How do I care for an old wool carpet?

Vacuum gently using suction rather than a rotating brush roll to protect the wool pile from unnecessary friction. Professional cleaning by specialists in antique textiles prevents dye bleed and fibre damage. Keep the carpet out of direct, harsh sunlight to preserve the natural blue dyes. Rotating the placement periodically ensures even wear across high-traffic areas.

Where were these carpets made?

Production centres span Persia, the Caucasus, and Anatolia, encompassing urban workshops, rural villages, and nomadic tribal camps. Specific regions such as Heriz, Kashan, and Shirvan developed distinct local patterns and weaving structures. Nomadic groups like the Afshar and Kurdish weavers produced smaller rugs and functional bags featuring geometric motifs. Town workshops created grander carpets with curvilinear floral designs.

Can I place these rugs in hallways?

Narrow runner formats suit hallways and corridors, providing underfoot comfort and protection for wooden floors. Wool possesses natural resilience, allowing it to withstand moderate passage when supported by a proper underlay. Choose pieces with durable pile and sound foundations for high-traffic zones. A quality rug pad prevents slipping and reduces crushing of the wool fibres.

How are different regional styles told apart?

Caucasian rugs display bold geometric medallions and striking primary colours with angular borders. Persian workshop carpets feature sophisticated curvilinear floral arrangements, central medallions, and intricate border bands. Tribal pieces often incorporate asymmetric elements, zoomorphic figures, and abrash colour variations resulting from successive dyebaths. Examining the knotting style and foundation materials clarifies the geographic origin.