The Unmistakable Character of Malayer Runners
Nestled between the rug-weaving giants of Hamadan and Sarouk in western Iran, the town of Malayer produced some of the most charming and distinct runners of the 19th and early 20th centuries. While they share the single-wefted construction of Hamadan rugs—giving them a supple, durable handle—Malayer weavers often employed a finer knot count and more intricate, “city-style” designs.
What sets a Malayer runner apart is its unique ability to bridge the gap between tribal geometry and floral elegance. You will often see the classic boteh (paisley) motif, intricate trellis networks, or stylized birds and flowers, all rendered in a palette that ranges from deep indigo and rust to rare soft ivories and sage greens. These rugs are celebrated for their “personality”—each one feels like a distinct piece of art rather than a mass-produced floor covering. Perfect for narrow hallways, grand entryways, or gallery corridors, a Malayer runner brings a sense of history and warmth that anchors a space without overwhelming it.
1. The Aqua Jewel: Antique Malayer Runner (SKU 75687)
It is exceptionally rare to find antique runners with a pale aqua blue field, making this piece a true collector’s gem. The soft terracotta accents provide a gentle warmth against the cool, airy background. This rug features a geometric layout with hooked medallion chains and stylized palmettes, offering a fresh, light aesthetic that defies the typical dark reds found in many Persian rugs. Its shorter length makes it ideal for connecting spaces or defining a specific zone within a larger room.
- Color Band: Pale Aqua Blue, Soft Terracotta, Beige
- Size Band: 4’7″ x 7’2″ (approx. 218 cm length)
- Price Band: Premium ($7,500)
- Style: Antique Tribal / Geometric
- Use Case: Entryway, short hallway, or dressing area.
- Designer Tip: Use this in a space with white or cream walls to let the aqua blue “pop” as the primary color accent.
2. The Midnight Garden: Vintage Malayer Runner (SKU 10381)
This runner exemplifies the dramatic side of Malayer design. Set against a deep navy blue ground, the antique gold and burnt orange motifs create a striking high-contrast look. The design features elongated hexagonal medallions surrounded by a dense field of floral and geometric elements. The darkness of the field makes it an incredibly practical choice for high-traffic areas, as it hides soil effectively while maintaining an air of formal elegance.
- Color Band: Navy Blue, Antique Gold, Burnt Orange
- Size Band: 3’7″ x 13’2″ (approx. 401 cm length)
- Price Band: Premium ($7,500)
- Style: Vintage Tribal / Medallion
- Use Case: Main hallway, kitchen runner, or stair landing.
- Designer Tip: This piece pairs beautifully with rich wood tones like mahogany or walnut cabinetry.
3. The Autumn Warmth: Antique Traditional Malayer (SKU 52051)
Radiating warmth, this antique runner features a burnt ochre field accented by soft moss greens and creams. The design is classic traditional Malayer, with a central column of diamond medallions and stylized floral rosettes. The “moth-resistant” wool and strong durability make this not just a beautiful object, but a functional workhorse for the home. Ideally suited for spaces that need a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Color Band: Burnt Ochre (Rust), Soft Moss, Cream
- Size Band: 3’6″ x 13’5″ (approx. 409 cm length)
- Price Band: Premium ($7,500)
- Style: Antique Traditional
- Use Case: Long corridor, farmhouse kitchen, or library.
- Designer Tip: Layer this over a larger sisal or jute rug in a living room to add color and texture without committing to a full-sized Persian rug.
4. The Sandstone Classic: Antique Beige Malayer (SKU 74106)
For those seeking neutrality without sacrificing pattern, this runner is the answer. The warm sand beige ground is decorated with muted brick red and soft blue details. The allover decorative pattern—featuring scrolling vines, palmettes, and geometric boteh motifs—is dense but not chaotic. It allows the eye to travel the length of the hall comfortably. This piece is a masterclass in subtlety and sophisticated earth tones.
- Color Band: Warm Sand Beige, Muted Brick Red, Ivory
- Size Band: 3’7″ x 14’2″ (approx. 432 cm length)
- Price Band: Premium ($6,900)
- Style: Antique Traditional / Decorative
- Use Case: Gallery corridor, bedroom hallway, or stair runner.
- Designer Tip: Ideal for transitional interiors where you want the rug to complement rather than dominate the design scheme.
5. The Cream Gallery: Contemporary Malayer Style (SKU 10484)
This is a newer interpretation of the Malayer style, featuring a pristine butter cream field that immediately brightens any space. At nearly 16 feet long, it is a true “Gallery Runner,” perfect for expansive architectural corridors. The linked diamond medallions in midnight navy provide a rhythmic geometry that draws the eye forward. The wool and cotton blend ensures a crisp definition of the pattern and a robust pile.
- Color Band: Butter Cream, Midnight Navy, Salmon
- Size Band: 3’6″ x 16’4″ (approx. 498 cm length)
- Price Band: Premium ($12,000)
- Style: Contemporary / Gallery Runner
- Use Case: Grand gallery passage, hotel corridor, or long residential hallway.
- Designer Tip: Use in a hallway with poor natural light; the cream field will reflect ambient light and open up the space.
6. The Khaki Geometric: Antique Tribal Runner (SKU 52151)
This piece leans heavily into the geometric tribal roots of village weaving. With a pale khaki background and cocoa brown accents, it offers an earthy, masculine aesthetic. The pattern consists of small diamond lattices and stylized floral sprigs that create a mesmerizing, repetitive texture. It’s a quiet rug that rewards close inspection, perfect for spaces that prioritize texture over bold color.
- Color Band: Pale Khaki, Cocoa Brown
- Size Band: 3’7″ x 13’8″ (approx. 417 cm length)
- Price Band: Premium ($4,500)
- Style: Antique Tribal / Geometric
- Use Case: Mudroom, casual entry, or study.
- Designer Tip: Excellent for “grounding” a space filled with modern art or contemporary furniture.
7. The Tribal Vibrant: Vintage Red & Navy (SKU 97154)
Sometimes, only red will do. This vintage runner captures the classic Persian aesthetic with a brick red field and navy accents. The triple medallion design is bold and assertive, surrounded by angular vine scrolls and hooked polygons. It is a rug with “repair-free” condition and high durability, ready to withstand decades more of use. It brings an instant sense of heritage and energy to a home.
- Color Band: Brick Red, Navy Blue
- Size Band: 3’8″ x 16’3″ (approx. 495 cm length)
- Price Band: Premium ($11,400)
- Style: Vintage Tribal / Medallion
- Use Case: Traditional entry hall, library passage, or kitchen.
- Designer Tip: This rug can stand up to rich wallpapers and patterned upholstery; don’t be afraid to mix prints.
Discover Your Perfect Pathway
Whether you need a specific length to span a gallery hall or a particular color palette to tie your room together, Arsin Rug Gallery’s extensive inventory holds the answer. With over 12,000 rugs in our collection, the pieces showcased above are just the beginning.
If you haven’t found the exact dimensions or style you need, launch the Arsin Agent. You can ask for specific criteria like “Malayer runner under 10 feet with blue accents” or “Antique geometric runner in neutral tones.” Let us help you find the piece that transforms your hallway from a simple passage into a destination.
