Sepideh Gabbeh rug green

‘Gabbeh’ is Persian for ‘rough’ or ‘irregular’, a reference to the coarse, natural appearance of the wool and the knotting. The term contrasts with fine, densely knotted rugs such as a classic Persian rug.

A gabbeh has a thick, coarsely knotted pile with simple motifs and large blocks of colour. A Persian rug is more finely knotted, with a higher knot density and detailed patterns such as the medallion – a symmetrical ornament in the centre of the rug – and the boteh, a teardrop-shaped motif. By ‘genuine Persian rugs’, we mean rugs that have been hand-knotted in Iran; their origin, the knot density per square metre, and the use of natural dyes are the best indicators of their authenticity.

The motifs are often personal and reflect the weavers’ everyday lives: animals such as goats and birds, human figures, and the tree of life. Unlike Persian motifs, there is no fixed, overarching symbolism.

Pure sheep’s wool is the best material for a gabbeh: it is durable, regulates moisture and feels soft to the touch. The thick, unspun wool makes the rug comfortable for bare feet and children at play, and the high pile retains its beauty even with daily use.

Vacuum the rug regularly, following the direction of the pile, on a low setting. Blot stains immediately with a damp cloth and a drop of pH-neutral wool detergent. Leave thorough cleaning to a professional rug cleaner.

Yes. The thick, soft pile and the playful designs make a Gabbeh a popular choice for a child’s bedroom. Choose a smaller size to use as a play mat and place a non-slip mat underneath it.

Wool dyed with vegetable dyes will fade slightly over the years when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Turn the rug half a turn regularly to ensure the colour remains even.

A thick pile retains more heat than a thinly woven rug. A gabbeh can be laid on underfloor heating, but bear in mind that the heat output may be noticeably lower than on an uncovered floor.

Both have a thick, soft pile, but a gabbeh originates from the Persian nomadic tradition and features figurative motifs, whilst a Berber rug comes from Morocco and features geometric symbols such as diamonds and zigzag lines.

A vintage gabbeh is a rug that has been used before, usually dating back several decades. The colours have softened slightly as a result of use and exposure to light. Minor repairs or a slightly uneven edge are part of its character.

Use a thick, non-slip mat made of felt or rubber that is slightly smaller than the rug, so that the edges do not lift up. Due to the weight of its thick pile, a gabbeh is less likely to slip than a thin rug, but a mat protects the floor from wear and tear.