Sisal Rugs: Environment Friendly Flooring Decor

A sisal rug is an environmentally friendly, natural and biodegradable type of flooring decor. Sisal rugs are versatile, long-lasting, sound absorbing, water and fire resistant with some insulating properties. They are also naturally stain resistant, resilient and less expensive than other traditional rugs. These rugs are also very easy to take care of and maintain. Made from the sisal agave, commonly known as a cactus, the plant was first discovered in the Yucatan and was named after the port where the fiber was first exported.

These plants grow in humid climates in huge plump leaves from which the sisal fiber is flattened and frayed until only the fibers remain. The fibers are then soaked before exposure for drying in the sun or otherwise by searing air. It is very important to dry the fiber correctly as the value and type of the sisal depends on its moisture content. The washed, dried and treated sisal produces a sturdy, tough, expandable material suitable for rugs as well as rope, paper, buffing cloth, dart boards, handicrafts and many other uses. Their long woven fibers are stronger than coir, jute, hemp and flax. These sisal products have been utilized by people all over the world for many years.

The leading exporters of sisal fiber are Brazil, Mexico, China, the Caribbean, Tanzania and Kenya. In sisal rugs, sisal is usually blended with wool and acrylic for a softer cushion. This is accomplished by a 60% wool and 40% sisal using only its high-grade quality fibers. Their long woven fibers are stronger than coir, jute, hemp and flax. These sisal products have been patronized by professional architects and top interior designers all over the world for many years. They are gaining tremendous popularity by becoming one of the favorite rugs in the field of interior home and office design.

Sisal rugs have some unique characteristics, apart from being made from a cactus. Sisal will expand or contract depending on weather conditions. It has natural anti-static properties in addition to the fact that dust are not absorbed or retained by sisal rugs. They can be dyed to any color you prefer be it bold, natural or neutral. You can place them in heavy traffic areas where people converge. They can withstand the pressure.

You will be delighted with its fashionable and exotic beauty and you can place them in the living room, bedroom and hallway or conference room in your home or office. Sisal rugs have various texture and design schemes. You can choose those handcrafted rugs with 100% natural woven fiber with latex backing and stylish weavers. You can choose natural color rug or a dyed and bleached color flooring fixture of your choice. If you want to create a heavy visual impact, new life and vibrant personality into your rooms, the high fashion, earth friendly designer series of custom-made rugs with blind stitching edges are excellent choices.

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Moroccan Rugs - How To Cheer Up Your Home Decor

Adding a touch of ethnicity to your home’s interiors by using furniture, furnishings, and rugs is a sure way to brighten the atmosphere! Over the past few years, decorating homes in ethnic styles has become extremely popular. Sensing the demand for original tribal art from various places around the world, even big stores such as Target have been known to launch complete furnishing lines that reflect a particular culture or region such as Indian or Japanese home furnishing lines.

One of the most popular emerging styles is Moroccan, especially in the rugs and carpet industry. Hand-woven Moroccan rugs are a fantastic way to invite warmth and create a bright and charming atmosphere in your home.

Moroccan rugs have been infusing the magic of color and art to the homes of millions over the world. Moroccan rugs and art have been widely connected to the west and examples of this can be seen in Bauhaus movement or in the works of American designers like Billy Baldwin during the 1960’s and 1970’s.

The simple geometric patterns of Moroccan rugs have been used for long to lend a stylish, urbane and sophisticated look to most of the modern furnishings. The famous pile carpets from the Middle Atlas Mountain region of Morocco are proudly displayed in renowned historic houses such as Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Fallingwater and Charles and Ray Eames spectacular Pacific Palisades house in California.

And with the late 1990’s, Moroccan rugs revival was imminent as designers and public showed a renewed interest for elements of the 1960’s and 70’s era both in terms of style and color. Bright and warm hues of oranges and saffron yellows reflecting in Moroccan rugs geometrical patterns were scene stealers. Moreover, these rugs are made from spun wool and had an authentic indigenous character making them ‘one-of-a-kind’ with a quality that was hard to find in their synthetic factory made modern cousins.

Moroccan rugs were and are still being made by the Berbers, who are an indigenous tribe of North African region living in Morocco. These weavers use hand-dyed wool to weave the rugs and each rug is unique in its design, use of colors, and patterns. The designs of Moroccan rugs are often similar to those found in the weaving of Native Americans.

Another type of Moroccan rugs are ‘kilims’ or ‘hanbels’ though these are lightweight, flat in weave and motifs are made with variations of red, blue, green, yellow, mauve and white. The price of Moroccan rugs and kilims are usably determined by the size, quality of the design and the colors used.

Why Buy Moroccan Rugs?

A holistic mix of modern and ethnic styling and design, Moroccan rugs lend a distinctly stylish look to your home decor. Warm and bright, they can simply liven up any space and make it look trendy, colorful and luxurious. Romance is an integral part of Moroccan culture and your Moroccan furnishings can bring some of that feeling in your room or home.

Rectilinear Moroccan carpets and rugs are visually striking and rich, and vivid with interesting motifs, making them a perfect flooring accessory for your living room or bedroom. Made from organic, hand woven wool, Moroccan rugs can be hung on walls hanging or used as a throw.

Let’s look at some of the things you should know before you set out to purchase Moroccan rugs for your home:

Rugs Authenticity –Always shop around. Extremely low priced rugs may mean that the products are not authentic. All Moroccan rugs are made from wool and have very bright colors. Also, good quality rugs should have 120 knots/square inch of weave; turn the carpet over to look at the knots. Handmade carpet will feature variations in the knots as compared to factory made carpets. Ask the shopkeeper if you can burn a small bit of the fringe to check the authenticity of the material – silk and wool being natural fibers will smolder when burnt.

Rugs Design—Bold patterns, visually enticing motifs and sparkling colors, Moroccan rugs are eye-catching to say the least. If your room already has a lot of visual movement and your furnishings are heavily designed then opt for a less conspicuous pattern.

Rugs Formality—Casual and comfortable appeal of the Moroccan carpets is a reflection of the tribal heritage of the indigenous people. You may not be able to achieve an authentically layered look as the Moroccan rugs are made in larger sizes to fulfill modern living room requirements.

Keep these things in mind when buying Moroccan rugs and enliven your home decor today!

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Selecting the Perfect Area Rug

The right rug: A well-chosen rug enhances your color scheme, in addition to absorbing sound in a hardwood room.

You're in luck if you pull up your green shag carpeting and uncover a hardwood treasure. But what do you do with those naked floors?

If your floor is in good shape, you may want to leave it uncovered. If you do so, it's important to put stick-on felt pads on the feet of your chairs and place small, washable throw rugs at high traffic areas (under the kitchen sink, the front door, etc.) to increase the life of your floor.

If your newly revealed floor is in bad shape, you don't necessarily have to re-carpet or refinish the hardwood. There are several less expensive options:
- Install tile only in the high-traffic areas showing damage, leaving the remainder of the hardwood intact.

- Hire a hardwood repair specialist to spot-replace and re-stain warped, burnt or gauged areas.

- Lay area rugs over the damaged zones. The Selection Process
There are several advantages to using large area rugs on your hardwood flooring:

- The room will feel warmer and look more "pulled together" when anchored by a rug.

- Rugs help absorb the increased noise and echoes generated in a room with hardwood flooring.

- A well-chosen floor covering enhances your color scheme and the decor of the room.

- Your floors will be protected from scratches and wear.

The first step in selecting the appropriate rug is to determine where you want to put it and the size you'll need. Make sure you have your furniture in the best arrangement possible for the room. Lay newspapers down on the floor and begin covering the area needing the carpet. Start small and keep laying down paper until you find what looks like the best coverage. Establish minimum and maximum acceptable sizes and jot this down. (Most rugs come in standard sizes but there are variations, so it helps to know the range of sizes that could work in the room.)

The rug should enhance the room's decor by echoing its color scheme and style and should be an integral part of the overall design, not the focal point. Stand in the room needing the rug and make note of its one, two or three predominant colors. Then determine the room's style or period (French Country, Modern, Early American, etc). Knowing the room's colors and the style will help you narrow your choices.

Decide on a solid versus a patterned rug,such as handmade area rugs,silk rugs,persian rugs,oriental rugs,wool rugs etc. Solid colored rugs calm the eye, but show spots and lint more easily. A patterned rug adds visual interest and hides soil well, but finding one to match your existing furnishings may be a challenge.

Next, determine your budget. When I was looking for my perfect living room rug (with an 8-foot by 10-foot minimum and a 9-foot by 12-foot maximum), I wanted to spend less than $750 but was prepared to pay up to $1,000. After a two-month search, I ended up with a close-to-perfect-rug for $625, delivered. I could have settled for a $350 alternative, but felt the additional $375 was a worthwhile investment. A Range of Sources

Once you know your budget, your colors and your style, you're ready to hunt down the rug of your dreams. Many retail furniture stores also carry area rugs that you can take home and try out. Try to save money by purchasing your rug during a sale. Inexpensive Alternatives

- Recycle your old wall-to-wall carpeting. Lay out the carpeting on your driveway and determine what section of the rug could be re- used. Use masking tape to outline the area you want cut and trimmed. Take the carpet to a carpet company willing to do the lacing and - voila - a "new" area rug for the cost of the stitching!

- Try garage or estate sales. You can find new, antique or imported rugs at a flea markets, often at a good price.

- Furniture consignment shops sometimes carry high-quality used carpets at a fraction of the new cost.

- Purchase a remnant from a carpet outlet.

About the Author

Steven ZHAO is the CEO of http://arearugs2door.com .An award-winning retailer, wholesaler, and manufacturer of handmade area rugs,silk rugs,persian rugs,oriental rugs,wool rugs etc.

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Different Kinds of Rugs Available

A rug is typically a carpet with finished edges. As is the common perception, there is not much difference between carpets and rugs. The only noticeable difference is that, carpets are generally used for floor coverings and are larger in size. Rugs are used for many purposes. They can be used as floor furnishing, foot rug, wall hangings, sofa coverings and for many other decorative purposes. They come in a varied range of sizes and shapes. Rugs are sometimes also used for specific purposes. These include, setting up the theme of the room, lobby rugs, kid room rugs, throws etc.

Rugs are generally classified based on their pattern and design. In addition, the approach for weaving a rug is also sometimes used to classify them into segments. Typically, rugs are classified into four major categories. These include, Cotton Printed Rugs, Traditional Rugs, Modern Rugs, and Tribal Rugs. Each of these classifications has their own set of patterns and designs.

Cotton Printed Rugs are elite and stylish in nature. They give unmatched appeal to floor decoration and thus add an artistic approach towards interior decoration. Cotton printed rugs come in varied color schemes. Cotton rugs are primarily used to give a soothing effect in an otherwise oppressive surrounding. On the other hand, traditional rugs reflect positive vibes to the room’s decor. These rugs are generally made using woolen materials but are sometimes also crafted using natural fibers. As the name suggests, traditional rugs represent traditionalism to the interiors.

Though the market for rugs is huge, it is not limited only to cotton printed rugs or traditional rugs. Modern rugs are tailor made for people who like to color their surroundings with brightness. Modern rugs with their trendy yet elegant look are found in offices and buildings. Most of the designs for modern rugs are done keeping in mind that they easily fit into the décor of the room. This is also one of the primary reasons for people to show preference towards modern rugs.

There are some other types of rugs that make the floor eye-catching; the foremost among them is the tribal rug. It is like a fresh water lake in the midst of sand dunes. These are made using natural dye colors and typical bold designs. The color scheme here is generally loud, which gels beautifully into the décor of the room. You can use tribal rugs in any type of interior and they give you awesome results. The only concern is that they should be strategically placed to enhance the beauty of the room. Improper placing might wipe out the finesse.

Proper flooring is the answer to get the real impact out of correct home furnishing. Rugs go a long way in making your rooms look more sophisticated and urban. They give a feeling of completeness and this makes your home or for that matter, any home a sweet home.

Ken Piderman writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on rugs please visit: http://www.acepersianrugs.com/orient.pl/decrotive-discount-red-william.html

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Bamboo Rugs - Most Elegant And Eco Friendly Option For Home Decor

More and more people are becoming environment conscious these days and are turning to eco-friendly products for their homes. One such product is the natural material rugs used as area rugs or accent rugs. Bamboo rug comes under this category. Bamboo rug is a very elegant, eco-friendly natural rug and is gaining popularity in recent days. The beautiful bamboo rug adds beauty to all types of flooring, including carpeted floors as well as hardwood, ceramic, vinyl and marble floors. They are durable and a classy addition to any type of home decor whether it is conventional and classic or contemporary and trendy.

Most of these rugs are made from mature 5 or 6 year old bamboo trees from the Anji mountains in China. The bamboo is cleaned and kiln dried to remove excess moisture and prevent warping. When the rugs are manufactured, they are fitted with non-slip rug pad backing to prevent skidding on smooth surfaces. They are also treated chemically to give them longer life and prevent fading. They are mostly for indoor use like area rugs or accent rugs. Sometimes, the bamboo rugs are also used in closed outdoor areas like gazebos, screened porch etc. These bamboo rugs come in attractive colors and if maintained properly, the color can last for a lifetime. Here are some tips for proper maintenance of bamboo rugs:

1. Keep bamboo rugs away from direct sunlight as far as possible, to avoid fading of colors.

2. If rug is to be used outdoors, make sure to store it inside after use.

3. Keep bamboo rugs away from water sources or rain. If bamboo rugs get wet, wipe them dry with a cloth, then hang them up to completely airdry. Never roll up a bamboo rug which is partially wet because it may lead to mold and mildew formation.

4. Finally, before laying the bamboo rug again on the floor, make sure that the floor area is completely dry.

These small steps can ensure the rug's longevity. Besides being eco-friendly, the colorful bamboo rug can add a touch of class to any room in a home.

Gnana Ramanathan is an internet entrepreuner specialising in elegant home decor items like Bamboo Rugs, Hammocks, and Home Decor accessories like vases, lighting etc.

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Bamboo Rugs

Picking out flooring coverings for your home is not easy, and it is not cheap. Right now hardwood floors are very popular, however, hardwood floors can be damaged easily by normal traffic patterns in homes. To protect your hardwood floors from damage, and to add texture and dimension to your home’s décor, you may want to consider adding bamboo rugs to home’s décor.

There are many different options when it comes to bamboo rugs. First you can buy bamboo area rugs. These rugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Bamboo area rugs will generally be some shade of yellow or brown. The next option is a bamboo mat. Mats can be used as a flooring cover, it can be used as a decorative wall hanging, or it can be rigged to be used as a window covering. Bamboo carpet is the final option. Bamboo carpet is designed just like a bamboo area rug, however, it tends to offer larger dimensions. This is a great option for covering large areas.

Bamboo rugs can be used in any part of your home. Bamboo kitchen rugs are great for protecting your floors from splatters, dropped pans, and scuffing. In your dining room a bamboo area rug can protect your floors from spills and gauges caused by your dining room set, as well as add a beautiful decorative touch. Bamboo rugs can also be used in bedrooms to add texture and dimension to the room’s décor, as well as provide protection for the floor from moving furniture and shoe scuffs.

Bamboo, a vital building tool that grows 10 times faster than trees, is an increasing popular choice of furniture in America's home. Learn more about bamboo and Japanese furniture and decor at Bamboo Furniture Etc. - your source for bamboo patio furniture, cutting boards, decorative fans, contemporary chairs, bamboo flooring as well as towels, rugs and blinds. For more in home decor check out luxury bedding

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

Area Rugs - Decorating Your House

If you're looking for an elegant and cost-effective way to add visual interest to your home's flooring, look no further than area rugs. Area rugs are high-quality carpets that can cover an entire room or part of a room, but unlike traditional carpeting, they are removable for easy decor reconfiguration or cleaning.

One of the most popular variety of area rugs are Persian rugs. This kind of oriental area rug is handmade in virtually limitless color combinations and intricate patterns. The art of Persian rug construction dates back to ancient times, making these rugs highly admired for their artistry and technique. These types of rugs are also enjoyed for their use of natural fibers, usually high-quality, handspun wool.

Tibetan rugs are quite like Persian rugs in the sense that Tibetan rugs making is a tradition stretching back for centuries. Highland sheep virgin wool is utilized in these artistically crafted works of art. Patterns and colors in the Tibetan rugs are often brighter and busier than those of Persian style rugs, and they make a grand addition to any room in the house.

Shag rugs are made using an unusual process by which carpet strands are pulled to create a high, soft, luxurious pile that is a delight to both the eye and the feet. These carpets come in a variety of fun colors and offer a more relaxed, contemporary look than oriental carpets; they also add soft area rug padding to your home. Although they are best known as a part of the 1970s aesthetic, Shag rugs are becoming increasingly popular today.

Many people want to choose a contemporary type of rug, but not all rugs can be classified as "contemporary" style. You can get contemporary area rugs in a variety of textures, materials, colors, and patterns. For high quality and durability, look for natural fiber such as wool or cotton. Some of the contemporary rugs are quite popular as they mainly come in interesting geometric designs and bright colors which are great for a child's bedroom.

Rugs are produced in a huge variety of colors and patterns and can be used to add extra decoration in any household room.

An easy and inexpensive way to decorate your home and soften the look of your floors is to use area rugs. They come in every range of prices and are much easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpet. Persian rugs are a popular type of Oriental area rug that feature intricate designs, creative color combinations, and high-quality natural fibers. Choosing a Persian rug brings a touch of artistry and sophistication into your home. Tibetan rugs are another option for vibrant colors and patterns. Shag rugs add soft area rug padding for your home, and come in modern fun colors. Any kind of area rug brings class and personality to your room.

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

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