Persian rugs have quietly held their ground in some of the most influential interiors of our time—not just in traditional homes, but on the silver screen, in celebrity residences, and across curated magazine spreads. These woven works of art haven’t just aged well—they’ve adapted, slipping seamlessly into modern interiors while still carrying their rich cultural narrative.
In this article, we’re lifting the curtain on the enduring presence of Persian rugs in pop culture—where they’ve shown up, who’s chosen them, and how they’ve helped shape taste at both the high end of fashion and the practical level of everyday décor.
The Star of the Room: Persian Rugs in Film & Television
Iconic Scenes with a Woven Soul
It might surprise you how often Persian rugs are placed front and centre in films—not just as floor coverings, but as visual storytellers. Think of The Big Lebowski. While the film is known for its quirky tone, that “rug that really tied the room together” is a direct nod to the emotional and aesthetic weight a hand-knotted piece can carry. It’s not just a prop—it’s a plot point.
Other notable examples include:
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Mad Men: Don Draper’s New York apartment features a bold Persian carpet under his sleek furniture, merging mid-century modern with old-world charm.
- Home Alone: A rich Persian rug anchors the McCallister house—quietly adding a touch of elegance and timeless tradition to the chaos.
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The Crown: Buckingham Palace interiors in the series often feature large-format Persian floor pieces, particularly Tabriz and Kashan designs, blending regality with softness.
Film set designers often use these rugs for the same reason decorators do: nothing anchors a space more confidently than a hand-knotted Persian piece.
Celebrities and Their Rugs: Style Beyond Trends
Celebrities aren’t just following the rug trend—they’re often setting it. From high fashion to heritage properties, Persian textiles have become something of a quiet status symbol: chosen not for flash, but for depth.
Here are a few high-profile spaces where Persian rugs take centre stage:
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Kendall Jenner’s home tour with Architectural Digest features a wide Sarouk rug in her sitting room, as well in other spaces as the dressing room and even in her master bathroom—muted tones that blend into her California-inspired interior.
- Ellen DeGeneres is known for mixing vintage and contemporary styles. In her Montecito home, a distressed Persian rug grounds her sleek furniture and modern art pieces.
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Robert Downey Jr. has several antique rugs spread across his East Hamptons residence. In a WSJ Magazineinterview, he described his collection as “woven antiques with soul.”
What stands out across all these homes is the versatility: whether set beneath a minimalist sofa or surrounded by bold art, a Persian rug adds depth without overpowering.
From Pop Culture to Your Living Room
You don’t need a film crew or an interior designer to enjoy the grounding effect of a Persian carpet. What these celebrity homes and movie sets show us is that these heritage pieces aren’t just reserved for palaces or historic buildings. They can bring warmth, history, and a sense of personal story into the most contemporary of homes.
A few handmade rug ideas based on what we’ve seen in the media:
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Layering under glass coffee tables – especially with geometric Heriz or Bidjar rugs. This technique adds colour without hiding pattern.
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Mixing with modern furniture – flat-faced sofas and clean-lined chairs pair surprisingly well with richly patterned floor coverings.
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Using oversized rugs – many homes featured in Vogue Living or AD skip small rugs and instead go for room-spanning textiles that define the entire space.
These techniques aren’t about replicating what’s trendy. They’re about using heirloom-quality floor pieces as a foundation for personal expression.
Antique Rugs in Contemporary Homes: A Lasting Trend
There’s been a marked shift toward character and individuality in interior design. Cookie-cutter, showroom-perfect rooms are being replaced by homes that feel collected, layered, and intentional. Persian rugs fit beautifully into that ethos.
Interior designers now frequently feature vintage Persian textiles in unexpected spaces:
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Bathrooms with vintage Shiraz runners
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Kitchens softened by faded Bakhtiari rugs
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Home offices with a bold Qashqai under the desk
This approach isn’t about being flashy—it’s about finding pieces that carry meaning. When someone steps into a room with a hand-knotted rug underfoot, they’re not just noticing the pattern—they’re feeling the weight of history, culture, and time.
Where Are These Rugs Coming From?
A common question people ask after seeing rugs in magazines or films is: where do I find one like that?
Most of the rugs you see in editorial homes or celebrity spaces aren’t factory-made. They’re handwoven—often by artisans in Iran, using techniques passed down through generations.
Many high-end design sources turn to importers and rug merchants who specialise in authentic pieces. A good rug isn’t just about its age—it’s about:
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Knot density and weaving technique
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Natural dye quality and fade over time
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Design provenance (e.g., Isfahan, Hamadan, Kerman)
Even if your budget doesn’t stretch to a 19th-century collector’s item, there are incredible options available today—refined, durable, and unique.
The Quiet Power of a Woven Story
There’s a reason Persian rugs keep showing up in culture, whether under the feet of movie stars or quietly framing a sun-drenched reading nook in a country home. They carry weight without shouting. They reflect care, history, and a sense of belonging.
If you're considering adding a Persian rug to your space, take your time, explore different styles, and choose a piece that truly speaks to you. It doesn’t need to match your cushions or follow a trend—it just needs to feel right.
Explore our Persian rug collection to see what’s available right now—from rustic tribal pieces to elegant city weaves. You might just find a woven design that makes your space feel like home."