Where should I place a hearth rug?

These compact rugs suit smaller floor spaces, narrow gaps, and particularly the hearth area in front of an open fireplace. Their dense wool pile absorbs soot and provides a warm landing surface. Position them where furniture weight is light, allowing the geometric patterns and rich natural colours to remain visible without heavy obstruction.

How do I clean an old wool rug?

Gentle surface brushing and careful vacuuming without a rotating beater bar remove loose dirt from the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for deep washing. Avoid soaking the cotton foundation or using harsh chemical detergents that can strip the natural lanolin from the vintage wool fibres.

Are these rugs suitable for daily walking?

Hand-knotted tribal rugs from village workshops were built for utilitarian durability. The thick wool pile handles regular foot traffic well. Placing a suitable underlay beneath the rug prevents sliding on hard floors and reduces internal fibre friction during daily use.

How can I tell a village rug from a city piece?

Village and tribal rugs display asymmetrical, charmingly irregular geometric motifs woven from memory rather than precise cartoon drawings. The designs feel spontaneous and rustic. City carpets often feature exact symmetry, finer knot counts, and intricate curvilinear floral vines that require institutional workshop planning.