Where to Buy Quality Persian/Oriental Rugs

There are two areas on the west side of Los Angeles to buy really good rugs: The Tri-West area north of Beverly Grove and Persian Square. Broadly speaking, you'll find more contemporary collections in Tri-West, but if you're looking for a vast selection of vintage and new Persian and Oriental rugs, you need to go to Tehrangeles.

Persian Square, AKA Tehrangeles, or Little Persia is a Persian community developed in Westwood after the Islamic Revolution of 1979 prompted thousands of Iranians to flee to the United States. It is a shopping, eating, and gathering place for the large number of Iranian-Americans and their descendants residing in the Los Angeles metropolitan area which is the largest such population outside Iran. Located on Westwood Boulevard between Wilshire and Pico, it's also a place for really great food, so you can make a day or two of eating and shopping your way across the cultural enclave.

Farhad's Rug Gallery

With over 1000 rugs in stock, you'll probably find something you like. Their impressive service department performs many services: cleaning, stain removal, fringe repair, reshearing, reweaving, selvage restoration, fire damage removal, resizing, moth damage repair, and appraisals. Looking for guidance? They have a great blog for your information. 1872 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90025

Tousi Rugs

Four generations of the Tousi family have been running this full-service business. They have served collectors, celebrities, merchants, and royalty in the past. Check out their Guide to rug buying page on their website if you are looking for an education. 10825 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90025

Rugs.net

If you like to shop online, Rugs.Net is a great place to browse. "Rugstars" Daniel and Samuel are carrying on their father's legacy of offering high-quality Persian rugs by flying the business into this century and taking the trade online. (They also have a showroom.) Their blog is informative as well, so have a read. 1953 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Damoka LA

The owner of Damoka, Alex Helmi has a sincere love of his business. His knowledge is vast as is his collection of vintage and new carpets, which has taken 3 generations over 10 years to gather. He's the cool uncle in the carpet business you wish you had. 1424 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, 90024

Now, once you have rugs you love, what do you do with the ones you have, but don't love so much?

If you're like some of our friends, you inherited a nice collection from your grandmother. Deciding what to do with your grandmother's rugs can depend on various factors, including their sentimental value, condition, and personal preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Keep them for sentimental reasons: If the Oriental rugs hold sentimental value and remind you of your grandmother, you might choose to keep them as cherished heirlooms or mementos of your family history. Unfortunately, these often get rolled up and shoved under the bed.
Get them appraised: If you're unsure about their value, consider getting the rugs appraised by a professional to determine their worth. This can help you make informed decisions about their future.
Pass them on to family members: If you have other family members who would appreciate and cherish the rugs, consider passing them on as family heirlooms.
Donate or sell: If you don't have space for the rugs or they don't align with your style, you can donate them to charitable organizations, museums, or cultural institutions that might appreciate them. Alternatively, you could sell them through consignment shops, auction houses, or online platforms to find new homes for them.
Preserve and store them: If you're not ready to part with the rugs but don't have an immediate use for them, consider preserving and storing them properly. Store them in a climate-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight, to maintain their condition. Under the bed is not a great option, but we understand.
Repurpose or upcycle: If the rugs are damaged or you have no use for them as rugs, you could consider repurposing them into other items like pillows, wall hangings, or smaller carpets.

Before making any decisions, take some time to assess the condition and value of the rugs and consider what would be most meaningful and practical for you and your family. It might also be helpful to discuss your options with other family members to see if anyone else has a strong preference or connection to the rugs.