Where should I place a long runner?

These narrow formats suit hallways, corridors, and bedside areas where floor space is restricted. Their elongated proportions guide movement through a home while protecting timber or stone flooring. Positioning them away from direct continuous heavy traffic preserves the wool pile. Regular rotation ensures even wear over time.

How do I identify a tribal rug?

Tribal carpets display geometric patterns, stylised animals, and repeating medallions rather than formal court designs. The wool often has a slightly rustic texture due to hand-spinning methods. Irregularities in symmetry and spontaneous shifts in dye colours indicate nomadic production. These characteristics reflect the weaver working from memory rather than a strict cartoon.

Are natural dyes easy to spot?

Natural dyes produce soft, nuanced tones that mellow pleasingly with age rather than fading harshly. Dark brown hues derived from walnut or iron mordants show subtle tonal variations across the pile. Synthetic aniline dyes introduced later can appear flat or bleed when wet. Organic colourants retain a harmonious relationship with surrounding shades.

How should I clean my antique rug?

Gentle surface vacuuming without a rotating brush removes embedded grit from the wool pile. Professional textile conservators should handle deep washing to protect natural dyes and fragile cotton foundations. Avoiding excess moisture and direct sunlight prevents fibre degradation. Prompt attention to spills stops staining on unwashed wool.