How do I place a runner?

Runners suit narrow spaces such as hallways, corridors, kitchens and bedside areas where standard rectangular carpets fail to fit. They guide movement through a home while protecting timber or stone flooring from wear. Ensure adequate clearance for doors to swing open above the pile height. Underlays prevent slipping on smooth surfaces and extend the longevity of older wool foundations.

How do I clean an old wool rug?

Gentle, regular suction without a rotating brush bar removes embedded dust from the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning remains necessary for deep washing to protect natural dye stability. Avoid harsh chemical detergents and excessive moisture. Air drying flat prevents distortion of the foundation warps and protects fragile selvedges.

How do I identify tribal designs?

Tribal designs display geometric motifs, repeating guls and asymmetrical layouts characteristic of nomadic groups rather than urban court workshops. Weavers from regions like the Caucasus or Baluchistan relied on memory and tribal tradition rather than paper cartoons. Look for saturated natural dye palettes, idiosyncratic errors in symmetry, and coarser, honest wool textures. These traits distinguish authentic village weaving from mass-produced commercial reproductions.