Rug Guides & Buying Advice
Afghan Bokhara vs Persian Bokhara: How to Tell the Difference
Afghan and Persian Bokhara rugs share a name and a famous "elephant foot" gül design but come from different countries and weaving traditions. Here's how to identify each.
How to Choose a Persian Rug: A UK Buyer's Guide for 2026
A practical buyer's guide to choosing an authentic Persian rug in the UK — origin, knot count, material, age, sizing and budget. Written by Beckenham specialists with 40+ years of experience.
How to Identify an Antique Persian Rug — Marks, Knots and Origin
A practical visual guide to identifying genuine antique Persian rugs. What to look for in knots, dyes, wool, fringes and patina — and how to avoid the most common reproductions.
Kilim vs Knotted Rug: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Kilims and knotted Persian rugs are made by very different techniques and behave very differently in the home. A practical guide to which to choose for living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and high-traffic spaces.
The Persian Rug Knot Count Myth — Why KPSI Isn't Everything
Knot count (KPSI) is the most over-quoted statistic in Persian rug shopping. Here's when it actually matters, when it doesn't, and what to look at instead for real quality.
How Much Does a Real Handmade Persian Rug Cost in the UK? (2026)
A transparent price guide to handmade Persian, Afghan, Turkish and Kilim rugs in the UK in 2026 — what you actually pay at each level, what affects the price, and where the bargains and the traps are.
Persian Rug Sizes for UK Living Rooms — Which Size Actually Fits?
A practical sizing guide for handmade Persian, Afghan and Kilim rugs in British living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways — with floor plans, do's and don'ts.
Cleaning a Handmade Rug at Home vs Professional: What's Safe in 2026
A practical UK guide to cleaning handmade Persian, Afghan and Kilim rugs at home — what you can do safely, what destroys natural dyes, and when to call a professional rug cleaner.
Vintage vs Antique Rugs: Definitions, Differences and Which to Choose
What does "vintage" actually mean in the rug trade — and how is it different from "antique" or "semi-antique"? A clear guide to the labels, the value implications and which works best for everyday British homes.
Where to Buy Authentic Persian Rugs in London (2026 Buyer's Guide)
A guide to buying genuine handmade Persian rugs in London — the types of seller, the red flags, what to ask before you buy, and how to be sure you're getting an authentic handknotted rug at a fair price.