Where should I place a long runner?

These narrow textiles suit hallways, entrance corridors, staircases and long landings where floor protection and visual warmth are required. Their elongated proportions guide movement down narrow architectural spaces. Ensure the floor surface underneath is clean and flat, and consider utilising an appropriate underlay to keep the textile stable in high-traffic areas.

How do I care for an antique wool runner?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll helps remove embedded dust and grit from the wool pile. Professional cleaning suited to antique textiles should be undertaken periodically. Keep the runner away from direct, prolonged sunlight to protect the natural dyes from fading unevenly over the years.

How can I tell the age of these textiles?

Age is assessed by examining the characteristics of the wool, the structure of the foundation, and the composition of the dyes. Subtle irregularities in weave and colour variations often point to traditional hand production. Historical markers, regional design styles, and the wear patterns across the pile also help place pieces within specific decades from the nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.

What is the difference between village and tribal rugs?

Village rugs are typically produced in settled communities by local weavers utilising fixed looms and traditional regional motifs. Tribal pieces often reflect nomadic or semi-nomadic herding traditions with geometric symbols passed through families. Both categories utilise natural materials and hand-spun wool, but their design layouts reflect different social structures and geographic origins.