Few Persian rugs inspire as much admiration — and as many questions — as Qum rugs. Renowned for their luminous silk pile, extraordinary fineness and artistic precision, Qum rugs often sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. For buyers encountering them for the first time, this raises a natural question: why do silk rugs, particularly Qum rugs, cost more?
This article explains what defines a Qum rug, why silk dramatically changes both craftsmanship and value, and how buyers can better understand pricing when navigating fine Persian rugs.
A Qum rug originates from the city of Qum in central Iran. Unlike older weaving centres with centuries-old traditions, Qum emerged as a major rug-producing city in the 20th century, specialising almost exclusively in fine silk rugs.
Qum rugs are city-woven, produced in workshop settings where precision, consistency and design accuracy are paramount. They are best known for:
These characteristics place Qum rugs firmly in the category of luxury silk Persian rugs.
The primary reason Qum rugs cost more is the material itself. Silk is fundamentally different from wool in both cost and handling.
Silk:
Because silk threads are finer and smoother, weavers can pack more knots into a smaller area, enabling remarkable detail and clarity. This directly increases labour time and technical difficulty — two major drivers of value.
Qum silk rugs are among the highest knot-count Persian rugs produced today. It is not uncommon for Qum rugs to exceed:
This density allows for:
Such precision simply isn’t achievable in most wool rugs, regardless of region.
Qum rugs often feature:
Because silk holds dye exceptionally well, colours appear vibrant yet refined. Fine shading and tonal transitions are possible, giving designs a painterly quality.
For buyers comparing silk and wool rugs, this visual complexity is one of the most immediate and compelling differences.
Another point of buying confusion is size. Qum silk rugs are typically woven in smaller to medium sizes, rather than as large carpets.
This is intentional:
Large silk carpets do exist, but they are rare and command exceptional prices due to the time and risk involved in their production.
Silk rugs are often assumed to be fragile. In reality, silk is extremely strong, but it behaves differently from wool.
Silk rugs:
Understanding intended use helps buyers decide whether a Qum rug is the right investment for their lifestyle.
In simple terms, Qum rugs cost more because:
A single Qum silk rug can take many months — sometimes over a year — to complete. That time, combined with material cost and expertise, is reflected in the price.
When compared to other fine rugs:
For collectors and buyers seeking refinement rather than robustness, Qum rugs offer a unique appeal.
Silk rugs must be seen to be fully appreciated. Light, movement and detail all play a role in understanding their value. Explore our Look Book to see how silk Persian rugs, including Qum pieces, perform in refined interiors.
Qum rugs are not priced higher by convention — they are priced higher because they demand more at every stage: materials, skill, time and artistic control. For buyers navigating confusion around silk rug pricing, understanding these factors brings clarity and confidence.
