How do I clean a large antique carpet?

Professional specialist cleaning is essential for antique textiles to protect delicate wool, cotton and silk fibres from harsh chemicals and shrinkage. Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating power brush helps remove surface grit. Avoid DIY steam cleaning or harsh detergents, which can destabilise natural dyes and rot the foundation. Consult a conservator if the carpet sustains heavy foot traffic or shows signs of wear.

Where should I place a large floral carpet?

These expansive floor coverings suit principal reception spaces, dining rooms or studies where their scale and botanical patterns can anchor the furniture layout. Allowing a border of exposed wooden flooring around the edges helps frame the textile. Keep such pieces away from direct, harsh sunlight to prevent fading of the natural red, blue and ivory dyes over time. Using an appropriate underlay prevents slipping and cushions the weave against hard subfloors.

How do I tell different regional styles apart?

Regional attribution relies on examining the specific drawing style, palette and structural materials. For instance, Heriz carpets often feature bold geometric medallions, whereas Kirman and Tabriz works showcase refined, curvilinear floral sprays. Examining the knotting density and the choice of foundation yarns provides further clues to whether a piece originated in Northwest Persia, the Caucasus or Europe.

What is the difference between a carpet and a kilim?

Carpets feature a thick, tactile pile created by thousands of individual hand-tied knots clipped to an even height. Kilims are flatwoven without a pile, resulting in a lighter, tapestry-like fabric with smooth surfaces on both sides. While pile carpets provide heavy floor insulation and plush comfort, kilims offer crisp graphic clarity and versatile layering options for modern interiors.