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Gabbeh-comfortable classics

A toy poodle is lying on the doormat with a chessboard pattern in the entrance area.

17 special types from classic to modern

„Gabbeh“ is a Persian word that literally translates to “raw” or “simple”. The carpets that bear this name originally come from the south of Iran and are among the most traditional forms of hand-knotted carpets. They are characterised by simple patterns, vibrant colours, and a dense wool structure.

Today, there are Gabbeh carpets in many variations: traditional, finely woven, modern interpretations, or machine-made.

You may be wondering: Where do Gabbeh carpets come from? What does Gabbeh Loom mean? Or how do I properly care for a Gabbeh carpet? Then you are in the right place.

Gabbeh rug in coral colour, folded

Persian Gabbeh

The classic Persian Gabbeh is the centrepiece of the Gabbeh tradition. It originally comes from nomadic peoples in Iran, who knotted these carpets for their own use, directly from their imagination. This freedom is reflected in every piece.

The knotting is deliberately coarse, the pile high and pleasantly soft. Typical are simplified motifs such as animals, trees, people, or abstract signs that tell a story from the everyday life of the knotters.

In terms of colour, the carpet ranges between vibrant red, blue, orange, and natural earth tones.

The wool is untreated and often dyed with plant-based colours, which gives the carpets a particularly natural appearance. The Persian Gabbeh is not a mass-produced carpet – it has corners, edges, and plenty of character.

Tip : Ideal for living rooms or open-plan kitchens, where artisanal warmth and individuality are welcomed.

Persian Gabbeh Loribaft

The Persian Gabbeh Loribaft is the refined version of the classic Gabbeh. It is made by the Lurs, a nomadic people in the southwest of Iran, and is characterised by a significantly higher knot density.

This gives it a more structured, elegant, and somewhat calmer overall appearance. It often features large, colour-gradient areas with occasional motifs, such as small animals, plants, or stylised symbols.

The colours are muted, warm, and harmonious: Ochre, Rust, Olive, or Cream.

Due to the high-quality wool and precise knotting, the carpet feels denser and smoother. Despite its refinement, it remains down-to-earth: a good compromise between tradition and contemporary design.

Tip : Perfect for bedrooms, reading areas, or minimalist living rooms with natural colour schemes.

Persian Gabbeh Nomads

The Nomad Gabbeh is colourful, playful and spontaneous. Just like the life it comes from. It is woven by wandering tribes in a free form, often without precise planning. The result is expressive carpets with irregular, sometimes almost childlike motifs.

Typical are depictions of animals, tents, plants or symbolic signs that reflect the daily life or spirituality of the weavers.

The colour palette is vibrant: Yellow, Blue, Green and Red alternate, creating a cheerful overall picture. The weaving is coarse, the pile thick. This makes it very cosy.

Tip : Particularly well-suited for children's rooms, creative workspaces or living areas where individuality is desired.

Indo Gabbeh

The Indo Gabbeh is the Indian version of the classic Gabbeh. Hand-knotted from good new wool, with a colourful yet orderly design. It incorporates traditional patterns: stylised animals, trees, lines, and interprets them in a somewhat clearer and more symmetrical way.

The colour palette is vibrant yet harmonious: Red, Beige, Blue, and Green.
The wool often comes from Indian or New Zealand sources, and the pile is soft and durable. The Indo Gabbeh offers an authentic look at a generally more affordable price.

Tip : Well suited for living spaces, children's rooms, or hallways with heavy foot traffic.

Essence

Less design, more substance:
Essence stands for the essential. No patterns, no contrasts: just colour, wool, texture. The effect is meditative, almost space-dissolving. These rugs exude silence and invite concentration.

Tip : Perfect for bedrooms, meditation or reading areas where minimal distraction is desired.

Loom Gabbeh Lori

These handwoven carpets are inspired by the design of the Lori-Gabbehs .

What does Gabbeh Loom?
The term "Loom" refers to the weaving technique: Loom Gabbehs are not knotted, but woven on traditional looms (known as "loom") – mostly in places like Bhadohi, India. This results in a particularly even, flat structure that proves itself in everyday use.

Clear, geometric patterns, warm colours, even pile. The loom production allows for a stable, durable structure: ideal for everyday life.

The designs are intentionally kept simple, without frills. The dominant colours are terracotta, sand, grey, and rust.

Tip : Perfect for heavily used areas such as dining rooms, hallways, or family spaces.

Loom Gabbeh

The Loom Gabbeh is a particularly simple yet characterful variant of the Gabbeh rug. Unlike heavily patterned models, it often comes without symbols – usually in a single colour or with subtle tonal gradients.

What many do not know: Loom Gabbeh rugs often originate from Bhadohi, a small town in northern India known as a centre for handwoven rugs. There, they are handcrafted on traditional looms. The pile is flat, even, and firm, making the rug particularly easy to care for.

Its calm design makes it a versatile companion for modern living concepts where restraint is required. The fine weaving structure reveals its effect particularly well in daylight: the play of light and texture creates depth without an intrusive pattern.

Tip : Ideal for rental properties, offices, studies, or hallways – anywhere a calm, durable rug is needed that does not dominate.

Future Echo

The Future Echo Gabbehs bring design to the forefront.
Geometry, graphic structures, contrasts – all on a robust Gabbeh foundation. The patterns are modern, often inspired by digital forms or architecture. The pile remains dense, and the wool is of high quality.

With their graphic patterns, Future Echo rugs make a conscious statement in minimalist settings.

Tip : Great for open living concepts, modern lofts, or as a contrast to simple furniture.

Arctic

Arctic Models feature cool colours: Grey, White, Icy Blue.
The patterns are barely visible: often only suggested, very calm, very structured.

The result: a carpet that takes a step back but radiates clarity. Especially in combination with wood or glass, it appears fresh and orderly.

Tip : Ideal for hallways, kitchens or Scandinavian-inspired spaces with light and air.

Design Loom

These rugs combine graphic design with machine weaving technology.
The result is uniform, flat rugs with clear patterns: often grids, waves or large areas of colour. The structure is robust, and the effect is modern.

Tip : Ideal for home offices, studios or living areas with modern art and clear architecture.

Naturescene

Naturescene-Gabbehs tell stories of landscapes, sky, and trees – but not realistically, rather in an abstract form.

The patterns appear as if they have been dabbed on, almost impressionistic. The colours are soft: moss green, sky blue, ochre. The pile is high, and the knotting is loose, which makes them very cosy.

Tip : Wonderful in living rooms with natural materials, large windows, or retreats with views of greenery.

Gabbeh Rugs – in what size?

Gabbeh rugs are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings. Depending on the variant and design, they can be easily integrated into different rooms:

Room Recommended Size
Living Room 200×300 cm or larger
Dining Area 200×250 cm or 250×300 cm
Bedroom 170×240 cm or 200×300 cm
Hallway / Entrance Area 80×200 cm or 100×300 cm
Children's Room 120×180 cm or 140×200 cm
Home Office / Study 140×200 cm or 160×230 cm

Mediterranean living area with blue carpet featuring a traditional pattern

Mediterranean Living

Living room with minimalist decor and graphic designer rug

Modern Living

Living room in Clean Living style with pastel-coloured carpet

Clean Living