Where do these long runners fit best?

These narrow formats suit hallways, corridors and landings where traditional floorboards need softening. Their linear dimensions guide the eye along narrow architectural spaces. Placing one in a passage adds warmth and dampens sound without overwhelming the floor area. They function well in high-traffic transitional zones throughout the home.

How do I care for an old wool runner?

Gentle regular vacuuming without a rotating brush roll keeps dust from settling deep into the wool pile. Professional cleaning suited to antique textiles preserves the integrity of the natural dyes. Rotating the runner periodically ensures even wear across the surface from foot traffic. Using a quality underlay prevents slipping and cushions the foundation against hard floors.

How are different regional styles told apart?

Design motifs, border structures and colour combinations point directly to specific weaving regions such as Serab, Kurdish or Baluch districts. Structural elements like the choice of foundation fibres also provide clues to origin. Tribal pieces often display geometric symbols and camel hair grounds, while village runners show structured repeating medallions. Examining the weave density helps clarify the geographic roots.

Why use camel hair in these rugs?

Weavers utilised un-dyed camel hair to introduce durable, naturally warm tones ranging from soft fawn to deep beige into the pile. This fibre added inherent strength to specific regional rugs. Its inclusion often signals tribal or nomadic production where local materials were utilised directly. The resulting texture ages with a characteristic soft lustre.