How do I clean a large wool carpet?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar removes surface grit from the wool pile. Professional immersion washing remains necessary for deep cleaning to protect the natural fibres and dyes. Harsh chemical treatments and excessive water should be avoided to prevent wool shrinkage and dye bleeding. Periodic rotation ensures even wear across high-traffic areas of the room.

Where should I place a large room-size carpet?

These expansive floor coverings suit principal reception spaces, dining rooms, and wide entrance halls. They provide a solid visual base that unifies large groupings of freestanding furniture. Placing a quality rug pad underneath prevents slipping and cushions the wool foundation against hard floorboards. Sizing should allow furniture legs to rest comfortably on the outer borders of the field.

How do I distinguish Heriz from Oushak carpets?

Heriz carpets typically feature bold, geometric corner spandrels and prominent central star medallions woven with sturdy village wool. Their palette relies heavily on rust reds, navy blues, and clear ivory grounds. Oushak carpets display more relaxed floral designs with soft terracotta, saffron, and pale blue colorways. The wool in Oushak pieces tends to feel silkier and looser in knot density than northern Persian village work.

What causes colour variation in antique carpets?

Hand-spun wool absorbs natural plant and insect dyes unevenly, creating subtle shifts in tone known as abrash. This organic variation adds depth and movement across large fields of colour. Exposure to sunlight and decades of gentle washing further soften the original dyestuffs. These natural shifts serve as indicators of authentic antique production methods.