5 Steps to Area Rug Bliss - No More Wrinkles, Buckles and Bunching Ever Again

To ensure that your Area Rug experience is one of absolute joy and bliss, consider these 5 tips.

1. Buy a Decent Area Rug

Area Rugs are often bought as an impulse item. When you need a rug to accent your décor or to cover an ugly spot, don't give in to the temptation of buying a chain store special, based on color and price only. An area rug should be a well thought décor item, not a cheap after-thought. You don't have to break the bank. Most good quality wool fiber rugs are available in style and qualities that will fit most any budget. Fine quality wool fiber area rugs can be purchased Online and shipped right to your front door for about the same price as those chain store pretenders.

2. Buy a New Zealand Wool Fiber Area Rug

Wool Fiber that has been shorn from New Zealand sheep is the best fiber for an area rug. Why a New Zealand sheep? Because they have been bred to produce "carpet quality" wool fiber. An area rug of New Zealand wool fiber will be soft on the feet and extremely durable. Most stains are not a problem; simply blot gently with clear warm water for best results.

3. Make sure it is at least 12mm to 14mm pile density

An area rugs density will play an important role in its life and performance. A flimsy cotton or olefin (polypropylene) rug or a runner without a secondary backing is nothing but trouble. A rug without sufficient density will wrinkle, warp, buckle and bunch. Not to mention the battle for possession that takes place when you try to vacuum it. The vacuum almost always wins this battle as you try using your feet to keep it under submission and out of the suction tube. I don't know anyone who enjoys constantly adjusting and straightening their rugs. If you buy a rug with sufficient pile density (or weight) it will remain where you place it and behave when you vacuum. I prefer rugs of at least 12mm. Especially if they are to be placed over wall-to-wall carpet. Buy a dense rug and let gravity keep it in position and under control.

4. Cotton or Jute Backing is preferred

Although cotton or jute backing is preferred, many rugs are manufactured with a secondary backing. I prefer rugs that are woven without the secondary backing. Because you can tell if it's a good quality rug when you can detect the pattern of the rug while looking at it from the back. Whether a rug is machine-made or hand-knotted it has to be woven into something. Cotton or jute is preferred, but polypropylene mesh is fine when used in the backing of a rug (but never the face fiber). However; some rugs need that secondary backing to add density and weight. Also consider how the are rug is bonded. Single backed area rugs only need a small amount of latex to keep them bonded while secondary backing rugs need more latex to secure the backing material. If the rug maker uses synthetic latex for bonding, your nose will be happy. It will only have a new rug smell for a short period of time. If your rug maker uses a lot of real latex to secure a secondary backing, it will most likely stink of burnt rubber for years to come. Especially when the weather gets hot. Most noses and eyes are sensitive to real latex in larger doses. If you have chemical sensitivities, stick to single backed area rugs that don't use heavy applications of synthetic latex.

5. Don't place Heavy Furniture on your Area Rugs

Area rugs are often intended to define and delineate space. If your rug is too big for the area you are decorating you will be tempted to tuck the edges of the rug under your heavier pieces of furniture. When heavy furnishings are placed on an area rug they can often cause bunching and wrinkling where the furniture legs are indenting their selves into your rug. This can cause the most beautiful and expensive rugs to look cheesy and warped. Indents, wrinkles and warping of rugs from heavy furnishings can also become more permanent. To avoid costly rug repairs down the road, keep four to six inches of distance from heavy furniture. (Coffee tables are fine; sofas, hutches and entertainment systems are a definite no-no). Although not often. Some rug applications may result in the need for a dense and firm rug pad (or cushion). I always suggest the use of all-felt or synthetic all-felt rug pads.

Avoiding the hassles of wrinkles, buckles and bunching in your area rug is as easy as pie when you consider applying these 5 tips. Your new area rug can be a joy or a nightmare. Always buy good quality (not museum quality) New Zealand wool fiber area rugs with a single woven and bonded cotton or jute backing, and never place it under any heavy furniture. Follow these rules and your new area rug will be a joy for many years to come. Visit our web site for more about area rugs, home decor items and information.

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

Buy Rug Runners And Feel Like Royalty

There are lots of concepts that you can use for your home design themes. However, if you really cannot let go of your childhood fantasies and you still want them to be fulfilled up to now, go ahead and choose a royalty like home design themes. There are lots of ways for you to achieve this. First of all, you have to make use of the best lighting effects. This is where you can really make your house stand out above others. If you choose the best lights that will transform your house, your guests will never believe that it is just the usual house they've seen before.

You also have to carefully choose your furniture and even your kitchenware. They will also be very crucial in making your house look like a real palace. Of course, don't forget to paint your house with elegant colors and place great wall paintings that are classic and historical.

To top it all, buy rug runners and place them on your stairs. Long rug runners are usually placed on stairs so that you will really feel like a king or queen moving up and down of your house from time to time. There also round rug runners placed in the middle of a living room. This becomes the focal point of your house. It will definitely be the center of everybody's attraction. When choosing for rug runners, make sure that you limit your choices only to elegant and classy designs. Don't choose the more contemporary ones since they might forfeit your goal. Don't worry since most designs available are really very regal and classic. These runners can be cheap or expensive depending on what you have chosen. Well, in any way, they are the best choice if you want a palace looking home. You can also buy area rugs that are of classic designs.

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A Rug in the Dining Room?

It's easy to assume that any area where food is consumed should have utilitarian, easy-to-clean flooring. However, an area rug in a dining room is one of the best ways to improve the look of an eating area. Whether the flooring is hardwood or wall to wall carpet, topping the existing floor with an area rug creates a warm and inviting space, in which eating is a pleasure.

Speaking practically, if a dining room has hardwood floors, a rug under the seating area will help protect the wood from the constant movement of dining chairs. Even with felt pads on the chair legs, the finish will become scuffed and eventually break down from the wear. If a dining room has wall to wall carpet, an area rug can help protect that investment from stains and wear as well; it's a great deal easier to replace a rug than to re-finish a hardwood floor or rip up wall-to-wall carpeting.

From an aesthetic view, an area rug is a wonderful way to anchor the seating area. If the dining room furniture is the centerpiece of the room, an area rug can act as a frame that pulls the eye in towards those pieces. Choosing a neutral rug with a border will help feature the dining furniture to best advantage. On the other hand, while a bold pattern can distract from the furnishings themselves, oftentimes, an eye-catching pattern can help give a sense of vitality to the room overall and become an excellent foundation for stunning decorating options.

Regardless of the style and features of the rug, it is essential to measure carefully - this is particularly true in the dining room. It is very important that the rug is large enough to allow each chair to be pulled fully from the table. If a dining area is meant to be a comfortable and welcoming place to gather and eat, the last thing a host or hostess wants is for guests to worry about snagging their chair on the rug! In most cases, a rug should extend at least 18 inches on all sides of the table; so, add three feet to the length and width of a dining room table to find the minimum dimensions of a dining room rug. If the dining table is round, add at least three feet to the diameter of the table.

After determining the minimum area rug size, home decorators may want to consider the maximum preferable size for their space. If a room is blessed with hardwood floors, choosing a smaller rug will allow more of the wood floor to shine. However, if the dining area has wall to wall carpeting, an area rug can be extended almost to the walls, depending on personal preference and the condition of the carpeting. Due to these particular considerations, custom-sized area rugs can be a convenient option when decorating a dining room. It is important that home decorators get what they want in the size they want!

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Oriental Rug Cleaning - Choosing the Right Professional Area Rug Cleaning Company

You want to have your fine Oriental area rug looking great for many years to come, to enjoy its beauty and intricate design. The key to your area rug looking its best is to properly care for it, insuring your enjoyment and pleasure for generations. Oriental area rug experts uniformly agree that the best and most appropriate method of cleaning an Oriental area rug is to hand wash it in water and without harsh chemicals. This simple, yet effective method of cleaning has been used for centuries. Although time consuming, it certainly is well worth the effort.

Professionally washing your treasured Oriental area rug is your best assurance for its protection and longevity. Over time, soil, dirt, dust and sand accumulate in your rug, hasten wear and damage the fibers. Eventually, such a rug environment becomes very attractive to mold and moth larvae.

Although regular vacuuming is important to the health of your Oriental rug, it does not take the place of professional cleaning. A true professional Oriental area rug cleaner will not take chances with your valuable and valued rug. He will not expose your lovely rug to harsh chemicals or machine washing. Such delicate work must be done by hand by an experienced, well trained and professional rug cleaner that knows the differences in rug fibers, dyes and methods of production.

To choose the proper professional Oriental rug cleaners, there are certain questions you should ask. Listen carefully to the answers given, to make sure your rug will get the best and most appropriate care.

Questions to Ask an Area Rug Cleaner:

How long have you been in business, cleaning oriental, Persian and other fine rugs?

It is best to choose companies that have been in business for over 10 years and are focused on cleaning oriental, Persian and other fine rugs. Cleaning and repairing Oriental rugs is a combination of art and science and it takes time to acquire such fine expertise. There are quite a few carpet cleaning companies, dry cleaners, and other non professional businesses who claim to clean oriental rugs, but in any metropolitan area, there is only a limited number of companies that are truly specialized and qualified to do this type of work.

How much experience do the area rug cleaning professionals on your staff have?

Professional area rug cleaning businesses must have people experienced in cleaning as well as repair for over 3 to 5 years.

What specific training and certifications do your area rug cleaning professionals have? Do you have Certified Rug Cleaning Specialists certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)?

Certified Rug Cleaning Specialists must complete rigorous training and practice. They are trained in specific techniques that are applicable for each specific type of rug based on material (Wool, Silk, Sisal), design (Oriental, Modern, Transitional) or country of origin (such as Persia, India, China), and whether it is a machine made or handmade rug. Acquiring this certification is costly and shows that the company is serious about their business.

Are you a member, in good standing, of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?

Any reputable service company would register with the Better Business Bureau.

Is your company insured and bonded?

Area rugs may have high sentimental and monetary value. You want to make sure that while your rug is in the possession of the rug cleaning company, you are protected against the rug being stolen or damaged.

What steps are included in the cost of your service?

Typical steps should include inspection, dusting, cleaning, grooming and drying. Some companies have additional services they offer, such as moth repellent, fabric protector, custom rug pad installation, area rug repair and restoration.

What type of equipment do you use to clean area rugs?

While methods of cleaning depend on your particular rug, professional companies invest heavily in professional equipment. They typically have specialized dusting equipment, specialized drying facilities, as well as specialized washing equipment. Stay away from regular carpet cleaning companies who will just hose down your rug on the concrete floor and apply harsh chemicals. Even if it will not damage your rug, it certainly will not clean it.

Do you move furniture as part of the service cost? If so, are any pieces of furniture not typically moved?

Rugs can be damaged if heavy furniture is moved incorrectly.

Do you offer pick up and delivery? If so, does that service cover my zip code? How much does it cost?

Oriental rugs may be pretty heavy and not easy to transport. Typically, rug cleaning companies arrange the pickup and delivery. Some companies pick up and deliver free of charge.

Do you provide a guarantee for your service?

You want to make sure you rug will not be damaged. Make sure that company stands behind its promises.

Do you provide an in home quote prior to cleaning area rugs? Will that estimate be in writing? What issues might cause that estimate to increase or decrease?

Professional rug cleaners must provide an approximate quote before they pick up your rug. While the price may increase or decrease based on a further careful evaluation at the rug cleaning plant, you must be notified about it as soon as possible.

What method of area rug cleaning do you recommend for my rug?

Give the professional rug cleaner as much information as you can about our area rug: the fiber it is made of (Wool, Silk, Sisal, Nylon.. ), country of origin, whether it is handmade or machine made. The more information you provide the rug cleaning company, the more specific and comprehensive the cleaning plan for your rug will be.

Can your process and equipment remove urine, dust, stains from my area rugs?

Specify what kind of contamination you have on your rug. Don't worry about saying words like dog urine, spills, dirt, dust or anything else that may be on your rug. Professional rug cleaners are trained experts and they would be able to tell you what they can and cannot clean. Professional area rug cleaning might be able to remove dust, dirt, odors, urine and stains. A professional rug cleaner must be up front with you about what he can and cannot do.

Do you offer rug repairs?

Professional rug cleaners are very likely to offer rug repairs as part of their services. Stay away from companies that don't provide this service. This may signal that they are not specialized Oriental rug cleaning experts. Professional rug repairs might include fringe repair, edge serging, edge binding, rug patching and rug reweaving.

When you have complete and satisfactory answers to the above questions, chances are you have found a quality Oriental area rug cleaning professional. Once you schedule an area rug cleaning and find it satisfactory, schedule a regular cleaning session once every year or so, depending on foot traffic and general abuse your Oriental area rug is subjected to.

Oriental area rugs are sturdier than you may think. They do need periodic washing, vacuuming and rotating to prevent uneven wear and sunlight damage. However, as you care for and maintain your Oriental rug, you will enjoy the results for a lifetime.

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

Area Rugs 4x6: Choosing the Right Size of Area Rugs

There are plenty of areas in your home where you can place area rugs in order to provide a whole new and attractive look. Area rugs are excellent in making your home look warm and cozy but this does not mean that you can just pick any types and sizes of area rugs in order to change the look of a particular area in your home. Among all aspects related to area rugs, choosing the right size is as important as choosing the right pattern and color. For you to be able to get the area rug that will best fit its proposed location, you need to be able to know the perfect size of the area rug you need to purchase. Area rugs can come in a variety of size starting from area rugs 4x6 up to 9x12.

The reason why it is very important to have the right size of area rugs because choosing the wrong one can drastically change the appearance of the room, for example, if you will be using area rugs 4x6 on a big living room, the small size of the area rug will be highlighted. Using a bigger area rug on a smaller room will also make it look crowded and vice versa. If your purpose of purchasing area rugs is to place it either in the kitchen or in your bathroom, area rugs 4x6, 3x5, and 2x3 will be sufficient enough to meet your requirements. These sizes are the standard dimension for these areas in your home and for the much larger rooms like the living and dining rooms, rugs with dimensions of nine by twelve, eight by ten, and five by eight is enough. For your bedrooms, a four by six area rug is suitable.

Before you start shopping for area rugs, it is recommended that you first get the exact measurements of the area where you will be placing your rugs. You can mark the important areas and evaluate the volume of space in the particular room. You also need to know where you need to place the area rug you will be purchasing and evaluate whether it is feasible to place an area rug in that particular area. If not, find another space where are rugs can be best placed.

You need to know that a larger space might prove it difficult to find an area rug with the appropriate size. Today’ market makes it more available for smaller rugs due to its affordability and people seldom look for or buy large area rugs for their homes. If you are really intent on purchasing a large area rug, you can look for rug suppliers and dealers and inquire if they accept custom made area rugs to meet your exact specification. You can browse online for area rug dealers and before deciding on one, give it some time to compare prices from various dealers you can find. This can help you to find a dealer that can provide you with an affordable area rug with the exact size that you want.

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