Pars Rug Gallery: Romsey’s Rug Specialists

Walk into Pars Rug Gallery on The Hundred and the air carries a faint scent of wool and history. This spot, tucked into Romsey’s main drag, stocks shelves with rugs that span continents and centuries.

Arash Karimzadeh runs the show, drawing on family knowledge passed down four generations to spot a genuine antique from across the room. Since opening in 2005, the gallery has built a name for itself among those who want more than mass-produced floor coverings.

The collection pulls from Persian heartlands, Afghan workshops, and European looms. Expect runners in faded Hamedan patterns, plump Aubusson tapestries with floral bursts, and kilims that double as wall hangings.

Prices hover around sensible marks for the quality: a vintage Lankaran runner might set you back under a grand, while larger pieces climb higher for their stories.

Arash lectures on rug provenance, so chats here often veer into the dyes used in 19th-century Tabriz or why a certain knot count signals durability. It’s not stuffy; the vibe stays approachable, with staff ready to unroll options on the spot.

Beyond sales, the real draw lies in the workshop out back. Cleaning tackles everything from silk threads to chunky wool, pulling out years of grime without stripping the patina. Restoration mends pet-chewed fringes or faded borders, often leaving pieces looking sharper than when new.

One customer raved about a Senneh kelim fixed so seamlessly after a dog’s mischief that it blended right back into the living room. They handle valuations too, useful for insurance on that heirloom from grandma’s attic. Home trials let you test a rug against your sofa before committing, and delivery sorts itself nationwide.

Romsey locals pop in for quick fixes; newcomers might stumble upon it while browsing the town’s antique shops. The gallery ties into the area’s quiet appreciation for craftsmanship, much like the abbey down the road. Arash and his team, including Maryam, field questions with patience, sharing tips on spotting fakes or layering rugs for texture.

Reviews paint a strong picture: 4.7 out of five on Trustpilot from 138 users, with most singing praises for the wizardry in repairs and the genuine care shown. Folks highlight how a worn Kashan carpet emerged vibrant post-clean, or how advice on rug placement transformed a bland hallway.

A handful gripe about slow replies to emails, but the company often steps up with fixes. Overall, it’s the sort of place that earns repeat visits, turning a simple purchase into a lesson in textiles.

If your floors need a lift or you’ve got a rug crying out for TLC, this gallery delivers without the hard sell. It’s Romsey through and through: understated, skilled, and worth the detour.