Identifying the Origin of Oriental Rugs

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

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

1. The Persian Rugs

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

2. The Indian Oriental Rugs

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

3. The Tibet Rugs

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

4. The Oriental Rugs from Turkey

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

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

Tag : rugs,oriental rugs,origin,identifying

Persian & Oriental Fine Rugs Make A Bold Statement In Your Home Decor

When planning the decor theme for a new home, don't forget to consider your floor coverings. Fine rugs can add a wonderful accent to your home decor, whether as an accent or a major impact on the overall appearance of your room.

Other times you may want to redecorate your home, to enhance a favorite room or achieve a fresh look. While most people may think of adding new curtains, paintings or wall hangings, or slipcovers to embellish their home decor, another option is to add some beautiful fine rugs.
Persian rugs or oriental rugs are excellent choices to add touches of elegance to your home. Whether your want a small accent rug or a large area rug, you are sure to find the size, color, and design to suit your taste among the many fine rugs available.

What are Fine rugs?
According to home decor dealers, fine rugs are typically those made with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, of Asian origin. Top quality wool fiber with significant pile comprises the main composition of these rugs, which often feature thick hand-knotted fringe. Fine rugs usually inclue Persian rugs and Oriental rugs, often constructed with a luxurious blend of wool and silk.
Difference Between Persian and Oriental rugs

Is there a difference between Persian rugs and Oriental rugs? According to knowledgeable people known as "rugophiles," the terms are not interchangeable, and a distinct difference exists between Persian and Oriental rugs. The primary difference between the two is related to the country of origin of the rugs. Persian rugs derive exclusively from Iran, after its former name of Persia. Oriental rugs derive from several countries in Asia, including Iran, as well as China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tibet, and Turkey. Therefore, Persian rugs are in fact of Oriental rugs, but the reverse is not necessarily true.

Oriental rugs as a whole have provided inspiration for art, literature, and music since the first story of Aladdin and his flying carpet. Harkening back to about 3000 BC, people have created rugs, initially for warmth as they covered earthern floors in early homes. Many centuries later, as rug-making evolved, artisans began weaving designs into their rugs. rug-making even found its way into palaces, as royalty began commissioning spectacular Oriental rugs with intricate designs depicting crests, coats of arms, and floral motifs. The 19th century saw the beginning of machine-made rugs, although hand-knotting continued for the fringe. Mass production, worldwide, in the 20th century, opened up the opportunity for nearly anyone to purchase beautiful Oriental rugs.

Persian rugs share some of the extensive historical background of Oriental rugs, with some notable differences. Created exclusively in Iran - formerly Persia - Persian rugs feature exceptionally thick pile, hand-knotted fringe, elegant rich colors, and intricate designs. Another distinction between the rugs is that Persian rug designs typically bear the name of the Iranian city in which they originated. Some of the most popular designs are Dubba, Gabbeh, Hamadan, Heriz, and Tabriz. Another significant development with Persian rugs is their increased presence in the marketplace since the embargo against Iran lifted in 2003.

Features of Oriental and Persian rugs
While fine rugs are available in virtually every color and color combination of the rainbow, they are typically rich, elegant shades. The classic features of Oriental rugs and Persian rugs include the following:
• Shapes: Available in octagon, oval, round, runner, and square shapes.
• Sizes: Available in numerous sizes, dependent on the shapes; for instance, octagonal sizes may vary from 4'11" x 4'11" to 9'10" x 9'10"; oval sizes may vary from 2'3" x 4'5" to 8'2" x 9'10"; round sizes may vary from 4'11" in diameter to 11'6" in diameter; runners may vary from 2' x 8' to 2'7" x 65'; and square sizes may vary from 4'11" sq. to 11'6" sq.
• Styles/Quality: Available in hand-knotted, hand-tufted, wool, silk, wool and silk, machine-made, and flat weave styles and various piles.
• Prices: Avaiable in a wide range of prices, depending on all the previous details, potentially from under $100 to $1500 or more.

Whether you are planning your decor for a new home, or redecorating your present home, don't forget your floor coverings can include fine rugs. Consider purchasing the Oriental rug or Persian rug that best accentuates your home decor. Beautiful Oriental rugs At Great Prices

What You Don't Know About Primitive Rugs May Surprise You!

What do you know about Primitive Rugs in America?

Primitive rugs were introduced in America by sailors and European settlers who were familiar with the art of making hooked rugs. The exact time and place of origin of primitive rugs is not known, though various sources attribute their origin to ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Nordic civilizations. Some scholars even hold that the art of hooking rugs may be as old as prehistoric times. The art is not lost, though it is not common to find, unless you are looking for a particular park or area that hosts a day or historic crafts, such as hooking.

Primitive Rugs in America

In America, the oldest rugs were the hooked rugs that are dated back to the eighteenth century and are now preserved in museums. Rags and leftover fabrics were the main kind of materials for making these primitive rugs. Their use is supposed not to have been limited to bed only but also on tables and other furniture items, before they were used for adorning the floor. By the mid 19th century, making hooked rugs had become a popular business in America, especially in New England and along the Canadian coastal areas. If you read a novel from the era, you will probably see this mentioned as a past-time of the women of that time.

Styles in Primitive Rugs

Hooked primitive rugs vary in their styles, decorative designs, and the degree of artistic imagination. Patterns of flowers are one of the most popular decorative themes used by the early rug-makers. The individual designs vary from simple blossoms to complex patterns of extended bouquets. Also in vogue at those times were depiction of animals, natural scenic views, and scenes from daily life. Sailors and women living in coastal areas were especially doting on creating marine designs on rugs as is the case today when you walk into a coastal town or shop. If you choose such a theme, it is easy to decorate quickly by visiting such venues as these.

The Popularity of Hooked Rugs

There is historical evidence that the early hooked rugs were very popular among lovers of folk art. Commercial production of these hooked rugs started at around the mid 19th century at which time the designs of Edward Frost went hit among a large number of rug-customers. The originality of Frost’s primitive rugs was not excelled by the later rugs made for commercial sale. Even today, hooked rugs made in some parts of the country, or those imported from abroad, are in big demand.

Buying Primitive Rugs

The historical significance and originality of design make old hooked rugs a choice item for many enthusiasts of old art. This does not mean that these rugs are very rare; they can be found in many shops throughout the country. The buyer should, however, carefully inspect the rug’s condition, its design, and the soundness of its construction. Old rugs showing a minor degree of damage can be repaired cheap but those having more than one damaged spot may cost a lot since repair of old rugs costs more than usual repairs.

About the Author

For more on Rugs and How They Beautify Your Home go to click here

Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=227137&ca=Home+Management

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

Traditional Braided Area Rugs

Traditional Braided Area Rugs

The craft and origin of braided rugs has been the subject of some debate over the years. It is said that the art and craft of braided rugs has roots in the Native American culture. Indigenous cultures the world over have long and well documented histories of rug making. Others contend that the braided rug came to the New World with early European settlers, originally as rag rugs. Regardless of the how the braided rug arrived in North America, the popularity of these rugs has not diminished over the years.

Rag rug making has long been considered a folk art that is still widely practiced. Like many other types of weaving, rug making was a home based craft, borne out of necessity. Frontier settlers did have the luxury of climbing into the family wagon and heading to the local rug store. If something was needed for the home, be it a warm blanket or a rug, a way was found to make it.

As the term implies, rag rugs were made from any available scraps of fabric. Like quilting, the practice of utilizing available materials meant that color schemes and patterns were a secondary consideration. In essence, form followed function. Fabric dyeing, if done at all, made use of local plants, berries and roots. Again, the practice of fabric dyeing was not limited to European settlers. For centuries, Native Americans understood the power of nature to provide beauty and color. This understanding can be seen in virtually every aspect of Native American life.

Traditional braided rugs can be found in a wide variety of weaving styles and construction. Regardless of the fabric, weave or construction, properly made braided rugs share one common feature. Simply put, a proper rug must be made to lay flat on the floor. One sure sign of a poorly braided rug is curling and bunching. A properly made braided or rag rug will have a flat braid. Flat braids are sometimes referred to as tape braids. Flat braids are made by weaving around at least two parallel center cords.

Many round braids are made by weaving around a single, round center cord. The practice of round braiding is a technique that can be found in more modern rug construction. Round braiding is a perfectly acceptable practice, though some less expensive round braid rugs have some problems. Use of a stiff center core in combination with a poor quality yarn will result in a rug that does wear very well. Cheap yarn abrading against a hard center core causes the yarn to wear prematurely, often exposing the center core material.

One of the more unique and beautiful characteristics of braided rugs is color. Makers of early braided rugs might have used whatever fabric or yarn was at hand. The result was a blend or variegation of many colors, often resulting in random patterns. The variegation in color made every rug unique much like patchwork quilts which did not rely on any particular pattern. Variegated rug patterns are perennial favorites among those folks prefer a very traditional look.

The practice of dyeing fabrics and yarns allowed weavers to create patterns of more uniform color. The choice of styles and patterns available today is quite diverse with some rugs following thematic patterns.

Quality braided rugs are easy to care for. Remember that these rugs have been around since before the introduction of such modern conveniences as the vacuum cleaner. Tightly sewn and woven braided rugs could be swept clean with stiff broom. Braided rugs are reversible and regularly turning the rug over greatly extends the life of the rug.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accessories-articles/traditional-braided-area-rugs-266141.html

Oriental Rug Prices

Oriental rugs are pretty expensive, but they are a great way to enhance your rooms? appearance. There are mainly two types of Oriental rugs, they are new rugs and antique rugs. Antique rugs are more expensive. Oriental rug prices vary according to their size, design, fiber used, number of knots per square inch and the place of origin. The prices of oriental rugs start from around $200 and can go beyond $3000 depending on the demand and quality.

Oriental rugs which are hand woven from fibers that are treated with vegetable dyes are the most expensive type of rugs in the world. The prices of oriental rugs are directly proportional to the area of the rug. The common sizes available are large rugs, medium rugs, small rugs and runners. Many Oriental rug vendors have fixed prices, while some allow you to bargain.

The price also depends on the idea or originality of the motif, symmetry of the patterns, harmony of color combinations, quality of used dyes, quality of wool and silk, symmetry of weave or the individual knots, ending of the weave, arrangement of fringes and marketing. Usually Persian rugs, due to their high quality, are more expensive, Indian, Nepali and Tibetan rugs are cheaper.

Oriental rug purchased online is cheaper than those purchased from the retail market. This is because most of the sites offering oriental rugs are wholesalers or importers. These companies do not spend much on advertising and marketing. Oriental rugs produced using synthetic fibers by machine weave are cheap and their price starts from about $50.

There are sites on the Internet which provide information about prices of Oriental rugs, they give price comparisons, ratings and reviews. Most companies online offer discounts up to 30%.

If well maintained, the value of Oriental rugs increase with time, many antique oriental rugs have been auctioned for several thousands of dollars. But dirt, stains, unnatural coloration, and rodent attacks decrease the value of rugs.

Oriental Rugs provides detailed information on Oriental Rugs, Oriental Persian Rugs, Oriental Area Rugs, Antique Oriental Rugs and more. Oriental Rugs is affiliated with Discount Persian Rugs.

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

Oriental Textiles Rugs

Authentic oriental textile rugs are hand made carpets which are either knotted with pile or woven without pile. They come from the geographical region extending from China and Vietnam in the east to Turkey and Iran in the west. Most oriental textiles rugs are made by tribal artists under difficult conditions. Oriental rugs have been decorating western interiors since early 16th century.

Oriental textiles rugs are named after their place of origin i.e. Persian rugs, Anatolian rugs, Kurdish rugs, Caucasian rugs, Central Asian rugs, Chinese rugs, East Turkistan rugs and Tibetan rugs. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The design and colors differ according to country, culture, racial group and religious faith. But there are some basic designs such as designs with straight lines and geometric figures, designs with curvilinear lines, contemporary designs, designs based on medallions, and pictorial designs. Finely knotted oriental rugs are more popular than others as curved lines are drawn more smoothly and gracefully, and they have dense surfaces which reflect light in an attractive way.

These days many oriental textiles rugs weavers have started to use modern colors in their designs, this suits the changing global color tastes. Oriental rugs which use natural plant dyes are more preferred. Rugs with natural dyes cost 30% more.

Good oriental textiles rugs will lay flat on floors and will not have any wrinkles or ripples along their edges. They will last for decades, sometimes even centuries. They are simple to handle and need less attention than other carpets. Good oriental textiles rugs will have colors that resist fading in normal light.

Although Iran was the market leader, most rugs these days come from Turkey, India, Pakistan, Nepal and China.

Oriental Rugs provides detailed information on Oriental Rugs, Oriental Persian Rugs, Oriental Area Rugs, Antique Oriental Rugs and more. Oriental Rugs is affiliated with Discount Persian Rugs.

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

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

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.

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

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

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