How do I measure for a hallway runner?

Measure the length and width of your corridor while leaving an equal margin of exposed flooring around the edges. Account for door clearance to ensure the door swings freely over the pile. Keep in mind that older corridor carpets often feature non-standard dimensions due to hand-weaving tolerances, so check specific length and width listings carefully.

Are these carpets suitable for heavy foot traffic?

Wool possesses natural resilience and lanolin content that repels dirt and resists crushing under regular footsteps. This makes period wool runners well-suited for busy hallways and landings. Placing a quality underlay beneath the carpet prevents slipping and absorbs impact, further protecting the vintage fibres from premature wear.

How do I tell Persian and Caucasian runners apart?

Persian runners often display curved floral motifs, intricate medallion layouts, and sophisticated palette blending typical of Heriz or Hamadan workshops. They tend to have softer, more fluid drawing. Caucasian runners, such as Shirvan or Kazak pieces, favour sharp geometric polygons, primary saturated colours, and bold, rectilinear tribal patterns.

How should I clean a vintage wool runner?

Vacuum gently using suction attachment without the rotating brush roll to protect the aged wool pile and fringes. Address spills immediately by blotting with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended every few years to remove embedded grit without damaging the natural dyes and hand-spun fibres.