How do I measure for a hallway runner?

Measure the clear floor space of your corridor, leaving a consistent margin of exposed wood or tile around the perimeter of the rug. Ensure doors swing freely over the thickness of the wool pile without catching. Take measurements at multiple points along the hallway to account for any irregularities in older structural walls. Allow extra length if the runner is intended to flow down a staircase.

Are these runners suitable for heavy traffic?

These historical floor coverings were built from durable wool and cotton specifically to endure generations of foot movement in busy areas. Their dense hand-knotted construction provides natural resilience against compression. Using an appropriate underlay helps absorb impact and prevents the runner from shifting under daily strides. Regular gentle sweeping maintains the integrity of the fibres in high-use corridors.

How do I tell Persian and Caucasian runners apart?

Persian examples often feature curvilinear floral patterns, all-over shrub designs, and sophisticated medallion layouts. Their colour palettes tend towards rich reds, indigos, and subtle earthy tones. Caucasian pieces typically display bolder geometric motifs, sharper lines, and stark primary colour contrasts. Tribal markers such as hooked polygons and stylised animals appear frequently in Caucasian and Anatolian work.

How do I care for an antique wool runner?

Vacuum the rug gently on a low suction setting without a rotating power brush to protect the vintage wool pile. Rotate the runner periodically to ensure even exposure to foot traffic and sunlight. Address spills immediately by blotting with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing the fibres. Professional specialist cleaning should be utilised when deep maintenance is required.