How do I clean an antique rug?

Gentle surface brushing and professional specialist washing are recommended for antique pile textiles to preserve natural dyes and fragile wool or silk fibres. Avoid harsh chemical treatments and excessive water immersion. Regular rotation prevents uneven wear patterns in high-traffic interior spaces, while proper padding underneath protects the foundational cotton and wool structure from friction.

Can I place these rugs in hallways?

Runner formats and durable wool village pieces function well in corridors and transition spaces, provided foot traffic is moderate. Placing a breathable non-slip underlay beneath the textile prevents sliding and reduces fibre compaction. Delicate silk or very fine nineteenth-century examples are better suited to low-traffic rooms or display areas where physical wear is minimal.

How do I identify a prayer rug?

Prayer rugs are distinguished by a pronounced arch or niche design at one or both ends of the field, known as a mihrab. This architectural motif directs the orientation of the textile during use. Regional variations in the shape of the arch and surrounding floral borders help attribute pieces to specific Anatolian centres such as Milas, Ghiordes, or Kirsehir.

What is the difference between a kilim and a carpet?

Kilims are flat-woven textiles constructed without a raised pile, resulting in a lighter, thinner fabric with pattern visible on both sides. They rely on interlocking weft techniques. Carpets feature a dense knotted pile clipped to a uniform height over a foundational cotton or wool grid, offering greater thickness and physical cushion underfoot.