Kazak Area Rugs: History, Designs & Buying Guide

Arsh's Rug Library · Rug Styles

Blue Super Kazak rug in a bright room with arched windows and a fireplace — Shown: Bohemian Super Kazak Izabelle, 7'10" x 10'1"

Kazak rugs, also called Caucasian rugs, are some of the boldest rugs ever woven. Their large geometric medallions and saturated colors look as striking in a modern loft as in a country house.

Where the name comes from

The name refers to the Kazakh region of the southern Caucasus, between the Black and Caspian Seas. Village weavers there made rugs for daily use, working from memory rather than drawn patterns, which is why no two old Kazaks are exactly alike.

How to recognize a Kazak

Large hooked medallions that fill the field, often two or three stacked in a row.
Eight-pointed stars, stepped diamonds and latch hooks as smaller motifs.
Wide geometric borders, sometimes with a running-dog or crab pattern.
A warm palette: brick red, indigo, ivory and gold.
A thick, springy wool pile that feels substantial underfoot.

Full view of a red Super Kazak rug with rows of medallions — A red Kazak, whole and up close: hooked medallions, stars and a wide geometric border.

Close-up of Kazak medallions and border motifs — A red Kazak, whole and up close: hooked medallions, stars and a wide geometric border.

How our Kazak rugs are made

The rugs in our Kazak collection follow the Caucasian tradition: they are hand-knotted in hand-spun wool, which gives the colors gentle shifts of shade called abrash. Each one is one of a kind, in sizes from 4x6 accent rugs up to 12x16.

What to look for when buying

Turn the rug over: the design should be as clear on the back as the front, which shows it is hand-knotted. Look for crisp, even outlines in the motifs, a pile that springs back when pressed, and straight sides. Small irregularities in the shapes are normal and part of the charm.

Where a Kazak works best

A Kazak's dense pile and busy pattern make it one of the best rugs for living rooms, family rooms and entries. It suits rustic, bohemian, Southwestern and modern farmhouse rooms, and it gives a plain contemporary room a strong focal point. Pair it with leather, wood and solid upholstery so the rug can lead.

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