Where should I place an oriental rug medallion?

These carpets anchor living rooms, dining spaces, and long hallways depending on whether you select a large room size or a runner format. Ensure the central medallion aligns with key pieces of furniture to highlight the symmetry of the design. Allow sufficient surrounding floor space so the border geometry frames the room correctly without being obscured by heavy furniture placement.

How do I clean an antique rug?

Vacuum gently using a suction-only attachment without the rotating brush bar to protect the aged wool pile from abrasion. Avoid shaking or beating antique textiles, as this stresses the old cotton or wool foundation threads. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for deep washing to preserve the integrity of the natural dyes and hand-spun fibres.

How do I identify a tribal rug from a city rug?

Tribal rugs display bolder, more angular geometric motifs and spontaneous colour shifts executed from memory by nomadic or village weavers. City carpets feature precise, curvilinear floral medallions planned out meticulously on paper cartoons. Examining the regularity of the knotting on the reverse side quickly reveals whether the piece originated from an urban workshop or a rural loom.

What underlay should I use?

A breathable, rubberised mesh underlay prevents the rug from slipping on hard floors while providing a gentle cushion against foot traffic. This layer stops the antique foundation from rubbing directly against floorboards. Choose an underlay slightly smaller than the rug dimensions so the edges rest flat on the floor without curling upwards.