Where should I place a long runner?

These narrow textiles suit high-traffic corridors, hallways, and entrance passages where length and durability are primary requirements. Their proportions also function effectively alongside galley kitchens or beside bedroom furniture. Ensure you measure the available floor space carefully, leaving a consistent border of exposed wood or stone around the edges of the carpet.

How do I care for an antique wool runner?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll prevents dust accumulation within the hand-spun wool pile. Professional cleaning suited for antique textiles should be utilised periodically. Avoid exposing natural dyes to direct, prolonged sunlight to preserve the rich terracotta and indigo tones over the coming years.

What is the difference between Heriz and Bidjar runners?

Heriz runners typically display bold geometric medallions and strong, rectilinear formatting woven with sturdy wool foundations. They originate from northwestern districts known for robust village craftsmanship. Bidjar pieces are frequently noted for exceptionally dense knotting and heavy structures, often referred to as the iron rugs of Kurdistan due to their resilience.

How can I tell the age of these textiles?

Age is indicated by the use of hand-spun wool, natural dye palettes, and specific structural characteristics associated with nineteenth and early twentieth-century production. Minor irregularities in symmetry often point to traditional village or tribal origin. Comparing the border designs, knot density, and regional weaving styles helps place a runner within the 1870 to 1930 timeframe.