How do I clean an antique area carpet?

Professional gentle dusting and specialist washing preserve the delicate fibres and natural dyes of older wool and cotton textiles. Avoid harsh chemical treatments and excessive moisture. Regular light vacuuming without a rotating brush bar prevents dirt accumulation in the pile. Specialist restoration ensures structural integrity remains intact over years of use.

Can I place these carpets in high traffic areas?

Sturdier wool carpets from traditions like Heriz or Bidjar withstand moderate foot traffic when paired with a quality underlay. Placing them in hallways or sitting rooms distributes wear evenly. More delicate silk highlights or fragile prayer rugs benefit from placement in quieter spaces or mounting as wall textiles. Assessing the pile density helps determine daily placement suitability.

How do I tell Persian and Caucasian rugs apart?

Persian carpets often display intricate floral curves, medallions, and sophisticated workshop designs from centres like Tabriz or Isfahan. The palettes tend towards refined reds, blues, and subtle neutrals. Caucasian pieces lean towards bold geometric motifs, sharp polygons, and striking primary colours characteristic of tribal weaving in regions like Kazak and Shirvan.

What is the difference between a rug and a carpet?

Carpets generally denote larger floor coverings designed to anchor an entire room, such as the grand room-sized examples from Oushak or Khorassan. They cover substantial floor space. Rugs typically refer to smaller formats, including prayer rugs, runners, and compact village pieces intended for specific accent areas or intimate spaces.