The Amazing Area Rug
An area rug does amazing things. From simply protecting a floor to changing the look of an entire room, area rugs can stay in the background or take center stage.
The craft of area rug making goes back to ancient times. Animal skins were the first area rugs with woven wool following soon after. Before long, silk was used in conjunction with wool. Originally created for function, rug makers, called carpeteers, quickly turned their craft into an art form. Intricate designs that often included flowers, birds, scenic representations, and geometrical shapes made each rug an artist's showcase. In some instances, rugs were interwoven with gems, silver, and gold. Many of the knotted techniques used in making ancient wool rugs are still in use today.
Modern Area Rugs
Finding the ideal rug for your space means choosing from a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials, colors, crafting techniques, and designs. Handcrafted rugs are still made today, but machine crafted rugs are also available.
Today's choices in area rugs feature age-old materials and weaving techniques as well as modern synthetic materials and manufacturing methods.
Fibers commonly used in area rugs include:
* Natural Fibers: Natural fibers include sea grass, wool, silk, sisal, hemp, and bamboo. Natural fiber rugs are most likely handcrafted and considered eco-friendly because they are made from sustainable sources. Natural fiber rugs are more costly than their synthetic counterparts, but last longer if properly cared for. If members of your family suffer from allergies, natural fiber rugs are the best choice.
* Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers include polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene. Synthetic fiber rugs are generally less expensive and have added stain and weather-resistance built in.
Types of Area Rugs
The type of rug you choose ranges from the ancient traditional type to more contemporary styling. Consider these popular rug types:
* Persian: Hand woven Persian rugs typically have a floral, scenic, or geometric design. Persian rugs have the distinction of looking better as time goes on.
* Oriental: Originally crafted in China, today's Oriental rug may be made in Romania, India, and Iran, as well as China. Typically made of wool or silk, Oriental rugs tend to hold up well in high traffic areas.
* Tibetan: Crafted with the traditional tiger pattern or with more contemporary geometric patterns, Tibetan rugs are beautiful as well as durable.
* Contemporary: Contemporary rugs are made from natural or synthetic fibers and come in a wide range of designs, sizes, and shapes. Holiday or seasonal designs give you the power to change the look of a room quickly and easily.
* Braided: Ideal for a country or arts and craft decor, braided area rugs are made from strips of yarn or fabric sewn together, typically in a round or oval shape. Braided rugs are one of the most popular styles.
Caring for Your Area Rug
Whether you choose synthetic or natural fiber rugs, a little maintenance keeps your investment beautiful for years to come. Consider the following tips:
* Rotate your area rugs, if the design allows. Rotation allows the rug to wear more evenly.
* Vacuum frequently.
* When storing rugs, roll them, don't fold.
* Always follow the rug manufacturer's cleaning guidelines.
Area rugs add warmth and beauty to any room. Rugs are not just for floors. Many people invest in these stunning works of art and hang them on the wall. The choice is yours.
The craft of area rug making goes back to ancient times. Animal skins were the first area rugs with woven wool following soon after. Before long, silk was used in conjunction with wool. Originally created for function, rug makers, called carpeteers, quickly turned their craft into an art form. Intricate designs that often included flowers, birds, scenic representations, and geometrical shapes made each rug an artist's showcase. In some instances, rugs were interwoven with gems, silver, and gold. Many of the knotted techniques used in making ancient wool rugs are still in use today.
Modern Area Rugs
Finding the ideal rug for your space means choosing from a wide variety of shapes, sizes, materials, colors, crafting techniques, and designs. Handcrafted rugs are still made today, but machine crafted rugs are also available.
Today's choices in area rugs feature age-old materials and weaving techniques as well as modern synthetic materials and manufacturing methods.
Fibers commonly used in area rugs include:
* Natural Fibers: Natural fibers include sea grass, wool, silk, sisal, hemp, and bamboo. Natural fiber rugs are most likely handcrafted and considered eco-friendly because they are made from sustainable sources. Natural fiber rugs are more costly than their synthetic counterparts, but last longer if properly cared for. If members of your family suffer from allergies, natural fiber rugs are the best choice.
* Synthetic Fibers: Synthetic fibers include polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene. Synthetic fiber rugs are generally less expensive and have added stain and weather-resistance built in.
Types of Area Rugs
The type of rug you choose ranges from the ancient traditional type to more contemporary styling. Consider these popular rug types:
* Persian: Hand woven Persian rugs typically have a floral, scenic, or geometric design. Persian rugs have the distinction of looking better as time goes on.
* Oriental: Originally crafted in China, today's Oriental rug may be made in Romania, India, and Iran, as well as China. Typically made of wool or silk, Oriental rugs tend to hold up well in high traffic areas.
* Tibetan: Crafted with the traditional tiger pattern or with more contemporary geometric patterns, Tibetan rugs are beautiful as well as durable.
* Contemporary: Contemporary rugs are made from natural or synthetic fibers and come in a wide range of designs, sizes, and shapes. Holiday or seasonal designs give you the power to change the look of a room quickly and easily.
* Braided: Ideal for a country or arts and craft decor, braided area rugs are made from strips of yarn or fabric sewn together, typically in a round or oval shape. Braided rugs are one of the most popular styles.
Caring for Your Area Rug
Whether you choose synthetic or natural fiber rugs, a little maintenance keeps your investment beautiful for years to come. Consider the following tips:
* Rotate your area rugs, if the design allows. Rotation allows the rug to wear more evenly.
* Vacuum frequently.
* When storing rugs, roll them, don't fold.
* Always follow the rug manufacturer's cleaning guidelines.
Area rugs add warmth and beauty to any room. Rugs are not just for floors. Many people invest in these stunning works of art and hang them on the wall. The choice is yours.