Blue Rugs

Few colours are as easy to live with as blue, and this collection runs from pale duck-egg to deep indigo across Afghan, Persian and tribal rugs.

Afghan Chobi and Balkh rugs bring blue into floral vines, palmettes and medallions, with Mamluk designs set in tighter geometric panels. Biljik rugs, knotted by Turkmen weavers around Andkhoy, are known for a silky wool that holds deep blues well. Maimana and Faryab kilims and Yekta rugs use blue in stepped diamonds, and Afghan Oushak rugs keep it soft and muted. From Iran there are Kerman, Sarouk, Kashan and Hamadan rugs, plus Qashqai and Bakhtiari tribal pieces.

Pale blue rugs sit well in coastal homes and bedrooms, while navy and red together suit a study or dining room with dark timber. Blue and cream is a reliable choice for a living room because it works with both warm and cool furniture.