How do I choose the right size room rug?

Measure your floor space to allow a uniform border of exposed timber or stone around the perimeter of the carpet. Large room sizes work best when furniture legs sit comfortably either fully on the rug or just off the edge. Consider the clearance required for doors to open smoothly over the pile thickness. Larger formats anchor main reception areas, while smaller room sizes suit dining spaces or bedrooms.

What is the difference between Heriz and Tabriz carpets?

Heriz carpets typically display bold, geometric central medallions and sturdy, architectural designs woven in northern village workshops. Their palette often relies on strong madder reds and rich indigos. Tabriz carpets originate from a major urban centre and feature refined, curvilinear floral patterns with high knot counts. They showcase delicate drawing and sophisticated colour shading.

How do I care for an antique wool rug?

Vacuum the rug gently using a suction-only attachment without a rotating beater bar to protect the old pile and fringes. Rotate the piece every year to ensure even exposure to foot traffic and sunlight. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for antique textiles to preserve the natural lanolin in the wool. Avoid harsh chemical spot treatments on historic dyes.

Can I place these rugs in high-traffic hallways?

Sturdier wool room rugs and thicker village weaves handle moderate movement well when laid over a quality underlay. Underlays prevent slipping and cushion the foundation threads against hard floors. Delicate part-silk pieces or heavily distressed examples are better suited to lower-traffic sitting rooms or bedrooms to limit further wear.

How can I tell a village rug from a city rug?

Village rugs like Hamadan, Malayer, and Heriz exhibit slightly less rigid symmetry, bolder motifs, and thicker wool yarns spun locally. They reflect the individual expression of the weaver working from memory or small design sketches. City carpets from Tabriz, Kashan, Qum, and Kirman display precise cartographic symmetry, complex floral scrolls, and finer materials dictated by master designers in urban ateliers.