How do I clean a wool rug?

Professional dusting and specialist low-moisture washing remain the safest methods for antique textiles. Harsh household detergents strip natural lanolin from the wool and damage the foundation threads. Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush bar prevents dirt from settling deep into the pile. Keeping the rug out of direct, harsh sunlight prevents the indigo and floral dyes from fading unevenly.

Can I place these rugs in high traffic areas?

Dense wool construction allows many of these nineteenth and early twentieth century textiles to handle regular foot traffic in living rooms and halls. Placing a quality underlay beneath the rug prevents sliding and cushions the foundation against hard floors. Delicate pieces featuring silk highlights or needlepoint construction benefit from placement in quieter rooms like studies or bedrooms to minimise wear.

How do I identify regional rug styles?

Regional attribution relies on examining the specific drawing style of the floral motifs, the border arrangements, and the colour palette. For instance, Heriz carpets often feature geometric medallions and bold corner pieces, whereas Kashan rugs display curved, curvilinear floral sprays. Material choices, such as the distinct blue hues and knotting density, also help separate pieces originating from Bakhtiar, Kirman, or Karabagh workshops.

Why do antique rugs show colour variations?

Hand-spun wool absorbs natural dyes unevenly across different dye lots, creating subtle tonal shifts known as abrash across the field. These natural variations are a mark of traditional dyeing techniques using plant and insect extracts rather than uniform chemical compounds. Exposure to light over generations also contributes to the gentle softening of deep indigo and floral tones, adding character to the textile.