Antique Persian Serab rugs are Northwest Persian (Iranian) runners and carpets—often featuring camel-hair tones and angular lozenge medallions—valued for their tribal geometry, durable structure, and decorator-friendly proportions.
These rugs are best known as long, narrow runners with camel-toned grounds, bold lozenge medallions, and crisp tribal geometry from Northwest Persia (Iran). At Nazmiyal Collection, you can browse our curated selection of Serab rugs—especially hallway-ready runner rugs—and compare them within the broader context of Persian rugs and regional weaving traditions from Iran.
Updated February 6, 2026 • Reviewed by Jason Nazmiyal
Browse the Serab selection on this page and use filters to narrow by size, palette, and medallion structure—especially if you are shopping for a specific hallway or gallery-length run.
Why Nazmiyal? 3 Pillars of Nazmiyal Collection
Curated Inventory Depth: We focus on the pieces that matter—strong design, authentic construction, and decorator-ready condition.
Expert Guidance: Get help comparing regional families (Serab vs Heriz/Serapi) and selecting the right runner scale for your space.
Confidence in the Purchase: Clear policies, documentation support, and service options designed for high-value rugs.
Identification & Construction
Serab rugs are easiest to spot by their long-runner proportions and their architectural use of geometry: elongated fields, lozenge-shaped medallions, and angular floral or tribal details that feel bold rather than delicate. Many examples use warm camel-toned grounds, which pair naturally with both traditional woodwork and clean-lined modern rooms.
In structural terms, Serab rugs are pile-woven Persian rugs designed for real use—especially in passageways and transitional spaces. When comparing Serab to other Northwest Persian families, focus on the alignment of structure, palette, and design logic rather than labels alone. For broader regional context, our Rug origins hub is a helpful starting point.
Design & Motifs
The signature Serab look is a confident, elongated composition anchored by one or more lozenge medallions and framed by sturdy borders. The geometry tends to be crisp and direct, with angular floral motifs that feel tribal and graphic. If you are specifically shopping for medallion structure across different rug traditions, browse our central medallion rugs category for quick visual comparison.
Decorating & Placement Guidance
Serab rugs are natural “problem solvers” for long spaces: hallways, galleries, kitchens with long runs, and circulation paths in open-plan rooms. A camel-ground Serab runner can warm up stone or wood floors while keeping the overall look structured and calm.
For a collected interior, Serab runners pair well with layered antique rugs, clean-lined vintage rugs, and graphic modern rugs. If you are measuring for a specific corridor or entry, start with the rug size guide and then browse runner rugs to compare lengths side-by-side.
Serab Rugs vs Heriz/Serapi Rugs
Serab and Heriz/Serapi rugs are both Northwest Persian families that share a love of geometry—but they often solve design in different scales and moods. This quick comparison helps you choose faster.
Lozenge medallion: A diamond-shaped medallion form often used as the structural anchor in Serab runner designs.
Camel-hair tones: Warm, natural camel and tan hues that can appear from wool color, dye choices, and (in some cases) camel-hair pile.
Runner: A long, narrow rug designed for hallways, entries, and other circulation spaces.
Abrash: Natural-looking tonal variation in dyed yarns that creates depth and visual movement.
For more terms (materials, dyes, motifs, and condition language), see the rug glossary.
FAQ
What is a Serab rug? A Serab (Sarab) rug is a Northwest Persian rug type, widely recognized for long runner formats, warm camel-toned grounds, and angular lozenge-medallion geometry.
Are Serab rugs usually runners? Many classic Serab examples are long and narrow, making them especially popular for hallways and galleries, though larger carpets do exist.
Do Serab rugs use camel hair? Some Serab rugs incorporate camel hair or camel-hair tones; the look is often associated with warm, natural ground colors and sturdy, utilitarian construction.
Are Serab rugs the same as Serapi rugs? No—Serab and Serapi refer to different rug traditions. Serapi is commonly associated with the Heriz regional family, while Serab refers to a different Northwest Persian runner tradition.
How do I choose the right runner size? Measure the usable floor path and leave comfortable margins at the ends; then confirm width so doors clear and foot traffic flows. The rug size guide can help you plan.
How should I care for an antique Serab runner? Vacuum gently, rotate periodically for even wear, and address spills quickly. For deeper cleaning or condition concerns, professional rug care is recommended.
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.
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.
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Terence Hayes
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I have purchased multiple rugs at multiple Nazmiyal auctions and I am extremely pleased with the quality, price, and experience. Highly recommended!
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Victor Florintsev
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The only ones I'd ever buy rugs from. The best.
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Jeffrey NeumanB
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I bought two gorgeous Serapi rugs from Farhad at Nazmiyal Rugs! Beautiful carpets, fair prices and great service. Very happy customer. Farhad (the sales person) was very patient and gave us great service.
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john haid
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Alen is a gentleman and an expert. Really great to work with.
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Edward Yasuna
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I recently purchased a modern Kandinsky rug from Nazmiyal Auctions. It was just as described, and the director (Farhad) of the auctions had it sent to me quickly and safely. Payment was easy, the rug was reasonably priced, and I highly recommend Nazmiyal Auctions and Antique Rugs. Quality merchandise and first-class service.
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Nicholas Carr
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Had a excellent experience buying a rug in Nazmiyal's 1/18/26 online auction. First, prior to the auction, viewing a number of lots at the 32nd St showroom (I had prepared a list from the online catalog). The staff were great to work with: helpful, knowledgable, honest, and flexible. Second, after placing an online bid and winning the desired item, arranging payment and pickup was simple and straightforward. Everything went seamlessly and the overall experience was educational and fun. Many thanks to Jason and his team.
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Andrea Gared
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Everyone at Naziyal is proffessional, especially Jason and Farhad.
They are knowledgeable, truthful, and true gentlemen. I have sold several rugs through them and will always go to them first, to buy or sell. The best in the business!
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Lori Silverberg
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Jesse Zilberman
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Excellent customer service! Alen was very helpful over the phone and email. The rug we acquired was stunning, and photos do not do it justice. I would definitely work with Alen and team again!
