How to select an Oriental Rug

Traditional wisdom says that interior home decorating should begin with an Oriental rug. There are plenty of choices in colors and materials from which to choose a rug and a rug well chosen and well cared for will probably last much longer than anything else in the room. In the olden days, Persian rugs or kilims from Iran were supposed to be the best rugs available but today you find that other eastern countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, China and Turkey have been making rugs which have matched and even surpassed the quality of those from Persia.

Before you go out shopping for an Oriental rug, it would be wise to spend some time thinking about the size and color that you would prefer. You may even carry some photos of your room to help you decide. There are plenty of colors and designs to choose from. Next, you have to decide on the how much you are willing to spend on your purchase. The price of an Oriental rug is dependent on the following factors :
- Country from which it comes
- Age
- Condition
- Quality
- Design demand

Counting the knots in an Oriental rug is not the only or most important thing to do. A geometrically designed rug might have fewer than 100 knots in a square inch but a floral pattern extremely detailed might have more than 300 even. Although the regularity and tightness of the rug are of utmost importance, the quality of the wool ascertains the resistance and longevity of the rug. And don't forget to take into account the quality and color fastness of the dyes being used.

Besides, the price of an Oriental rug could also be decided by the prevailing design and color fads. About 50 years ago, orange, brown and green were considered the hot colors; but that is not the case today. The condition of the rugs and age affect the value of second hand rugs. Age will increase the value of the rugs provided they have been well maintained but if not, wear and tear and stains will reduce the value.

The best of rugs are always made from natural fibers with wool, silk and cotton being the most common and silk the most sought after as well as expensive. Wool is the most popular material used to make a Persian rugs or kilims because of its intrinsic properties - wool is long lasting, flexible, is easily dyed and can be woven or spun with ease. Besides, wool is readily available in areas where kilims or Persian rugs are made since you find a lot of nomads tending sheep there.

A fascinating thing about the Persian rugs or kilims is that you can deduce from which tribe the rug came from based solely on the type of wool and dye used. Some wool from sheep is sought after even more than the rest as it gives a certain luster to the Persian rugs or kilims.

Warps are commonly made of cotton as its high strength helps maintain the shape. Besides it maintains its natural white color over time. Another reason is that cotton can be spun into the finest of threads. Hair of camels, goats and horses is often sued to make Persian rugs or kilims to produce unique effects. Camel hair might be used to give a woolen rug additional strength while horse hair might give eye-catching tassels. Wool when mixed with goat hair produces a silky sheen. Silk has always been considered a material of luxury so silk rugs are rare although they might still be produced. They are often included in the dowry of a bride along with other Oriental rugs and treasured as part of the family wealth.

About The Author:
Visit us for a wide range of Oriental rugs including the Persian rugs or kilims; you're sure to find something to suit your home.

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Discount Rugs Decent and Legal and Modern Rugs Make a Perfect Decorating Choice

Especially if you’re shopping a Discount rugs decent and legal online and buying sight unseen, be certain that you get a guarantee on your purchase. Know the return policy in case the rug isn’t quite what you were led to believe.

There are a number of local and national chains that specialize in buying surplus inventory, job lots, and inventory from insurance claims from companies that have had fires, floods or gone bankrupt. In the Northeastern United States, one of the most well-known, Building 19, often carries inventories of Oriental carpets at deep discounts. If you check around, you’ll find a discount or surplus store near you where you can find many styles and colors of rugs and carpets for your home.

Placing a kitchen area rug on the floor instantaneously warms up a room. It gives the room a more inviting feel. The kitchen is a common place for Discount rugs decent and legal. There is a variety of wool rugs designed specially for the kitchen. The most common choice for kitchen placement is the braided area rug as it has a conventional look and requires very low maintenance.

Discount rugs decent and legal can be found in a number of places, from outlet carpet stores and large chain stores to online vendors and donation centers. People generally prefer to purchase a discount rug in a general style and color before going in for a high-end product later on.

If you are stuck with ideas when it comes to decorating your home, consider Discount rugs decent and legal like oriental rugs to give you that eclectic and interesting look. The feel that affordable oriental rugs give you is wonderful and will even work for a minimalistic, modern home. It will either contrast or blend in with your décor and you can choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns as well as sizes and shapes.

Discount rugs decent and legal online are offered to any country in the world, so no matter where you live you can get top of the range affordable oriental rugs and other high quality shag rugs, round rugs, and contemporary area rugs. You will have everything you need online and most stores will also offer a satisfaction guarantee to give you some security when you are buying online.

Decorating your home is fun and you can find plenty of ideas from magazines and just by taking note of other people’s homes and looking at movies. Many interesting and different ideas like using oriental rugs as wall hangings can come from just looking at other people’s homes, and gaining inspiration from the most unlikely of places, like at a restaurant.

Modern rugs should be chosen to match the finish and décor of the room they will be placed in. Rugs that are lighter in color make a room appear larger than it is. Besides being decorative, rugs are also functional. They are more comfortable to walk on rather than a bare floor and they also protect the floor.

Modern rugs come in three yarn categories including propylene rugs, nylon rugs and wool rugs. Propylene rugs cost the least of the three and are neither flame retardant nor as soft as the nylon or wool rugs. However, with technological improvements, they can now be treated with special chemicals that render them soft and flame retardant.

Today, we have the option of decorating our place with the most wonderful of the rugs, cut out specifically to add new dimensions to the place. There are varieties of rugs available, which offer us the option of stylizing our home. They may be contemporary, modern, and oriental.

The world is coming close, and so the modern rugs are a new phenomenon. Their designers have to be up-to-date with the latest technology and trends. They also have to be sure of creating something novel or new. Modern rugs provide you with a place which you would want to flaunt. Moreover, they are available in variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Therefore, you are more likely to find the right rugs for your place. You should first make sure whether you want wall hangings, dinner table, or floor rugs etcetera. You also need to know where you would want to place the rugs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/discount-rugs-decent-and-legal-and-modern-rugs-make-a-perfect-decorating-choice-720430.html

Persian Rugs Can be Used for Various Purposes

Rugs can be used for various purposes - ranging from the traditional floor covering, to bed coverings, wall hangings, table coverings or even stored away for investment purposes.

Where the rug is used will to a large extent determine its lifetime, because a rug used on the floor will be liable to more wear and tear than a rug that will be hung on a wall.

Lets look at the various ways you can utilise your Persian Rug:

1. Using your Oriental carpet as a floor covering

This is the most common usage and it is important to choose the right rug for the right circumstances. Where there is a lot of foot traffic involved it would be better to choose a rug with a heavier pile. The size of the rug is also important. When a rug is bought to be used on the floor, ideally it should not cover the entire floor to ensure it will be framed by the open area of the surrounding floor so make sure that at least a couple of inches, if not a feet or two, are showing around the carpet.

Rugs that will go on the floor can be used in hallways, where they form a colorful welcome to owners as well as guests. A ground floor hall rug receives a lot of traffic and should therefore be selected for durability. Research shows that rugs such as the Hamadan, Meshkin or Ardebil will last very well. Rugs in hallways should be turned regularly and cleaned regularly.

Stair rugs must also be chosen carefully since they also receive a lot of traffic. Although stair rugs must be fastened securely in place, glue and nails must never be used to keep the rug in position as this will cause damage and lower the value of the rug. It is better to use wooden or metal stair rods.

Oriental rugs can also be used on the floor in living rooms and other rooms and once again, depending on the amount of traffic that is expected, a hard-wearing cotton rug should be used for heavy traffic areas, while a more delicate silk or antique rug can be used for areas that are not frequented that often.

2. Rugs as wall hangings

Rugs can also be displayed to their full splendour on the wall. If a rug is too heavy though, it should rather not be used as wall hanging since its weight might strain the weave. Old rugs (antique rugs) that have seen a lot of wear can be used for wall hangings, as well as rugs such as pictorial rugs and silk rugs which display well in reflected light. Silk rugs such as Qum, Ishafan and Tabriz will work well as wall hangings.

3. Rugs as bed or table covers

Flat-weave kilims would work well for this purpose, as will smaller antique rugs that have a thinner pile. Remember that if a rug is used as a table covering, if heavy ornaments are placed on it, it might crush the weave and the ornamet should be moved regularly so as not to leave a permanent indentation. Floral vases can also be dangerous due to water leakage and spillage.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/persian-rugs-can-be-used-for-various-purposes-586757.html

Area Rugs and Flooring -- Two Newly Green Giants

Over the years, a debate has taken place in the flooring
industry over the impact its products have on the
environment. In 2003, a group of industry researches and
technical specialists met at the University of North Carolina
to examine the science with regard to the positive or
negative attributes of materials found in products like
carpeting, area rugs and linoleum.

The panel looked at hundreds of studies in relation to how
carpet and non-carpet materials contribute to environmental
quality and whether there's a significant concern with toxic
substances and allergens alleged to have commonly been
found.

The intention of the researchers was to try and settle years
of anecdotal evidence and set an industry standard to help
buyers and sellers of flooring products. A good portion of the
information reviewed came from the Environmental
Protection Agency, the National Health Science Libraries,
and other previously published industry experts.

A review of all of the literature led to one major conclusion:
materials found in flooring "play a significant role to the
quality of life indoors." It contributes to healthy design
factors, safety, aesthetics, climate control, ergonomics and
physical comfort. When maintained properly, carpeting and
area rugs are not at all risks to public health.

While the group's conclusion was great news for the
industry and the public, it's still necessary to examine
flooring's impact on the whole environment, including the
part played by rugs and flooring made from natural
materials.

Decorating Like Darwin: By Natural Selection

With so many types of area rugs available today, it's hard
enough to make a style selection, let alone having to take
health and environmental concerns into account. Keeping
rugs clean and in good condition will go a long way in
alleviating any concerns. Area rugs do have material
differences, though. Here's a quick look at natural fiber rugs
and other natural flooring:

WOOL RUGS

Water, water everywhere, so keep it away from wool. Water
is one of the biggest enemies of wool rugs. Wool, popular in

href="http://www.a1-discount-area-rugs.com/Oriental-Rugs.html">Oriental rugs, has a high moisture regain and is
susceptible to microorganism attack. That may sound like
the bad plot to a Hollywood horror film or an episode of Fear
Factor. Nevertheless, keep something that requires water,
like potted plants, off of wool rugs.

Water aside, wool's long, coarse fibers have the ability to
maintain indoor air quality and, unlike synthetic fibers, can
absorb indoor contaminants. Since discarded carpet
accounts for a tremendous amount of waste – 4.7 billion
pounds in 2002 according to the EPA – any rug that lasts
longer, like a hand-knotted wool rug, is going to get the seal
of approval from the Green Party.

JUTE RUGS

Once used primarily as carpet backing, Jute has made it to
the big time. As a full-fledged member of the area rug and
carpet family, Jute, which ranges from light tans to browns,
is one of the finest and softest of natural floor covering
materials.

Composed mainly of plant materials, Jute is a rainy season
crop that grows best in warm, humid climates like parts of
China and India. While it may grow in rainy weather, the Jute
rug won't stand up to areas with high moisture levels. Unlike
wool, jute is resistant to microorganisms, but the material
will in fact deteriorate rapidly when exposed to moisture.

BAMBOO RUGS

Gilligan's Island no longer corners the market on bamboo
flooring. You don't need to live in a hut to use this material.

Bamboo, which is also a trend in cutting boards and
hardwood floors, has become a popular option for area
rugs. And its environmental friendliness is obvious. No
trees to cut down, no waste. Bamboo is technically a grass,
and moreover a highly renewable resource. Maturing in less
than six years, bamboo is harvested over and over from the
same plants. Its strength combined with a natural beauty
can add a contemporary touch to any living space.

SEAGRASS RUGS

Seagrass is not something you may have thought was
illegal. You can't grow it in your backyard, but it does look
great in the house. Created from tropical grass mainly
imported from China, Seagrass, which only comes in a
natural organic green color, is smooth to the touch and
extremely durable and stain resistant.

SISAL RUGS

Sisal is another natural fiber that has recently gained
popularity among designers. The material is derived from a
cactus plant, grown in semi-arid regions liked Brazil and
Africa.

Sisal is stronger and more durable than other natural fibers,
making its staying power ultra-environment friendly. Water is
not Sisal's friend, either. The rug should never be used in
the bathroom or other moist areas of the house.

CORK FLOORING

Now you may be thinking how a rug is made from cork?
Well, it's not. Cork has been slipped in to this discussion
simply because it can be considered a cousin in the natural
fiber family. Used as durable hardwood-type flooring, the
cork tree is the only one whose bark can regenerate itself
after harvest without damaging the tree or the environment.
The tree is never killed or cut down and can produce bark for
centuries. Furthermore, almost all of its harvested materials
are put to use.

Cork is known for its sound environmental policy, and when
feet hit the floor, it's known for its durability. Cork may seem
elastic when compared to wood, but its "natural memory
ability" and resistance to liquid penetration can make it an
attractive alternative.

LINOLEUM FLOORING

This is no joke. Linoleum is back. So break out the disco
ball and platform shoes. Vinyl nearly sent linoleum to the
flooring scrap yard, but just like bell-bottoms, linoleum is
making a comeback. It's contemporary and gets the green
seal. While vinyl is synthetic and petroleum-based, linoleum
is made entirely of natural materials, linseed oil being the
main ingredient.

The resurgence of natural and retro products is behind
linoleum's rebirth. As a natural product, linoleum can be
recycled and is hypoallergenic, which benefits those who
suffer from allergies or asthma. Linoleum also contains
antibacterial properties that help stop the growth of
microorganisms.

About the author:

Based in Los Angeles, Ron Neal is a free-lance writer, editor and owner of Writemind Media. With more than 20 years of experience, including six at the Los Angeles Times, Mr. Neal has produced and edited hundreds of articles on a variety of subjects, including flooring, home improvement and area rugs of all kinds, including braided and sisal rugs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Neal

How to Care For and Maintain Contemporary Area Rugs

Area rugs have been popular in homes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Asian societies that used them to cover dirt floors, and used them in the palaces of emperors, nobles and other royalties. Today, area rugs are still a hot fashionable commodity in most homes. They serve to augment the interior décor by offering a tonality, fashion and flare the makes any room stand apart from another room in the house. Most people will spend hundreds of their dollars, if not more, acquiring the area rugs that they desire, yet many fail to adequately care for their rugs and the longevity of them is compromised as a result. However, there are some rather simple steps that you can follow to care for your rugs and be able to enjoy them for years to come.

Vacuuming and General Care

The most important way that you can care for your area rugs is to vacuum them thoroughly and often. When dust and dirt settles on the rug they can get ground deep into the fibers, causing decay and deterioration. By vacuuming your rugs regularly you can capture that dust and dirt before it has time to damage your rug fibers. For delicate rugs avoid using the brushed attachments, rather use a standard vacuum nozzle and delicately hose the surface to pick up dirt and debris.

When you vacuum any rug, make sure you make your strokes against the nap, this way you can suck dirt out of the rug instead of potentially pushing it further into it-to find the nap brush your hand against the rug and the smooth side of the rug is the nap. From time to time you will also want to flip your rug over and vacuum the underside to remove any dirt that may have gotten trapped underneath the rug. A good rule of thumb is to vacuum your rug at least once per week, and for higher traffic rugs, two-three times per week.

Rotation of the Rug

To keep your rug looking sheen and new, make sure that you rotate the rug at least two times per year. This will allow other areas of the rug to gain equal exposure to the elements, assuring that the rug ages equally and looks the same on all sides for years to come. The last thing that you want to encounter is a rug that has faded on one side but is bright and sheen on the other. By rotating your rug every so often you can avoid having to worry about this. Think of your rug like a set of tires: it needs to be rotated every so often.

Apply and Use Rug Pads

Rug pads are very important for a few reasons. They keep your rug in place and prevent slippage. They add a cushion to the rug that creates extra durability and softness underneath the feet. And, they prevent lines from hard wood flooring or tile, like grout lines, from ruining the underside of your area rug.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-care-for-and-maintain-contemporary-area-rugs-629104.html

Home Decorating - People Love Rugs that Appeal to The Senses

Using rugs here and there is a decorative way to add charm and personality to your home. Rugs help you create the look and feel you want for each room. But, it goes beyond that. Rugs are more than just floor coverings - they can also appeal to our senses.

The most obvious sense that rugs impact is sight. Rugs can create visual interest with eye-catching designs or bold colors. A rug can also be it's own focal point or it can help draw attention to something nearby. It might be a piece of furniture or a feature of the room that is highlighted because of the rug's placement.

Touch, or feel, is another major sense that many rugs appeal to. Anyone who has ever been barefoot on a cold bare floor and then stepped onto a rug has felt instant relief. I was raised in an area of the United States that has cold winters. No matter how much warmth the furnace pumped out, the bare floors were cold in our old house. New slippers were a welcome gift.

Certain types of rugs, such as shag, Flokati, and sheepskin rugs, have a remarkable feel thanks to the longer-than-usual material. When I say shag rugs, I am talking about the newer versions, not the out-dated ones from the 1970s. If you want to have a rug with cloud-like fluffiness, there's nothing better than a Flokati rug or a sheepskin rug. These rugs are just right when you want to lay on the floor in front of the TV, curl up in front of the fireplace, or just wiggle your toes in the thick, lush fibers.

In addition to the physical senses of sight and touch, many rugs can also appeal to our emotions. Rugs often convey a feeling of hospitality to guests by making a room feel warm and inviting. Many types of rugs will often generate some pleasant reactions:

* Some braided rugs give people a cozy, down-home feeling.

* A richly detailed, ornate rug might make one feel more regal.

* Whimsical themes or cartoon characters can induce smiling.

* A wildlife scene may remind someone of a favorite camping trip.

* Floral or animal designs might appeal to one's love of nature.

Rugs allow you to express yourself and show off your decorating style with the designs and colors you choose. And, to a lesser extent, your decorating expertise is revealed in the placement of your rugs. A rug can divide a room or it can bring the different elements of a room together. A rug can highlight a sitting area or help identify the traffic pattern from one room to another.

Many of us decorate the rooms of our homes based on what we have and where it fits. With the right rugs, we have the opportunity to create any mood or look we want in our rooms. Best of all, there are plenty of rugs to pick from to meet almost any budget.

AnnaRae Mills is wild about rugs! She has a goldmine of tips and information to share with you. Decorating ideas, shopping tips, and much more. Find out how to pick the right rugs for your home. See pics of all rug types at http://www.Area-Rug-Tips.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=AnnaRae_Mills

Use Southwestern Rugs For Unique Western Home Decorating

Southwestern rugs are an excellent way to create that popular western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decorating. Because of their afordability, more and more home decorators are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors in your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home warmth and a true authentic southwestern country look. When purchasing American Indian style rugs, you will find many of southwestern rugs to choose from and will no doubt want to add a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have an extensive history that has grown over time and can truly be appreciated as great works of art.

Some of the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these different rugs mixes a variety of colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events. An excellent example of this is brought to life in the Southwestern Spirit rug which contains a variation of colors and designs. The spiritual characters weaved into these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that express the spirituality of the people.

Not only are southwestern rugs known for their incredible beauty, but the skill and hard work involved in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs must be very skilled and begin the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then put into place by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. In the beginning, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were weaved of hand-spun cotton thread. However, once the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the region by the Spanish settlers, the people primarily used wool to make their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs are made in areas where Spanish and Native American histories have melded together to create unique designs. Southwest rugs, with their natural earth tone colors and one-of-a-kind southwestern designs make them the standard for rustic home decorating. If you are looking for a great southwest rug, you will likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Buying rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only gives you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is made by Native Americans but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug making, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.

The rug you purchase will certainly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you have in mind. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating an entire house using a southwestern theme, you will come across many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and western tapestries. Home decorators love hand woven rugs because of the rich colors and textures. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your home decor needs, you will no doubt enjoy the warmth and color brought to life in your home by decorating with southwestern rugs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/use-southwestern-rugs-for-unique-western-home-decorating-341077.html

Natural Rugs For Today’s Home

With the fear of VOPs, toxins that are emitted from synthetics, and other pollutants in our homes grows, people are turning away from the traditional manufactured home products and turning to natural.

The Feng Shui has also given birth to more natural materials in the home. With the introduction of silk and grass wallpapers, bamboo and rattan window treatments, concrete and stone counter-tops, reclaimed and natural fiber insulation's, the next natural extension was to use natural products in carpets.

Homeowners are becoming concerned with the solvents, rubbers, and synthetics used in wall to wall carpets. In fact, many carpets are deemed ‘unsafe’ for use in day care centers and primary classrooms. Many homeowners are removing wall to wall carpets from their homes and replacing them with rugs.

Rugs do not need a rubber backing and they lack the glues and solvents found in carpets. They can be lifted and cleaned, removing more allergens, mold, and mildew spores than can be removed from wall to wall carpets. It is also easier to find rugs that have not been treated with chemical stain retardants or UV blocks.

Rugs are also made from an assortment of natural fibers from wool, silk, flax, seagrass, mountain grass, reeds, and cotton.

Grass rugs are perfect for today’s Feng Shui designs. Their natural weave adds texture to the room without overpowering it.

Beautifully crafted Grass Rugs are made entirely from only 100% natural fibers, the highest quality natural materials. They offer natural beauty combined with an inherent strength and stain resistance. This means that seagrass can be used in high traffic areas and in family homes.

Seagrass is obtained from a tall plant with grass-like stems found in wet lands. It emits a grassy, hay-like scent that is far more relaxing than any man-made sent. However, it dissipates with time. Colors range from sage green hues to olive, perfect for the current home decorating themes. Grass has a non-porous surface with a naturally smooth texture and sheen quality.

Wool rugs, like Persian and Indian rugs, have been used for hundreds of years. Wool rugs come in fantastic colors and dynamic patterns. Wool rugs are versatile. They can be used as throws, wall hangings, couch covers, window treatments, and floor coverings.

Another ancient rug fabric is flax and linen. Both these plants can be spun into thread and woven into carpets and rugs in the same way that wool and other throw rugs are made. In fact, except for the texture and more natural tones, linen rugs are often mistaken for wool rugs.

One of the most coveted items in today’s home decorating world is the silk Oriental rug. However, the odds that the Oriental rug you are considering buying is ‘real silk’ is very slim – even if it is a costly rug. It is more likely to be fake silk or mercerized cotton.

Thousands of homeowners are duped out of $5 000, $10 000, and more every year for silk rugs that have no silk content in them at all. Only a real expert can make a 100% accurate assessment.

Natural fiber rugs are a pride to own, and a comfort to live with.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
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Choosing Southwestern Rugs For Indian Style Home Decor

Southwestern rugs are an easy way to create that unique western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decor. Because of their growing popularity, many designers are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors in your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home character and a true authentic southwestern country look. When purchasing American Indian style rugs, you will find a large selection of southwestern rugs to choose from and will definitely want to put a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have a rich history that has evolved over time and can truly be appreciated as pieces of art.

Among the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these types of rugs mixes beautiful colors and characters, symbolizing spiritual or historic events. An excellent example of this is seen in the Southwestern Spirit rug which combines a variation of colors and designs. The spiritual characters used in these rugs are made in a variety of patterns and forms that represent and express the spirituality of the people.

Not only are southwestern rugs known for their incredible beauty, but the skill and hard work needed in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs are highly skilled and begin the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then placed by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. In the beginning, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were weaved of hand-spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the area by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to create their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs come from areas where Spanish and Native American histories joined together to create one-of-a-kind designs. Southwest rugs, with their rich earth tone colors and one-of-a-kind southwestern designs make them a great choice for rustic home decorating. If you are looking for a great southwest rug, you will most likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Purchasing rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only allows you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is woven by Native Americans but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug weaving, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.

The rug you choose will strongly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you have in mind. You will find that southwest rugs are the perfect rustic accents when combined with rustic or western home decor. Whether you are decorating one room in your house or decorating a whole home using a western theme, you will come across many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will be able to choose from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and southwestern tapestries. Home decorators love hand woven rugs because of the rich colors and textures. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your home decor needs, you will greatly enjoy the richness of color and warmth created by decorating with southwestern rugs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/choosing-southwestern-rugs-for-indian-style-home-decor-352194.html

Using Area Rugs To Brighten Up The Home

Quality area rugs can really make a difference when it comes to brightening up and making the room look impressive. Even if you can find cheaper rugs, it is always better to go for quality and you will notice the difference!

Area rugs are often used to brighten up the home. They range in price but some of the best can be fairly expensive. It all depends upon where you get them from as to how much they will actually cost you but you should be prepared to pay a high price. But why choose the best quality if you can get good quality for discount prices?

Why Choose Quality Rugs and Carpets?

Even if you do not have much money, you do not want your home to look cheap and tacky. You want it to look as expensive and as stylish as possible and to do that sometimes you need to spend a little more money.

Quality rugs and carpets really can make a difference to the home. They can keep the heat in, they can feel extremely comfortable under your feet and they can add a touch of luxury to whichever room they are placed in. If you want the room to look really impressive then adding carpets instead of just a rug will help. However if you want to add a more subtle touch of elegance then a rug may be more what you are looking for.

The difference between quality rugs and cheaper rugs is that the material is usually better. It is the best material you can find hence it looks and feels amazing. There will also be small details where the creator has shown expert stitching ability and there will be no faults to it whatsoever. Cheaper rugs on the other hand often have pieces of material falling off and there could be many faults within them.

The colors on quality rugs and carpets are also a lot clearer and the patterns are often nicer. This is because they are mainly handmade and that helps the creator sew on tiny details. This extra effort does not go unnoticed when the carpet or rug is down and all eyes will be drawn to it.

Overall you want something which looks perfect within your room. You probably could save money by buying discounted rugs and carpets but it would simply not look the same. Quality shines through and everyone who visits your home is bound to notice a quality carpet rather than a tatty cheaper one. So sometimes it does pay off to spend that little bit extra. After all, you want your home to look impressive; you do not want it to look cheap and tacky!

So if you are looking to improve your home try and resist the urge to fit discount carpets and area rugs. Go for quality all the time and it will pay off!

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Using Southwestern Rugs For Rustic Style Home Accessories

Southwestern rugs are an excellent way to bring out that popular western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decorating. Because of their versatility and affordability, many home decorators are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors in your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home warmth and a definite authentic southwestern country look. When buying American Indian style rugs, you will find many of southwestern rugs to choose from and will no doubt want to add a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have an extensive history that has grown over time and can truly be considered as great works of art.

Some of the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these types of rugs mixes unique colors and characters, symbolizing spiritual or historic events. An excellent example of this is brought to life in the Southwestern Spirit rug which combines a variation of colors and designs. The spiritual characters used in these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that show the spirituality of the people.

Not only are southwestern rugs known for their incredible beauty, but the skill and hard work involved in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs work very hard and begin the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then put into place by using a shuttle to weave different colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. Initially, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were made of hand-spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the area by the Spanish settlers, the people primarily used wool to weave their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs are woven in areas where Spanish and Native American histories have melded together to create one-of-a-kind designs. Southwest rugs, with their rich earth tone colors and traditional southwestern designs make them perfect for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for a great southwest rug, you will most likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Purchasing rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only gives you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is made by Indians but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug weaving, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.

The rug you purchase will strongly depend on what you like and what kind of decorating you decide on. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home furnishings. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating an entire home using a rustic theme, you will find many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and southwestern tapestries. Designers love hand woven rugs because of the variety of colors and textures. Whatever your style and whatever your decorating needs, you will no doubt enjoy the richness of color and warmth created by decorating with southwestern rugs.

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Fitting Rugs Into Your Flooring Ideas

When looking to improve the look of your flooring, a rug can come in really handy. There are so many different shapes and sizes available that there is definitely something to suit your needs somewhere!

When thinking of ways to brighten up your living space, it is often a good idea to consider using rugs. They come in all different shapes, sizes and colors so it should be relatively easy to find something to suit your needs. Often the contrast in color between the rug and the floor can look perfectly fitting and it adds a little touch of homeliness into the room.

How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Room

Choosing a rug is a fairly simple process once you understand what it is that you are looking for. Now many people do not stop to think when choosing a rug as they feel that not a lot of thought has to go into it. After all, isn’t it about walking into a store, seeing a rug that you like and then taking it home with you? Well technically yes, but there is generally a lot more to it than that.

Choosing a rug takes a lot of thought mainly because you need to get the color scheme right so that it fits in with the rest of the room. You need to think about the color of the walls, the color of the flooring and the color of your furniture. If you choose the wrong rug it could clash and the whole room would look off balance. So, think about the color scheme before you purchase anything!

If for example the walls are a pale color, you may find that a natural colored rug fits better in with the room than a purple one would. If the walls are more of a copper color then you would be better off choosing a red colored rug. You have to know which colors go better together and whilst you do not have to go for the same sort of color as the walls, you do have to go for one which compliments it. So you can choose either a neutral color or a color which adds a little subtle touch or a vibrant contrasting color which brings the focus to the rug but which does not clash with the color of the walls.

If you are stuck for ideas on which rug to choose then really an Oriental one could be a safe option. You may not realize it but an Oriental rug can actually add a little something to the room and it is not overly intrusive either. They go well with light colored walls, though they could also work equally as well with red and other warm colored walls.

Overall a rug can make a room feel less empty and it can even add a touch of warmth too. They go well on both carpets and laminate flooring and they make a great center feature for any room.

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Decorating Your Home With Hand Loom Rugs

The appearance and touch of handloom rugs are indeed unique and best suited to decorate homes. When you decide to buy a hand knotted rug, you must bear in mind a few things that impact the value of the rug. The quality of wool is critically important as it adds shine to the rugs. Rugs made of wool have become increasingly popular for two reasons - they last longer and are able to withstand relatively rough usage.

The weaving process is central to the quality of the rug. The number of knots per square inch is pertinent in determining the quality of the rug. If the knot count is more, then the weave becomes more closely knit but the cost also accordingly goes up. Some of the superior quality rugs have from 400 to 700 knots per square inch whereas most commonplace rugs have on an average 90 to 250 knots per square inch. From these figures, you might as well visualize hoe time-consuming and tedious it is to handcraft these fabulous looking rugs.

The rug is first subjected to a chemical wash and is then rinsed with water to give the rug a thorough cleaning. The chemical wash helps to soften the yarn and provide the rug with a silky feel. The rug is then exposed to the sun to dry. Hand-Woven rugs are usually made by artisans in rural areas. The handloom process will obviously mean two rugs may not be identical and each rug will have some slight variation. All finished handloom rugs are subject to total quality control to ensure durability. These are heavy weight rugs that spread perfectly flat on the floor and will not curl or bunch up like other rugs. Several handloom rugs are also reversible and they have the same high quality and color on both sides. There are a wide range of yoga rugs available in the market and these rugs have enough padding to provide a soft touch and comfortable feeling. They come in different colors and sizes as per the customer's requirements. Specifically designed, these yoga rugs have absorbent surface and are easily washable.

If you are really a lover of rugs, you will surely appreciate rugs that have a unique blending of traditional designs and with the contemporary tastes that match the different home décor. When you visit a handloom rug dealer, you will be amazed at the collection of rugs that are colorful, in a variety of designs and so appealing to suit various interiors of homes. These rugs are made from cotton or wool and are a perfect mix of aesthetics and utility.

It is indeed unfortunate that the handloom rug making units are under threat of closure as they are encountering stiff competition globally from power loom units. Especially in developing countries, suicides and starvation deaths of handloom workers are being increasingly reported due to unemployment. As a matter of fact, handloom rugs and carpets is an age-old profession practiced by village artisans. Initially the rugs were made out of animal skin to protect men from weather and provide comfort. In subsequent centuries, the rug became a status symbol in most homes. Having at least one handloom rug in one’s home was deemed an asset and hallmark of one’s standing in society. Extending hospitality to guests was by laying a red rug to walk on and gifting the best-woven rug.

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