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.

A Consumer's Guide to Oriental Rug Care

Area rugs have gained significant market share over the past decade. As more consumers remove carpeting in favor of hard surfaces such as wood, ceramic tile, laminates, and stone, rug ownership in the US has skyrocketed. Ken Snow, President of The Original Hagopian, a flooring and rug retailer and cleaning company in Michigan says: "We sell and maintain carpet, wood, laminate flooring, and Area rugs. We've noticed a proportional increase in rug sales and a general decline in wall-to-wall carpet sales over the past decade." Snow continues: "Consumers love the beauty and resilience of hard floors, but still want aesthetic contrast in color and texture as well as a bit of warmth and softness under their feet. Because of these needs, area rugs are the perfect companion to hard flooring surfaces."

Considerations

With more rugs in homes and businesses, cleaning and maintaining them has become a growing concern amongst consumers. Before delving into proper care, it's important to identify the basic construction of the rug. There are two main categories of rugs: Synthetic and Natural. There are also rugs which are created with both synthetic and natural materials and these are referred to as "Blends". Cleaning and caring for synthetic rugs is very similar to Cleaning and caring for installed carpet, so for purposes of this Consumer's Guide to Oriental rug care we'll stick with Oriental-style rugs constructed of natural materials.

When discussing synthetic and natural rugs, it's important to understand that the face fibers (the "up" side of the rug) or foundation/backing may be synthetic, natural, or both. For example, a "Wool rug" usually describes the face fibers; however the backing may be synthetic or natural. Both the backing and face fibers are of equal concern to the Oriental rug cleaner. It's safer to clean any rug with the Cleaning solution and method designed for the most sensitive part of the rug. Generally speaking, synthetic materials aren't as sensitive as natural materials. Therefore in the "Wool rug" example above, even if the rug has a synthetic backing, it's safer to treat the entire rug as a Wool rug. More about Cleaning solutions and methods below.

rug Construction

Wool is the most popular naturally-constructed material found in the face fibers of Oriental style rugs. Other natural rug face fiber materials consist of cotton, silk, grass (sisal, jute), animal skins, and even obscure materials including leather and paper. If you are the owner of an animal skin, silk, grass, leather, or paper rug, I highly suggest you send your rug to a qualified Oriental rug cleaning company for proper Cleaning. These rugs are extremely difficult to clean by consumers and permanent damage will occur if cleaned improperly.

Dry Soil Removal

A high quality Oriental rug should last a lifetime and the best way to help it last a lifetime is by vacuuming often. How often depends on usage. Generally speaking once a week is often enough, however if pets walk on the rug or the rug receives a high amount of foot traffic, vacuuming once or twice a day may be required. Dense Oriental rugs have a tendency to hide micro-soiling and sand that builds up in the foundation. Over time these fine dry soils will prematurely wear the rug.

Lesser quality rugs, especially some hand-tufted inexpensive rugs, (usually made in China, Pakistan and India) may shed face fibers quite a bit during vacuuming. This is normal for this type of rug. Unfortunately these inexpensive Oriental rugs will probably not last a lifetime unless not walked on.

Fringe care

If your rug has fringe, please do NOT use a vacuum with a beater bar attached to it. Instead either gently brush the fringe with a brush designed for fringe, or use an attachment on your vacuum without a beater bar to remove dry soil from fringe. As the owner of a rug cleaning company with well over 10,000 rug cleanings successfully completed, the number one complaint we see from consumers is premature fringe wear caused by the consumer vacuuming the fringe with a beater bar.

Spot and Spill Cleanup

Inevitably there will come a time that you spill something on your Oriental rug or notice a spot from something that was tracked in on it. It's best to immediately blot or scoop up the excess spot or spill, if possible. I recommend using a dry WHITE cotton terry towel or white paper towels to remove the majority of the spot or spill. If you choose a towel that is not white, there is a strong possibility the color of the towel will transfer to the rug.

Before using ANY spot cleaner on a rug (including merely water), it's best to test in a small and inconspicuous Area. Unfortunately there may not be an inconspicuous Area to test, especially on a smaller rug. If this is the case test it near the edge of the rug since it's usually less noticeable than the center if the test reveals color loss or texture change. If you notice a color change, bleeding, or texture change, STOP and call a professional qualified rug Cleaning company for assistance.

After blotting and testing according to the instructions above, first attempt to remove any remaining spot with tap water. Do not soak the rug. Simply dampen a white terry towel or paper towel with water and blot, never rub. If you don't notice any improvement, the safest solution to use as a general spot cleaner is to mix 32 oz of tap water and 1 teaspoon of liquid Dawn or Ivory hand dishwashing soap. Do NOT use automatic dishwasher soap or laundry detergents as many of these products contain optical brighteners or harsh chemicals that may ruin the rug.

Cleaning

Dry soil and spot removal are important maintenance steps to take between thorough cleanings, but Oriental rugs do need to be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. Generally speaking cleaning the entire rug once a year is sufficient, but if the rug has a lot of foot traffic, is susceptible to spills and spots, or pets and kids use the rug often, the rug may need to be thoroughly cleaned every 3 to 6 months. There are several ways to clean a rug and it's well beyond the scope of this Consumer's Guide to determine the best method in every case. Having said this, the most thorough cleaning is accomplished by the Immersion Method. Immersion is accomplished by scrubbing the rug under water and safely wringing out the excess water and soil with a roller system, speed drying the rug, and addressing the fringe. I do not suggest consumers attempt to Immerse their Oriental rugs due to the many complications that can arise including bleeding, foundation shrinkage, degradation from being wet too long, and many other concerns. Please check online at IICRC Locate-a-Pro Website to locate a qualified professional rug cleaner.

Rug Padding

High quality Oriental rugs are built extremely strong and can endure many years of use. To help rugs last even longer, help make them softer on the feet, and to provide in-place stability, the use of a high quality rug pad is highly recommended. There are several types of rug pads to consider and the selection of the right pad is dependent on the surface the rug will cover and thickness of the rug.

Conclusion

When properly maintained, high quality Oriental rugs provide a lifetime of beauty and use. By following the steps above your Oriental rug should last forever. If you have any questions about proper Oriental rug care, please contact me via email at the address below.

Tag : rugs,oriental rugs,rug care,consumer,area rugs

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.

Tag : rugs,horse rugs,horse

Rug Pads - A Worthwhile Investment For Your Oriental Rug, Or a Waste of Money?

This may seem like a silly question, but if you have just spent a load of money on a very expensive hand-knotted Oriental Rug, the last thing you want to do is drop a few hundred more on a rug pad that no-one will ever see! But, ask yourself this, if you purchased a new car, would you skip the oil changes? Of course not, as everyone knows, changing your oil prolongs the life of your engine and helps you get the most out of your car. A rug pad can serve the same purpose for your rug.

Believe it or not, a rug usually wears out faster on the bottom of your rug than on the top. This is because the bottom of your rug is crushed against the hard floor. A rug pad cushions your rug and acts as a buffer, keeping it from being constantly smashed.

Another reason your rug can wear out faster on the bottom is because hand-knotted rugs have an open weave. Even if you have a hand knotted rug with a high number of knots per square inch and have difficultly seeing the holes, they are there. Over time, dirt drops down between the holes to lie underneath your rug. If you don't have anything underneath your rug, this dirt will just sit there and grind away at the bottom of your rug as it is walked on. A rug pad helps significantly - if you have an open cell pad, it will trap the dirt and hold it away from the rug. If you have a closed cell pad, the dirt is held and cushioned - it's not constantly ground against the hard floor.

Speaking of dirt, a rug pad can also help keep your rug clean. When vacuuming your rug, having your rug held off the floor will bring air underneath your rug, helping your vacuum be more efficient and your rug looking great.

What about safety? Have you ever walked on a rug - especially on a runner - and have it slip underneath you? Have you ever tripped on a curled up edge of a rug walking into a room? In these days of ready law-suits, the last thing you want is a hazard waiting to happen - most importantly to keep you and your family safe, but also to prevent unfortunate accidents for guests. A rug pad helps your rug "stick" to the floor, keeping it in place, and making it safer for everyone.

While safety and protecting your rug are the most important reasons to invest in a good quality rug pad, there are a number of other reasons:

o Protects your floor from being scratched by the bottom of your rug - often, rugs are built on a backing of unfinished cotton or wool. Over time, friction can rub through the finish of your floor.

o Protects your floor from any potential staining. Depending on what kind of dye was used in the making of your oriental rug, if you spill something on it, dye may be transferred to your floor.

o Comfort! Ever stand on a hard floor all day? A thick rug pad will make you feel like you are walking on air.

I hope you are now convinced that a rug pad is a good idea. Your oriental rug should last for generations - make sure you get the most out of it!

So, now you have decided to purchase a rug pad - what kind should you get? Well, your pad should be selected for your floor, not for your rug. There are different rug pads for hard surfaces such as ceramic or hardwood, for various types of carpets, and for indoor or outdoor use. There are even special types of open cell rug pads for use over floors that have radiant heating to allow heat to freely flow up through the pad and rug.

Once you've selected the type most suitable for your floor, you have to measure your rug carefully. You don't want the rug pad to show, so it should be cut to be at least 1/2" smaller all the way around. And one final tip, when laying your rug pad down, make sure you read the instructions to ensure you are putting the right side down - some pads have different textures on the bottom to help it grip better to the floor!

Tag : rugs,rug pads,oriental rug,area rugs,outdoor rugs

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

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

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

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

Tips To Choosing Great Area Rugs For Your Home

Area rugs can do wonders for a home. A well chosen area rug covers up stains and spots, disguises wear marks on carpet and brightens up a room. A great rug can make an ordinary room look great.

Here's a few tips for choosing a good looking area rug.

Size. How do you determine what size area rug to select? Should you buy one big one or 2 small ones?

Remember that a rug is there to add spice and appeal to your carpet, not to cover it entirely so that the rug becomes the carpet. A rug draws your attention to the design and mix of colors, so if it is too big it will lose it's effect because it just looks like a fancy carpet.

So you should leave a reasonable amount of room around the edge of the rug between the edge and the wall. Don't buy an area rug that is too big, or it will be too expensive and not do the job as well as a smaller rug.

A good size area rug for the average room is around 8' x 11', though of course it does depend on the size of the room.

Use small rugs under coffee tables. The rug should be large enough for all 4 legs to rest comfortably on the rug without being too close to the edges, and the rug should be the same shape as the table. So if you have a rectangular shaped coffee table try for a rectangular shaped area rug that goes under the table.

A round area rug for a round table and a square rug for a square table.

Make sure that the rug shape also fits in with the shape of the room. Modern contemporary house and room design allows for all sorts of room shapes, and modern contemporary area rugs can complement them beautifully. But don't try to put a square rug in a triangular room without thinking very carefully. It's best if the sides of the rug are parallel to the sides of the room.

And consider a rug pad. This helps keep the rug in place, otherwise it may well end up crawling all over the floor over time, and you will be forever pulling your rug back into place.

Spend some time thinking of your design too, and the colors that appeal to you. There are some wonderful colors available on modern and contemporary rugs

and you have a world of choice.

Worried that you won't be able to afford a nice area rug as they are too expensive? Don't be concerned, there are all sorts of places where you can buy cheap area rugs at prices you won't believe.

Go on, give your house a treat and buy it an wonderful area rug. Your house will love you for it.

Tag : rugs,area rugs,rugs design,floor rugs

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Rug Pads - A Worthwhile Investment For Your Oriental Rug, Or a Waste of Money?

This may seem like a silly question, but if you have just spent a load of money on a very expensive hand-knotted Oriental Rug, the last thing you want to do is drop a few hundred more on a rug pad that no-one will ever see! But, ask yourself this, if you purchased a new car, would you skip the oil changes? Of course not, as everyone knows, changing your oil prolongs the life of your engine and helps you get the most out of your car. A rug pad can serve the same purpose for your rug.

Believe it or not, a rug usually wears out faster on the bottom of your rug than on the top. This is because the bottom of your rug is crushed against the hard floor. A rug pad cushions your rug and acts as a buffer, keeping it from being constantly smashed.

Another reason your rug can wear out faster on the bottom is because hand-knotted rugs have an open weave. Even if you have a hand knotted rug with a high number of knots per square inch and have difficultly seeing the holes, they are there. Over time, dirt drops down between the holes to lie underneath your rug. If you don't have anything underneath your rug, this dirt will just sit there and grind away at the bottom of your rug as it is walked on. A rug pad helps significantly - if you have an open cell pad, it will trap the dirt and hold it away from the rug. If you have a closed cell pad, the dirt is held and cushioned - it's not constantly ground against the hard floor.

Speaking of dirt, a rug pad can also help keep your rug clean. When vacuuming your rug, having your rug held off the floor will bring air underneath your rug, helping your vacuum be more efficient and your rug looking great.

What about safety? Have you ever walked on a rug - especially on a runner - and have it slip underneath you? Have you ever tripped on a curled up edge of a rug walking into a room? In these days of ready law-suits, the last thing you want is a hazard waiting to happen - most importantly to keep you and your family safe, but also to prevent unfortunate accidents for guests. A rug pad helps your rug "stick" to the floor, keeping it in place, and making it safer for everyone.

While safety and protecting your rug are the most important reasons to invest in a good quality rug pad, there are a number of other reasons:

• Protects your floor from being scratched by the bottom of your rug - often, rugs are built on a backing of unfinished cotton or wool. Over time, friction can rub through the finish of your floor.
• Protects your floor from any potential staining. Depending on what kind of dye was used in the making of your oriental rug, if you spill something on it, dye may be transferred to your floor.
• Comfort! Ever stand on a hard floor all day? A thick rug pad will make you feel like you are walking on air.

I hope you are now convinced that a rug pad is a good idea. Your oriental rug should last for generations - make sure you get the most out of it!

So, now you have decided to purchase a rug pad - what kind should you get? Well, your pad should be selected for your floor, not for your rug. There are different rug pads for hard surfaces such as ceramic or hardwood, for various types of carpets, and for indoor or outdoor use. There are even special types of open cell rug pads for use over floors that have radiant heating to allow heat to freely flow up through the pad and rug.

Once you've selected the type most suitable for your floor, you have to measure your rug carefully. You don't want the rug pad to show, so it should be cut to be at least 1/2" smaller all the way around. And one final tip, when laying your rug pad down, make sure you read the instructions to ensure you are putting the right side down - some pads have different textures on the bottom to help it grip better to the floor!

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

Information on a Handmade Area Rug

Rugs have found their way into homes as an interior decoration. Nowadays, rugs and carpets are not only used to pad hardwood floors. They are added to homes to provide a touch of elegance and comfort in common house areas such as the dining room and the living room. They are considered as very special pieces because of the great length of time that is being put into each rug. Area rugs are available in beautiful and exotic designs. As a matter of fact, there are several types of rugs that are hand-woven with fine details and wonderful styles. Since these rugs provide more than just aesthetic beauty, a lot of homeowners are buying rugs for their homes.

The Purposes of Area Rugs

One of the most common purpose of an area rug is floor covering. It is placed on specific floor spaces within homes. On the other hand, it is used to accentuate a certain part of your home to make it more distinct. Area rugs come in different single colors like violet, brown, blue, and red. There are also some rugs that are available in wonderful color combinations. There are rugs that are woven with the use of a machine. But the most exquisite are those that are hand-woven or handmade. These are special because of the hard work that the workers have put into the creation of the rug.

Choosing the Right Area Rug

Area rugs are placed within homes to highlight a room or area. If the rug has a very distinct design, the more it is capable of drawing attention to the interior design of the house. Compared to machine-woven rugs, handmade rugs are more in demand. This is due to the fact that buyers consider hard work a huge aspect of the beauty of a product. A handmade area rug provides a soothing ambiance to your home. This is possible, especially if its color and design matches with the interior decorations. Before you buy a specific rug design, you have to consider your home’s interiors. Area rugs with light colors and shades bring out your furniture’s size and tones. On the other hand, rugs that have dark colors provide more comfort and warmth. You should also buy a rug that has matching primary colors with your wall paint.

Another factor that you have to consider, when buying a rug, is its size. If you want to use the area rug to cover the entire floor length of the room, you can opt for huge rugs. The sizes of these rugs are diverse, from 1-square-foot rugs to room-sized rugs. Aside from the size and design of area rugs, you can also look into their texture, material, and shape. One rug material that provides soft textures is mohair, which comes from Angora goat hairs. There are also some rugs that are made from animal skins.

Buy Your Area Rug from Online Retailers

The best sources of area rugs are found on the Internet, where there are plenty of retailers selling rugs from top manufacturers. With online rug retailers, you are provided with diverse selections that are categorized according to brands, colors, and themes. The most wonderful benefit that you can get from some of these retailers is that shipping is offered for free. Plus, you can shop for discounted area rugs.

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The Importance of Having a Good Rug Pad

For all of you out there who just ran out to the store and bought yourself a brand new area rug to compliment the interior of your home, if you did not remember to purchase a quality rug pad for beneath that new area rug, here is why you should. First and foremost, an area rug needs a rug pad, even if it sits on carpeting. Think about slippage and the rug moving around all of the time and having to be repositioned. A rug pad eliminates that ruckus and allows you to truly enjoy that area rug in the place you originally positioned it. Another added benefit is cushioning. A rug pad will greatly add to the cushioning effect that your feet experience when you re walking over the area rug. And finally, rug pads are cheap, making them easily affordable for everybody.

Why You Need Rug Pads

For those who plan on placing their rug on a stone, tiles, wooden, or other hard surfaces, a rug pad is a must, no exceptions. At any point if your rug slips, it could amount to a nasty spill and or a serious injury. Read the tags on shower rugs for wiping your feet from water when you are finished showering, and even they will recommend that you have a rug pad in place to prevent slippages and serious injuries from occurring. What about pets, what if you have them, running around and slipping; they can easily be injured from lack of a rug pad as well. Case and point: an area rug and a rug pad go hand in hand, don't get one without the other.

They Extend the Lifetime of your Rug

Many times the most common point of wear and tear on area rugs is with the backing. A rug pad will protect the backing of a rug and extend the lifetime of that area rug greatly. They also add an extra bounce to the step of those walking over the rug, making it more comfortable to walk over often. Area rugs can be a costly interior investment that can last you for years, but you want to make sure that you do everything that you can to best protect your investment. A rug pad assures that you get the maximum life out of your area rug.

Make Cleaning Easier

Because rug pads actually lift area rugs up slightly from the flooring, they can make cleaning a much easier process, which is essential to the maintenance of your area rugs. They create a pocket of ventilation, so when you are vacuuming the vacuum can breathe easier and will actually suck up more dirt and debris.

Benefits of a Rug Pad

To sum it all up, a rug pad is a must own for anybody who is planning on investing in a classy area rug to spice up the interior of their home. It greatly extends the lifetime of your rug and protects your investment. They make the cleaning of the rug easier and most importantly, they keep the rug in place, preventing slippages from occurring that can result in serious injury.

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Coffee Kitchen Rugs Brew Style And Imagination

It is no surprise that the kitchen is often the focal point of many of the decorating and renovations that take place in a home. And the reason it happens is very simple, on average a woman will spend two-thirds of her time in her home, in the kitchen. She may be cooking, cleaning or simply sitting helping her kids do homework, but she spends a lot of time in that room. It's no wonder we all want our kitchen to be as welcoming and comfortable as we can possibly make it. It's also no wonder why the kitchen often has so much character and life in it. If that is something you feel your kitchen is lacking, it may be time to spice it up a little bit with a coffee kitchen rug.

These coffee kitchen rugs will instantly add a comforting and welcoming feel to your kitchen. In addition to that, if there are any unsightly spills or stains on your floor, they will suddenly vanish with one of these stylish rugs overtop of it. The coffee kitchen rugs seem to be the latest in kitchen décor and always have pictures of coffee mugs, coffee shops, or just the deep colors related to the coffee house mood. Often times these rugs will have unique quotes or simple words such as “Brew” or “Java” embroidered on them. With all of this variety it would be almost impossible for you not to find a kitchen rug that matches up with your personality. The browns, reds and oranges that will fill your room will make you feel like you are sitting back at your local coffee house relaxing as you sip your freshly made coffee.

However, your kitchen rugs should be more than stylish. They should be easy to clean and maintain and hold up under the heavy traffic they may encounter. Making sure the rug you are selecting is machine washable and stain resistant are two key features you will want to check out. Also make sure that your rug comes with a nonslip bottom on it to ensure that you won't slip and fall on it. If it doesn't have a nonslip bottom, you may want to consider purchasing a rug pad, this will serve the same purpose. The more durable and stain resistant your rug, then better it will be in the long run. Each time you wash your rug, it will come out looking as good as new. There is one thing you may want to watch for when washing your rug however. With the dark, deep colors in most of these rugs, there is a tendency for the colors to run. It would be in your best interest to wash them separately from the rest of your laundry, especially for the first several washes.

The location of your new kitchen rug will ultimately be up to you. With a good rug pad underneath though, in front of the sink becomes an ideal choice. The pad will keep you from slipping if you spill any water and it will also provide additional cushioning while you stand to do dishes. The entry way into your kitchen is another great location however. These rugs will be able to blend the kitchen and dining room as well. Try placing your rug in several different locations and see how well it fits in each spot before deciding, otherwise you may miss out on the ideal location for your new coffee kitchen rug.

Now that your kitchen is complete, step back and take a look. While looking the color of the rug and accent colors in the rest of the room you may see other places that you could add a little color with pictures, color appliances or even a little paint. Let the coffee kitchen rug be your guide as you have just spiced up your kitchen and given it new life and warmth.

By: Christopher Schwebius

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Choosing And Care Of Oriental Rugs

Nothing says opulence for your floors quite like an oriental rug. Actually, some say the correct way to design a room is to design a room "around" an oriental rug.

Generally the price of a carpet is figured out by the amount of labor and art put into the rug. When considering a rug you will want to consider the quality of the wool and the dyes used in the construction of the rug.

Some carpets that are passed off today as oriental carpets are actually machine made. Experts can tell the difference by looking at the nap of the carpet. A machine is not able to tie knots as a hand is, therefore a machine made oriental rug will have the nap of the carpet stuck between the base and the wefts. Another way to tell if a carpet is machine made is to check the back of the rug. If the nap is of polypropolene, polyolefin or synthetic wool it is most likely machine made. Also, on a machine made rug the fringe is usually sewn directly to the carpet backing and is not a part of the rug as it is with a handmade rug. Make sure that you are dealing with a reputable carpet dealer who specializes in handmade rugs. This is one of the ways to avoid paying more than you should.

When you purchase an oriental rug there are a few do's and don't's. First, a good quality padding will help to protect the rug, it will also help to prevent it from wrinkling or moving. Generally oriental rugs are placed over hard flooring. A good quality pad can add many years of life to a rug. Rotate the rug frequently. This will help prevent any obvious over-wear on one part of the rug. Try to keep the sun off the rug as much as possible to prevent fading. Remember, this rug will probably outlast any other furniture or rugs you have in your home, and twenty or twenty-five years worth of strong sun can fade wool rugs.

Cleaning your rug is also a consideration. Never have your rug dry cleaned. Never have an oriental wool rug steam cleaned. The steam will remove the essential oils from the carpet which will make it brittle and cause it to wear faster. If you find your rugs needs something other than a mild surface cleaning with water find an expert to do the cleaning for you.

This article courtesy of http://www.about-oriental-rugs.com

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Portable Accent Rugs for Home Improvement

Our homes reflect our personalities to a great extent. The way that we decorate and the various items that we place in our homes show what our tastes are like. One such way to give a statement about our lifestyle habits is the different types of carpets and accent rugs that we have placed in our homes. These carpets come in many styles and colors.

You will also find accent rugs in modern and vintage style designs. There are also accent rugs that can be used for various parts of your house. For instance you will be able to place an accent rug in your entry way or foyer. Here the accent rugs will add some color to this section of the house and protect the floor or carpet underneath from this very high traffic area.

In addition to providing color and protection for your entry way there are different styles of accent rugs that you can use here. Since accent rugs are made from a number of different materials you can choose the one that will most suit the area. You should take into account the type of flooring or base that your accent rug will be placed on. For wood floors you will need to provide a rug pad underneath the accent rug so that you will not find your self slipping across the room when you step on it.

Besides using accent rugs for high traffic areas you can use these rugs as part of your décor styling. Accent rugs will make a wondrous difference to your décor as you can brighten plain neutral colors with an accent rug that blends in the various accessories in your rooms. Accent rugs can be used to draw attention to various sections or features in different parts of your home.

The other great thing about buying and using accent rugs is that you can use different types of accent rugs for every season, your various moods and style desires. You can even move the accent rugs to enhance your existing carpets and rugs at home. There is also one other fact about accent rugs that you really should consider. Unlike normal large carpets which tend to stay in the house even when you are moving, accents rugs are portable.

This means that when you move into your brand new home all that you need to do is decorate your home and lay out your accent rugs to create that stunning look that you love. By the time that you have finished settling in you will see that it is time to buy some more great looking accent rugs.

About the Author

Muna wa Wanjiru is a web administrator and has been researching and reporting on Area Rugs for years. visit his site at Accent Rugs

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Area Rugs Will Add That Special Look And Feel To Your Home

Decorating with area rugs is one of the easiest ways to update, revitalize and beautify your home. Rugs can add dramatic color and design to every room; create a focal point or define areas; add warmth to the look and feel of tiles, stone, or concrete; protect hardwood floors or wall-to-wall carpeting; and tie elements of a room together. You can change rugs when the seasons change and take them with you if you move. It is not surprising that area rugs are of great interest to the do-it-yourself decorator.

Some Things to Think About

Color is probably the most important element in decorating and should top the list of your requirements when selecting area rugs. If a room has a lot of bright colors and looks very busy, choose a neutral color and a subtle design for the rug. If the colors of the room are soft and neutral, you can add a splash of color and interest with a bright rug and a dramatic design. If you want to enhance the color scheme that exists in a room, select a rug that repeats the dominant or accent colors; if the color scheme hasn’t been chosen, buy the rug of your dreams and decorate the room around it.

The pattern on the rug must not clash with patterns on the wallpaper, window coverings, cushions, and other fabrics in the room. Dark colors add warmth, and light colors will make the room appear more spacious. The amount of traffic is also a consideration. If there are children or pets, or the rug will get steady use, dark colors and intricate patterns will not show dirt as much or as quickly as light colors.

If you buy a rug for the bathroom, make sure the colors are compatible with the color of the bathmat. (Or buy a new bathmat.) It is also important that a rug in the bathroom not be adversely affected by moisture especially if it will be underfoot when you step out of the shower or bath. Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing rugs not only for the bathroom, but also the kitchen, the hall, or the room of a child. Select designs and colors that don’t show the dirt, and are stain resistant and easy to clean.

It is a good idea to add padding under a rug because it will not only keep the rug from moving, it will also extend its life, absorb sound, and make vacuuming easier. If you are placing a rug over wall-to-wall carpeting, choose a thin under-pad coated with an adhesive.

Check the Size You Need

If you want an area rug to cover most of the floor in a room, the same amount of bare floor should be exposed on all sides of the rug, even if the room is an irregular shape or there is a closet or fireplace extending into it. If you are not able to arrange that, try and have the same amount of floor showing on two parallel sides.

When defining an area – a conversational grouping, for instance – there should be no more than two feet of empty rug extending out from behind the furniture. A rug used in this fashion will unify the items placed around it if the rug is large enough to accommodate at least the front legs of each piece of furniture.

If you are going to place a large rug in the bedroom, it need not be centered but the same amount of floor should be visible on two or three sides of it. In the dining room, the rug should extend eighteen inches to twenty-four inches beyond the table. An eight- by ten-foot rug will work in most living rooms and dining rooms. A six- by four-foot or a six- by nine-foot rug will be fine if it is for a small area, such as under a coffee table, in which case, the entire coffee table should be on it and all other furniture set back from it at an equal distance.

If you have trouble visualizing what a rug will look like in a room and can’t decide what size would be best, use masking tape to define the space. If that doesn’t help, cut pieces from a paper roll or lay out bed sheets to cover the area before you decide what size to buy. You don’t want any surprises.

Create Special Effects

If a rug is to be the focal point of a room, consider purchasing one with a central medallion, which is a popular design for an oriental rug. If the medallion will be hidden for the most part by a piece of furniture – the dining room table or a bed, for example – forget the medallion and select a rug that has an allover design, or one with detail on its borders.

Oriental rugs – a term which refers, in decorating lingo, to rugs from any Asian country – are popular in modern as well as traditional homes. Expect to pay more for an imported Persian rug, considered by many to be superior to all other oriental rugs. Tibetan rugs are also a beautiful and popular choice and not as expensive, or you can choose a rug from Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan, China, or from many other Asian countries.

If the room has an early American theme, a round braided rug, popular since the early settlement of North America, will probably be very suitable. Using a Navajo rug, with its geometric designs and flat weave, can reinforce a southern or desert theme. If your tastes run more to the comfort and appeal of animal fur or wool, forget the tiger skin and look for a flokati rug – a hand-woven Greek woolen rug with a thick, shaggy pile – it may create just the look you want.

Contemporary rugs come in every variety of color, design, texture, size, and price. Don’t overlook them when you are searching for the perfect area rugs, even if your house is decorated in a traditional style. Just as a traditional rug can look great in a modern home, a contemporary rug can add to the appeal and charm of a traditional home. Let your creative spirit soar – and make sure the rug can be returned or exchanged in case you discover your creative spirit soared in the wrong direction.

Cost is a Consideration

The cost of a home rug is closely related to the fiber from which it is made. The most expensive natural fiber will be found in a wool rug; other less expensive natural fibers are cotton, jute, silk and sisal (hemp). Popular synthetics favored for quality rugs are acrylic, polypropylene (olefin), and nylon.

If you are on a tight budget, look for discount and bargain outlets, but be sure the dealer is reputable, there is a wide selection, and check the warranty and the return policy before you buy.

Area rugs are available in a wide variety of styles, and there are sizes to fit every room and prices to fit every budget. Shop until you find exactly what you want.

About the Author:
Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing tips to consumers who are in the market for all types of cheap area rugs, contemporary rugs, and persian rugs.

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