Protecting your Rugs

Cleaning your rugs is essential if you want to keep them for many years. However, if you want to make sure you have less dirt and stains to clean from your rugs, you should think along the lines of protecting them.

You can use protective sprays to keep the rug fibers from absorbing spills. This is to keep the rug from being easily stained from liquids you may spill on it. However, you may want to check the rug to see if the fibers have already been treated with these protective solutions. You can ask the salesperson or call a manufacturer’s toll free number. The solution that was used to treat your rug and the spray you’ll be using may not work together and may cause damage to the rug.

You can also use rug pads to help protect the rug from the rigors of daily use. They also help give the rug more traction, thus preventing slipping accidents. Choose rug pads that will work well with your floor’s surface area. The rug pad should not be visible under the rug so make sure it is shorter than the edge of the rug.

How to Clean your Cotton Rugs

Dirty or stained cotton rugs are unsightly and can spoil the beauty of your well-designed space. Whether or not your rug is in a high-traffic area, it is necessary to clean it regularly to avoid dirt from accumulating on the rug. If you’re not sure how to go about cleaning it, don’t worry. The following are cleaning guidelines you can follow so that your cotton rugs will maintain their beauty and last for many years.

Immediately clean any spills before it stains the rug. Whether you spill food or drinks, don’t let it dry on the rug before cleaning it off because it may be more difficult to get the stain off later on. Shake off the rug to dislodge food particles such as crumbs that may have worked themselves into the rug.

Shake off the rug to get rid of dirt and dust. You can also vacuum the rug to get rid of dirt that doesn’t come off by just shaking. This will make cleaning the rug easier as you’ve already cleaned off surface dirt.

Put the rug in the washer. However, before you do this, check the care instructions that came with the rug. If you lost the care instructions, just wash it in a gentle setting. Use mild soap so as not to damage the rug. Wash it thoroughly.

If the rug is really dirty, soak it in warm water with mild soap. Let it soak for a few hours so that dirt will surface. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water.

If the rug has a stain, remove the stain first before washing thoroughly. Use a stain remover to gently clean off the stain. But before doing that, check the rug’s care instructions first. There may be stain removers that can damage it so make sure that what you’ll be using won’t hurt your rug. Gently brush the stain off, then rinse thoroughly.

Dry the rug well. Hang it to dry and let the sun disinfect it. You don’t have to wring the rug to get rid of water as it may affect the rug’s integrity. Just let the sun and breeze dry it off.

Keep your cotton rug looking like new so that you can enjoy it for many years. Clean it regularly and follow its care instructions for a lasting cotton rug.

Wool Rugs: Styles to Choose From

Wool rugs come in a variety of styles. With so many choices available, you may be a little unsure about which style to choose. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who can’t tick off the different styles off the top of your head. However, a little knowledge goes a long way. Read on to know the different styles of rugs so that you can make an informed choice when next you go rug-shopping.

Contemporary Rugs

This style features colorful rugs in varied shapes and different sizes. You can find contemporary designs in a lot of stores so you’ll have an easy time finding pieces that will match the theme you’re going for.

Contemporary rugs are usually defined as art for the floor. Designers explore different designs, resulting in rugs with designs inspired by everyday objects to highly unusual art expressions. They can be versatile styles for any room or theme-specific rugs that would enrich your space.

Hand-Tufted Rugs

These rugs are either handmade or manufactured by machines. They are more affordable than other styles of rugs because it takes less time to finish one, especially when machine-made. They can have designs that are more complex than handmade pieces. They also boast a better weave quality. Although most hand-tufted wool rugs are made primarily of wool, some manufacturers incorporate other materials such as nylon.

Braided Rugs

This style of wool rug is handmade. It is more expensive than some styles of wool rugs because it takes a long time to make and wool used usually goes through various processes to prepare it for braiding. Each braid is made individually, then sewn together with other braids to form a rug. A person’s art expression is immortalized in braided rugs and much labor is poured forth in their construction.

These rugs are durable and are ideal for areas that get a lot of foot traffic. Because of their design, they are usually seen in homes with a rustic country theme. However, modern themes are incorporating these designs for a dash of character.

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Hand-knotted rugs are one of the most expensive wool rugs. As with braided rugs, they are handcrafted and take a long time to finish. A rug is made by looping wool one at a time until a mass of loops are formed. It is held together by yarn woven through the mass.
The quality of a hand-knotted rug is determined by the number of knots in a square inch. The more knots in a square inch, the higher the quality. Since making enough loops takes a long period of time, hand-knotted rugs are pricier compared to other rugs.

Top 5 Types of Rugs

Rugs give any room a light accent or deeper character, depending on the design and color you choose. There are lots of things to consider when choosing a rug, but one of the foremost considerations would be the type of material the rug would be made of. It can either be made of synthetic or natural fibers. Learn more about the top five types of rugs to be able to choose the best one that will adorn your space.

Cotton Rugs

This type of rug is easy to clean and is softer than wool. It can be machine- or hand-woven or braided. It is made of an environment-friendly material as it is biodegradable. However, it is not as long-lasting as other rug types because the fibers break down over time. For an informal atmosphere, a cotton rug would give warmth and color. Use it to bring a vibrant touch to your space.

Wool rugs are the most expensive of all types of rugs. It is durable and easy to maintain. A wool rug can be passed on to your children because it doesn’t lose its beauty with the passage of time. It can be dyed more easily than other materials and its color grows more vibrant with time. Before you decide what kind of wool rug to buy, first determine the foot traffic in the area where you’ll put it. Some kinds of wool rugs are better suited to high-traffic areas than others so make your choice accordingly.

This type of rug is usually made of bamboo, jute, sea grass, and sisal fibers. It is very durable and you can use either side so as to lessen wear and tear. It makes use of a renewable resource and is another environment-friendly choice for those who want to help give nature a time to breathe. It can be woven into versatile designs to adorn formal or informal settings.

Olefin is an inexpensive choice for high-traffic areas. It is the least expensive type of synthetic rug and can be washed repeatedly without losing the vibrancy of its color. It is extremely lightweight so you won’t have a problem moving it about the room if you’re in the habit of redesigning your space every now and then. If you spill water on it, it dries quickly and can withstand the damaging effects of the sun.

If you want a wool rug but think it’s too pricey, an acrylic rug is a good substitute. It is much more affordable, although not as durable, and has the look of a wool rug. It is impervious to mildew, stains, moisture, and fading. It is an ideal choice for any room in the house, except the high traffic areas as it is not as durable as other synthetics.

Rugs made of natural materials, such as cotton, wool, and plant fibers, are generally more expensive than the synthetic ones. However, they are durable and one can enjoy their charm and character for many years. If you want a more affordable rug to spruce up your space with, synthetic rugs would make any room livelier and more colorful at less cost.

Say it with Rugs

Rugs bring color and depth to any space. They speak volumes about your taste in furnishings. But don’t limit their use to just being a medium through which you tell the world of your home design style. You can also use them to tell friends and guests about who you are. How?

Take a look at the following rugs and see for yourself.

What it may say about you:

1) You’re a Nazi to the core.

2) You own a mortuary.

3) You think Hitler is a furry guy or that his beard is to die for.

4) You’re sick or you have a highly unusual sense of humor.

5) You love shocking people and you derive great amusement in watching their faces when they first see your rug.

The possibilities are endless. I’m sure you can come up with more reasons why you’d want to have this extremely interesting rug in your living room.

What it may say about you:

1) You love your eggs sunny side up.

2) You have a farm filled to the brim with chickens. They pay for your house, your furnishings, and your good life and you want your guests to know they’re responsible for everything.

3) You love breakfast and you have bed sheets with bacon and ham prints.

4) You want to immortalize that one rare moment when you cracked open an egg and it had two yolks.

What it may say about you:

1) Trespassers, beware! The hound from hell guards my house! What? It‘s just a scaly-looking thing with teeth that are not even sharp? Say that to my face, you coward! Okay, so it doesn’t have eyes, big deal. It can smell you out and rip or gum you to pieces.

2) You’re weird. Visitors should keep their eyes open for dragon teeth and preserved bat wings.

What it may say about you:

1) You love the industrial look.

2) You think regular knotted rugs do not have big enough loops or knots and you want to show rug makers how it should be done.

3) You want to give thieves a hard time looking for your valuables. Hide money and jewelry in this rug and even you won’t be able to find them.

What it may say about you:

1) You’re a cop or a crime scene investigator.

2) You’re a hardened criminal and crime scenes are your handiwork.

3) CSI is your favorite show.

4) You like doodles. You think stick figures and randomly drawn shapes by kids are masterpieces.

What it may say about you:

1) You’re a horticulturist or a florist.

2) You’re Poison Ivy, but you’ve put behind your villainy and are starting a new life. You still love plants but you can’t be near live ones or you’ll slip back into your old ways, so you get a nice rug with a vine design.

3) You’re always on the lookout for cheaper deals and this rug sells for less because it’s not a complete piece.

See? Rugs can say so much.

Shop for Shag Rugs at BigRugRack.com!

1101 Strata Shag Rug by Chandra Rugs

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Our featured rug belongs to Chandra Rug’s Art Collection leather rugs. Its lattice design, combined with its tan and chocolate colors makes it a perfect fit for any modern home and contemporary home. This rug is handwoven using piled jute and leather. You can opt for a kitchen rug, round rug, rug runner, or area rug. They are available in different sizes to go with your room area.

You can get this elegant rug for only $45.00 if you order today at BigRugRack.com. We also deliver any rug from Chandra Rugs for FREE to any point in the Continental US.

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Price Drop on Aadi Collection Wool Rugs by Chandra Rugs at BigRugRack.com!

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You can get our Aadi Collection by Chandra Rugs at only half the original retail price when you shop at our online store. This collection features various designs of contemporary wool rugs, made in high quality semi-worsted wool all the way from New Zealand. Each item is constructed with a hand-knotted Tibetan weave. All rug designs are available in different sizes. You can use them anywhere in your living room, dining room, or bedroom.

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Buying Contemporary or Traditional Rugs

Rugs have been an essential part of interior decorating for years. Homes, offices, hotels, and other similar establishments have benefited from the beauty and versatility of rugs. They are widely used for the same purposes - functional floor coverings, floor accents, and wall decors. Rugs vary in designs, shapes, sizes, colors, patterns, and origins. They are also classified into two categories - contemporary and traditional.

Contemporary Rug

Rug designs have evolved over time. Modern and contemporary rugs have distinctive characteristics that separate themselves from rugs designed in the past. Bold, geometrical, and linear patterns in hues of varying intensities are the most common themes in a modern rug. Round, bold, and colorful patterns are usually present in a contemporary rug. Traditional rugs, on the other hand, are usually characterized with elaborate floral patterns.

Contemporary rugs are quite expensive if they are made with soft and highly durable, natural fibers like wool and cotton. Those made with synthetic fibers like olefin and polypropylene are priced much lower. However, the anti-stain and waterproof properties of synthetic fabrics are among its advantages.

Traditional rugs are known for their high value and intricate designs. They are even regarded as a luxury item especially if the rug is made of 100% natural silk. You can easily identify a traditional rug with its symmetrical patterns and conservative floral and paisley embellishments. Persian and Oriental art are the most prominent in traditional rug designs. These rugs are typically hand-woven in countries like China and India. The quality and durability of this type of rug is measured by the knot density. Knot density is the number of knots per square inch. Workmanship, balance of pattern, and color harmony are also indicators of a well-made traditional rug.

Traditional Rug

Both contemporary and traditional rugs are elegant and functional in their own ways. It’s just a matter of which design suits your style and your needs. Even if you’re planning to incorporate a modern touch to your home interior by adding a contemporary rug, you can always have your favorite traditional rug on display as well. A contemporary rug with a toned-down outline can highlight a richly designed traditional rug. Choosing the right patterns and color can make both types of rugs blend harmoniously in any home setting.

Since manufactures of both traditional and contemporary rugs have worked their way to meet the varying tastes of their customers, a lot of different rug designs are now available both in local retail stores and online stores. Machine-made rugs have now been made affordable due to volume production while hand woven rugs remain as expensive as before because of their exclusivity and the amount of workmanship spent on them.

Finding and choosing which rug would match your home design will most likely consume a lot of time and effort. Online rug stores have large selections of contemporary and traditional rugs. Shopping from online stores will narrow down your choices to the finest rugs available in the market, contemporary and traditional alike.

Shopping for Sisal Rugs

Sisal Rug by Chandra Rugs

Sisal rugs are made of sisal fibers that come from a cactus plant known as Agave sisalana. Agave sisalana thrives in Africa and Brazil. This fibrous plant grows two to three feet every year and is stronger than other types of fibers including jute, hemp, and flax. It has long been cultivated and used to make area rugs and floor coverings for centuries.

Most sisal rugs come in its natural color. Rug manufacturers also produce colored and patterned sisal rugs for decorative purposes. This type of rug is highly versatile. It has anti-static properties, absorbs sound, resists fire, and is resilient and durable. However, exposure to water and moisture rapidly weakens the fibers of a sisal rug and would eventually shorten its life. That is why a conventional sisal rug is preferably used indoors and away from kitchen and bathroom areas.

Simple maintenance and immediate attention will lengthen the life of your decorative sisal rug. Use a vacuum cleaner regularly to eliminate dust and dirt that have piled up due to traffic. It is also advisable to rotate the position of the rug at least once or twice a year to level the surface of the rug. In case of spills or stains, clean it immediately once it occurs. Wipe it starting from the outer side going to the center of the stain. Avoid soaking the rug because it will leave watermarks on it. Otherwise, call a professional carpet cleaner to do these things for you.

When choosing a sisal rug for your home, determine where you are going put it. Do you want it mounted on the wall or on the floor in your hallway? Genuine sisal rugs are made of 100% sisal fiber while a crossbreed sisal rug is usually a combination of 60% sisal fiber and 40% wool. This hybrid sisal rug is softer, warmer, and still highly durable. Back lining is another consideration when buying a sisal rug. Backings for rugs vary from felt to natural latex though some natural fiber rugs have no backings at all. A standard sisal rug should have natural latex backing for support and motion control. It also prevents dirt and dust from getting through the entire rug.

Buying a sisal rug from an online store is a better practical solution compared to going from one local carpet store to the next. Since there are many furniture websites offering affordable sisal rugs, it is hard to know which one offers the best product at reasonable prices and guarantees customer satisfaction. Be sure to check for huge discounts for volume orders, free shipping, and no sales taxes when ordering online.

Affordable sisal rugs make a practical solution for your interior home decorating needs. You can enjoy your money’s worth for as long as you are able to take good care of it. Whether you are decorating a living room, dining room, hallway, or a playroom, a stylish sisal rug will help you achieve a natural look.