The Complete Guide to Afghan Rugs: Kazak, Khal Mohammadi, Moshwani, Turkoman, Baluchi & Chobi

Afghan rugs have become some of the most admired and sought-after handmade rugs in Australia. Their rich tribal heritage, natural dyes, bold geometric patterns and durable wool construction make them ideal for modern and traditional homes across Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond.

Whether you are a first-time buyer or a collector, this guide breaks down the most famous Afghan rug types — Kazak, Khal Mohammadi, Moshwani, Turkoman, Baluchi and Chobi — explaining their origins, designs, quality and how they enhance Australian interiors.

At Shop A Rug (Persian Rug Warehouse WA), we offer one of Australia’s largest collections of authentic Afghan rugs, each piece hand-selected and professionally inspected for quality and authenticity.

Why Afghan Rugs Are Loved in Australia

Afghan rugs stand out because of their:

Exceptional wool quality – often hand-spun Ghazni or Karakul wool that feels dense, warm and resilient underfoot.

Natural vegetable dyes – giving deep reds, indigo blues, earthy browns and vibrant greens that age beautifully over time.

Durable tribal weaving – ideal for high traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms and dining rooms.

Geometric patterns – which pair beautifully with both modern minimalistic homes and older character homes.

Excellent value – offering a genuine handmade rug at a price point often more accessible than many Persian city rugs.

These strengths make Afghan rugs especially popular among homeowners looking for authenticity, colour, character and durability in one piece.

Kazak Rugs

Origin: Afghan-made, inspired by traditional Caucasian designs.
Colours: Navy, red, ivory, green and gold.
Design: Bold medallions, tribal motifs, octagons and diamonds.
Texture: Medium pile, firm hand-spun wool.

Kazak rugs are bright, lively and full of geometric energy. They suit modern interiors beautifully because their strong shapes and clean lines contrast strikingly with neutral couches, timber floors and minimalist styling. A Kazak rug can become the statement piece in a living room or dining area, drawing the eye and adding personality to the space.

They are also excellent in dining rooms and offices due to their durability and firm structure.

Explore our selection of Afghan and tribal rugs here:
Afghan & Tribal Rugs at Shop A Rug

Khal Mohammadi Rugs

Origin: Northern Afghan Turkoman weavers.
Colours: Deep red, burgundy, plum, with black or dark brown accents.
Design: Repeated gul (elephant’s foot) motifs and geometric borders.
Texture: Dense, velvety soft wool with a subtle sheen.

Khal Mohammadi rugs are known for their rich wine-red tones and tribal elegance. These pieces bring warmth and intimacy to any room and look superb with leather sofas, dark timber furniture, or cosy reading corners. Their dense, tight weave makes them suitable for lounges, bedrooms, studies and formal sitting rooms.

If you love deep, moody colours and traditional tribal patterns, Khal Mohammadi is a wonderful choice.

Moshwani Rugs

Origin: Woven by Tajik and Hazara tribes in Afghanistan.
Colours: Red, blue, brown, rust and occasional green highlights.
Design: Striped and diamond motifs, often with a mix of techniques.
Texture: Combination of pile and flatweave (kilim), with plenty of texture.

Moshwani rugs are unique because they often combine pile and kilim weaving in one rug, creating subtle changes in height and texture. This gives them a handcrafted, bohemian character that works perfectly in relaxed living spaces, creative studios and eclectic interiors.

They are ideal for those who appreciate something a little different, with personality and artisanal charm.

Turkoman / Tekke Rugs

Origin: Turkmen tribes of Northern Afghanistan.
Colours: Burgundy, plum, dark red, sometimes with navy or ivory details.
Design: Repeating octagonal guls and finely drawn borders.
Texture: Soft, tight knots with a smooth wool finish.

Turkoman (or Tekke) rugs are among the most well-known tribal rug types and have long been associated with prestige and tradition. Their dark, rich colours and repeating gul motifs give them a formal, dignified feel that works beautifully in dining rooms, home offices, libraries and classic-style living rooms.

For buyers who want something deeply traditional yet still versatile, Turkoman rugs are an excellent option.

Baluchi Rugs

Origin: Baluch nomadic tribes across the Afghan–Iran–Pakistan border region.
Colours: Deep navy, rust, brown, red and occasionally dark green.
Design: Prayer designs, repeating small motifs, geometric medallions.
Texture: Soft, flexible wool — often in smaller sizes and runners.

Baluchi rugs are beloved by collectors for their intimate sizes and strong tribal character. They are often found as small area rugs, prayer rugs and runners, making them ideal for entryways, hallways, bedside areas and layered on top of larger carpets.

These rugs bring a sense of nomadic history and handcrafted soul to any corner of the home.

Afghan Chobi (Ziegler) Rugs

Although many Chobi (or Ziegler) rugs are woven in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, many shoppers search for “Afghan Chobi rugs”, so it is worth understanding their look and appeal.

Colours: Soft creams, ivory, greys, faded blues and subtle terracotta tones.
Design: Classic floral and curvilinear patterns, medallions and borders.
Texture: Smooth, soft wool pile with a washed, antique-style finish.

Chobi rugs are extremely popular in Australian homes, especially in coastal, Hamptons, modern farmhouse and contemporary interiors. Their gentle colour palette brightens rooms while still providing pattern and interest. They sit beautifully with light timber flooring, linen furniture and neutral décor.

Explore our Chobi and soft-toned Afghan-style rugs here:
Chobi & Soft-Toned Rugs – Shop A Rug

Where Afghan Rugs Fit Best in Australian Homes

Afghan rugs work beautifully in many parts of the home:

Living rooms: Kazak and Khal Mohammadi rugs make bold statement pieces, anchoring the seating area and introducing strong colour and pattern.

Dining rooms: Durable Afghan weaves are ideal under dining tables, especially in larger sizes such as 3×2 m or 3.5×2.5 m, where their tribal motifs frame the table beautifully.

Bedrooms: Deep red Khal Mohammadi or Turkoman rugs add warmth, comfort and a sense of luxury underfoot.

Hallways and entryways: Baluchi and Moshwani runners handle foot traffic well and immediately set a welcoming tone as guests enter.

Home offices and studies: A well-chosen Afghan rug under the desk or reading chair adds character and sophistication, making the space feel more inviting.

Why Buy Afghan Rugs from Shop A Rug

At Shop A Rug, we specialise in authentic handmade rugs and take great pride in our Afghan rug collection.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

Experience: Over 20 years sourcing authentic rugs directly from Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Pakistan.

Curated collection: One of Australia’s largest ranges of Afghan rugs, including Kazak, Khal Mohammadi, Turkoman, Baluchi, Moshwani and Chobi pieces.

Expert inspection: Every rug is individually checked for quality, construction and authenticity.

Showroom and online store: Visit us at 1/7 Pitt Way, Booragoon, Perth, or shop online with confidence.

Australia-wide delivery: Fast, careful shipping to all major cities and regional areas.

Browse our full Afghan rug collection here:
Shop Afghan Rugs – Shop A Rug

Further Reading and Rug Resources

If you would like to explore more about Afghan rugs and handmade carpets in general, the following resources provide helpful background and design inspiration:

• Oriental Rug Guide – Afghan Rugs Overview
• The Spruce – Area Rug Buying Guide
• Houzz – Interior Design Ideas & Rug Styling Inspiration

Together with the expert team at Shop A Rug, these resources will give you the confidence to choose the right Afghan rug for your home — a piece that reflects both your taste and the rich weaving traditions of Afghanistan.