design: Modern takes on classic motifs.
• Colours: Neutrals—taupe, ivory, charcoal, and soft pastels.
• Texture: Soft synthetic blends, medium pile.
• Why They’re Special: Stylish, durable, and low-maintenance.
Styling with Presence
A rug should never fade into the background—it should command attention. Whether you’re embracing modern minimalism or vintage maximalism, let your rug set the tone. Pair a bold Heriz rug with sleek, neutral furniture for contrast, or layer a flatwoven kilim over jute for texture-rich bohemian style.
How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Home
When selecting a rug, think beyond colour and pattern:
• Scale: Ensure your rug anchors your furniture layout.
• Durability: Choose tribal or wool rugs for high-traffic areas.
• Lifestyle: Families and pet owners should opt for forgiving tones and resilient weaves.
• Authenticity: Look for handknotted details, natural dyes, and the subtle irregularities that mark genuine craftsmanship.
The right rug will speak to you—it should feel like it belongs in your home before you’ve even placed it.
Live with What Lasts
At Surround Living, we curate rugs not for fleeting trends but for timeless beauty, durability, and soul. From the enduring strength of Heriz rugs to the intricate storytelling of Boteh designs, each piece is chosen to be a lifelong companion in your home.
Explore our artisan rug collection at www.surroundliving.com — and bring home a piece that tells your story.
