Where should I place a long runner?

These pieces suit narrow architectural spaces such as hallways, long landings, and galley kitchens. Their elongated proportions guide movement down corridors while protecting high-traffic wooden or tiled floors. Ensure you measure the corridor width and length carefully, leaving a uniform border of exposed flooring around the perimeter of the textile for a balanced appearance.

How do I care for an antique wool runner?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating power head prevents dust accumulation in the dense wool pile. Professional rug cleaning is recommended periodically to preserve the integrity of natural fibres and dyes. Position a quality underlay beneath the textile to prevent sliding on hard floors and to reduce friction between the foundation and the floor surface during daily use.

How can I tell different regional types apart?

Regional attribution relies on examining the structural density, border designs, and palette choices. Heriz runners display bold geometric medallions, while Kurdish and Bidjar pieces often feature denser, heavier foundations with intricate repeated patterns. Hamadan runners frequently incorporate camel hair tones and distinctive diamond or pole medallion layouts characteristic of village production centres.

What does pile wear indicate on an old runner?

Gradual thinning of the wool pile is a natural consequence of age and corridor foot traffic. Even, low pile often reflects decades of domestic use in active family homes. Uneven wear or exposed foundation threads indicate localized stress points that require professional conservation to prevent further structural degradation.