How do I choose the right length for a hallway?

Measure your corridor carefully while leaving a uniform border of bare floor around the edges of the carpet. This ensures the runner sits comfortably within the space without crowding doorways or skirting boards. Consider the heavy traffic areas in your hallway and select a durable wool pile that can handle daily movement while protecting the underlying flooring.

Where should I place a runner in my home?

Runners suit narrow transitional spaces such as entrance halls, long corridors, and wide stair landings. Their elongated proportions guide the eye and soften sound in open architectural layouts. Placing these pieces in lower-impact zones or securing them with an appropriate underlay helps preserve the antique pile against excessive wear.

How do I clean and maintain an antique carpet?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a rotating brush roll removes surface dust and grit from the wool pile. Avoid shaking or beating the carpet, as this strains the old cotton and wool foundation. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for deeper maintenance to protect natural dyes and fragile historical fibres from moisture damage.

How do I tell different regional styles apart?

Regional styles reveal themselves through distinct colour palettes, knotting densities, and recurring motif structures. Oushak designs tend toward expansive floral layouts, whereas tribal pieces often feature sharp geometric medallions. Examining the weave on the reverse side provides further clues regarding the origin, materials, and specific weaving traditions employed.