How do I choose the right size?

Measure the floor space of the room while allowing a uniform margin of exposed floorboards around the perimeter of the carpet. Large oriental floor carpets generally require enough clearance to sit comfortably beneath primary furniture groupings without crowding the walls. Consider the operational clearance needed for doors to swing freely across the pile. Room-size formats look best when major seating furniture rests entirely on the field or at least has the front legs positioned firmly on the wool.

How should I care for wool carpets?

Vacuum the pile regularly using suction attachment settings without rotating brush bars to prevent fibre distortion. Professional cleaning by specialists in antique textiles is recommended every few years to remove embedded dust. Position the carpet away from direct, harsh sunlight to prevent natural dyes from fading unevenly over time. Utilising a breathable underlay prevents slipping and cushions the foundation against premature wear from foot traffic.

How do I distinguish Heriz from Oushak carpets?

Heriz carpets feature rigid geometric medallions, distinct angular corner spandrels, and robust brick-red or navy colour schemes. Their structured drawing conveys a sense of architectural permanence. Oushak carpets display expansive curvilinear floral motifs, sprawling palmettes, and softer secondary tones like salmon, terracotta, and pale blue. Their overall aesthetic feels more relaxed and painterly compared to north-west Persian geometry.

What is a village carpet?

Village carpets are produced by independent weavers working in domestic settings rather than centralized urban workshops. Their designs often incorporate memory-drawn tribal motifs and charming irregularities in symmetry. These pieces typically showcase heavy, durable wool and rustic foundations suited for everyday domestic utility. The spontaneous variations in colour shading across the field reflect the limits of small-scale dye batches.