How do I clean a wool rug?

Maintenance requires gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush to protect the hand-knotted pile from excessive friction. Professional cleaning is necessary for deep washing to preserve the natural wool fibres and dyes. Water exposure should remain minimal to prevent the foundation from shrinking or distorting. Prompt blotting of spills stops liquids from penetrating the dyed wool.

Where should I place a tribal rug?

These floor coverings suit low-to-medium traffic areas like studies, bedrooms, or quiet reception spaces where the wool pile receives moderate wear. Positioning them away from direct, harsh sunlight prevents the natural dyes from fading prematurely over time. Underlay usage provides essential grip on smooth flooring and reduces friction against the back of the textile. This simple addition extends the working life of older woven structures.

How can I tell a Heriz carpet apart?

Heriz carpets display robust geometric medallions, often featuring prominent corner spandrels and bold rectilinear drawing styles. The colour palette frequently centres on rust and terracotta tones contrasted with deep blues and ivory. These large formats were produced in north-western Persia and are known for heavy cotton foundations that give them a distinct, rigid weight. The weave is typically coarser than that of urban Tabriz carpets.

What is a Baluch rug?

Baluch rugs originate from nomadic and semi-nomadic groups inhabiting the borderlands of Persia and Afghanistan. They are generally smaller in scale and feature deep, sombre tones including dark rust, brown, and indigo. Common design elements include geometric lattices, stylized tree motifs, and repeated gul patterns. The use of goat hair in the outer selvedges is a frequent characteristic of these tribal pieces.