Identifying the Origin of Oriental Rugs

When it comes to home décor, the rugs can be indispensable. The changing trends in interior design have brought many different types of rugs in the market. Today, rugs come in all shapes, sizes, colours and different materials. With lots of choices available, finding the best suited rug for your home will be a challenge. However, the choosing the rugs for your home will be much easier if you are well aware of the different types of rugs available today.

Before getting into the different types of rugs available, let's have some knowledge about one of the most commonly used rugs called the "Oriental Rugs". Oriental rugs are available in different form such as modern and antique. The antique rugs will be a great addition to a room with some antique furniture. It has to be noted that many countries manufacture oriental rugs based on their traditional designs. You can easily identify the origin of the Oriental rug by seeing its design. Now let's see the 4 common types of oriental rugs in use today

1. The Persian Rugs

Many people think that the term oriental rugs means "Persian rug" because, the Persian rugs are very common and are easier to identify. The Persian rugs are well known for its durability. Moreover, these Persian rugs will be much beautiful than the rugs produced in any other parts of the world. Most of the Persian rugs will have catchy floral patterns which can be easily identified.

2. The Indian Oriental Rugs

Indian oriental rugs are very popular next to the Persian ones. Most of the oriental rugs sold in the western countries are said to have originated from India. The Indian rugs are handmade and hence will have the highest durability. The noticeable feature of the Indian rug is the very cheap pricing. These oriental rugs can be identified with the great Indian cultural designs.

3. The Tibet Rugs

The Tibet rugs are the most costly rugs. However, these rugs are valuable investments that can increase your home's value. It has to be noted that creation of one Tibet rug takes approximately 3500 working hours. Hence all the rugs from Tibet are woven with care. The Tibet rugs can be easily identified with the rustic patterns.

4. The Oriental Rugs from Turkey

With the first World War destroying the Turkish rug industry the Turkish rugs are hard to find today and hence are highly priced. The industry has slowly started to regain its shape through the recent years. These rugs can be identified with the great traditional Turkish designs with rich colours.

The choice of the oriental rugs should be done based on the design and colour. Size and shape of the oriental rugs are the other factors to be considered. If you are not aware of choosing the Oriental rug, you can also get professional help.

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Area Rugs - Orientals to Cheap Contemporary Rugs

Oriental Chinese Rugs: How to Set the Difference? Don't be misled by Oriental Chinese rugs. They are completely different from other area rugs manufactured by other Asian countries. The variation comes from the patterns as well as the manner of creating the rugs. That's why when you're shopping for Oriental Chinese rugs, you should ensure that you know what you're looking for and you get the right one:

1. These rugs are very durable. The Oriental Chinese rug a long time ago has been a source of headache for the sellers. This is because there is the issue of its durability. You have to make sure that you make use of a light chemical in cleaning or washing it so you can remove its stiffness. This way, the rug will become more salable to customers. Nevertheless, because of the changes happening in this rug, as well as the shift of material used, you can expect the Chinese Oriental rug to last as long as the Persian rugs. As a matter of fact, those that are sold in the middle of the 1920s until the 1930s can still be seen in very good condition. Only few of them really exhibit wear or deterioration.

2. There is difference in texture and design. Commonly, an area rug such as the Persian rug showcases a different kind of weaving, which is characterized by countless tied knots for every square inch. The Chinese rugs, on the other hand, are in relation to foot. This means that there are prescribed number of knots that need to be done for each foot of the material.

3. Beware of Indian rugs. Indian rug makers have tried to emulate the process of the Oriental Chinese, especially in their design and the manner of tying the knots. Hence, you may mistake an Indian rug into an Oriental Chinese rug. It would be best to stick with local Chinese rug dealers. At least you are a lot sure that you can purchase the rug that you definitely want.

4. There are different sizes of Chinese Oriental rugs. It doesn't matter where you are going to place the rug. The good thing is you are sure that you can find one that will add more beauty and substance to your home. Today there are more than 150 sizes of Chinese rugs, ranging from big to small. The prices, of course, differ depending on the intricacy of the design as well as the size of the rug.

It is well known that the Oriental rugs are going to cost you some money if they are hand knotted. And they should as it's a work of art and takes many months to make one fine rug. On the other hand you can find some very nice looking machine made Oriental designed rugs at a fraction of the cost. Many refer to these rugs as cheap contemporary rugs. They are inexpensive, but the quality is there with these rugs, too.

It's nice to have a choice about whether to spend thousands on a rug or a little over a hundred for a fine looking rug for your rooms. Nice to have the choices that don't cost an arm and a leg.

The Oriental rugs rock... always do, always will. Getting an affordable machine made Oriental rug is not quite as luxurious, but good grief it costs less and they look darn good. Take a gander over at both and you will see the difference. Modern area rugs and cheap contemporary rugs can be a pretty nice choice when you're watching your purse strings.

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How to Choose a Horse Rug

There are many different types of horse rugs, with various characteristics and functions. Therefore, the first step to choosing a horse rug is to decide which type you require for your horse. To assist you in this decision, following is a list of the main types of rugs and an explanation of their function:

• Fly Rug. The purpose of this is to protect the horse from flies that bite or sting. They are more commonly and accurately referred to as 'fly sheets' rather than 'fly rugs', as they are typically a thin plastic sheet or mesh, rather than a fabric rug. One can also get 'fly masks', which are made out of the same material and are intended to protect the head (especially the eyes and ears) from flies. As they are a thin sheet they provide little warmth or insulation, although some can provide protection from wind and rain.

• Turnout rugs. These are intended to provide insulation (warmth), to protect horses when they are outside. The amount of warmth depends largely on the amount of insulation, which is typically measured in terms of weight rather than thickness. Consequently, rugs with a moderate amount of insulation are referred to as Lightweight Turnout Rugs, while those intended for maximum warmth are known as Heavy Turnout Rugs. Some turnout rugs are resistant or impervious to rain.

• Coolers. Although they may look like some turnout rugs, their purpose is quite different. They are intended to help the horse dry by 'wicking' moisture away from its coat, and at the same time protecting the horse from cooling while wet (a wet horse can quickly become chilled if it is exposed to cold and/or wind while it has a wet coat). They are typically used after exercise, when the weather is cool or windy, and removed once the horse has dried off. These are also known as 'sweat rugs'.

• Rain sheets. These are typically a thin sheet, with little or no insulation. It is intended to keep the horse dry and can also provide protection from the wind.

• Stable rugs. Also known as 'stable blankets', these are similar to turnout rugs in that they provide warming insulation, but are intended to be used when the horse is stabled rather than when it is outside.

• Saddle rugs. A saddle rug (also known as a 'saddle pad') is placed under the saddle. It provides cushioning between the saddle and the horse, which protects the horse from the relatively hard saddle and at the same time protects the saddle from being rubbed down by the horse. As the horse tends to sweat under the saddle rug, due to the combination of exercise and the warming insulation provided by the saddle rug, some have built in 'wicking' materials to help remove the sweat from the coat.

• Show rugs. A show rug is placed between the saddle and the saddle rug. It is a relatively thin but colourful rug whose main function is look attractive. As it has little or no other practical purpose, it is typically used only during exhibitions or competitions.

• Summer rugs. More commonly known as 'summer sheets', these are thin sheets intended to keep dirt off of the horse's coat (e.g. if it rolls or lies down).

• New Zealand rugs. A turnout rug which is made of waxed canvas. It provides limited warmth but protects well from wind and rain (provided that it is re-waxed as required) and is relatively resistant to damage due to the strong canvas material.

• Riding rugs. It provides protection from the weather but is designed to be worn by the horse when it is being ridden.

Of these various types of horse rugs, perhaps the most commonly used is the turnout rug. The most important factor when choosing this type of rug is to select a rug of the appropriate warmth. Keep in mind that a horse which is too hot can be as uncomfortable as one which is too cold. Furthermore, a rug will discourage the growth of the coat and if too warm will actually result in the horse shedding its coat. Consequently, it is important both that the rug is heavy enough to provide necessary warmth but as the same time is not too warm. The warmth which an individual horse requires will depend on various factors:

• Weather. On a cold winter day, one will need a warmer (heavier) turnout rug than on a cool autumn or spring day. If there is wind, additional protection is required due to the wind chill factor. Likewise, if there is heavy rain, the insulation provided by the horse's coat and by the rug are both reduced, unless they have a rain resistant cover.

• Health and Age. Horses which are young, strong and healthy have less requirement for a warming rug than ones which are not. On a cold day, it may make sense to put a heavy turnout rug on a sick or old horse, when a younger horse in the same field may be fine with a light turnout rug or no rug at all.

• Thickness of coat. A horse with a thick coat will have less need for a rug than one which has a fine coat, or which has been clipped.

• Exhibiting. A horse with a thick coat generally does not look as attractive (in the eyes of most people) as one which has a thinner coat. Consequently, horses being exhibited usually have a rug which is warm enough to discourage growth of their winter coat. Such coats are relatively heavy for the horse's circumstances, as they need to replace the insulation provided by the natural winter coat rather than merely supplement it. Likewise, summer sheets and show rugs are for the needs of the exhibitor rather than the horse.

• Number of rugs. The above factors will determine the number of rugs required. For example, a young and healthy horse in a mild climate may not require a rug at all and may be happier without one. In a colder climate, a healthy horse may need only a light rug to be used during the coldest days. An elderly or sick horse may need multiple rugs, depending on the situation (e.g. uninsulated waterproof coat for summer rain, lightweight turnout rug for autumn or spring, and a heavy turnout rug for winter).

Once one has decided on the type of rug plus (in the case of warming rugs) the required weight, one can then look at the materials, quality and features which you may require. Some common items and features to consider are:

• Antibacterial. Some rugs are treated to be antibacterial.

• Breathable. Breathable rugs allow sweat to evaporate and air to access the coat, features which make the rug more comfortable and healthier.

• Coverage. Rugs generally cover the body. Some also have neck covers, either as part of the rug or an a detachable extra.

• Friction points: Rugs can rub, especially if worn by active horses or when the horse is working. The main points affected are typically around the shoulders and chest. To prevent this, some rugs have anti-friction fabric at these points to allow the rug to easily slide and move without rubbing the coat.

• Hooks, loops, buckles, straps and attachments. These should be strong, easily opened and closed, and firmly attached.

• Insulation. The amount of insulation is typically expressed in grams per square meter. For example, a '300g' rug has 300 grams of insulation per square meter of rug. The actual rug will weigh more than this, as this is only the weight of the insulation itself and does not include the weight of fabric, straps or buckles. In general, the heavier the weight, the warmer the rug. However, this is not a precise measurement as there are different types of insulation, which vary in terms of quality and effectiveness.

• Rain. A rug may be unsuitable for rain, or be rain resistant, or rain proof.

• Tear Resistant or Rip Stop. Rugs may use fabrics or weaves which are resistant to tearing, and in the event of a tear resist the tear becoming larger.

• Washing. Machine washable rugs are more convenient.

• Wicking. Remove sweat and moisture from the coat.

Once you have decided on the above, your requirements should be well defined in terms of type of rug, amount of warmth required and the various features which you would like. At this point, it is mainly down to quality and price. As in most things, you get what you pay for, so the better quality rugs are correspondingly more expensive. If your budget is limited, or you will only use the rug infrequently, then an inexpensive rug may be appropriate. However, if your horse will be using the rug frequently, it is usually worth investing in a better quality rug which will last. In addition, if your horse is active or frequently rolls, it is important to choose a sturdy rug which can resist this use.

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