Persian classic carpet making evolved in the Safavieh dynasty in the 16th century when the most famous king of this era, Shah Abbas, transformed the carpet industry. It was in Isfahan, which he made his capital that Shah Abbas first established a royal carpet factory and hired highly skilled artisans from all over Persia to prepare designs to be made by the best master craftsmen.

They are usually named after the cities from which they originate, such as Naien, Isfahan, Qum and Tabriz. Perfection in design, detail and shape are expected for these carpets, unlike tribal or village pieces. These pieces are meticulously designed and plotted onto graph paper by master designers. Ornate and intricate designs are the hallmarks of these classic carpets, and it is not unusual for a large carpet to require four master weavers about five to six years to complete. Persian classic carpets use permanent, vertical looms, most often made out of metal and therefore capable of manufacturing large, room sized carpets. The process is organized and supervised all throughout by the master weaver, often the owner of the entire production facility, and the person whose signature is displayed if the carpet carries a signature. The central medallion and the border design are plotted, most often on separate sheets of graph paper. The colours chosen ranges up to about 120 colours, each denoted by a number. The wool is purchased and dyed, and the looms are set up. Specialized weavers are hired if needed, although many facilities retain specialist craftsmen. The weaving process often takes months or even years before being completed.

Persian classic carpets can be further categorized to depict the old and the modern Persia. The ones that depict the old Persia are usually decorated with beautiful colours. These carpets are usually covered with different designs of flowers and supported by twisting vines. Arabesque art, which is an Islamic feature, surrounds these designs to form a consistent whole. Carpets that depict the new Persia use solid colour field with medallions in the middle and triangular corners. The field is filled with exuberant floral designs laid with precision. The border around the field contains tendrils with pendant like flowers. These patterns beautifully compliment the beauty of these carpets.

The most ancient carpet-producing Persian cities are Isfahan, Tabriz, Kashan and Kerman. Other cities which in the 20th century developed into major producers of classic carpets are Meshad, Naien and Qum.