Where were these carpets traditionally used?

Large room-sized carpets anchored formal reception spaces, drawing rooms, and country house interiors. Their substantial dimensions provided warmth and acoustic dampening over bare timber floors. Today, these substantial textiles serve a similar purpose in contemporary open-plan homes, anchoring living areas and dining spaces with historic character.

How do I care for a historic wool carpet?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating power brush removes embedded grit from the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning ensures the natural dyes and lanolin remain protected over time. Positioning the rug out of direct sunlight prevents uneven fading of the natural plant-based dyes across the field.

What is the difference between Heriz and Oushak styles?

Heriz carpets typically display bold, geometric medallion designs with sturdy structure and robust wool pile. They originate from north-west Persia and suit high-traffic interior settings. Oushak carpets feature softer, more expansive floral sprays and muted pastel or warm terracotta palettes. Their looser weave yields a more relaxed aesthetic.

How can I tell a tribal carpet from a town piece?

Tribal carpets like Ersari or Baluch examples rely on repeated geometric guls and memory-based designs rather than precise architectural blueprints. They often display charming asymmetries reflecting the weaver's personal expression. Town workshop productions such as Tabriz or Kirman exhibit meticulous symmetry, refined curvilinear floral scrolls, and highly controlled botanical layouts.