Where should a long narrow rug be placed?

These pieces suit long corridors, narrow entryways, and landings where floor space is restricted. Their proportions guide the eye down a passage while protecting wooden floorboards from heavy foot traffic. Ensure you measure the walkway carefully, leaving a uniform border of exposed floor on either side of the textile for a balanced aesthetic.

How do I clean an antique runner?

Gentle regular vacuuming without a beater bar removes surface dust trapped within the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for deeper maintenance to protect natural dyes. Avoid soaking antique foundations or using harsh chemical detergents, as these can weaken older cotton and wool fibres.

Are these rugs suitable for high-traffic areas?

Traditional construction methods utilising dense wool and sturdy foundations make many of these historical runners robust enough for daily use. Camel hair and hand-spun wool provide additional natural resilience against wear. Using a quality underlay beneath the textile prevents slipping and cushions the weave against hard subfloors.

How can I tell different tribal styles apart?

Styles vary by regional geometric motifs, colour palettes, and knotting techniques. Persian Heriz and Hamadan pieces often feature bold medallions and Herati patterns, whereas Caucasian Shirvan and Kurdish runners display sharper, highly geometric tribal motifs. Turkish Oushak and Anatolian examples frequently exhibit softer pastel or mellow background tones with large-scale floral elements.