The Rug Blog

Large Rugs for a Large Floor Space

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:14:00 +0100

Rather than leave the floors in a large-dimensioned room plain, consider using one of the large rugs available on the market today to add colour and texture to them. Decorating a large room does not have to be an intimidating prospect for homeowners. Having a large space to work with means there are several interesting choices available.

Rugs designed for large rooms are offered in traditional and modern designs. Buyers can find floor coverings with short piles, as well as shaggy rugs. No matter what the decorating scheme of the room happens to be, there is a rug that will fit the concept, as well as the dimensions of the room.

Afghan Traditional

Afghan rugs are made from pure worsted wool and are very durable. They are an excellent choice for consumers who are interested in floor coverings that are easy to keep clean. These rugs are known for their distinctive patterns and are available in beige, red and black colours.

Jewel Chenille

Jewel rugs are known for their sophisticated look and silky feel. These rugs are made from a combination of acrylic chenille and viscose. These rugs have a raised design that draws the eye to that particular area of the floor covering. The look offered by Jewel Chenille rugs is a very traditional one, and these rugs are available in green and beige tones.

Rope

Rope rugs are a new option in textured rugs for your home. Their chunky looped pile is made from pure wool. People who are looking for a floor covering that is thick and heavy will not be disappointed if they choose a Rope rug for their home.

Shaggies Collection

Shaggies Collection rugs are made from 100 per cent New Zealand wool and strands of jute. The latter material adds extra texture to the rug. The wool used in this collection is double dyed and the pile is cut to a height of 70 mm. The rugs in the Shaggies Collection bring a luxurious look into a consumer's home.

Shetland Shaggy

The rugs in the Shetland Shaggy collection are loom knotted and they are made from pure wool. They are an excellent choice for consumers who are looking for warm, comfortable area rugs for their rooms. These rugs are available in natural and caramel shades.

Union Jack

Union Jack rugs allow homeowners to show their national pride in their homes. Made from pure new wool, these rugs make a definite statement in any room in which they are placed. Colour selections incorporating the original blue, red and white are available, as well as rugs in brown, red/pink, and grey/charcoal tones.

York

York rugs are available in a wide variety of plain colours and all of them are fashioned from 100 per cent wool pile. As a result, they are very soft to the touch. Consumers can choose from the following tones to complement their room decor:

• Beige
• Chocolate
• Duck Egg Blue
• Green
• Lavender
• Purple
• Taupe
• Teal
• Terracotta
• Wine

New Calvin Klein Rugs Launched

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:55:00 +0100

The Calvin Klein name is associated with a number of fashion items, and the company has lent its name to a line of high quality floor coverings. All the Calvin Klein rugs feature a fresh, clean appearance that makes them an excellent choice for any room in your home.

The Bowery rug collection features solid colours. All of these floor coverings are hand loomed and made out of pure wool. The surface of the rug has a combination of cut and loop pile, which creates a tone-on-tone geometric pattern.

Consumers who are interested in a rug from this collection can choose from medium brown, light stone beige, paprika, pebble, pepper, shale and whisper shades. Area rugs are available in sizes ranging from 107cm x 168cm (3 feet 6 inches x 5 feet 6 inches) to 236cm x 330cm (7 feet 9 inches x 10 feet 10 inches). This collection also includes hall runners on a special order basis.

The Lunar rugs offered by Calvin Klein are made from solid colours in a slightly ribbed design. Made from 100 per cent rayon silk, these area rugs have a sheen that creates an elegant and luxurious finish. With its thick pile, Lunar rugs are highly durable with a definite velvety feel.

The colours available in the Lunar collection include blue, charcoal, light brown, soft purple and pewter. Customers can choose from sizes ranging from 107cm x 168cm (3 feet 6 inches x 5 feet 6 inches) to 236cm x 330cm (7 feet 9 inches x 10 feet 10 inches). Hall runners are also available.

The rugs in the Naturals collection by Calvin Klein are handmade with 100 per cent wool with a cut and loop pile. The pile is sculpted by hand to create a three-dimensional pattern in the rug's surface.

Consumers who are interested in this type of rug can choose from grey/light beige and sand beige options. Available sizes range from 107cm x 168cm (3 feet six inches x five feet six inches). The extra large size, 244cm x 335cm, and the hall runner are available by special order.

Sahara rugs feature a linear design that is accented with faux silk. Homeowners who are looking for an area rug that has a subtle texture will be interested in this collection. These rugs are made from New Zealand wool and are offered in a number of neutral shades, as well as grey and blue tones.

Urban rugs are highly patterned and available in a variety of colours. Some versions mix shades with complementary tones to create attractive designs. These rugs have a thick pile made of 100 per cent New Zealand wool.

Consumers who choose any of the Calvin Klein rugs listed here will no doubt be happy with their choice. All of them are well made with a clean, classic look that will complement any space.

Arte Espina Rugs for Spring

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:20:00 +0100

Arte Espina are known for their contemporary designs. This company, which is based in the Netherlands, uses different techniques to manufacture high-quality floor coverings. Many of this company's designs feature bright colours, which would look striking in a room with a contemporary decor.

Consumers who are interested in owning a floor fashion that is out of the ordinary will want to consider the offerings from this innovative company. Its products are always interesting and immediately draw the eye to the area where they are placed.

Shaggy rugs

Putting a shaggy rug into a room is a great way to add texture and create a cosy atmosphere in a space. Consumers who are looking for a designer shaggy rug may want to consider the Arte Espina Beat option. Available in a variety of colours, including ivory to beige, silver, orange, purple, and black, these rugs offer exceptional quality and very heavy weight of 4500 g/m².

Swing shaggy rugs are made with a 4cm pile and they provide a luxurious feel beneath the feet. These rugs are also very heavy, with a weight of 4200 g/m². The roads in this part of the collection are also available in several colours including lilac, pink, aqua, and lime green.

Dance shaggy rugs have a 3cm pile and a weight of 3700 g/m². This collection features multicoloured patterns in a shaky road. Choose from large floral prints featuring earth tone or bright colour combinations as well as a floor covering featuring a number of large dots that completely cover its surface for an interesting and very stylish look for your room.

Candy Store round rug

A Candy Store round rug includes colourful pastels around the outside of the rug with the cream base. The effect is a bright and whimsical romp that is also very durable. This option from the Arte Espina Company is made with Espirelle Acrylic, and has a weight of 2900 g/m².

Designs for the young and youthful

All the Young designs offered by Arte Espina Rugs are fashioned from Espirelle Acrylic. Buyers can choose from designs and abstract patterns featuring coordinating red/orange, lilac/purple or various shades of green. Other options include bright floral patterns, floor coverings that look like a stylized mix-and-match patchwork quilts, And rugs featuring striking stripes squares or triangles of bright colours. In each case, the finished product is absolutely striking to be all right and it would be an excellent choice for any well designed and decorated indoor space.

Playful rugs

The Playful Rugs offers by Arte Espina are meant to be placed in children's rooms. Youngsters will delight in the bright colours and variety of patterns available including floor coverings shaped like cars, butterflies, pirates and princesses.

No matter which type of rug a buyer chooses from the selection offered by Arte Espina, he or she will be well pleased with the designs and quality offered by this company. The rugs are well made as well as striking in their colour combinations.

Flokati Rugs for Your Home

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:09:00 +0100

Flotaki rugs were originally made in Greece, and this type of floor covering dates back to the fifth century. They were used in winter months to protect people from the effects of the cold. The rugs were worn by warriors and travellers for warmth. Over time, they became popular with the general population, who started wearing these pure wool rugs as well.

The rugs eventually evolved into a popular decorating element that was commonly found in Greek homes. A Flotaki rug was traditionally part of a bride’s dowry, and they are popular with modern consumers as well. This type of long-pile rug brings warmth into a casually decorated room and provides some texture to the space as well.

Hand-knotted Flotaki's

Most of the modern Flotaki rugs are still made in Greece. They are hand-knotted to create their unique look. To create one, the weaver works with wool and a woven backing material. In most cases, the backing is also fashioned out of wool. The wool is hand-knotted through the backing material and lifted to make a thick, soft, cloud-like rug.

The wool used to make the rugs usually comes from either Greece or New Zealand. Consumers can choose from several thickness styles when considering Flotaki rugs. Buyers can choose from a short-pile rug that has a fluffy appearance or a longer-pile one that has a more free-form look.

An advantage to choosing a rug made from natural wool for the home is that this material is naturally static-resistant. Consumers can place it near computers and other electronic equipment without having to be concerned about interference. Flotaki rugs are a perfect choice to keep a homeowner’s feet warm in the winter. During the summer, the rug’s soft finish has a light appearance that creates an inviting atmosphere in any room.

Some people who make Flotaki rugs use the traditional technique of “ripening” the rug with water. This method involves taking the rug to a mountainous area where they are washed in the rough water near the base of a waterfall. As the wool is soaked in the water, the natural current pulls and lifts it, which results in increased strength and durability.

Flotaki Colours

The traditional colours for Flotaki rugs are white, tan and earth tones. Modern buyers can find them in the classic tones, as well as bright colours like lime green and fuchsia. Consumers who like the look of this type of traditional Greek rug can find one in just about any colour they like. All they need to do is decide which one will complement the room and its decor most effectively.

Flotaki rugs are available in short and long pile styles, and are a great choice for casual, funky decorating styles. It is an unconventional choice that immediately draws the eye to the floor where they are placed. These rugs are easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a great choice for homeowners who are looking for a product that will last in their home.

A Guide to Sheepskin Rugs

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:05:00 +0100

Sheepskin rugs may seem like an unconventional choice when it comes to decorating a home, but they create a cosy atmosphere anywhere they are placed. Along with being a natural product, they can be used in multiple ways to create a warm and inviting space. Homeowners who are looking for a rug that is easy to clean and maintain would do well to consider sheepskin rugs as part of their decorating scheme.

Area rugs may be the first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks about using sheepskin as a floor covering. Many of them measure six feet in length by three feet in width, which can fill in the space on the floor in a room quite nicely.

Other options for using an area rug made from sheepskin in a room include hanging it on a wall or draping it over a sofa. In the latter instance, the rug can be used as a cosy blanket when someone wants to curl up for a nap.

A designer sheepskin rug has a different look than an area rug. It may be dyed any colour to suit the decor of a room. Some of them incorporate long and short sheepskin to create an interesting pattern in the pile of the piece. A creative designer may decide to combine sheepskin from different species to create a multi-colour rug. Buyers can find a single rug that includes white, ivory, grey, brown and black colours in it. This combination of tones would make an attractive addition to any indoor space.

Not all sheepskin rugs are placed on the floor. They can also be used as a warm and attractive bedspread. The most popular choice is a white sheepskin rug, but other colours can also be used for this purpose.

Small size made specifically as childrens rugs are popular choice among new parents. Measuring approximately eight square feet, the pile can be trimmed so that it measures no more than 3/4", which makes it safe for a young child to be in contact with. Not only can these rugs be placed in a child's crib, but they can also be placed on the floor for the child to sit and play on. Parents who are dealing with a fussy baby may want to try putting the child down on top of a sheepskin rug; the warmth and texture of the rug may help the youngster to settle down.

Caring for Sheepskin Rugs

One of the advantages of choosing a sheepskin rug for the home is that it is easy to care for. The pile of a new rug may appear flat at first, but it will bounce back relatively quickly if it is shaken and spread out. A sheepskin rug can be machine-washed or cleaned by hand using warm or cold water. Special products are available for machine washing. The rug should be spread out flat for drying and kept out of direct sun.

A Guide to Hand-knotted wool rugs

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:04:00 +0100

Consumers who are looking for a finely crafted floor covering may want to consider buying a handknotted wool rug for their home. They are a superior product that will add warmth and texture to any room where they are placed. Buyers who choose them are getting a rug that will look good for several years and will improve in appearance over time.

Characteristics of hand-knotted wool rugs

Hand-knotted rugs were the norm until the introduction of machinery that could take over this function. The advantage to using machines to make wool rugs is that the process can be completed more quickly and at less cost than if each weave has to be knotted and tied by someone.

In a factory, looms are used to make rugs and the threads can be held together by glue or an acrylic. The consumer who is interested in buying a hand-knotted wool rug is getting a product that will be more durable than its machine made counterpart. The trade-off is that making a hand-knotted rug is very labour-intensive, and may cost more than a similar-sized, factory-made floor covering.

Buyers who are interested in owning a unique piece of art that they can place on their floor may want to consider hand-knotted rugs. Each one reflects the skill of the person who made it, and each individual rug will be unique as well. The rug may well include mistakes, which only add to its charm. A machine made rug will have a standard appearance and factories can produce multiple versions of the same pattern, whereas a hand-knotted rug is a one-of-a-kind item.

Durability of hand-knotted wool rugs

Hand-knotted wool rugs are made from highly durable, natural fibre. As the rug ages, its surface will take on a shiny appearance, which is considered very attractive. This characteristic is one that will actually increase the value of a hand-knotted rug. In contrast, the factory-made rug will deteriorate over time.

Deciding to buy a hand-knotted wool rug

A consumer who is interested in buying a hand-knotted wool rug will want to consider the decision very carefully. Even in a case where the initial cost is higher than buying a factory-made floor covering, the hand-knotted rugs may actually be a better long-term investment. The factory-made rug will need to be replaced much sooner than a hand-knotted one, which means that it may be the more expensive choice.

A hand-knotted wool rug also has the advantage of being easier to care for and repair than a machine-made one. Hand-knotted rugs can be cleaned from back to front and then put out to dry. Machine-made rugs also collect dirt on the bottom, and they can be very difficult to clean because of waterproof chemicals used on them.

Hand-knotted wool rugs offer a number of advantages to consumers. Buyers who are looking for natural fibres for their home that are easy to clean and maintain would do well to consider this option.

Nomadic, Villiage and Workshop Rugs

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0100

There are three general categories of Oriental rugs that consumers would be interested in buying. Each category has its own distinctive style, and reflects the purpose for which the rug was made. Whether you choose a nomadic, village or workshop rug, you will own a thing of beauty and superb artisanship.

Nomadic rugs

As their name implies, nomadic rugs were made by wandering tribes. They were made for personal use, as opposed to being an item that the maker was planning to sell for profit. These types of rugs were used for practical purposes as well as ceremonial ones.

Rug makers would work from memory to create attractive designs and these patterns were handed down from generation to generation. As a result, they reflected the culture of the tribes that made them through their patterns and the techniques used to fashion them.

Nomadic rugs are known for their simple designs and primary colours. The overall design tends to be asymmetrical, which results in a unique floor covering. These types of rugs were made using thick wool and as a result, the weave is coarser than with other, later Oriental rugs. These types of rugs often have inaccuracies or mistakes in them but these are considered signs of character and distinguishing marks of the original weaver.

Village rugs

In contrast to nomadic grey rugs, village rugs were made by women working at home with the intention of selling them. These rugs, fashioned using bright colours and designs, reflected the creativity of the weaver. Tribal patterns influenced their designs, and the overall effect was a more sophisticated product than the one found in nomadic rugs.

Village rug makers would take a traditional design and put their own interpretation on it to give it an updated appearance. Some of these rugs were woven from memory, while others were prepared from a design drawing. Because of this, the finished product would have a series of repeating patterns and more of the freeform appearance than workshop rugs.

Workshop rugs

Workshop rugs were woven in a specific location, and the weavers were paid a wage to produce particular designs. The weavers working on this style of rug would have a visual pattern to refer to and they would follow it knot by knot.

Looms in these types of commercial operations were larger and more sophisticated. As a result, weavers could produce hallway rugs with more complex designs by using finer yarn. Workshop rugs often featured tiny yet very detailed patterning that would cover the entire field of the rug. Along with these intricate patterns, workshop drugs were known for their classic themes and intricate patterning.

All of these types of Oriental rugs have their own characteristics, and unique features. Each one can be described as a true work of art that would be a welcome addition to your home. Whether you are interested in a nomadic, village or workshop rug, you can be assured that the person who fashioned it was focused on making something that would be beautiful and functional at the same time.

Indian Rugs - A Beautiful Choice

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:25:00 +0100

Indian rugs are known for their intense colours. Weavers traditionally use green, light blue, pink and off-white rug tones in their work. The highly detailed designs used in the rug are generally asymmetrical in nature and are rooted in realistic themes.

A number of rugs made in this part of the world include floral designs and figures laid out in a directional manner. Most layouts used are made with rows or grids. The overall theme of these designs is one that is very refined and aristocratic in nature. Indian rugs have become synonamous as quality cheap rugs.

Indian Oriental rugs are made using asymmetrical knots and are prized. The foundation used for the rug is usually made of cotton. The type of tool used depends on the region where the rug was made. If the rug was made in the northern part of the country, soft and shiny Kashmir wool is often used. Silk may be used in the foundation and for the pile of an Indian rug. Indian rugs are usually made in a medium-to-large size.

Antique Indian rugs are found in museums or form part of major collections. These would be datable to the 16th and 17th centuries, and are further grouped into distinct decorative types. Unfortunately, the region where the rugs were made cannot be established with any certainty by examining the design.

Floral Indian rugs

The most common pattern used in Indian roads is a floral motif. Flowering plants are featured in the robust design, and are usually arranged in a series of horizontal rows. In some antique Indian rugs, small flowers are arranged on the rug in clumps and each one is joined to the other by extinction of the stem. Similar designs are used in Persian rugs.

Figures in Indian rugs

Some Indian rugs feature hunting scenes in their design. These types of rugs would be larger to accommodate their detailed designs, and the figures they depict are usually in motion. Indian elephants are typically depicted in these carpets, which often feature a border made up of masks. The waqwaq tree is another common element found in these types of Indian rugs.

Indian rugs in the 19th century

In the 19th century, Indian rug designs changed to meet market demands. Instead of traditional Indian designs, European themes or designs that mimicked classic Persian patterns were made. Local carpet making facilities were often taken over by European or British companies, and this had a definite effect on this style of product being produced.

In the 1860s and 70s, Indian rug manufacturers started using chemical dyes on their products. As a result, newer rugs had a more muted appearance than the traditional ones, which were known for their bold colouring. All Indian carpets are made in facilities in cities, since this country does not have a nomadic population that would have its own tribal designs. Instead, my idea of rendering is made by examining the quality of its wool. Soft, shiny wool generally means the rug was made in the northern region. Rough, opaque wool is generally used in southern regions of India.

A Guide to Caucasian Rugs

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:29:00 +0100

Caucasian rugs have a distinctive style and are available in antique and modern versions. These rugs are made with either Giordes or Turkish knots. They are traditionally made of wool, and the colours used reflect the natural materials found in the area where the rug was made.

The warp threads used to make Caucasian rugs may be made from goat hair. In some cases, they are made of undyed yarn in one area and a different, dyed colour in another. The weft threads may be made of different colours, including white, a rusty red/brown or blue.

These types of rugs are available in a number of distinct styles. Each region has its own distinct colours and patterns. The following are some examples of Caucasian rugs:

Akstafa rugs

These rugs are made in the north-western part of Azerbaijan. A common pattern used in Akstafa rugs is a type of bird that has a peacock’s tail and a long neck. The bird’s bottom has a jagged appearance, very similar to the teeth on a handsaw. Natural tones of the peacocks tail are also used in these duck egg blue rugs.

Avar rugs

The Avar rug is named after the tribe of people who make them. This type of rug is characterized by a number of rows of stepped polygons and a border featuring diagonal stripes. The warp and weft threads are either light or mingled with light brown yarn.

Bordjalou rugs

Bordjalou is a town where Kazak rugs are produced. Rugs produced in this region feature octagon designs with latch hook edges. Borders are used to finish off the rugs’ design and can include an arrow or running dog motif. The warp is a light colour, while the weft threads are made from a rusty red colour.

Cheleberd rugs

The distinguishing design used to make Cheleberd rugs is a flaming cross that is sometimes identified as the “Eagle Claw Kazak” or the “Sunburst Kazak.” Other common designs used to make these rugs include crab garlands and a fishbone motif. Small animal and human figures may be woven into the rug, and these are indications that the piece was made as a wedding gift. The red dye used to make the rug is derived from the madder root, and this shade is only used by weavers in the Karabagh district to make rugs.

Karagashli rugs

Karagashli rugs are usually made of bright colours on dark fields. The design may feature crosses, but figures of mystical animals are used more often. These densely knotted rugs are highly prized by collectors. They can come as patterned or unpatterned rugs.

Marasali rugs

Marasali are high-quality prayer rugs featuring one of several border designs. The warps can be made of light yarn, and the wefts are fashioned of various colours.

The styles of Caucasian rugs listed here are a few examples of the styles of floor coverings available from this region of the world. The patterns produced by weavers feature highly detailed designs and bright colours. Due to the richness of the Caucasian rugs’ designs, they should be considered for rooms where they can be the focal point to show off their beauty.

Rug Weaving Techniques

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:59:00 +0100

A number of rug weaving techniques are used to make floor coverings. They can be hand-knotted, hand-tufted or hand-woven. Braided rugs are also available, and a felted wool rug known as namdah has an intricate design that is popular with homeowners.

Hand-knotted rugs

Hand-knotted rugs are made by people all over the world. This type of rug is made by taking pieces of yarn and tying them crossways onto warps. The rows of knots are separated by several picks of wefts. These types of rugs include Turkish and Persian types. Along with wool, other materials such as silk, jute and cotton can be used to make hand-knotted rugs.

Hand-tufted rugs

Hand-tufted wool rugs are made with a tufting gun outfitted with needles placed at the front. The rug is made on a frame that has a cotton backing in place. The cotton foundation has an imprint of the rug’s design placed on it, and the maker uses this as a pattern to follow. The yarn is shot out of the tufting gun, makes a loop, and cuts the yarn to the length specified in the pattern. The advantage of using the hand-tufting method to make rugs is that they can be made much quicker than their hand-knotted counterparts can.

Hand-woven rugs

Hand-woven rugs with a flat weave do not have a pile and lack knot rows. Tapestries are woven using this method, which can incorporate any number of colours of yarn. They are often made with bright colours and in traditional designs.

Flat-woven plain coloured rugs are a popular choice for homeowners, not only for their lovely appearance. To keep them looking their best, they need to be vacuumed regularly and cleaned every so often.

Braided rugs

Braided rugs have been made for centuries and they may have originated with Native North Americans. The style was adopted by cultures all over the world. Women were responsible for rug making and taught this skill to their daughters, who would pass on their knowledge to their own children in time.

This style of rug is still popular to this day, and modern consumers can choose from a variety of materials, including wool, silk and hemp and a variety of colours such as burgundy rugs.

Namdah rugs

Namdah rugs are made of natural fibres, such as animal hair, fur and wool. This type of rug was first made in India during the Mughal period. After the rug has been woven, its appearance may be enhanced with embroidery or other embellishments.

Popular motifs for this type of rug are florals, birds and animals. Images of humans and hunting scenes may also be used on these rugs. Colours used for namdah rugs include beige, brown, black and gray.

Each one of these rug-weaving techniques is used to make floor coverings with different physical appearances. The one that a consumer would choose depends on the type of decorating theme he or she has chosen. There is a variety of colours and styles that can be made within these weaving techniques, which means that consumers may find it challenging to narrow down their decision to just one.

The Afghan Rug

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:34:00 +0100

As their name implies, Afghan rugs are made in Afghanistan. Woven by hand, they are surprisingly inexpensive. Consumers who are looking for a unique look for an indoor space may want to consider this type of floor covering.

One of the unique features of Afghan rugs is that they are collared using natural products. Vegetable and other types of dyes were traditionally used to create the rich colours that characterize these rugs. Most Afghans are medium-sized or circular rugs and feature a red background.

Afghan tribal rugs

When nomads were looking for materials to make their rugs, they would use what was readily available. Sheep wool was the main material and was used warp and weft, as well as the rug's pile. The nomads would thrive vitiate into a stream to clean the wool before shearing whenever possible. After the sheep were sheared, the rule would need to be sorted according to its colour and quality.

The next step in the process would be to comb, and spin the yarn. After this has been completed, the wool is dyed. One person can dye up to one kilogram of yarn each day.

Natural dyes may still be used at times but synthetic ones have become increasingly popular since the 1950s. The synthetic variety may be used on its own or in conjunction with natural dyes to create specific colours in Afghan designs from red to fuchsia pink rugs.

If natural dyes are being used to make the rugs, the yarn is soaked in a fixing bath made up of alum, urine, tin, ferrous sulphate or copper sulphate. The yarn is removed from the fixing bath and placed into a dye bath. The longer the yarn stays in the dye, the darker the colour will be.

The yarn is removed from the dye bath, washed and hung up to dry. Traditionally, men looked after drying the yarn for Afghan rugs.

One of the problems of using natural dyes used to make Afghan rugs is that they fade out over time. This uneven colouring, which can appear as marbling or speckling on the rug, is known as abrash. It commonly occurs in spots on rugs where the weaver ran out of a bolt of yarn and had to either dye another lot or buy some yarn in a similar tone to complete the rug.

Abrash is a desirable trait among rug buyers. It is a sign that natural dyes were used for weaving. In synthetic rugs, the fibres will fade out only in places where the rug is exposed to the sun. If a buyer wants to give a newer Afghan rug the look of one made with natural dyes, he or she can simply place it out in the sun.

An Afghan rug's rich colours and detailed patterns bring an exotic feel to any home. With their deep red, blue, green, yellow, purple and brown tones, these floor coverings can coordinate with a number of colour schemes. They look best in rooms where they can be a focal point, and the furniture and other items should be relatively plain.

Oriental Rug Types

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:59:00 +0100

Oriental rugs add colour and an element of elegance to a room. They are available in both antique and modern styles, to suit the decorating style you have chosen for your home. Before you decide on this type of rug for your indoor space, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different options that are available.

Not all Oriental rugs look the same. Each country producing this type of floor covering uses specific patterns in the design, as well as materials that are readily available to local weavers. The term, ‘Oriental rugs’ encompasses many variations, and experts may study them for years to learn about each region's defining characteristics.

Persian rugs

When many people think of Oriental rugs, what they are referring to is a Persian rug. This type of floor covering is easy to identify and is familiar to most people. Persia, which is now known as Iran, has a well-earned reputation for producing some of the most exquisite and well-crafted rugs in the world.

Persian rugs have been produced for centuries. Designs used by traditional weavers are named after the tribal region where they originated. Examples of common rug making areas include Tabriz, Kerman and Sarouk. Now you can buy Persian wool rugs online.

This type of rug has intricate floral designs as well as geometric patterns. Antique rugs that are in good condition are in great demand, and their price reflects the demand for these beautiful floor coverings.

Turkish rugs

Genuine Turkish rugs are rare and highly prized because they are at least 50 years old. These rugs are distinguished by their rich hues and traditional designs. Turkish Oriental rugs stopped being produced around the time of the First World War. Recently, Turkey started producing Oriental rugs again, which means that modern versions are now becoming more readily available to consumers.

Indian rugs

The majority of Oriental rugs purchased by Western consumers are made in India. Rugs made in this part of the world feature traditional patterns and designs, and they can be made quite economically. Indian rugs are handmade by rural workers, and the finished product is known for its high quality.

Dhurrie rugs are the traditional Indian floor covering. These rugs are made of wool and cotton, although they occasionally contain other natural fibres. Consumers can choose from a number of traditional and modern designs when making their selection from a designer rug shop.

Tibetan rugs

Rugs made in Tibet are highly prized. Each one is unique and can take up to 3500 hours to make. Entire families may work on the project, and the wool used to make Tibetan Oriental rugs is taken from the Himalayan sheep. This material contains a high level of lanolin that makes it ideal for making rugs. Tibetan dyes feature very rich colours such as plum rugs, as well as rustic patterns in their design.

If you are interested in an Oriental rug for your home, there are a number of choices available. Before making up your mind, you will want to look at several examples so that you can choose which is the best fit for your decor and budget.

Rug Making Techniques Explained

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:09:00 +0100

When you are looking for rugs for your home, consider a number of styles before you make your final decision. Manufacturers offer hand-knotted, handmade and machine-made rugs for your consideration. Before you make a choice about a specific style for your indoor space, make sure you consider these types so that you can find the one that suits your decorating style and budget.

Hand-knotted rugs

The hand-knotted style of rug making originated in the Middle East and Persia. This is where buyers could find the best rugs. Modern consumers can find this style in rugs being manufactured in a number of countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Morocco. Rug makers in Nepal, Pakistan, India and China may also use this method of making floor coverings.

Most hand-knotted rugs are made of wool, as well as silk or a wool/silk blend. As their name implies, the pile of the floor covering is attached to the backing in a knot that is fashioned by the weaver by hand.

Handmade Rugs

You will find that handmade rugs are different from the hand-knotted variety, in that they are not made by tying the rug fibres into a knot. Instead, this type of floor covering is made with a tufting gun, a hand-held object that resembles a sewing machine.

These types of rugs can be made from wool, as well as a number of other types of materials. Rug-makers can also work with acrylic, cotton, jute and polyester to fashion them. Some handmade rugs are made with a blend of two or more materials.

Hand-tufted rugs are made by artisans in a number of countries around the world, including Germany, Turkey, China, Iran, Indonesia and Vietnam. Each rug is unique, and there is real beauty in this type of rug’s imperfections.

Machine-made rugs

Machine-made rugs have the advantage of having a uniform appearance. They also stand up quite well to everyday wear because of the short pile. Most machine-made rugs are easy to keep clean, which is an attractive feature for modern consumers who are looking for a cheap rug that will look good for several years under normal use.

Choose the right rug for your home

Each of the rug styles listed here are available in various patterns and colours. The choice of which one is right for you will depend on the look you want to achieve. If you want to have a floor covering which features a delicate pattern with several colours, you will probably want to consider a hand-knotted rug. In a situation where you would be proud to own a rug that has a one-of-a-kind pattern, consider a handmade rug.

Homeowners who are interested in buying a rug with a long pile would be looking for a machine-made shag style. Machine-made rugs have the advantage of being available in a virtual rainbow of colours and various pile lengths. Machine made synthetic fibres tend to be more stain resistant and easier to clean so you are able to go for white or off-white rugs without worrying to much about maintaining them.

Depending on the materials used, this style of rug is available at a number of price points.

Egyptian Rug Designs

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:12:00 +0100

Egyptian rugs have been woven for centuries and they are renowned for their high quality. It is rare for an authentic Egyptian rug to be available to buyers outside of the country, but the ones that are have a luxurious style and rich patterning.

Traditionally, hand knotted carpets made in Egypt were woven by hand and they represented the work of a skilled artisan. Most of them were woven by hand and they featured a lot of detail and rich textures. The price of these frantic floor coverings reflected the skill of their maker, due to the time required to produce one of these works of art.

Early Egyptian Rug Designs

Early Egyptian rugs were transported to other countries in the East by traders. The earliest styles used geometric designs. Early weavers took inspiration for their designs from other countries, which meant that Anatolian and Persian designs influenced web makers in Egypt. Egyptian rugs are usually manufactured from wool and tied in an asymmetrical fashion, known as Ghiordes knots.

Mamluk Period of Egyptian Rugs

The Mamluk period started in the 15th century and lasted until the early part of the 16th century. The rugs produced during this time were known as Mamluks. These rugs are extremely rare and are considered by experts to be some the finest examples of weaving ever produced.

This rug style features three colours: red, green and blue. Repeating geometric patterns inside squares or circles were used, and stylized leaf patterns were very popular. Mamluk rugs were often made with a centre rectangle accented by a border. The centre design would be geometric in appearance, while the border design would be made up of vines and clusters of leaves. These patterns would also be repeated in the background of the rug and are a form of Arabic calligraphy.

Mamluk rug makers would use the same number of knots horizontally and vertically when forming the rug. As a result, a weaver could create a design featuring perfectly shaped squares and circles. The fact that they were made with high-quality wools and dyes meant that Mamluks were striking in colour and had an attractive sheen.

Ottoman Period of Egyptian Rugs

The Ottoman style of Egyptian rugs came into fashion in the years 1540 through 1550. The colour palette and design were similar to the ones used for Mamluk rugs. Red tones such as burgundy and wine red rugs were common. This style gained popularity, more and more rugs began incorporating medallions, palmettes, and lancet leaves were made. Other design elements commonly used when weaving Ottoman rugs were carnations, pomegranates, hyacinths and tulips. Sine knots were used instead of Turkish ones, and this gave the rugs a very elegant appearance.

Both of these Egyptian rug styles produced finished products that were highly prized for their exquisite detail and rich jewel tones. The Ottoman rug design reflected the influence of the Turkish designs that were popular at the time. While few specimens of these Egyptian rugs remain, the ones that still exist are rightfully considered works of art.

Types of Rug Fibres

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:46:00 +0100

When you are considering floor coverings, one factor you will be considering is the type of rug fibres used in the manufacturing process. Synthetic fibres, such as nylon, are very popular with modern rug manufacturers, but other materials used for this purpose include jute, silk, and wool.

Synthetic rugs

Nylon is the synthetic material most often used to make rugs. Other choices for synthetic rug materials include acrylic, polyester, and olefin. Nylon is used most often because it is a highly durable synthetic polymer. Nylon rugs are very consumer friendly, in that they are easy to clean and are available in a wide variety of colours.

Olefin is a synthetic fibre that is used to make most Berber rugs. When an anti-stain treatment is applied, this type of rug will hold up well to everyday wear. It is, however, difficult to clean and looks dingy when it is soiled.

Polyester rugs have the advantage of being less expensive than wool carpets. This type of floor covering is soft to the touch, resists stains and moisture well, and is a good choice for non-high traffic areas of your home.

Jute rugs

Jute rugs are an economical choice for your home. These types of rugs are available in a number of patterns and can be used as accent rugs. A disadvantage of choosing a jute rug is that it does not resist moisture very well, so you will want to avoid using it in rooms where it might be subjected to high levels of humidity. Because of its durability you will find a lot of hallway rugs are made from Jute fibres. Consumers who are interested in this type of floor covering should make sure that it has a non-slip underlay to reduce the risk of injuries.

Silk rugs

Silk is an example of a natural fibre used to make exquisite Oriental rugs. It is highly prized for its high tensile strength and lustrous appearance. Highly skilled weavers are able to take advantage of the latter trait to include highlights in their rug patterns. Silk fibres can be combined with wool to create colourful and detailed designs.

A silk rug is rich in colour and texture, and is an expensive choice in floor coverings. In many cases, a silk rug is made on a cotton backing, but some of them are fashioned out of pure silk fibres. Silk carpets are traditionally patterned rather than unpatterned rugs.

This type of rug would not wear well in high-traffic areas, but can be a good choice for formal living or dining rooms. Compared to wool rugs, silk is a higher-maintenance choice for a floor covering.

Wool rugs

Wool is the crème de la crème of types of rug fibres. It is highly durable, and it will not crush over time and repeated wear. This type of rug also pushes dirt to the surface, which makes it much easier to keep clean than other options. Wool rugs are also flame and water resistant, and do not conduct static electricity. It is the most expensive material used for making rugs and even though wool does resist stains, it requires special care for cleaning. Buying a wool rug online can be a great way of comparing prices and getting the best deal.