Wool vs. Silk: Which to Choose for Your First Piece

I once visited a supplier in Qom, where an elderly carpet merchant, saying "Feel them," laid out three carpets for me: 100% wool, 100% silk, and wool & silk. Gently sliding the back of my hand over them, I noticed each had a completely different feel. Wool was soft, resilient, and warm; silk was cool and smooth; and wool & silk was somewhere in between, with a rich texture. He laughed and said, "It's faster to feel it than to explain it."

The material of a Persian rug is not determined solely by its visual splendor. Wool, silk, and wool & silk each have their strengths in expression and suitability for different lifestyles. Here, I'll explain the differences between materials and how to choose, based on my hands-on experience from visiting local producers.

Wool — Reliable comfort for everyday life

The main material for Persian rugs is wool. While Qom silk is prominent, the majority of carpets woven across Persia are wool. The warmth that defines a "carpet-like" feel in Japan is supported by the texture of wool.

Wool has natural water repellency, meaning small amounts of water do not easily penetrate it. It is resistant to everyday dirt and suitable for barefoot walking. The sheep's wool itself contains oil (lanolin), which contributes to its water repellency and ease of cleaning.

It also pairs well with dyes, deeply absorbing the colors of natural dyes, including those made from plants. Carpets from Tabriz, Hamadan, Heriz, and Aghaie are almost exclusively wool, with different wool qualities depending on the region. Some workshops in Qom and Isfahan also weave wool or wool & silk pieces.

100% wool is ideal for those who want a rug for casual, everyday use, or for placement in high-traffic areas with children and guests. However, Golestan primarily deals in Qom silk and wool & silk, with very few 100% wool items. If you are looking for a purely practical 100% wool rug, please consider other Persian rug specialty stores. We will elaborate on Golestan's inventory policy later in the "About the Materials Golestan Handles" section.

Silk — Art that changes expression with the angle of light

Carpets woven with silk belong to an entirely different world than wool. Their greatest feature is that unique luster. Because the cross-section of the thread is closer to a triangle than a circle, it reflects light like a prism, changing color and brilliance with every viewing angle.

The fineness of the thread is also different. Silk is thin yet strong. This allows for intricate patterns, flowing curves, and even delicate calligraphy that cannot be achieved with wool. The reason Qom silk carpets are described as "like paintings" is due to this characteristic of the material.

The tactile sensation is also completely different. When you run your fingertips over it, it feels cool and smooth. Walking barefoot on it gives a crisp, cool feeling unique to silk, different from the rich softness of wool. Silk is made of the same amino acid proteins as human skin, which is why it has long been used for underwear and bedding for those with sensitive skin.

However, silk is extremely precious, and weaving it requires advanced skill and a long time. It is not uncommon for a single piece to take several years to complete. The price range is a step above wool, and purchasing one often marks a significant life event.

Wool & Silk — Combining the best of both materials

The third category is wool & silk pieces. These are constructed with a wool ground and silk highlights for the patterns, achieving both the warmth of wool and the luster of silk in one piece.

Representative carpets from Nain, Tabriz, and Isfahan often use this combination, and in Qom, workshops such as Samadi and Farahi also produce excellent wool & silk works. Since only the flowers and leaves within the pattern shine with silk, the picture appears to float when viewed from different angles.

The feel is also an intermediate between 100% wool and 100% silk. It retains softness but develops a sheen when light hits it. For those who "want silk but are hesitant to commit to an all-silk rug," wool & silk can be the perfect entry point.

Warp material — Cotton or silk

In addition to the surface pile material, the material of the warp threads that support the rug's structure also affects its quality. While most Persian rugs use cotton warps, high-grade Qom silk and some Isfahan rugs use silk for the warp threads as well. This is sometimes called "Silk Warp."

Rugs with silk warps are lighter than 100% wool rugs and have the advantage of allowing for even higher densities. However, the cost significantly increases, so this is only adopted for truly top-tier pieces.

Since the terms "silk & wool" and "silk warp" can be confusing when viewing product pages, Golestan distinguishes between "warp" and "pile material" in the specifications section.

Camel and goat hair — Nomadic materials

In addition to wool and silk, camel and goat hair are sometimes used in Persian rugs. Especially in rugs woven by nomads, locally available materials are incorporated.

Camel hair is highly insulating and characterized by natural brown tones. Goat hair is somewhat coarse and durable, and its excellent water resistance made it valuable in areas with frequent rain and wind. Rugs made from these materials have limited production and a unique, tribal feel, making them prized by collectors.

About the Materials Golestan Handles

I have explained the characteristics of each material: wool, silk, wool & silk, and camel/goat hair. As a prerequisite for your selection, let me be frank about Golestan's product range.

Golestan primarily deals in 100% Qom silk and wool & silk pieces. We rarely handle 100% wool items. This is because the workshops I have worked with for many years in the region are predominantly renowned for silk. Silk-focused workshops, mainly from Qom, such as the Jamshidi lineage, Mirmehdi, Albal, Eshaghi, Sedighian, Samadi, and Farahi, form the core of our sourcing.

Our strength lies in "silk connoisseurship." I am proud to say that I have felt and compared hundreds of rugs, distinguished the styles of each workshop, and selected pieces considering their age and the weaver's unique quirks. On the other hand, if you are looking for a purely practical 100% wool rug, we might not be the best choice. In that case, please consider other Persian rug specialty stores that excel in wool. I believe that choosing the rug that truly suits you is important in the long run.

Guidance for choosing your first rug at Golestan

Assuming a focus on silk, I recommend the following two options for a first purchase:

• Small 100% silk pieces (around 60x90cm) — Suitable as an entrance mat, bedside rug, or framed as wall art. The price range is relatively accessible, allowing you to experience the brilliance and smoothness of silk every day. If you have a specific workshop in mind, choosing a small piece from Albal, Mirmehdi, or the Jamshidi family (Abbas lineage) will clearly show the individuality of each workshop.
• Wool & silk living room size — Around 100x150cm to 130x200cm. The ground provides the warmth of wool, while the highlights of the pattern shine with silk. This material composition is suitable for those who want to balance everyday use with the luster of silk. Works from the Samadi and Farahi workshops are representative examples.

If you wish to display a piece as art in a special space, or if you want to start a collection, high-density 100% silk pieces (such as large-format rugs from the Jamshidi family lineage or Mirmehdi) become an option. While the price range increases, we will discuss the background, including the weaving period and density, to help you find a piece that you can choose with satisfaction.

The material depends on the traffic flow of the placement area, the ambiance of your home, and "what you are looking for." Rather than making a decision during a single visit, it is advisable to compare a small silk piece with a wool & silk living room size rug before making your choice, which will lead to fewer regrets. If you provide photos of your room or traffic flow when inquiring, we can narrow down and recommend suitable pieces and workshops.