Nick Gonnella

Introduction to Common Rug Motifs Explore the symbolic stories woven into the world’s most enduring rug patterns. Why Rug Motifs Matter For many rug lovers, the beauty of a hand-knotted carpet is in its texture, colour, or craftsmanship. But for us — and perhaps now for you — the real magic lies in the motifs. Motifs are more than just decorative flourishes. They’re clues. Clues to a rug’s origin, its weaver’s influences, and the stories passed from one generation to the next. From flowers and flames to mythical creatures and geometric emblems, the same core motifs appear across weaving regions — but each one is shaped by local tradition, skill, and belief. This guide introduces some of the most common rug motifs, where they come from, and what they might mean. The Herati: The Timeless Fish History & Symbolism Perhaps the most recognisable of all motifs, the Herati design emerged from Herat, a cultural centre on the Silk Road in modern-day Afghanistan. A strategic town during the Timurid and Safavid dynasties, Herat was a hotspot for artistic production — and the birthplace (or at least the best-known home) of this enduring motif. What it Looks Like The Herati typically features a central rosette within a diamond, flanked by lancet-shaped acanthus leaves (which look like fish to some, hence the Farsi nickname “Mahi”). Where You’ll Find It Mahi Tabriz rugs: soft-toned, high-knot-count masterpieces with refined Herati patterns Bijar rugs: chunkier, more spontaneous Herati, often with endearing imperfections Ferahan rugs: 19th–20th century Iranian classics with a looser, more charming Herati execution The Boteh: The Flame, the Parrot, the Pine Cone Origins & Interpretations The Boteh — often seen as a bush, leaf cluster, flame, or even a parrot’s head — is one of the most adapted motifs in rug history. Known as “buta” in Azerbaijani and “badem” in Turkish, it has roots in Persian, Indian, and Central Asian weaving cultures. Some scholars link it to the Zoroastrian flame, others to fertility or protection symbols. Its exact meaning depends on the weaver, region, and era. Where You’ll See It Indian weavings under Mughal rule Sassanid Persian art (notably the mythical Simorgh) Silk garments from 6th–8th century Egypt Modern paisley patterns across fashion and décor The Boteh’s beauty lies in its mystery — and in the thousands of weavers who’ve adapted it over time. The Gül: Tribal Identity Woven in Wool What is a Gül? Often octagonal, the Gül is a medallion-like symbol found throughout Turkmen and Central Asian rugs. It’s symmetrical, structured, and deeply tied to tribal identity — like a woven coat of arms. Notable Examples Tekke Gül: With its directional arrows and precise repeat, it instantly signals a Tekke main carpet. Gulli Gül: Featuring tre-foils and stars, especially in Ersari rugs. Tauk Noska Gül: Animal-inspired and named for a “chicken amulet”, found in Chaudor and Yomud pieces. Memling Gül: Made famous in 15th-century European paintings by Hans Memling, this hooked medallion can be found in Anatolian designs to this day. The Mina Khani: A Floral Lattice Pattern & Placement This gentle, looping lattice of palmettes and rosettes is both elegant and deeply traditional. It’s often arranged in hexagonal or circular grids and adapted with either geometric or floral flourishes. Where You’ll See It Varamin workshop rugs, where the design is used so often it’s become a namesake Balouch and Luri tribal weavings, especially in Western Iran and Eastern Afghanistan The Shah Abbasi: Palace-Level Precision Courtly Origins Named after Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty — who revolutionised Persian weaving by establishing royal workshops — this motif is a symbol of refinement. The Shah Abbasi design features large, stylised palmettes linked by elegant arabesques, perfect for high-knot-count city rugs. Key Traits Often woven in Isfahan, Kashan, Tabriz, and Kerman Detailed floral sprays, used in borders or central medallions A hallmark of Safavid luxury weaving, still replicated today in Indian, Chinese, and Pakistani rugs Why Motifs Still Matter Today Understanding motifs helps you read your rug like a book — each detail, a paragraph in its life story. Whether you’re buying a new piece, preserving an heirloom, or simply admiring the artistry beneath your feet, these common motifs give you a richer connection to the culture and creativity behind your rug. If you’re ever curious about the origins or symbolism in your own rug, we’re always happy to offer insights — just send us a photo or get in touch. All Posts Advice News Reviews Can You Wash a Persian Rug at Home? Read More A Tale of Two Rugs in Notting Hill Read More Viscose Rug Cleaning & Maintenance Tips Read More Newsletter Sign up to get the latest news and rug care tips Name Email Δ

Choosing A Rug Cleaning Company I wrote this guide ‘Choosing A Rug Cleaning Company’ to help you make the right decision when looking for a rug care professional. Never hand over your rugs to any company that can’t satisfy all the criteria in this guide. How Qualified Are You? A reputable rug restoration expert will be qualified in rug care specifically, not just carpet care. Many of us in the rug cleaning and repair industry started out as carpet cleaners however caring for hand knotted natural rugs requires a far greater level of training and experience. The most advanced qualification in the industry is the MRC, or Master Rug Cleaner Certification. Being an MRC shows that you have a good grasp of the theoretical aspects of rug cleaning with on hands training. Are You Experienced in Cleaning Wool and Silk Rugs? Training and qualifications on their own give a person the right to call themselves a competent professional, however only experience can make them a true master of their craft. My brother and I have been washing rugs for most of our adult lives. For example, we can identify a modern Tabriz and know instantly that there is a good chance the dark red dyes will bleed into the ivory if this factor is not taken into consideration when we wash the rug. And it’s only through experience that we know how to plan for potential issues like this and still wash the rug thoroughly. Silk rug cleaning requires an even more advanced level of skill. The pile on a silk rug can be permanently damaged if certain considerations are not taken in the cleaning process. The image below is a close-up of a silk Afghan rug we washed. Notice the lustre and soft appearance of the pile? And what about the sharp contrast of whites against red in the kilim end and border, with absolutely no dye migration? No amount of in-class training can prepare you for washing a rug like this. It takes experience. What Level Of Insurance Do You Hold? Washing rugs requires a specific type of insurance which covers the cleaning company against damage caused to the rug while working on it. This is called ‘treatment risk cover’. Standard business liability insurance does not provide cover in the eventuality that a rug is irreparably damaged during the wash process. Another risk that needs to be covered in our industry is the possibility of damage to, or theft of rugs while they are being transported to and from a client’s home. This is called ‘goods in transit cover’. Don’t be embarrassed to ask to see proof of a company’s insurance cover. No honest, professional rug cleaner will mind providing you with proof of his or her company’s insurance. Remember, the certificate alone is not enough to demonstrate that adequate cover is in place. You must specifically see proof of both treatment risk and goods in transit cover. Choosing a rug cleaning company without the full cover described above is a risk not worth taking. Are You A Member of Any Trade Associations? Membership with a trade association shows that a company is willing to commit to a code of practice which protects consumers. It also gives the consumer a third party that can arbitrate in case of any issues arising which aren’t dealt with to their satisfaction. Just because a company doesn’t belong to a trade association doesn’t mean they can’t be trusted to provide a service honestly, however it gives you added peace of mind incase of something going wrong. Our trade association membership is no.1565 with the NCCA. We have held this since 2005. All NCCA members must adhere to this code of practice Can You Provide Client References? A company that has been trading for many years should have a list of references available for inspection. Online references are a good place to start but don’t rely on these alone when choosing a rug cleaning company. A good tip is to ask for references that you can verify such as those of housekeeping managers or concierge in hotels and private apartment blocks. If a company has a lot of clients in your local area they may even be able to give one of your neighbours as a reference. Do You Guarantee Your Work? Work guarantees are a bit of a grey area in our industry. Cleaning a rug is not going to make it look like the day it was woven, and so no company can claim that they will make a rug look new again. In fact, natural hand knotted rugs often take on their own unique charm as they age. They develop a patina that enhances their beauty. So what matters in terms of a work guarantee is that you are satisfied the rug is hygienically clean and has not been damaged. Don’t be shy to mention something if you are not happy. Just because you have had your rug delivered back to you and paid for the cleaning does not mean you can’t contact the company to query something afterwards. So before you hand your rug over in the first place make sure you ask the company in question what happens in this eventuality. Will they come back free of charge to inspect the rug? Will they refund you if you are still not happy? We make our guarantee really easy to understand and interpret.. ‘We guarantee the most thorough rug cleaning you’ve ever seen.. or it’s free’. What does this mean? Quite simply that we will endeavour to make you happy with the job you have asked us to do. If you’re not happy we will inspect, advise and re-clean if necessary. If you’re still not happy then the work is on us. No self respecting rug cleaning professional wants unhappy customers. Ask upfront what they will and won’t guarantee. If you ask them to put it in writing they should oblige. If not, look elsewhere. 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Most rugs need cleaning long before they look dirty. Here’s why.

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Rug Protector Treatment: 3 Reasons It’s Worth It Accidents happen. But stains don’t have to stick. A professional rug protector treatment gives you the breathing room to deal with spills before they become permanent problems — while keeping your rug looking better, for longer. A Common Question: Is Rug Protector Really Worth It? We get this question all the time — usually right after we return a freshly cleaned rug to a client’s home. The short answer?Yes. Absolutely. It’s one of the most cost-effective, preventative treatments we offer. It helps your rug last longer, resist damage, and stay beautiful between cleans. And no, it doesn’t change the look or feel in any way. What Is a Rug Protector Treatment? After we’ve cleaned your rug, we offer an optional add-on: a rug protector treatment. This involves carefully applying a solvent spray containing a hydrocarbon compound — not unlike the technology behind Scotchgard™, though tailored for fine, natural fibre rugs. The science is simple: It forms a molecular bond around each fibre. This invisible barrier slows down the rate at which liquid can soak in. Whether it’s wine, coffee, or muddy footprints, this treatment buys you time to act — and avoids permanent staining. Will My Rug Look or Feel Different? Not at all. Once applied, the protector is completely undetectable to the eye and hand. Your rug will feel the same underfoot and look just as it did before. It’s a bit like insurance — you don’t notice it, until you need it. But Is It Stain Proof? Let’s be honest — no treatment can make a rug 100% stain-proof.You can’t pour a glass of wine on a rug, walk away for a few hours, and expect it to vanish. But with protector treatment: Liquids bead on the surface You have precious time to blot them up Many spills won’t leave a mark at all 3 Reasons to Add Protector Treatment to Your Rug 1. Spills Are Easier to Manage Wine, juice, tea, even pet accidents — they’re all easier to handle if you’ve got a protector applied. A protected rug lets you deal with a spill before it becomes a costly stain. 2. Your Rug Lasts Longer Dirt and grit act like sandpaper, slowly grinding away at fibres over time. Protector helps keep soil on the surface, where it’s easier to vacuum away — reducing abrasion and wear. 3. You’ll Save Money Over Time Rug protector treatments are a small upfront cost that can help you avoid emergency cleans, urgent stain removals, or premature replacements down the line. Experience You Can Trust We’ve applied rug protector to thousands of hand knotted rugs — including pieces in embassies, hotels, and private homes across London. And once a client tries it, they almost always ask for it again. That tells you everything. We don’t just protect wool either. Our protector treatment is safe and effective for: Silk and art silk (including bamboo and viscose) Tapestries and decorative textiles Delicate antique rugs with sensitive dyes A rug protector treatment won’t stop accidents — but it helps stop them from becoming regrets. If you’ve invested in a handmade wool or silk rug, this is one of the smartest steps you can take to preserve its beauty and value. Want to protect your rug against life’s little mishaps?Request a free quote › All Posts Advice News Reviews Can You Wash a Persian Rug at Home? Read More A Tale of Two Rugs in Notting Hill Read More Viscose Rug Cleaning & Maintenance Tips Read More Newsletter Sign up to get the latest news and rug care tips Name Email Δ

How to Store Rugs Safely at Home Proper rug storage is about more than rolling it up and putting it away. With the right care, your rug will stay safe from moths, mould, and more — ready to be enjoyed again when the time is right. Start With a Wash — Always It might seem logical to store your rug first and clean it later. But this is where most people go wrong. Moths love dirt. Even a little bit of dust, skin, or food can become an invitation to feed and lay eggs. If a rug goes into storage dirty, you could be unrolling a half-eaten mess months later. We always recommend a full professional clean before any long-term storage. This eliminates not just the obvious dirt, but hidden moth eggs and moisture trapped deep in the fibres. Wrap Your Rug Like a Professional We use Kraft or Tyvek® paper to wrap every rug headed into storage. Why? Because these materials are breathable, strong, and allow airflow — preventing mould, mildew, and moisture damage. Never wrap a rug in plastic. Even in dry summer months, sealed plastic traps humidity and encourages fungal growth. Rugs need to breathe, year-round. Want us to wrap it for you? Just ask — we’re happy to help. Keep It Dry (Really Dry) Moisture is the enemy. Raise your rug off the floor, especially if storing in a garage, cellar, or utility room. Avoid contact with walls, where condensation can collect or leaks may run down. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated space, ideally in a crate or on a platform. If the air in your home is damp — which is common in many London homes — open windows daily, reduce clutter, and improve airflow. Even if you don’t see water damage, high humidity can cause dry rot, especially in the cotton foundation common in many Persian and oriental rugs. Choose your storage location wisely. If you’re unsure whether your space is suitable, ask us — we’re happy to advise. Keep Pets Away This might sound obvious, but it’s worth saying: pets and stored rugs don’t mix. A quick accident from a dog or cat can cause severe colour bleed and long-term fibre damage, especially once urine becomes alkaline as it dries. Wrap securely. Store safely. Keep pets elsewhere. Inspect Every Few Months Storage isn’t “set and forget.” Every few months, take your rug out, lay it flat, and check: Any musty smell? Any dark spots on the foundation? Any loose fibres or webbing? If you spot anything suspicious, it’s best to act quickly. In most cases, issues can be resolved — especially if caught early. If Something Goes Wrong Even the best plans sometimes fall short. If you do discover signs of moths, mildew, or damage — don’t panic. We’ve helped many clients restore rugs from the brink, including flood damage, dry rot, and pest infestation. The sooner you reach out, the better the chance of a full recovery. And if you’re ever unsure how to store your rug, wrap it, or inspect it — get in touch. We’re always happy to share advice. All Posts Advice News Reviews Can You Wash a Persian Rug at Home? Read More A Tale of Two Rugs in Notting Hill Read More Viscose Rug Cleaning & Maintenance Tips Read More Newsletter Sign up to get the latest news and rug care tips Name Email Δ

How To Maintain Persian Rugs Caring for your rug means protecting more than just fabric — it means preserving art, culture, and history. A Living Work of Art Deserves Proper Care You probably think of your fitted carpets as just floor coverings — destined to be replaced eventually. But your Persian rug? That’s different. It’s a work of art. A cultural heirloom. Something you’d be proud to pass on. I feel the same way about mine. And it’s why I’ve written this guide — to help you keep your rug looking beautiful now and for generations to come. Whether your rug hails from Iran, the Caucasus, Turkey, or India, the tips below will help you protect its colours, fibres, and character for the long haul. 1. Protect Against Sunlight The Enemy You Don’t See Sunlight fades rugs — slowly, subtly, and unevenly. Left unchecked, it can strip your rug of its vibrancy. Natural dyes soften into a warm patina. Done evenly, this can add character. Synthetic dyes, however, fade fast — leaving dull patches and lifeless colours. What You Can Do: Rotate rugs regularly to ensure even fading. Avoid placing rugs in direct sun — or use UV-protective window film. Swap rugs between rooms throughout the year. Pull curtains or blinds in unused rooms. If you haven’t bought a rug yet, consider one dyed with natural vegetable or insect-based dyes. 2. Vacuum Like a Professional It’s Not Just About Clean Floors Vacuuming your rug removes abrasive grit that wears down the fibres as you walk across it. It’s the first — and most effective — line of defence. Tools Matter: Skip the trendy options. I use the SEBO BS36 — a commercial-grade upright vacuum with a beater bar. It’s powerful, reliable, and designed for wool pile. And no, I wouldn’t recommend a Dyson. Here’s How: Vacuum the rug’s top side in the direction of the pile. Flip it over and vacuum the back — this vibrates dry soil out of the foundation. Move the rug, sweep or vacuum the grit left behind. Repeat until the floor beneath the rug is clean. Gently vacuum fringes with a brush attachment. Take your time. Done properly, you’ll be amazed at how much hidden soil comes out. 3. Prevent Wear and Tear Walked-on Art Needs Protection Rugs wear unevenly when left in one place for too long. Combine foot traffic with ground-in soil, and you’ve got a recipe for threadbare patches. Simple Ways to Protect Your Rug: Rotate it often. Vacuum it regularly. Use rug underlay to cushion impact and prevent slipping. Choose the right underlay for your floor type. Cut underlay so the rug overhangs it by 1 inch all around. Replace it when it loses its grip or cushion. These small steps will extend your rug’s life and keep it looking richer for longer. 4. Deal with Spills the Right Way Panic Ruins Rugs. Preparation Saves Them. The most common mistake? Rubbing a spill with harsh chemicals like Vanish or Oxiclean. These are oxidisers — not stain removers — and they can bleach your rug permanently. Do this instead: Stay calm. Blot the spill gently with dry paper towels — don’t rub. Check for dye transfer. If there is, stop here and call us. If no dye comes up, blot with a damp white towel to dilute. Repeat the dry blotting. Still unsure? Call us — we’re happy to offer free advice. Pro tip: Rugs with our stain protection treatment are far easier to clean in a crisis. It’s one of the most affordable ways to safeguard your rug at home. 5. Avoid Mildew and Dry Rot Water and Wool Don’t Mix Nothing ruins a rug faster than being wet for too long. Mildew sets in quickly, and dry rot eats away at the foundation — usually cotton — until your rug needs costly repairs. Common Culprits: Potted plants left directly on rugs. Basement or garage storage without airflow. Major spills or flooding that go unnoticed. What to do: Keep rugs off damp floors and away from walls. Never put a plant directly on a rug. If rugs get soaked, dry them fast or call a professional. Planning to store your rug? Have it professionally cleaned and wrapped in breathable material like Tyvek® — never plastic. 6. Watch for Moths Small Bugs. Big Damage. The clothes moth is one of the greatest threats to natural fibre rugs. Left unchecked, they’ll eat away at wool and silk with devastating results. We’ve written a full guide on how to spot and prevent moth damage, including safe storage techniques and natural repellents. Read about moth treatment → Still Have Questions? You don’t need to be an expert to care for your rug. But a little knowledge goes a long way. If you’re unsure about anything — from cleaning methods to how to store a rug long-term — get in touch. We’re always happy to offer free, honest advice. Because great rug care starts with trusted information. All Posts Advice News Reviews Can You Wash a Persian Rug at Home? Read More A Tale of Two Rugs in Notting Hill Read More Viscose Rug Cleaning & Maintenance Tips Read More Newsletter Sign up to get the latest news and rug care tips Name Email Δ

Types of Natural Rug Dyes Explore the rich world of natural rug dyes and how they bring handmade rugs to life. From madder roots to insects and indigo leaves, natural dyes tell stories as vivid as the colours they create. A World of Colour, Sourced From Nature For centuries, artisans have dyed hand-knotted rugs using materials found in the natural world. While often referred to as vegetable dyes, the term is a bit misleading — many are made not just from plants but from insects too. Let’s take a closer look at the most commonly used natural dyes in traditional rug making, from vibrant reds to inky blues and earthy golds. Red Dyes Madder Extracted from the roots of the Rubia tinctorum plant, madder produces a spectrum of reds, from rich orange to deep rust. As a mordant dye, it bonds to wool after pre-treatment with solutions like alum or iron salts — affecting the final colour and tone. Madder is highly colourfast and was once so potent it could stain human bones, as discovered by 18th-century British surgeon John Belchier. It remains the most iconic of all natural rug dyes — immortalised in Brian Murphy’s book The Root of Wild Madder. Cochineal This striking crimson dye is made from the cochineal insect, a parasitic scale insect harvested from cactus plants in Mexico and South America. The dried bodies are ground to powder, releasing carminic acid. When dyed with different mordants and pH levels, cochineal can produce a range of purples and bluish-reds distinct from madder. Imported to Persia and Anatolia by the 16th century, cochineal became a prized pigment in rug weaving. Kermes Used since the Neolithic era, kermes dye is made from the Kermes vermilio insect, native to the Mediterranean. It yields a brilliant crimson, but its use declined by the 1600s when cochineal’s higher potency made it more economical. Lac Derived from the lac insect, which secretes resin onto tree bark in Southeast Asia, lac produces a cool red dye. The crude shellac is processed to extract the pigment, which was used for centuries on both wool and silk. Blue Dye Indigo The deep, celestial blues of many rugs come from Indigofera tinctoria, a plant with a dyeing legacy that spans cultures and millennia — from ancient Rome to Japan’s Edo period. Indigo is a vat dye — insoluble in water and requiring a fermentation and oxidation process. No mordant is needed. The yarns are dipped in a yellow-green dye bath, and as they oxidise, they turn deep blue. It’s an extraordinary transformation to witness. Indigo’s visual texture, known as abrash, and its excellent lightfastness make it a collector’s favourite. Yellow Dyes Natural yellow dyes are typically made from plants: Weld (Reseda luteola) produces a bright, intense yellow. Dyer’s mulberry (Maclura tinctoria) creates golds, khakis, and green-yellows. Other sources include wild chamomile, pomegranate rind, sumac leaves, and turmeric. Yellow shades often form the base for greens and salmons, when overdyed or faded in sunlight. Black Dyes Creating a strong, lasting black is difficult with natural dyes. Tribal weavers often used iron salts and oak galls. These create a dark hue but can degrade wool over time — explaining why antique rugs sometimes show visible corrosion in black areas. Alternative methods include overdying dark yarns with indigo to achieve a safer, longer-lasting black. Beyond Primary Colours Greens, purples, salmon pinks — these require true dye mastery. Many are achieved through layering dyes or sun fading. And while some formulas are shared openly, others remain closely guarded secrets, passed down through generations of rug dyers. Natural vs Synthetic Dyes While synthetic dyes dominate the modern rug market for cost and consistency, natural dyes continue to be preferred by collectors and connoisseurs for their depth, nuance, and ageing beauty. The irregularities in natural dyeing — the variations in tone, known as abrash — are part of what makes each hand-knotted rug truly one of a kind. See the Colours of Craftsmanship At The Persian Rug Cleaning Company, we respect the legacy of natural dyeing. We’ve spent decades studying how dyes behave during cleaning — from fugitive reds to bleeding blacks — and we adjust our approach for every rug to preserve its colour, contrast, and history. If you’re unsure about the dyes in your rug, or if you’ve noticed fading or bleeding, we’re here to help. Our experience with hand-knotted Persian, Oriental, and tribal rugs means we can safely test, wash, and protect even the most delicate natural dyes. All Posts Advice News Reviews Can You Wash a Persian Rug at Home? Read More A Tale of Two Rugs in Notting Hill Read More Viscose Rug Cleaning & Maintenance Tips Read More Newsletter Sign up to get the latest news and rug care tips Name Email Δ