Oriental textiles rugs are named after their place of origin i.e. Persian rugs, Anatolian rugs, Kurdish rugs, Caucasian rugs, Central Asian rugs, Chinese rugs, East Turkistan rugs and Tibetan rugs. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The design and colors differ according to country, culture, racial group and religious faith. But there are some basic designs such as designs with straight lines and geometric figures, designs with curvilinear lines, contemporary designs, designs based on medallions, and pictorial designs. Finely knotted oriental rugs are more popular than others as curved lines are drawn more smoothly and gracefully, and they have dense surfaces which reflect light in an attractive way.

These days many oriental textiles rugs weavers have started to use modern colors in their designs, this suits the changing global color tastes. Oriental rugs which use natural plant dyes are more preferred. Rugs with natural dyes cost 30% more.

Good oriental textiles rugs will lay flat on floors and will not have any wrinkles or ripples along their edges. They will last for decades, sometimes even centuries. They are simple to handle and need less attention than other carpets. Good oriental textiles rugs will have colors that resist fading in normal light.