Where should I place a runner?

These elongated textiles suit narrow hallways, corridors, and passageways where linear floor coverings soften hard timber or stone floors. Their proportions also work effectively alongside long gallery walls or beside large beds. Placing them in transitional spaces protects high-traffic zones while introducing traditional pattern and texture to otherwise neglected areas of the home.

How do I care for antique wool?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll prevents dust accumulation in the wool pile. Professional cleaning suited to antique textiles preserves the natural lanolin in the fibres. Keeping the textile out of direct, harsh sunlight prevents the natural dyes from fading prematurely, ensuring the colours remain rich and deep.

How can I tell regional styles apart?

Regional types often reveal themselves through distinct motifs, such as the bold rectilinear medallions of Heriz or the dense, heavy knotting characteristic of Bidjar. Hamadan pieces frequently display repeating village patterns and robust tribal character. Observing the border arrangement and the primary palette helps assign a piece to its specific nineteenth-century origin or village tradition.