Area Rugs Guide

Area rugs are a wonderful way to add color, sophistication, comfort and beauty to any room. They come in numerous styles, patterns, weaves, colors, textures, shapes, sizes and prices. But, the first step to choosing the perfect compliment to your home or office is being a knowledgeable buyer. Please see below for all the information you will need to take the first step and more.

TYPES

There are two types of materials used to make area rugs:

Natural – animal, such as cotton and wool and plant, such as sisal, jute, seagrass and bamboo
Synthetic – rayon, nylon, acrylic, and polypropylene/olefin, which are man-made materials.

Natural Materials:

• Cotton – cotton is a strong, durable fiber which can easily absorb dyes to retain long lasting, beautiful colors. Frequently, cotton is used with will in making area rugs. Cotton/wool blends are typically less expensive then 100% wool rugs, but may wear out faster.
• Wool – most wool comes from sheep, but may also come from goats, llamas or alpaca. Like cotton, wool can easily absorb dyes and retains color beautifully. Wool is naturally resistant to fire, water and stains. Also, an added benefit is that wool is also naturally resistant to dust mites, which is beneficial to those with allergies.
• Sisal – this plant fiber comes from the Agave Sisalana plant, which is native to Central America and Mexico. Sisal has long, fine fibers, which have a smooth texture. The benefits to sisal rugs is that they are anti-static, flame retardant, and not to mention long lasting.
• Jute - a strong, coarse fiber used for making burlap, gunny, cordage, etc., obtained from two East Indian plants, Corchorus capsularis and C. olitorius. Jute is very nice when made into a rug, but is coarse and easily stained.
• Seagrass – is environmental y friendly and great for those looking for an eco-friendly finish. Seagrass grows in wetland areas and has grass-like stems and is a very durable material for rugs. It has a non-porous, smooth texture and can be slick so use on stairs is not recommended.
• Bamboo –Bamboo is a woody type of grass found primarily in China and Japan. It is great for high traffic areas due to its durability. Bamboo also boasts great quality at a lower price and comes in many shapes and styles.

Synthetic Materials:

• Rayon - a regenerated, synthetic material made from cellulose, cotton linters, or wood chips. Rayon is similar to silk, but caution, as it will melt if exposed to heat.
• Nylon – is widely used in rug making and is known for its extreme toughness, strength, elasticity, as well as being soil and stain resistant. Because of their durability, nylon rugs are a great choice for placing under furniture and high traffic areas. They also tend to be less expensive that those made of natural fibers, but do not hold their value as well as others.
• Acrylic – normally blended with other fibers and has a look of wool, but at a much lower price.
• Polypropylene/Olefin – Olefin fibers (polypropylene and polyethylene) are products of the polymerization of propylene and ethylene gases. Olefin fibers are characterized by their resistance to moisture and chemicals. Of the two, polypropylene is the more favored for general textile applications because of its higher melting point; and the use of polypropylene has progressed rapidly since its introduction. The fibers resist dyeing, so colored olefin fibers are produced by adding dye directly to the polymer prior to or during processing. Olefin fibers are strong, atain and soil resistant, and sunlight resistant. They feel like soft wool, but are lightweight and may not be good for high traffic areas.

STYLES

If there’s one area in which area rugs rule, its styles. Please see below to find a style that just right for you.

Persian Rugs

Persian rugs are from Iran and their designs date back several thousand years. They are known for their bright colors and elaborate design. Persian rugs will vary depending on the region they come from as the various areas have their own style, including knotting, color and designs. They are sometimes confused with Oriental Rugs, but they have their own distinct design. Most Persian rugs are made of wool or silk and will last for generations, if well cared for.

Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs are made primarily in China, India and Iran. For centuries, Oriental Rugs have been known for their warmth and intricate designs. The beautiful designs fit into any surrounding. They are often made from natural fibers such as wool or silk and can withstand years of wear and tear. Oriental rugs made from silk can be quite expensive, but the wool variety offers much more affordability. Regardless your choice, it is an investment you will enjoy for years to come.

Tibetan Rugs

burnt orange, yellow ochre, pale green and raw umber.

Contemporary Rugs

Contemporary rugs range from simple to elegant. They can also be more “artsy” in design. The colors and patterns are at the whim of the rug maker or can be specific to upholstery, drapes or wallpaper. Let your imagination run wild with our selection of contemporary styles.

Transitional

Traditional rugs cover a broad range of designs, such as country French, floral, Aubusson and others. These rugs add a more classical look to any traditional decor. The fit right in with almost any type of decorating plan and can add a sense of class to any formal setting. Rugs with floral patterns are good examples of Transitional rugs.

Flotaki

Flotaki rugs have been hand made in Greece for centuries. These are soft and durable and have a great texture with a pile that is 3 or 4 inches long. They are very flexible and can be used in casual or formal settings. Unlike most of the area rugs, Flotaki rugs can be washed in a commercial sized washing machine, which provides an easy cleaning option.

Shag

Flashback to the 70’s, shag is making a comeback. The new “shag” is made from better, long lasting materials. They come in many different colors and are available in both wool and synthetics. These soft, thick rugs also help absorb noise, in an otherwise carpet-less environment.

Braided

With Braided rugs, yarn or fabric is braided into strips and are sewn together to make any shape or size. They are extremely durable and easy to care for. They fit well into any home.

SIZING

The most standard sizes for rugs are: 2'x3', 3'x5' and 4'x6'. These work best when used to feature some architectural detail, such as a fireplace or sofa or bed. In these sizes, furniture might not be placed on the rug at all, and they can be very effective in a bathroom, powder room, small entry or narrow hallway.

Larger common sizes are: 6'x9", 8'x10', 9'x12' and 12'x15', though they become increasingly hard to find the larger the size goes. But there are ready made rugs that are made as large as 15'x18'.

CARE AND CLEANING

Protecting your area rugs starts with proper area rug care. In order expand the life of your rug, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, however, there are a few steps you should keep in mind for daily care:

• Vacuuming - Regular vacuuming will help retain the life and color of your rug. Depending on where the rug is placed, will determine the frequency of vacuuming. If your rug is in a heavy traffic area, vacuuming a few times a week may be needed; however if it is in a guest room, probably one a week will suffice. Additionally, every 3-8 months your carpet should be turned over and vacuumed underneath using a beater bar attachment to loosen the dirt and grit and remove it from the pile. NOTE: Do not vacuum the fringe on your rug. Vacuuming can suck the fringe up into the vacuum and you will damage both the rug and your vacuum.
• Beating. Do not beat your area rug, it will loosen the fibers and damage the backing.
• Rotating. Your rug should be rotated 180 degrees every 6 month or so. This will ensure even wear of your carpet and well and even sun exposure.
• Underlay Pad. An underlay pad helps minimize the wear of your rug by acting as a cushion between the foot traffic and the floor. Also, an underlay pad keeps the rug in place and reducing the risk of injury by slipping.
• Cleaning. Having your area rug professionally cleaned is preferred over hand washing. You should have it professionally clean every 2 – 3 years depending on the traffic. When purchasing your area rug, check with the manufacture and follow their advice on the proper cleaning technique. However, should you need to spot clean your rug, we recommend the following:

• Spills should be cleaned immediately. Place a clean, dry cloth under the rug and gently blot the spill with a paper towel or clean cloth. Repeat as often as necessary until you have most of the spill removed. Do not rub as this will damage the fibers.
• Next, try and remove the stain, if necessary. Replace the cloth underneath with a clean, dry one and try to blot the stain using club soda. If the stain remains, you can try a gentle solution of 1 teaspoon dish soap to 1 cup of water and gently dab the stain until gone. Do not saturate the rug. If the stain remains, call professional.