How do I clean a flatweave rug?

Gentle surface cleaning and regular light vacuuming without a beater brush help maintain the textile. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for antique wool and cotton pieces to preserve the integrity of the weave.

Can these rugs be used on the floor?

Many of these pieces were created as floor coverings and handle regular placement in rooms with moderate foot traffic. Using a suitable underlay helps protect the flatweave structure from excessive wear over time.

How do I distinguish Bessarabian from French styles?

Bessarabian pieces typically feature darker backgrounds with naturalistic floral clusters rooted in Eastern European folk art traditions. French Aubusson and needlepoint examples often employ lighter palettes with formal floral wreaths and classical architectural borders.

What is the difference between a kilim and a tapestry?

A kilim is constructed as a flatwoven utility textile intended primarily for the floor, utilising slit-weave or related techniques. A tapestry is generally heavier, often woven as a pictorial wall hanging with complex figurative or floral imagery.