How do I place a runner?

Runners suit narrow spaces such as hallways, corridors, and galleys where foot traffic is frequent. Their linear format guides the eye along the floor while protecting underlying timber or tile. Ensure the rug leaves a visible margin of exposed flooring on all sides to frame the space properly. Underlays help keep the runner secure on smooth surfaces.

How are these cleaned?

Routine maintenance involves gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll to protect the wool pile and fringe. Professional textile cleaners experienced in antique Persian and oriental weaves should handle deeper washing. Avoid harsh chemical treatments or excessive moisture, which can destabilise natural dyes and cotton foundations. Promptly blot liquid spills rather than rubbing them into the fibres.

Are these suitable for daily use?

Traditional hand-knotted wool textiles are durable and built to withstand decades of regular domestic use. The natural lanolin in the wool helps resist dirt and wear. Placing them in moderate-traffic areas allows the pile to age gracefully without premature thinning. Quality underlays reduce friction against hard floors.

How do I date a carpet?

Dating relies on stylistic markers, dye types, structural materials, and regional weaving characteristics recorded across the era. Pieces from the nineteenth century often display specific saturated vegetable dyes and looser tribal structures. Early twentieth-century examples frequently incorporate refined city workshop patterns alongside transitional synthetic or mixed natural palettes. Comparing knot density and border motifs helps narrow the period of origin.