I'm pretty sure it's just a brand name. They have a variety of types of rugs.

https://safavieh.com/?s=Rugs

I thought they were a manufacturer. For what it's worth, I have several of their rugs and they feel good quality.

According to their website

"Safavieh began as a supplier of antique Oriental rugs to leading interior designers."

https://safavieh.com/about-us

I bought two Safavieh rugs over the past year -- one wool and one synthetic (polypropylene I believe) plus thick felt pads to used under them. I'm really happy with both the rugs, although the wool one does shed (tufted).

I'm not sure how well the two patterns coordinate, they are in spaces that are open to each other, but the colors are nice together and I really like them both very much; I am happy with the quality and the feel of both.

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Monaco-Amelie-Vintage-Medallion-Navy-Light-Blue-Rug-5-X-5-Round/14195124/product.html

https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Handmade-New-Zealand-Wool-Mirage-Blue-Rug-7-6-X-9-6/6222803/product.html

The price variation is probably just due to the many different types they make (or import?). Cheap practical rugs to fancy handmade wool stuff to sisal....

I have a couple (hey--they're easy to get online!). Some wool-silk blend runners and a ginormous indoor-outdoor faux Oriental. They are good quality for their "type".

I would be comfortable buying one of their higher end rugs if I were at that point in my life.

As others said, a brand. I love mine, just got it last week for our bathroom. The quality feels great, but it’s early days. It was a very good price, so I think we’ll get our money's worth. :)

https://www.rugs-direct.com/Details/Safavieh-VintageHamadan-VTH213/133388

It’s a brand I have one I like it. Mine is wool and relatively inexpensive.

A little history about the company below. The wife of one of the brothers has a successful blog, "The Enchanted Home" which is worth a look. In addition to their NY home, they recently completed a second home in Palmetto Bluffs, S.C.

https://www.frontgate.com/wcsstore/images/Frontgate/moreinfo/safavieh_story.html

Thank you, whatsayyou! Going to check out the blog. :)

I've had several of their wool rugs over the years and for the most part been very satisfied. One fell apart rather quickly--not sure what happened there. But the others have been great.

I had a Safavieh wool rug in our foyer at the old house and it did not hold up well. It was 4” x 6’ and was just under $1000. After 15 years it looked terrible and I donated it to Goodwill. We were not all that hard on it but it could have been an anomaly.

Thank you everyone for replying. I recently saw a lovely one at my favorite upscale consignment shop. It was my first peek into a store other than the market and pharmacy in many moons! Almost made me dizzy 😉. It was 10x14 for $600. I didn’t seriously check it out at the time, so don't know if its wool or poly something. Owner was told the original purchase price had been 2k, so surely wool? Easy to assess the value of a Karastan, but I’m just flummoxed on Safavieh.