Showing posts sorted by relevance for query oriental rug. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query oriental rug. Sort by date Show all posts

Sunday, June 6, 2010

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

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

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.

Monday, May 9, 2011

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

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Buying Oriental Rugs at Auction - What You Need to Know

In order to buy Oriental rugs at auction, you have to be able to evaluate them. They can be rather complicated so the more knowledge you have, the better off you will be. Once you know what to look for, you will have a leg up on most of the other people in the audience.

No one at an auction is going to help you measure the value of an Oriental rug. You will have to do this yourself. Rugs can be a wonderful bargain at auction as long as you know what you are doing.

Here is what you need to know about Oriental rugs:

What is an Oriental Rug?

It is a rug that has been hand-made in Iran, China, India, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, Morocco, the Balkans, Mongolia, Egypt, Tibet, Nepal, Afghanistan or the Caucasus Mountains - the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.

Persian rugs are usually broken out into a separate category under the group heading of Oriental. This is because they are in a class all their own. There is no finer rug than a Persian rug. Not only that, there were more rugs made in Persia than in any other country. Persia is now known as Iran.

What is the Difference between a Rug and a Carpet?

An Oriental carpet is generally considered to be anything larger than 35 square feet. It is considered a rug if it measures anything under this. You may also come across the term "Palace carpet." True palace carpets are usually antique and they measure 14 feet by 10 feet or larger. Years ago they were made in these dimensions so as not to be overwhelmed by the larger size of the rooms found in a palace.

When is an Oriental Rug Considered an Antique?

Unlike most other items that are considered antiques when they reach one hundred years old, an Oriental rug is an antique at 50 years. Rugs that are between 10 and 50 years old are semi-antique and anything under 10 years is looked upon as new. Although most Oriental rugs have value, antique rugs bring the most money and some of them bring huge sums of money.

How Can You Tell if an Oriental Rug is Older?

Determining age can be difficult unless you are an expert. The majority of antique rugs have a design in each corner such as a bird's head. This was quite common back in the day but no longer.

Also, if you separate the rug pile and use a magnifying glass to look at the base of one of the knots, you should see an even and consistent reduction in color all the way to the top of the pile. This is evidence of the fading of the dyes over time. If the reduction in color is more sporadic or uneven, then the color was purposely altered in some way to give the appearance of age.

How to Tell a Hand Made Rug from a Machine Made Rug?

There are many rugs out there that have the look of an Oriental but they are just inexpensive machine made rugs. It is very easy to tell the difference between the two. You can fold an Oriental rug. No matter how big it is, it can be folded like a blanket, although it is considerably heavier and bulkier. Large Oriental rugs can be folded in half and then folded again in thirds for easier moving - as long as you can lift it. A machine made rug has to be rolled up because it has no capacity to bend.

There are two other ways to distinguish between hand made and machine made. The first is to look at the fringe. On a hand made Oriental rug, the fringe is an extension of the rug. It is not sewed on. The second is when looking at the back of a rug, if the pattern on the front is clearly visible on the back then it is hand made.

How do You Judge the Quality of a Hand Made Oriental Rug?

The quality of a hand made rug is determined by how many knots there are in a square inch. The tighter the knots, the more expensive the rug. This rule of thumb is somewhat complicated by another factor and that would be the material used to make the rug. Most Oriental rugs are made from either wool or silk. Clearly a rug maker can get more knots into a square inch with silk than he can with wool. However, there are some wool rugs with a lesser knot count that are more valuable than a silk rug with a higher knot count. Unfortunately that makes quality based on knot count alone hardly foolproof.

All you can do is look at the knots carefully and decide whether or not the knots are extremely close together as it relates to the material used. A knot count of 290 per square inch is considered a fine quality rug. As the count goes down so does the quality. Most antique rugs, which can be pretty expensive, are less than 290 knots but the value of an antique rug is based on age and country of origin as much as it is anything else.

All knots are hand done but there are different kinds of knots. A knot is reflective of a particular area such as a Turkish knot or a Persian knot, also called a Senneth knot. A Senneth knot is usually used on very intricate patterns.

If you are interested, you can do further research on the Internet or you can get a reference book on Oriental rugs. Seeing what these knots look like will further enhance your ability to properly identify each rug you see.

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

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

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!

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

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Maintaining And Cleaning Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs are definitely must haves for homeowners who wish to have a more exotic setting in their dwellings. Their designs are very pretty to look at; it makes many wonder how this artwork can be placed on a rug. They are sure to be eye candy for many generations to come – if they last that long.

The life of your oriental rug depends on how much you devote to maintaining it, and extending it in the process. Here are some things that you may want to consider to prolong the life of your oriental rug for more and more people to see and appreciate.

Like other rugs and carpets, it is not only comfortable for you to place padding underneath your rug. It’s also practical in the sense that it cushions your rug and prevents it from changing its form. You should place some padding underneath your oriental rug especially if you plan on placing furniture on it, or if you plan on having people walk on it. Padding also makes the rug stable, keeping people from accidentally slipping on it after taking a wrong step. This also means that there are lesser chances that the rug would get creases.

Speaking of placing furniture on your oriental rug, you will want to use glides or other forms of protection between the actual article and the rug. Using such protection will keep the fibers of the rug from getting crushed in the areas where the furniture rests. If you plan on changing the position of furniture on your rug, make sure that it is lifted instead of pushed to where you think it should be. This usually means that you will need the help of a few other people in carrying the item.

A spill on your rug may not be avoided. The best thing to do is to attend to the stain as soon as it is noticed. If a dry substance is spilled on the Oriental rug, try to lift out the mess instead of pushing it in more by scrubbing. Finish off the cleaning job by using a vacuum.

In case of any liquid spill, make sure that you soak up any excess liquid or excess moisture with paper towels. Do not scrub the area; instead, wet it with some clean water and soak it all up with more paper towels. The idea there is to make the stain rise up from the Oriental rug’s fibers with the water. Keep repeating this step until the stain disappears, or is no longer obvious.

If it’s a whole dinner plate that unfortunately made its way to the floor, then take away any visible solid particles right away. Be careful and make sure that you aren’t rubbing any particles deeper into the Oriental rug. Then take a clean knife and try scraping the smaller scraps of food residue from the area. Treat the remaining spot as you would a liquid spill, with clean water and paper towels.

Keep your oriental rug vacuumed. Many people prefer to vacuum the rug on a weekly basis, and they would clean it more depending on how often people step on it. When you plan on vacuuming your rug, do not forget to vacuum around and under any furniture on it too. Maintenance of an oriental rug can be a bit tedious, however it still beats paying a big amount of money to a professional cleaner.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

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!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

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

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=18967&ca=Home+Management

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Area Rug Buyers Guide

When you begin decorating your home there are some important factors to consider. Your floors will usually be the foundation for your design. An authentic hand made area rug can visually integrate or harmonize diverse elements in any decor or can reenergize a room.

Below are various factors to consider for purchasing & decorating with an oriental rug:

1. Size of the Rug - Area to be covered

Size up the room and the area you want to cover.

The most common area rug sizes are 4-by-6 and 6-by-9 feet. They work well under a coffee table.

An 8-by-10-foot area rug or larger can cover an entire room.

Smaller area and scatter rugs can be ideal for adorning smaller spaces--a hearth! , a bedside, the area in front of a kitchen sink--with a splash of colo r and warmth.

2. In the Home

Living Room

In a living room the area rug would most likely be placed in front of the sofa and under the coffee table

To place a room-sized area rug on a hardwood floor, choose an area rug which allows eight inches (twenty centimeters) of wood to be exposed around the rug's perimeter.

Measure the open space up to the sofa and chairs making sure that the individual seated will have both feet on the area rug.

More than one area rug is acceptable.

Dining Room

There should be room to pull the chairs out from the table with the back legs of the chairs remaining on the area rug.

Stairs

Look for Busy & Dark patterns

Dark wool rugs are great for this

Hallways & Entrances

Dense Patterns

Wool pile (Most durable) with cotton foundation (strong and does not loose shape) is ideal.

Very light colors are not suggested

Bedroom

Do not recommend a room size Persian/Oriental area rug for the bedroom. Most of the pattern will be hidden under the bed in the dark making the rug prone to moth damage.

Instead, use multiple area rugs. A rug at the foot of the bed and two on each side Or use several scatter rugs to fill areas around the bed as needed. It will actually cost less and compliment your furnishings better.

3. FURNISHINGS

Begin with the end in mind. Visualize the finished look of the room. Do you prefer the sparse, uncluttered look or you have a room rich with colors and textures?

Remember that a rug is th! e largest splash of color in any room. Select your rug first, and then the upholstery to blend with the rug. Furniture should enhance the rug design or colors found in the rug

Next comes window treatment and walls; neutral shades are recommended.

Elements of a rug design can be further incorporated into the overall design scheme. For example, if the rug is floral, add framed prints or flowers in similar colors.

Conversely, should your focal point be furniture, choose a rug to pick up the colors used in your furnishing patterns. Patterns can be mixed if they are coordinated by color.

Don't get discouraged if you are having problems finding an area rug to blend in with your decor. We suggest you surf NatureRugs.com for the vast variety of Rugs that will suit your situation. For some reason, Jaipur & Agra Rug designs and colors tend to work with many fabrics.

4. Using Multiple Area Rugs

Should you use one rug or two?

  • One rug is the general rule as it coordinates the room together and helps select fabrics for furniture, curtains, etc.
  • In a very large room, more than one rug can be used to separate the room. The designs of the rugs should be different enough to create spatial separation, but similar in color and quality to maintain the integrity of the room space.

Two or more rugs should complement each other

  • One needs to be dominant in size
  • They should be similar in at least design/color/size
  • Smaller rugs should not look like clones

5. Color

If redecorating an already furnished room, choose a rug to pick up the colors used in your furnishing patterns

Paint or paper the walls in colors found in the rug when color coordinating.

Look for a rug that is commonality with the existing color of the walls.

A rug with a bold, overall design can be the focal point of a room with a chair and sofa in solid or subdued patterns.

Light colored rugs make a room look more spacious, and deeper colors lend coziness to a room.

6. Durability

For floor rugs wool is usually a preferred choice as it resists daily wear better than synthetics. Wool has many wonderful qualities- deep, rich color tones, high durability and relative ease of care. For more information you can read article Advantages of Wool over Synthetic Fibers.

Silk rugs are better used for walls, throws etc. Living rooms are ideal to showcase silk rugs.

Chromium dyes are strong and deliver consistency and durability of color.

Vegetable dyes give the rug a patina of color, a casual look that is very attractive.

7. Shape

Let your decorating style determine your rug shape.

Don't be limited to the idea of getting a rectangular rug.

A circular or octagonal-shaped floor covering can add flair and elegance.

8. What is the dealer return policy?

You should at least have one week risk free trial period to experience the rug. You can test the wool texture, dye quality (take a moistened paper towel and run it along the edges & center, the dye should not bleed out) & see if it fits into your home décor.

Other considerations:

Medallion design area rugs should be centered in the room & directly under the chandelier

Don't select a busy area rug if the room's color scheme and patterns are busy as well.

Keep your family safe by making su! re that rug corners do not extend into high traffic areas.

Watch out for the fringe. If the rug you like has fringe, make sure it's sewn on well, and very carefully use the vacuum cleaner.

Look at the back of a rug, as this will usually tell if it is machine or handmade. If the fibers are stiff and run straight up and down, it's a machine rug.

When buying oriental rugs, avoid going-out-of-business sales and auctions where sellers aren't likely to be around later if your rug has a problem

In all rooms try to avoid having the corner of the rug end up in the middle of the doors or archway openings.

For smaller rooms, a small pattern is more appropriate. It gives the appearance of a larger room.

If you're looking for absolute perfection, don't buy a handmade area rug. Expensive hand-made rugs are not squared off as properly as imitation machine-made reproductions. Also read Article Hand Knotted vs! . Machine Made Rugs.

Don't underestimate the value of an underlay. Not only will it absorb the impact of feet and noise, it will reduce wear and tear on the rug and make vacuuming easier.

It is recommended to rotate rugs end for end on a yearly basis to equalize wear.

Oriental rugs fade, as does upholstery. Avoid direct sunlight.

Another recommendation is to have rugs cleaned professionally periodically by a reputable cleaner

To meet Federal Trade Commission requirements Persian/ Oriental rug dealers label each rug with its country of origin and the distributor's business name. Labels having the words Indo-, Sino- or Pak-, for instance, would indicate that a rug came from India, China or Pakistan respectively.

Rugs are called 'tribal" if they are woven by nomadic groups.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Area-Rug-Buyers-Guide&id=19886

Friday, March 11, 2011

Area Rugs - Orientals to Cheap Contemporary Rugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tag : rugs,contrmporary rugs,area rugs,orientals,cheap rugs


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

How to select an Oriental Rug

Traditional wisdom says that interior home decorating should begin with an Oriental rug. There are plenty of choices in colors and materials from which to choose a rug and a rug well chosen and well cared for will probably last much longer than anything else in the room. In the olden days, Persian rugs or kilims from Iran were supposed to be the best rugs available but today you find that other eastern countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, China and Turkey have been making rugs which have matched and even surpassed the quality of those from Persia.

Before you go out shopping for an Oriental rug, it would be wise to spend some time thinking about the size and color that you would prefer. You may even carry some photos of your room to help you decide. There are plenty of colors and designs to choose from. Next, you have to decide on the how much you are willing to spend on your purchase. The price of an Oriental rug is dependent on the following factors :
- Country from which it comes
- Age
- Condition
- Quality
- Design demand

Counting the knots in an Oriental rug is not the only or most important thing to do. A geometrically designed rug might have fewer than 100 knots in a square inch but a floral pattern extremely detailed might have more than 300 even. Although the regularity and tightness of the rug are of utmost importance, the quality of the wool ascertains the resistance and longevity of the rug. And don't forget to take into account the quality and color fastness of the dyes being used.

Besides, the price of an Oriental rug could also be decided by the prevailing design and color fads. About 50 years ago, orange, brown and green were considered the hot colors; but that is not the case today. The condition of the rugs and age affect the value of second hand rugs. Age will increase the value of the rugs provided they have been well maintained but if not, wear and tear and stains will reduce the value.

The best of rugs are always made from natural fibers with wool, silk and cotton being the most common and silk the most sought after as well as expensive. Wool is the most popular material used to make a Persian rugs or kilims because of its intrinsic properties - wool is long lasting, flexible, is easily dyed and can be woven or spun with ease. Besides, wool is readily available in areas where kilims or Persian rugs are made since you find a lot of nomads tending sheep there.

A fascinating thing about the Persian rugs or kilims is that you can deduce from which tribe the rug came from based solely on the type of wool and dye used. Some wool from sheep is sought after even more than the rest as it gives a certain luster to the Persian rugs or kilims.

Warps are commonly made of cotton as its high strength helps maintain the shape. Besides it maintains its natural white color over time. Another reason is that cotton can be spun into the finest of threads. Hair of camels, goats and horses is often sued to make Persian rugs or kilims to produce unique effects. Camel hair might be used to give a woolen rug additional strength while horse hair might give eye-catching tassels. Wool when mixed with goat hair produces a silky sheen. Silk has always been considered a material of luxury so silk rugs are rare although they might still be produced. They are often included in the dowry of a bride along with other Oriental rugs and treasured as part of the family wealth.

Tag : rugs,area rugs,outdoor rugs,oriental rugs

http://www.articleclick.com

Friday, May 29, 2009

How to select an Oriental Rug

Traditional wisdom says that interior home decorating should begin with an Oriental rug. There are plenty of choices in colors and materials from which to choose a rug and a rug well chosen and well cared for will probably last much longer than anything else in the room. In the olden days, Persian rugs or kilims from Iran were supposed to be the best rugs available but today you find that other eastern countries like India, Nepal, Pakistan, Nepal, Tibet, China and Turkey have been making rugs which have matched and even surpassed the quality of those from Persia.

Before you go out shopping for an Oriental rug, it would be wise to spend some time thinking about the size and color that you would prefer. You may even carry some photos of your room to help you decide. There are plenty of colors and designs to choose from. Next, you have to decide on the how much you are willing to spend on your purchase. The price of an Oriental rug is dependent on the following factors :
- Country from which it comes
- Age
- Condition
- Quality
- Design demand

Counting the knots in an Oriental rug is not the only or most important thing to do. A geometrically designed rug might have fewer than 100 knots in a square inch but a floral pattern extremely detailed might have more than 300 even. Although the regularity and tightness of the rug are of utmost importance, the quality of the wool ascertains the resistance and longevity of the rug. And don't forget to take into account the quality and color fastness of the dyes being used.

Besides, the price of an Oriental rug could also be decided by the prevailing design and color fads. About 50 years ago, orange, brown and green were considered the hot colors; but that is not the case today. The condition of the rugs and age affect the value of second hand rugs. Age will increase the value of the rugs provided they have been well maintained but if not, wear and tear and stains will reduce the value.

The best of rugs are always made from natural fibers with wool, silk and cotton being the most common and silk the most sought after as well as expensive. Wool is the most popular material used to make a Persian rugs or kilims because of its intrinsic properties - wool is long lasting, flexible, is easily dyed and can be woven or spun with ease. Besides, wool is readily available in areas where kilims or Persian rugs are made since you find a lot of nomads tending sheep there.

A fascinating thing about the Persian rugs or kilims is that you can deduce from which tribe the rug came from based solely on the type of wool and dye used. Some wool from sheep is sought after even more than the rest as it gives a certain luster to the Persian rugs or kilims.

Warps are commonly made of cotton as its high strength helps maintain the shape. Besides it maintains its natural white color over time. Another reason is that cotton can be spun into the finest of threads. Hair of camels, goats and horses is often sued to make Persian rugs or kilims to produce unique effects. Camel hair might be used to give a woolen rug additional strength while horse hair might give eye-catching tassels. Wool when mixed with goat hair produces a silky sheen. Silk has always been considered a material of luxury so silk rugs are rare although they might still be produced. They are often included in the dowry of a bride along with other Oriental rugs and treasured as part of the family wealth.

About The Author:
Visit us for a wide range of Oriental rugs including the Persian rugs or kilims; you're sure to find something to suit your home.

http://www.articleclick.com/

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Choose the Best Oriental Karastan Rug

If you want to add more life to your flooring, you might probably consider using pieces of Oriental area rugs. But how would you determine the difference of a genuine rug from the other one that looks like one? Knowing some basics about rugs could help you a lot in this endeavor. Once you have a better understanding on quality rugs, you will have more chances of purchasing the best pieces, right for your taste and your existing floor layout.

Here are some things to remember while you shop for your pieces of Oriental area rugs.

1. Composition
- Rug fibers are usually made up of wool from moderate to upper end.
- Rugs made out of cotton, sisal, and sea grass are classified as moderate.
- Synthetic fibers like the acrylic, polyester, nylon, and even olefin are found in economical rugs.
- Most rugs that are resistant to stains contain these synthetic fibers but are not that luxurious and soft.
- Rugs made of natural fiber are prone to staining especially when spots are not immediately cleaned.

2. Quality
- Quality of the rugs largely depends on the kind of dye used.
- Fine wools are dyed with roots of plants, vegetable, and fruits.
- Synthetic dyes are being used to color cheaper wools.
- Focus on the fiber and check its integrity and make sure it's not unraveling.
- Very fine wool of fiber often appears soft like silk if you are inexperienced in checking quality rugs.

3. Handmade or Machine-made
- If you see a clear pattern in the back portion, the rug is hand-made.
- A machine-made Karastan rug is done using interlocked unit to ensure durability while getting a look of a hand-knotted rug.

Beware: Handmade rugs having cloth backings might be hiding flaws. Also, a rug with glue backings tends to wear out when it is moved or cleaned.

If you are still unsure, you should check the back portion of the rug and look at the fringe. If it is sewn, it's not an original piece of an oriental rug.

Basically, the border of an original piece of Oriental rug comes straight out of the material being part of the loom rather than sewn afterwards. A genuine piece can be easily checked by looking at its price. Hand-knotted rugs differ roughly twice higher than hand-tufted rugs.

Introducing Karastan Rugs

Karastan started its business on oriental rugs on 1928 in Leakesville, North Carolina. The company rolled off its first oriental rug, called Axminster loom, in 1933 in a World Fair held in Chicago. It was used to cover the whole flooring. This loom is considered to be one of the best of its kind that buyers started to notice a handmade rug is no different than machine-made rug. Approximately, 5 million people crushed their feet into the stylish rug. Mr. Field managed to divide the whole thing into two, making the first half of the rug a sample. He had it cleaned, and the other half was used to simply show that even after a very heavy traffic, a Karastan oriental rug was still durable and elegant. Indeed, Karastan rugs have surpassed the test of time.

Investing your money with Karastan rugs is not expensive at all. Instead, you save on a lot of money while you enjoy seeing your home being touched by elegance for years to come.

About The Author:
For additional information about Karastan , click on Area Rugs Club and see the variety of Karastan rugs you may want to own.

http://www.articleclick.com

Monday, October 27, 2008

Antique Oriental Rugs

These are the largest antique Oriental rug dealers, importers, providers, online galleries and companies available in the United States.

Krikor Markarian antique rug and carpet gallery (markarianantiquerugs.com): Located in New York City, Krikor Markarian specializes in collectible antique tribal rugs and other woven artefacts from the main Near Eastern and Asian weaving areas. It features 19th century Caucasian rugs, 19th century Persian tribal and village rugs, antique Central Asian weavings and antique Anatolian rugs.

Nalbandian Inc. (www.nalbandian.com/antiques/antiques.htm): is a floor covering company that includes antique Oriental rugs, tapestries and textiles in its collection since 1826. The business started in Ceasaria, (kaisery) Turkey, extending to Erevan, Tehran, Beirut, Paris, Monte Carlo, Aix En Provence, Marseille, Zurich, Boston and Los Angeles. Services also include Restoration and Conservation.

Oriental Rug Mart (demanesrug.com): An Oriental rug company which has been buying, selling, cleaning and repairing Oriental rugs in central Illinois since 1919, in the name of James Demanes & Sons. Their rug emporium is located in the Demanes Galleries building in Peoria, Illinois. Services include Hand wash, repair, restoration, and appraisal.

Pasargad (pasargadcarpets.com): Pasargad is an importer of hand-woven oriental rugs, featuring an extensive line of hand-woven Chinese, Persian-design, and Indian masterpieces in vegetable-dyed wool. It is a family owned business established in 1904, well-known for its in-house restoration and cleaning facilities, with showrooms in New York and Washington D.C.

Antiqueorientalrugs.com: is an online shopping gallery of an Oriental rug business started by Robert T. Mosby since 1969, who deals strictly in handmade, antique oriental rugs and not in mass produced program rugs. The website has a link to Ebay, where a selection of antique rugs is showcased, changing on a weekly basis. The business is located in Sarasota, Florida.

Abraham Moheban & Son Inc. (moheban.com): The Company offers trade, designers and retail clients a choice of antique Persian, Indian, Turkish and European rugs and carpets. Located in New York City, it has an extensive collection of 18th to early 20th century pieces. Services include hand washing, conservation, restoration and insurance valuation.

A.E. Runge Oriental Rugs (rungerugs.com): Located in Yarmouth, Maine, Runge Rugs was started in the 1880s by Edward Runge. Its large inventory of handmade Orientals has been purchased almost entirely from estates and private individuals in New England and Europe dated between date between 1900 and the 1930s. All the products in the store is claimed to be authentic oriental rugs.

Antique Rug Gallery, Inc. (antiqueruggallery.com): This is an online gallery only, which operates in Massachusetts. The Antique Rug Gallery Inc. offers exclusively antique oriental carpets and tribal rugs, and accepts dealers as well as retail customers at wholesale prices. Services include written appraisals, wash and repair.

Antique Textile Gallery (frankames.com): The Company, buyer and seller of antique oriental carpets, Turkmen trappings, tribal rugs, decorative textiles and Kashmir shawls, was founded in Paris 25 years ago and moved to Manhattan's Upper West Side in 1986. The gallery is also a consultant and appraiser of antique, ancient and decorative textiles. Business is conducted by appointment only.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=25219&ca=Arts+and+Crafts

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Fixing a Damaged Rug – How it Works

Oriental rugs require special care and professionals who understand the types of patterns and dyes that went into making your unique imported rug. If your rugs become damaged or torn, you need a professional who can repair your rug and recreate the beauty of the original style. But what goes into professional Austin rug weaving and what do they do with your heirloom rugs?

Most professional Austin rug weavers are experts at both cleaning and repairing your treasured possessions and have the experience necessary to take great care of your rug. Keep in mind, though, that cleaning and repairing are two very different processes. Although both require intricate knowledge of the history of your unique rug, professional rug weaving and repair requires weavers who understand the intricacies of the patterns. A quality professional rug weaver can match the weave and texture of your rug without any color or pattern variations.

When a professional Austin rug weaver takes your rug, they usually clean it first, removing all loose dirt and debris from the fibers. Cleaning a rug prior to repair can help decrease the amount of damage done to the wool or silk fibers and help the professionals find any other damage or repair that you may have missed. After removing loose dirt, professional teams usually hand clean the carpet and inspect it, making notes for the individual or team of individuals who will mostly likely conduct the repairs.

You'll need to make sure that the professional Austin rug weaving and repair teams employ individuals who have experience in the type of work and weaves that your rug requires. No two rugs are alike and most professional rug weaving and repair services use master weavers who have experience in matching the weave and patterns of various different rugs. You'll also want to make sure that these Austin rug repair companies are confident in matching not only patterns and knots, but also the fibers and dyes of your unique rug.

Some Austin rug weaving repair team employs a master weaver, like the ones at Kiwi Austin rug weaving. These individuals have been specially trained to match the weave, texture, pattern, and dyes of thousands of different regions around the world. They hand match each component of your rug to ensure seamless repairs and restore the luster and color of your treasured rugs.

Every rug is unique and different. Each one combines dyes, patterns, and colors that define the region of origin and the time period in which it was produced. In order to keep your rug looking great, you need to trust only the professionals who have employed Master Weavers, like the ones with the Kiwi Austin rug weaving team. If you need professional rug cleaning or rug weaving, trust your treasures to the professionals and those who understand the importance and heritage of your unique rug. As questions and research the team prior to signing a contract and make sure they employ individuals who can recreate the beauty of your rug without compromising the integrity of the fibers or dye.

Only perfectly matched Master Weavers and rug restoration professionals, like those at Kiwi Services, can produce the seamless results you want. Research the Austin rug weaving, rug repairOriental rug Weavers services in your area and ask appropriate questions to make sure their teams and services match the needs and requirements of your rug. and

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/fixing-a-damaged-rug-how-it-works-431179.html