Royal & Heritage

Persian Qajar Interior Design Ideas for Homes

The Qajar dynasty ruled Iran from the late 18th century to 1925, and its palaces in Tehran and Isfahan-region mansions are known for dazzling decoration. Aineh-kari, the art of mirror mosaic, covered niches and ceilings so they sparkled like jewellery; walls carried hand-painted floral tiles and muqarnas stucco; floors were layered with hand-knotted carpets. The feel is rich, intricate and celebratory. Indians will recognise kinship with sheesh mahal mirror work, which makes the style easy to adapt in one niche or wall.

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Persian Qajar: Isfahan glamour: mirror mosaics, tile murals and jewel-tone carpets.

What defines it

Aineh-kari mirror-mosaic niches and ceilings
Hand-painted floral tile panels
Layered hand-knotted Persian carpets
Carved stucco and honeycomb cornices
Low cushioned seating with velvet bolsters

Colours

turquoise · rose pink · saffron yellow · deep blue

Works best in

living room · dining room · guest room

For Indian homes

Local thikri and sheesh mahal artisans can create a mirror-mosaic niche in place of imported work, and it suits an entrance or a pooja-side alcove wall.

How it works

1Take one photo of your room — any phone, any light.
2Pick a style, a colour or a look. Change only what you ask for.
3See the finished room in about 30 seconds, then try another.

Questions people ask

What is aineh-kari?

Aineh-kari is Persian mirror mosaic: small cut pieces of mirror set into plaster in geometric patterns, so surfaces glitter as light moves. It flourished in Qajar palaces and is close cousin to Indian sheesh mahal and thikri work.

Can Persian carpets be layered in a small room?

Yes. Lay one large carpet as the base and place a smaller rug at an angle on top, near the seating. Choose carpets that share at least one colour so the layering looks rich rather than busy.