How do I clean an old wool carpet?

Surface dust is best managed through gentle suction using a vacuum without a rotating brush head. Professional textile cleaning is necessary for deeper washing to protect the wool and cotton foundations. Water should be applied with care to prevent dye bleed or fibre distortion. Specialist rug conservators provide the safest maintenance for antique village weaves.

Are these carpets suitable for heavy traffic?

The sturdy construction of village wool pile on cotton warps makes them resilient for everyday use. Their original purpose was domestic flooring in busy household spaces. Using a quality underlay helps absorb impact and reduces friction against the floorboards. This simple measure extends the active life of the weave considerably.

How can I distinguish a Heriz from a Serapi?

Serapi rugs generally originate from the nineteenth century and feature larger, more open geometric layouts with muted palettes. Heriz pieces from later periods often display denser detail and bolder primary tones. The drawing style in Serapi examples tends towards greater spaciousness within the central medallion and corner spandrels.

What is a cotton warp?

The warp consists of the foundational threads running vertically through the structure of the rug. Cotton provides high tensile strength and dimensional stability compared to wool foundations. This rigidity helps larger room carpets maintain their rectangular form over decades of use. It also keeps the geometric patterns from skewing.