Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Why European Area Rugs Are Suitable For Interior Decorations


Rugs have always been part of a homeowner's life. Some believe it's almost impossible to complete a home without them which is why it is inevitable for a lot of businessmen to take advantage of this by making rugs their primary business products. Area rugs are being manufactured in so many different places from all over the world. One of the best types of area rugs is European area rugs.

Although rugs that are made in Europe come in a wide variety of designs, they could easily be distinguished from those that have been made in other top rug manufacturing places like Persia, India and China.

European area rugs have more solid, simple and elegant designs. They make use of designs like stripes, blocks, checkered, and other designs that tend to be very neutral in terms of blending with different types of interior decorations.

Unlike Persian rugs that usually have shady floral designs, rugs made in Europe can come in different attractive colors like black, white, red, etc. They also come in floral designs however they are not as concentrated as those of Persian rugs. Floral designs from rugs made in Europe tend to be a lot lighter to the eyes and they also make use of lighter colors for floral designs.

Generally, rugs are being used for home interior decoration where homeowners can play with whatever look they want for their home. However, because of the simplicity and elegance of European area rugs, they are also most of the time being used to decorate corporate business offices and other venues. This is because the simplicity and elegance of their designs are capable of giving an office a lighter and very soothing ambiance.

Just like any other type of area rug, European area rugs also have hand-made versions that tend to be quite expensive because they take a lot longer and harder to finish. Most of the time, the area rugs that are made available in the market are made by machine. Rugs from Europe that are made by machines are a lot less expensive but they have similar designs to those that have been made by hand and they are also equally durable. However, as it takes machines a shorter period of time to finish making rugs, they cost a lot cheaper.

If interior designers choose to come up with an elegant looking design for a lesser cost, they sometimes choose to buy European area rugs that are machine-made. Most of these cheaper rugs are also made out of genuine raw materials like wool and cotton fiber. Because they are made out of genuine raw materials, they also have strong qualities like being resistant to dust mites and other similar insects, being hypoallergenic, being resistant to excessive exposure to the heat of the sun and being very effective in absorbing moisture.

Overall, European area rugs can add various colors and designs to a room or office to pick up the mood and give a good impression. Whilst these rugs are different in terms of design and color compared to some of the other types, they are still a popular choice for some homeowners.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

The Secrets Behind Cheap Rugs For Sale


Don't get carried away by the lure of savings that cheap rugs present. You have to remain a responsible and educated consumer when browsing through affordable rug options, whether online or in brick and mortar stores. Cheap rugs for sale are a dime a dozen. Quality products are hard to find. Knowing this, you will have to be very critical about the material, construction, texture and appearance of the rug you buy so you do not end up with a substandard product.

Rugs are usually made from a variety of materials. The most common of which is wool, a natural fiber, highly regarded for its durability, strength and softness. High-quality varieties are usually imported from Tibet and New Zealand as the sheep's there produce high levels of lanolin. Lanolin, in turn, enhances the fiber's texture and strength, thereby ensuring the finished product's perseverance. Regardless of this feature though, wool is known to be prone to shedding and fading. As such, they are not advised to use in areas with high traffic. Another popular material used in making rugs is silk. This protein fiber is typically blended with other rug fabrics to pair up its distinct softness with sturdiness. But what makes it more appealing, albeit the difficulty in maintenance is that it refracts light and shimmers when exposed. Cotton is another widely utilized material in rug creation and it is preferred by homeowners because it is affordable, easy to clean, and eco-friendly. However, it does attract dust easily and hardly equals wool and silk when it comes to durability. Grass fibers are probably as resilient. But they are less popular because of their coarse grain. Last on the list are synthetic fibers, namely acrylic, viscose, nylon and polypropylene. They are also durable. And since they do not require collection and harvesting, they are cheaper than other types of rug materials.

As far as construction goes, most modern day rugs are still made through the same techniques used by ancient weavers. Some are hand-knotted, tufted, hooked and braided while others are flat woven. However, there are currently rugs that are machined made and processed, which explains their marked down prices. See, usually it takes about a month to three to dye, weave and pattern a rug. And sometimes, more than one person is involved in its creation. It is because of this that they fetch high prices.

It is possible that the cheap rugs you are eyeing are actually just manufactured in some factory without that much time investment put into it as well as attention to detail. Not that they are unreliable when it comes to fulfilling their protective and decorative purposes. But handmade rugs are obviously better as far as craftsmanship goes. Still, if you can secure robustness, there's nothing wrong with getting a low-priced model. Anyways, it might not even be the construction or material that's compromised in this deal. Shipping fees, taxes and money conversions also play a part on why certain products are expensive or economical. Thus, it is not impossible to find cheap rugs for sale that are hand-crafted from reliable and smart retailers.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Oriental Rugs: Getting Them Repaired

Oriental rugs, Persian rugs and other natural-fiber area rugs are popular for decorating floors and even walls around the world. By the way, the definition of an oriental rug is: any area rug which is 100% natural fiber and 100% hand-made. Because of foot traffic and environmental circumstances, these rugs invariably become worn on surfaces, edges, and corners. Fringes, the foundation "warp" yarns that true oriental rugs have hanging out of the two ends, become frayed and wear down to the nubs.

Can you repair them yourself? If you are good with needle and thread, it's possible to do some minor repairs in some cases, such as repairing "over-casting," the wrapping around the edge cords. You will need to find the right color of thread made out of the same materials, usually wool.

However, in most cases, a qualified oriental and area rug cleaning facility is your best choice for having these rugs repaired. Minor to moderate repairs can include corner repair, edge over-casting, fringe stop-knot installation to prevent unraveling, and repair of small holes.

In more severe cases of damaged fibers or missing areas of material, a company who offers re-weaving may be necessary, and the repair could be quite time-consuming and costly. A common problem is pet damage, such as dogs taking a bite out of the edge. That particular problem is quite costly to have repaired, because there is nothing left, the entire section has to be totally re-knotted by the artisan, weaving in the correct pattern.

How can these rugs last longer without needing these costly repairs as frequently? Repair can be prevented by purchasing a custom-cut, cushioned pad made specifically for oriental or other natural-fiber rugs. Your professional rug cleaning facility is your best bet for purchasing this product. Also, beware of clothes moths. They lay eggs and the hatched larvae eat holes in the back and front surfaces of the rugs.

To prevent moth infestation or minor moth "munching," there are a few tips: first, don't put your rug under your sofa, moths love shade and hate light. They will lay their eggs in the shade. If you have a coffee table on your rug, move the table and vacuum at least once a week. Also, don't store your rugs in garage or storage facility if you can help it. Moths often get into the rug, whether or not it has been wrapped, and lay eggs, causing infestation. At my company, we have seen rugs opened up after a few months of storage, and to the owner's horror the thing is filled with these maggots and the rug is pretty much destroyed. One more tip to prevent moth damage: have your rugs cleaned at least every two years by a qualified local company who truly specializes in cleaning natural fiber rugs. For oriental rugs, the full water immersion method is far superior because it washes out imbedded insect eggs.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Removing Pet Odors From Your Area Rugs

If you have a pet you will no doubt have to deal with cleaning up after them. And they can sometimes create quite the mess. One area where you would likely prefer them not to make a mess is on your area rugs. Aside from having to deal with the dust, mud, or dirt that your furry companion will often bring into the house, you also have to deal with the unpleasant odors, which can be even more difficult to get out.

Having pet odors on your area rugs can be very embarrassing. Being able to smell a pet as soon as you enter a room isn't usually a pleasant experience. pet odors can be quite a problem and can end up spreading into other area. Here are some steps that you need to follow to help you remove the unpleasantness of pet odors from your area rugs.

One of the most effective products for removing pet odors from your area rugs is baking soda. Yes, baking soda is more than just a handy cooking ingredient. It is great for deodorizing and eliminating odors, especially rug and carpet odors. It is also cheaper than any over the counter carpet deodorizer and just as, if not more effective. To make use of baking soda, sprinkle an even layer over the area of the rug where most of the smell is concentrated. You don't want to empty the whole box but don't be afraid to use a bit of the baking soda either. Let the baking soda set overnight and then simply extract it with your vacuum cleaner. You should notice the odor has disappeared along with the baking soda.

If baking soda does not work for you then maybe you need to go with a professional cleaning to remove the pet odor from your rug. Professional rug cleaners have a number of solutions for removing odor from area rugs. They have the knowledge and skill to assess what the best method would be for your particular odor issues. Just make sure to hire an experienced cleaner to avoid any mishaps with your rugs. Always ask if a company is certified, insured, and bonded. This will ensure that they have the skills and that you are protected in case of any accidents.

Although sometimes difficult, removing pet odors from your area rugs is not the hardest thing you will ever have to do. Just follow these simple tips and you should have a much easier go at getting your rugs fresh and odor-free.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Tibetan Rugs for a Unique Oriental Ambiance

Tibetan rugs offer remarkable options to those looking to buy area rugs for their home and are seeking to attain a unique oriental feel. Though the market is swamped with a large number of options for area rugs, it is safe to say that not all of them exhibit the same level of elegance. As a matter of fact, when it comes to the options of area rugs we have available in the market; we can easily target a wide array of interior ambiances and yet find suitable rugs to go with the setup.

Setting up a newly acquired place is always associated with a number of hassles and concerns. On one hand where we have to make sure that we do not for-ego our financial constraints; on the other, ensuring the quality of the products we buy is also extremely important. If these factors were not enough, you need to ensure that the styling of the products you buy to furnish your house is in accordance with the existing furnishing of your house.

Although some people like to go for contemporary rugs for the uniqueness they offer; those who are looking for more than that consider international ambiances such as oriental. Coupled with strategically placed lamps and unconventionally low furniture items, Tibetan rugs are sure to deliver exemplary feel to the house; unlike some of the loud contemporary rugs, screaming for attention, they are designed to deliver elegance with evident sophistication.

Though the popularity gained by Tibetan rugs during the last decade or so has made most manufacturers to start offering them, it will not be unfair to say that all the manufacturers cannot be trusted for delivering durable quality and true value for your money. Thus, in order to ensure that you get the most out of your investment, it is recommended that you check the reviews of the people who are already using such rugs; something exclusively possible by buying the rugs online.

In addition to letting you check what the previous buyers of the desired rugs have to say about them, by buying the required Tibetan rugs online, you will be able to save a considerable amount of time and physical labor as well. When you buy the required rugs online; unlike the conventional way requiring you to run from pillar to post; you are able to explore a world of options for the desired rugs from the comfort of your home or office.