Antique Rugs in Lebanon: Authentic Persian Carpets and Expert Guidance
Antique rugs and Persian carpets for Lebanese homes are handwoven, historically significant rugs, typically 100+ years old, chosen to bring enduring warmth, cultural depth, and lasting beauty to interiors from Beirut and the Metn to the Chouf, Byblos, and beyond.
Lebanon’s extraordinary relationship with art, culture, and the decorative arts — combined with a design sensibility that has long blended Eastern heritage with Western refinement — makes it one of the most discerning markets in the region for the world’s finest antique rugs and Persian carpets. From the elegant apartments and restored Ottoman townhouses of Beirut to the mountain villas of the Metn and the Chouf, and the historic homes of Byblos and Sidon, Lebanese interiors reward pieces that carry genuine history, authentic craftsmanship, and a lasting sense of beauty. With the right antique rug, a Lebanese interior feels both deeply rooted and entirely of the present.
Updated: March 16, 2026 · Reviewed by: Jason Nazmiyal
Quick Navigation
- Key Takeaways
- At-a-Glance Overview
- Serving Lebanon’s Designers & Collectors
- The Three Pillars of Nazmiyal Collection
- Why Lebanon Chooses Nazmiyal
- Antique Rugs Across Lebanon’s Finest Homes
- Our Commitment to Lebanon Clients
- Shipping & 72-Hour In-Home Approval
- FAQ
- Nazmiyal White-Glove Service
- Explore Rugs for Lebanon
- Trust & Expertise
3 Key Takeaways of Antique Rugs in Lebanon
- Lebanese interiors reward proportion, history, and elegance: size the rug to the room’s architecture and seating group first — whether it is a Beirut apartment with high ceilings and original tile or a mountain villa with stone floors — so the composition feels confident and resolved.
- Material matters in Lebanon’s varied Mediterranean light: wool and wool-silk blends deliver depth and warmth for everyday use, while pieces with quieter, warm palettes tend to sit most naturally alongside stone, tile, and the layered character of Lebanese interiors.
- Plan the landed cost: shipping and insurance are quoted, while Lebanese import duties, VAT, and any carrier clearance fees are typically collected by the carrier or customs broker before or at delivery unless stated otherwise in writing.
Lebanon shipping snapshot: Ships insured from New York with export paperwork provided for customs clearance. Lebanese import duties and VAT may apply on arrival and are typically collected by the carrier or customs broker.
At-a-Glance Overview of Antique Rugs in Lebanon
Popular sizes
6×9 and 8×10 for apartments and secondary rooms; 9×12 for main living areas in larger townhouses and villas; 10×14 and 12×15+ for grand reception rooms and mountain estates; runners (about 2’6″–3′ wide) for corridors, entrance halls, and galleries.
Popular materials
Wool pile for everyday durability and warmth; wool-and-silk highlights for refined sheen; silk for low-traffic showpieces; and flatweaves (kilims and Scandinavian weaves) for lighter, modern layering.
Popular eras
Late 19th to early 20th century Persian carpets (Kerman, Tabriz, Kashan); antique Turkish Oushaks for softly modern palettes; graphic village and tribal rugs for architectural contrast; and mid-century Scandinavian designs for clean-lined contemporary interiors.
Lebanon shipping
International shipping and insurance are quoted based on size, value, and delivery requirements, with a 72-hour in-home approval period once the rug arrives. Returns are accepted per the return policy, and return shipping from Lebanon is typically the customer’s responsibility unless otherwise stated in writing.
Lebanese import duties, VAT, and any carrier clearance charges are set by relevant Lebanese authorities and are typically collected by the carrier or customs broker before or at delivery. We ship fully insured and provide standard export documentation for customs clearance.
Serving Lebanon’s Most Discerning Antique Rug Collectors and Designers
From the restored Ottoman townhouses and elegant apartments of Beirut — in neighborhoods like Achrafieh, Hamra, and Gemmayzeh — to the mountain villas of the Metn and the Chouf, the ancient heritage of Byblos and Sidon, and the sophisticated communities of Jounieh and Baabdat, Lebanese interiors blend Eastern tradition with Mediterranean elegance in a way that is entirely their own. Lebanon’s designers, collectors, and private clients have long been recognized across the region for their exceptionally refined eye, their appreciation for authentic craftsmanship, and their instinct for combining pieces from different cultures and eras with effortless confidence.
Nazmiyal’s curated collection of antique rugs and Oriental carpets has been a trusted resource for Lebanese clients who want pieces that genuinely belong in significant spaces. Our inventory ranges from luminous Kerman rugs and elegant Tabriz carpets to graphic Scandinavian flatweaves and softly faded Oushak rugs. In practice, that means we can find the right piece for a contemporary Beirut apartment, a historic townhouse with original tiles, or a mountain villa surrounded by cedar and stone.
Whether your home is in Beirut, the Metn, the Chouf, Byblos, Jounieh, or anywhere across Lebanon, our team offers museum-level expertise, detailed imagery, and thoughtful guidance on scale, palette, and character so each rug feels at home in its space.
The Three Pillars of the Nazmiyal Collection
Our work rests on three core principles: trust, scholarship, and a long-term view of value. Together, they form the Three Pillars of the Nazmiyal Collection — Unmatched Inventory Depth, Rigorous Authenticity Guarantees, and Expert Advisory. These pillars guide every decision we make, from what we acquire to how we present it to our clients.
1. Unmatched Inventory Depth
Our collection includes one of the most extensive selections of antique and vintage rugs available for delivery to Lebanon. We hand-select each rug for its artistry, condition, and long-term character — never buying by type or in bulk.
From finely woven Kashan rugs and bold Heriz carpets to luminous Turkish Oushak rugs, textural Moroccan rugs, and character-rich Malayer pieces, our holdings support the full range of Lebanese interior sensibilities — from contemporary Beirut apartments to richly layered mountain residences.
2. Rigorous Authenticity Guarantees
Our specialists examine every rug that enters the collection. We assess age, origin, materials, and condition before we offer a piece for sale. Each rug comes with a Nazmiyal Certificate of Authenticity and a detailed Condition Report.
Lebanese clients — collectors, designers, and private buyers alike — rely on this transparent, scholarly approach. It allows them to build and refine collections with full confidence in provenance, quality, and condition.
3. Expert Advisory
Choosing a rug should feel inspiring, not overwhelming. That is why our Nazmiyal experts offer tailored advisory for Lebanese projects. We provide virtual consultations, edited selections, and scaled layout suggestions that take circulation, sightlines, and the particular character of each space into account.
Our Trade Program also supports interior designers, architects, and art advisors across Lebanon and the wider Levant who want to integrate antique rugs into broader design schemes with confidence and clarity.
Why Lebanon Chooses Antique Rugs and Persian Carpets From Nazmiyal
Lebanon’s most distinguished interiors share a quality that is immediately recognizable: a layered, cultured elegance that balances Eastern heritage with international design sophistication, and that values genuine beauty over mere trend. These are precisely the qualities that guide our collection. Our Lebanese clients include serious collectors searching for rare and important pieces; families furnishing homes they intend to keep and pass on; and designers working on the private villas, Beirut apartments, and mountain residences that define the best of Lebanese living.
They understand that a great rug does far more than cover a floor. It anchors the room, adds warmth and cultural depth, and creates a conversation between the present and the past that very few other objects can achieve. We support our clients with careful packing, fully insured shipping, and attentive communication from the first enquiry through to final placement. Our goal is to make acquiring an important rug as effortless as living with it every day.
Antique Rugs Across Lebanon’s Finest Homes
Beirut
In Beirut, the combination of restored Ottoman architecture, modernist apartment buildings, and contemporary design-forward interiors creates one of the most varied and demanding design landscapes in the region. Elegant antique Persian rugs and luminous Kerman carpets anchor formal reception rooms and generous living areas, while softly colored Oushak rugs and graphic Scandinavian flatweaves suit design-forward contemporary settings.
The Metn & Chouf
In the mountain communities of the Metn and the Chouf, stone villas and historic Lebanese houses set among cedar forests call for pieces with warmth, depth, and a connection to the land. Character-rich Malayer pieces and refined Tabriz carpets suit these settings beautifully, sitting naturally alongside stone floors, arched ceilings, and the particular quality of mountain light.
Byblos, Jounieh & the Coast
Along Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast, in historic Byblos and the elegant communities of Jounieh and Batroun, gracious homes and waterfront residences call for pieces that combine warmth with lightness. Textural Moroccan rugs and softly toned Oushak pieces suit these coastal settings well, adding depth and comfort while remaining easy to live with day to day.
Baabdat, Broummana & the Heights
In the higher mountain communities of Baabdat, Broummana, and the Metn heights, grand family residences and collector homes reward pieces with genuine age, scale, and cultural significance. Bold Heriz carpets and elegant Kashan rugs anchor these important spaces with the authority and depth they deserve.
Our Commitment to Lebanon Clients
Our New York City showroom serves clients throughout Lebanon and the wider Levant. We offer personalized service, virtual visits, and focused selections tailored to each property, whether you are furnishing a single room or curating a collection across multiple homes.
We also collaborate with Lebanese designers, galleries, and collectors to place significant rugs in private residences and cultural spaces. This ongoing dialogue keeps our collection aligned with Lebanon’s rich and evolving design culture.
Every antique rug that leaves our collection reflects the same qualities that define Lebanese interiors at their finest: a layered cultural intelligence, an instinct for beauty, and a deep respect for the history of great craft.
Shipping to Lebanon and 72-Hour In-Home Approval
Browse our antique rug collection online and request a shipping quote for delivery to Lebanon. International shipping and insurance are quoted based on size, value, and delivery requirements.
Once your rug arrives, you have up to 72 hours for in-home approval. If it is not the right fit, you may return it for a full refund in accordance with our return policy. Return shipping from Lebanon is typically the customer’s responsibility unless otherwise stated in writing.
VAT, duties, and “landed cost” expectations
Lebanese import duties, VAT, and any carrier clearance fees are set by relevant Lebanese authorities and are typically collected by the carrier or customs broker before or at delivery. These government charges are separate from the rug price and shipping charges unless explicitly stated on your invoice.
We ship fully insured and provide standard export documentation for customs clearance. If you would like an estimate before purchase, we can provide the information your broker or carrier needs to quote expected duties and VAT for your specific item.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antique Rugs in Lebanon
What is considered an antique rug in Lebanon?
In the rug trade, an “antique rug” is typically a handwoven rug that is 100+ years old, valued for its age, craftsmanship, natural dyes, and historical significance.
Are Persian carpets a good fit for Lebanese interiors?
Yes — Persian carpets work beautifully in Lebanese homes because they add cultural depth, warmth, and visual richness that complements both restored Ottoman architecture and contemporary design-forward interiors.
How do I choose the right rug size for a Lebanese apartment or villa?
Start with the seating footprint: in most living rooms, the rug should sit under the front legs of seating (or fully under key pieces) so the room reads as one cohesive zone rather than a collection of separate items.
Which materials are best for everyday use in Lebanon?
Wool pile is the most versatile and durable for daily living; wool-and-silk blends add sheen while remaining practical; silk is best for low-traffic collector showpieces; and flatweaves can be ideal for layering in lighter or more contemporary schemes.
How do I verify authenticity and condition before buying from abroad?
Look for detailed imagery, precise measurements, and clear documentation such as an authenticity certificate and a condition report describing materials, age indicators, and any restorations or wear.
Do you offer guidance for designers and trade clients in Lebanon?
Yes — our team supports Lebanese designers, architects, and collectors with curated selections, virtual consultations, and trade-friendly sourcing for residential and commercial projects.
Can I try a rug at home in Lebanon before committing?
Yes — once your rug arrives, you have up to 72 hours for in-home approval so you can see it in your lighting, with your furnishings, and in the exact layout of your space.
How does shipping to Lebanon work?
International shipping and insurance are quoted based on size, value, and delivery requirements. We provide standard export documentation for customs clearance and ship fully insured from New York.
Will I have to pay Lebanese import duties or VAT?
Lebanese import duties and VAT are set by local authorities and are typically collected by the carrier or customs broker before or at delivery. These charges are separate from the rug price and shipping quote unless explicitly stated otherwise.
What happens if I need to return a rug from Lebanon?
Returns are accepted in accordance with our return policy. Return shipping from Lebanon is typically the customer’s responsibility unless otherwise stated in writing.
What is the best way to care for an antique rug in Lebanon?
Use a quality rug pad, rotate periodically for even wear and light exposure, vacuum gently and consistently, and schedule professional cleaning as needed to preserve fibers, color, and structure.
How do I get started with a curated selection for my Lebanese home?
Share your room dimensions, photos, and preferred palette, and we can recommend a tightly edited set of antique rugs and Persian carpets that suit your architecture, lifestyle, and budget.
Nazmiyal White-Glove Service
We make it easy to shop with confidence — whether you’re choosing a single statement piece or curating a full room.
- Authenticity Guarantee
- 3-Day Return Policy
- Worldwide Shipping & International Home Approval
- Designer Trade Program
- White-Glove Delivery
Explore Antique Rugs and Persian Carpets for Lebanese Homes
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Trust & Expertise
This article about antique rugs in Lebanon was written and published by the Nazmiyal Collection, one of the world’s foremost authorities on antique, vintage, and modern rugs.
Nazmiyal Collection has been a trusted source for antique rugs and vintage carpets for over 45 years. Our NYC gallery curates one-of-a-kind pieces with an emphasis on authenticity, provenance, and lasting decorative value.
Need help? Call us at (212) 545-8029 or visit our New York City showroom to work with a rug expert.