Below I have listed a number of common motifs and designs found in Oriental rugs. This is by no means a list including all motifs, and designs will vary from rug to rug.
Agra Border
Amulet
Meaning: Thwarts evil eye
Bird
Meaning: Faith, Fertility
Blossom
Meaning: Youth, Spring, Newlywed
Boteh
Meaning: Flame, Universe
Camel
Meaning: Wealth and Prosperity
Carnation
Chicken, Rooster
Meaning: Protect from evil eye
Chinese Script
Clouds
Comb
Meaning: Cleanliness
Crab
Cross
Meaning: Faith
Cypress
Meaning: Serenity, Rebirth
Diamond
Meaning: Woman. Two diamonds may be a man and woman.
Dog
Meaning: Protection, Trust, Defense
Dragon
Meaning: Power
Eagle
Meaning: Power
Ewer, Jug
Meaning: Purification
Herati
Meaning: Water garden, fish mahi
Hyacinth
Meaning: Regeneration
Lamp
Meaning: Youth, Spring, Newlywed
Leaf
Meaning: Endless Regeneration
Lotus
Meaning: Rebirth, Immortality
Man
Meaning: Weaver in the rug
Mihrab
Meaning: Gateway to Paradise
Numbers
Meaning: Signify Dates and Times
Octagon
Paradise Bird
Meaning: Paradise
Palmette
Peacock
Meaning: Immortality
Pear (Boteh)
Peony
Meaning: Power
Rose
Meaning:White: Innocence, Red:Passion/Mystery
Snake
Meaning: Guardian, Wisdom
Star
Meaning: Good Luck, Spirituality
Tarantula
Tulip
Meaning: Prosperity
Tree of Life
Meaning: Direct Path from Earth to Heaven
Tree (Weeping Willow)
Vase of Flowers
Wine Glass Border
Other Motifs:
Door Bolt, Duck, Swan, Endless Knot, Hand, Hourglass, Iris, Lily, Parrot, Phoenix, Pomegranate, Scorpion, Yin Yang
Sources:
(1) Bennett, Ian. Book of Oriental Carpets and Rugs. New York, The Hamlyn Publishing Group Limited, 1972. Print.
(2) http://www.urbanrugs.com/persian-rugs-carpet-symbols.htm
(3) http://www.urijacobiorientalcarpets.co.uk/images/orientalrugsymbols2.jpg
(4) http://www.carpetsofkashmir.com/symbolism-in-oriental-carpets-rugs.htm