Bijar Rugs: Very robust wool rugs in warm colours

The Bijar Rug: Indestructible and Distinctive

The Bijar rug (also spelled: Bidjar, Bajar, Bidzar) is known for its exceptional quality and durability. Typical of the Bijar is its extremely dense pile, its detailed floral and geometric patterns, and the varied colour palette of its reds, from light, soft rust red to strong, earthy chimney red to noble wine and violet red.

Of course, Bijar rugs come in different designs and qualities. To help you find the right rug for your home, we have put together this ‘little’ guide with all the important information for you.

Origin and history of Bijar rugs

Bijar rugs come from the city of the same name in the western province of Kurdistan in Iran. They are traditionally made by Kurdish weavers and have the reputation of being the thickest and most durable of all Persian carpets. The relatively high knot density of 250,000-600,000 knots per square meter contributes to both the richness of detail in the patterns and the strength of the compact pile.

The unique thing about the Bijar knotting technique is the special ‘wet knotting’: during the knotting process, moistened and relatively thick weft threads are pressed extremely firmly onto the rows of knots, compacting the structure and giving the carpet an impressive compactness. Since this requires a lot of strength, Bijar carpets are usually knotted by men. This technique gives the Bijar its legendary reputation as an ‘iron carpet’ - a carpet that lasts for decades and shows hardly any signs of wear even with heavy use.

Due to this high durability of Bijar Rugs, older examples in particular are highly sought after by connoisseurs. In this case, a great deal of importance is placed on the colours being as fresh as possible, i.e. well preserved, or that the rugs have acquired a beautiful patina over the years, in which the colours become softer and even more harmonious. These rugs are not only objects of everyday use, but can actually be an investment.

There are differences between Bijar rugs

Bijar rugs come in different varieties, which differ in knotting technique, origin and pattern. Some designations stand for the trading centres where the respective Bijars are primarily traded, e.g. Bijar Zanjan (Sanjan). Here are some examples of different types of Bijar rugs:

The classic Kurdish Bijar

This Bijar is named after this type of carpet. It is also known as the ‘urban Bijar’ because it is almost exclusively manufactured in factories in or near the city of Bijar.

Bijar Tekab

This type of Bijar Rug comes from the Tekab region, a small town near Bijar and the main trading centre for this type of rug. It is somewhat more loosely woven than the classic Bijar and often features more delicate patterns. Softer wool is also often used for this type, so that although the surface still feels very dense, it is also more springy.

Bijar Afshar

The Afshar Bijar is knotted by the Turkmen Afshar tribe, who live in the Kerman region and also in western Azerbaijan. This type uses a significantly thinner weft and a finer, softer wool for the pile. This makes it noticeably looser and more pliable than the classic Bijar. In addition, its patterns are often even more detailed and delicate, making it slightly more valuable.

Indo Bijar

Indo Bijar rugs are made in India based on the classic Bijar model. They are generally softer and slightly less firm than the originals from Iran, but still offer high quality at an attractive price.

Characteristic Designs and Patterns of Bijar Rugs

Bijar rugs are characterised by elaborate patterns that emphasise their high quality craftsmanship. Three designs are particularly common:

1. All-over Herati pattern

The Herati pattern, consisting of delicate flowers and diamond shapes, covers the entire surface of the rug. It creates an even, almost hypnotic effect and is perfect for rooms where a calm, balanced atmosphere is to be created.

2. Herati pattern with diamond or rhombus medallion

Here, the Herati pattern is combined with a diamond-shaped central medallion that is usually very dominant. In addition, the inner field is divided into sections of different colours. This gives the rug an elegant, symmetrical structure and is particularly suitable for classic interior styles.

3. Floral patterns and ornaments

Older Bijar rugs in particular also tend to feature elaborate floral ornaments inspired by Persian garden design instead of geometric elements. These rugs have a particularly elegant look and bring a warm, decorative touch to any living space. The most sought-after of these Bijars are long and somewhat wider antique runners with darker background colours.

Typical Bijar Rug Colours

The colour palette of Bijar rugs is often strong and deeply saturated. The colours retain their intensity for decades due to the dense weave. The following colour combinations are particularly common:

Dark red & Bordeaux – creates a warm, inviting atmosphere
Deep blue and navy blue – radiates calm and elegance
Ivory and beige – light shades that make the room look bigger
Dark green and olive shades – refreshing colours with a natural touch
Brown and copper shades – earthy nuances that radiate cosiness

Formats and Sizes – Which Bijar Rug is Suitable Where?

Thanks to their extraordinary durability, Bijar rugs are suitable for almost every room – from representative living areas to heavily frequented zones such as corridors or entrance areas. Whether rectangular, square or round – there is a suitable format for every style of furnishing.

Rectangular Bijar Rugs – A classic style element for every room

Large Bijars in 300 x 200 cm, 350 x 250 cm, 400 x 300 cm or larger
Ideal for spacious living rooms or dining areas. A large Bijar Rug should be placed so that the furniture partially stands on it – for example, with the front legs of the sofa or dining table – to create a harmonious room effect.
Medium-sized Bijars measuring 180 x 120 cm, 200 x 150 cm or 240 x 170 cm
Perfect for living rooms or studies. A medium-sized Bijar Rug can serve as a visual island, for example under a coffee table or as a central eye-catcher in a seating area.
Bijar runners from 200 x 80 cm to 600 x 100 cm or also 400 x 200 cm to 500 x 200 cm
Particularly suitable for hallways, kitchens or long corridors. Thanks to their extreme robustness, Bijar runners are ideal for high-traffic areas and at the same time bring structure to narrow rooms.
Small Bijars in 90 x 60 cm, 120 x 80 cm and 150 x 100 cm
Perfect as bedside rugs or for cosy reading corners. They also add stylish highlights to small rooms or as an accent on parquet or stone floors.

Round Bijar Rugs – Soft Shapes for a Harmonious Interior Design

Rugs in round shapes are particularly suitable for rooms in which they serve as a central element. They create a flowing, soft look and loosen up linear furniture arrangements.

Large round Bijar rugs with diameters of 250 cm, 300 cm or 400 cm
The royal class of Bijars. In representative foyers, large halls, spacious living rooms or in open living concepts, large round Bijars unfold their full splendour and fulminant power. More is not possible...
Round Bijars in medium sizes with 150 cm or 200 cm diameter
These Bijars are ideal for dining areas with round tables or as an elegant centrepiece in a spacious living room.
Round and smaller Bijars with a diameter of 100 cm or 120 cm
A beautiful small round Bijar for a side table or as a decorative element in a reading corner will make it really cosy.

Square Bijar Rugs – Perfect Balance for Modern Interior Design

Square rugs are ideal for symmetrical room concepts and go particularly well with modern furnishings or open-plan living areas.

Large square Bijar in 300 x 300 cm or 400 x 400 cm
They are a dream for spacious living rooms and open loft concepts, to visually divide the room and make it more homely. If you have a lot of space, turn the Rug 45° and bring the diamond pattern into the entire room design.
Medium-sized and square Bijars measuring 200 x 200 cm or 250 x 250 cm
These examples are well suited for apartments with limited space or under dining tables or as a base for a seating area.
Small square Bijar in 100 x 100 cm and 150 x 150 cm
Perfect for compact living areas, e.g. as kitchen rugs, for a short and wide hallway or as a rug for a small home office.

What interior design style do Bijar rugs go with?

For traditional Persian rugs with classic patterns and colours, Bijar rugs go with an impressive range of interior styles. Thanks to their versatile and detailed patterns and balanced colour palettes, they blend very harmoniously into many interiors and underline the ambience of the interior. Of course, Bijar rugs are a perfect match for classically elegant and luxuriously furnished rooms. They are equally at home in an industrial or boho-chic interior. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to give a few more examples that push the boundaries and horizons of what is possible a little further:

Country house style – natural cosiness with Persian elegance

The country house style is characterised by warm wood tones, rustic furniture and a cosy atmosphere. A Bijar Rug in soft earth tones, warm red or gentle blue perfectly complements this style by combining traditional craftsmanship with natural comfort. Square or medium-sized formats (200 x 200 cm or 250 x 170 cm) are ideal under a solid wood dining table or in a cosy living area.

Mid-century modern – elegant retro look with Bijar patterns

The mid-century modern style, with its organic shapes, wood veneers and muted colours, harmonises perfectly with the fine patterns of a Bijar rug. A narrow runner (e.g. 400x100 cm) with a Herati or Boteh pattern can give a hallway or a long sofa area a noble, discreet structure. A medium-sized round Rug (250 cm in diameter) under a round coffee table also enhances the retro aesthetic with a touch of oriental elegance.

Japandi – minimalism meets warm, traditional accents

Japandi combines Japanese Zen minimalism with Scandinavian cosiness. A discreet Bijar rug in beige, sand or grey tones brings warmth to a calm, minimalist room, while providing a textured look without cluttering up the overall appearance. A square Rug (200 x 200 cm) under a low wooden table or a round version (300 cm diameter) in an open-plan living concept creates a balanced sense of space with a touch of Far Eastern elegance.

Art Déco – Glamorous accents with historic elegance

The Art Déco style is known for its luxurious materials, symmetrical patterns and elegant colour combinations. A Bijar rug with deep burgundy, dark blue or gold accents fits perfectly into this style and emphasises the opulent atmosphere. A square rug (250 x 250 cm or 300 x 300 cm) harmonises beautifully with golden or brass-coloured furniture frames and elegant velvet fabrics.

Buy Bijar rugs online at Nain Trading

Whether classic, modern, rustic or minimalist, Bijar rugs can be integrated into a wide variety of interior design concepts. Their fine patterns, exceptional quality and timeless beauty make them a stylish and long-lasting companion for any room. So if you are looking for a rug that will last for decades, hardly wear out and even become more beautiful over time, a Bijar is the perfect choice. And at Nain Trading, you will find a wide selection of genuine Bijar rugs!

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