How do I measure for a hallway runner?

Measure the clear floor space of your corridor, leaving an equal margin of exposed wood or tile around the perimeter. Account for door clearances so the rug does not obstruct interior swinging doors. Keep in mind the typical proportions of antique runners, which often exceed three metres in length. Matching the runner length to architectural landmarks like doorways or console tables creates a balanced look.

Were these runners made for hallways originally?

Many tribal and village pieces served multiple domestic purposes, including bedside placement or main room flooring, depending on tribal customs. Long formats were naturally suited to narrow domestic spaces, tents or nomadic dwellings. Over time, dealers and collectors classified these narrow rectangular formats as hallway runners due to their ideal dimensions for modern corridors.

How do I tell Caucasian runners from Persian ones?

Caucasian runners, such as those from Shirvan or Gendje, tend to feature sharper geometric medallions, hooked polygons and crisper, more saturated primary colours. Their structural stiffness and distinct latch-hook motifs set them apart. Persian tribal runners, including Kurdish or Heriz examples, frequently incorporate softer curve-linear elements, earthy tones, and more fluid lattice arrangements across the wool field.

How do I care for an antique wool runner?

Vacuum the runner gently with a suction-only attachment, avoiding rotating brush bars that can pull at the hand-knotted wool pile. Lift and shake the piece outdoors periodically to dislodge embedded grit. Use a breathable, high-friction underlay beneath the rug to prevent slipping on hard hallway floors and to reduce friction between the cotton foundation and the subfloor.