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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Importance of Having a Good Rug Pad

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

Why You Need Rug Pads

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

They Extend the Lifetime of your Rug

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

Make Cleaning Easier

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

Benefits of a Rug Pad

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

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-importance-of-having-a-good-rug-pad-636232.html

Area Rugs – the Choice is Vast and Yours

Choosing an area rug is quite a challenge considering the vast sizes, shapes, colors, fabrics, and designs. You must consider the purpose the rug will serve whether it will provide a splash of color/design for a small room or a great deal of color/design for a large space. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to start with a blank palette, then you can choose a rug that pleases you and build the room around its colors and designs. But if you already have furniture that you want to compliment, then choosing the right rug is an important addition to draw your eye and yet make a subtle statement while uniting the elements of a room. Take into account your style and what types of rugs you admire in others’ homes and in stores that sell rugs. The color, style, and texture of your rugs will show your guests what feel you want to convey. Lighter rugs make the room seem cooler and larger while darker shades warm the room and form a cozy more intimate space.

Now that you’ve decided what look you want, you must decide on the fabric that suits the use of the room. Wool rugs are hugely attractive but can be difficult to clean if used in extremely high traffic areas. They are long-wearing, lush, and command respect and admiration so should be chosen for those areas where people sit and relax and in dining areas that are of a more formal nature. Spills on wool rugs are not a problem if they are blotted up quickly; wool rugs repel dirt and liquids not allowing them to absorb quickly into the fibers. The scales of the fibers make wool fibers resilient, soft to the touch, and tough. Wool rugs also dye easier and richer making them a striking focal point. Another natural fiber is cotton that makes a longwearing rug much like wool but of a lighter weight.

Man-made fiber rugs are good choices for brilliant colors and great service in high traffic areas, areas of sun exposure, and areas of heavy use. They are strong and durable and easy to clean. The look of synthetic rugs is not as rich as wool rugs but is substantially more attractive today than they were in the past. There are many ways synthetic rugs are set and woven and many imitate wool’s overall look and feel. Many modern rugs combine synthetic fibers with natural fibers so read the descriptions carefully.

Much of the look and feel rests with the construction of the rug. Some of the modes of construction include hand-knotted, hand-hooked, hand-tufted, machine-made, and flat-weaved. There are others so you can see that this is not a simple choice. Any rug that has "hand" in its prefix will be high quality and a bit more expensive in most cases. But you get what you pay for, as you know.

About size, a great way to determine what size rug is best for your room, spread a bed sheet or butcher paper in the area and try different sizes. In dining areas, you’ll want a rug at least 4 feet longer and wider than your table, which would allow diners to push their chairs away from the table without slipping off the rug. In areas where the rugs will serve as a place for feet to rest while sitting in conversation areas, choose rugs that are at least as large as the open area in front of sofas and chairs. You can leave up to a foot right in front of the furniture because most people don’t place their feet right up against the front of the couch or chair. You can let the size of the rug determine the size and intimacy of that area or you can place your conversation area/s as you wish and then order a rug to fit that space. A large room can have a cozy feeling by dividing it visually into sections you choose with an area rug or two. Keep these rugs from extending into high traffic areas to avoid tripping.

Of course, many rugs will be chosen to stop dirt from entering the main parts of the house. The foyer, back door, garage entry, and side porch doors are some of the examples of these entry points. Rugs for these areas should be fairly flat, absorbent, and easy to clean. Rug pads that are a non-skid type are a necessity for these areas for obvious reasons.

Rug pads can keep rugs from moving, avoid turning up at the corners, help them wear longer, and make them feel cushy under your feet. Shop carefully for the right pad for the rug you’ve chosen. The pad is no place to skimp on quality since the pad will influence so much about your new rug. Be sure the pad provides a firm, non-slip backing and a cushion that reflects your style. Decide if your rug will be on carpeting or bare floors and choose the pad that is correct for each by reading the descriptions carefully. Rug pads prolong the life of your rugs since rugs wear from the bottom up; the pads cushion the rug from the hard floor below.

So, you want to find the rugs that will reflect your personality and style while providing room definition, comfort, design elements to unite the room’s elements, and the designer’s touch every room can have. Choosing the right rug for each area can be daunting and use more time than you have. Unless, of course, you shop on line like I do. The "running’ from store to store is a thing of the past. There is no way I could have perused the vast amount of rugs in stores that I was able to examine from my family room sofa with my laptop. As you search this site, you’ll get new ideas and begin to form images of the way your home will look with the addition of their beautiful, versatile rugs! Have fun looking for rugs for all the special areas of your home!

This Article is Originally Published here: Area Rugs

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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/area-rugs-the-choice-is-vast-and-yours-135.html

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

Decorating With Rugs

Rugs are both decorative and practical. You should aim to get the best of both worlds when using rugs in your house. Rugs can also be used to separate and distinguish areas in a room. This is useful for efficient use of space. You can follow some of the suggestions below in order to achieve those aims.

Because rugs can have an effect on the overall look of a room selecting rugs you don't like cannot have happy consequences. In other words use only rugs that you feel comfortable about.

When selecting rugs for decorating, the size of the rug should depend on the effect you are aiming for. For instance rugs are useful as focusing agents, accenting a table, a sofa, or a bed, placed on top of them. Rugs themselves can be used as focal points without any furniture on them. This kind of highlighting can be done in almost any room in your house. In order to find the exact size required you should measure the floor in the area you wish to place the rug and then imagine the effect of placing it there with the help of floor markings. This method will give you a good is idea about the proportions of the rug that will be required and you will be able to judge whether effect you are aiming for can be successfully brought out.

Decision as to whether to use a large rug or several smaller ones will depend on similar considerations. A larger rug will unite the items placed on it into a unit, while smaller rugs can be used to break the room into several sections. Colors and patterns of the rugs should also be taken into account in this regard. Using rugs with similar colors and patterns will make them blend in with the room, while contrasting colors will help divide the room. For instance by using two a fairly large rugs with different patterns and colors you can divide the room into two.

Placing rugs on their own without any furniture also adds color to that room and that space. You can make the room look larger or smaller according to your wish by choosing complementing or contrasting colors for the rugs in comparison to the room's color scheme. Range of rug patterns on offer can be huge. Since their contrasting or completing effects can be infinite, before buying you should always check the effect by placing different rugs against each other and against room's general décor. Generally lighter colors and patterns create a more spacious feeling, while heavier and darker colors create a warm coziness.

By using differently shaped rugs and rugs with fringes, you can give your rooms a certain decorative fair and make them less formal.

Similarly rugs can be used for defining space in a room. By placing two chairs, a sofa, and a small table, on a rug you can demarcate a sitting area easily. If the rug is not large enough place only the front legs of the chairs on the rug, however to get the best decorative effect you should place the furniture completely on the rug. In order to save space you should avoid empty rug space behind the furniture.

In the dining room, rug should be large enough to cover the feet of the chairs when they are being used by a person sitting at the table. Before buying you should get accurate measurements to ensure this. Keep the other furniture in the dining room off the rug to get a nice effect.

In the bedrooms you do not need a large rug under the bed to highlight it. Most of it will be covered up by the bed in any case. Use smaller rugs and place them around the bed.

Rugs placed on the hallways and at the entrance will create the tone for the rest of your house décor. They should also make the guests feel welcome to the house. So you must choose those rugs with care.

For places with high foot traffic choose darker colors with heavier patterns in order to disguise the effect of usage. When placing the rugs ensure that high foot traffic areas should be covered by the middle part of the rug. Placing corners of the rug in such places can be dangerous.

You must leave enough space for door clearance if the space between door and floor is not enough for the rug. Using thinner rugs will save space in such situations. You should take the precaution of using rug pads. Rug pads protect the rugs from wear due to the friction between the rug and the floor or carpeting below, and increase their durability. They also stabilize the rug by providing a slip free foundation to the rug. Hardwood floors should not be covered completely by the rug. At least several inches of hardwood should be exposed to the air around the room if you want to use a large room covering rug on such a floor. Other factors that need to be considered include wiring and vents on the floor.

Rugs of various sizes, patterns, and colors, can be obtained to fulfill these decorative and practical functions as required. However larger the rug, the range of buying options available, whether it be colors, styles and materials, or patterns, decreases. You have the greatest range of options with the smaller rugs.

Tag : rugs,cheap rugs,wool rugs,discount rugs

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

How to Care For and Maintain Contemporary Area Rugs

Area rugs have been popular in homes for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Asian societies that used them to cover dirt floors, and used them in the palaces of emperors, nobles and other royalties. Today, area rugs are still a hot fashionable commodity in most homes. They serve to augment the interior décor by offering a tonality, fashion and flare the makes any room stand apart from another room in the house. Most people will spend hundreds of their dollars, if not more, acquiring the area rugs that they desire, yet many fail to adequately care for their rugs and the longevity of them is compromised as a result. However, there are some rather simple steps that you can follow to care for your rugs and be able to enjoy them for years to come.

Vacuuming and General Care

The most important way that you can care for your area rugs is to vacuum them thoroughly and often. When dust and dirt settles on the rug they can get ground deep into the fibers, causing decay and deterioration. By vacuuming your rugs regularly you can capture that dust and dirt before it has time to damage your rug fibers. For delicate rugs avoid using the brushed attachments, rather use a standard vacuum nozzle and delicately hose the surface to pick up dirt and debris.

When you vacuum any rug, make sure you make your strokes against the nap, this way you can suck dirt out of the rug instead of potentially pushing it further into it-to find the nap brush your hand against the rug and the smooth side of the rug is the nap. From time to time you will also want to flip your rug over and vacuum the underside to remove any dirt that may have gotten trapped underneath the rug. A good rule of thumb is to vacuum your rug at least once per week, and for higher traffic rugs, two-three times per week.

Rotation of the Rug

To keep your rug looking sheen and new, make sure that you rotate the rug at least two times per year. This will allow other areas of the rug to gain equal exposure to the elements, assuring that the rug ages equally and looks the same on all sides for years to come. The last thing that you want to encounter is a rug that has faded on one side but is bright and sheen on the other. By rotating your rug every so often you can avoid having to worry about this. Think of your rug like a set of tires: it needs to be rotated every so often.

Apply and Use Rug Pads

Rug pads are very important for a few reasons. They keep your rug in place and prevent slippage. They add a cushion to the rug that creates extra durability and softness underneath the feet. And, they prevent lines from hard wood flooring or tile, like grout lines, from ruining the underside of your area rug.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-care-for-and-maintain-contemporary-area-rugs-629104.html

Wool Area Rugs - Great For Home-Interior

Wool area rugs are a great addition to any household. They can be used to bring life and vibrant color to any room inside of your household. Often times in order to offset certain dominant color patterns in rooms, people will go out and purchase wool area rugs. The nice thing about getting an area rug is that you can choose to move it to any room of your house at any time; it is not a permanent installation. The benefit of getting an area rug made from wool is that it will provide you with much longer-lasting comfort than most other types of area rugs.

A lot of people focus on improving the appearance of their home-flooring. An easy thing to add to your home that will make many people believe that you are an expert in home decoration is a wool area rug. Not only do they look great in nearly any room of your house, but they feel great to lie on. The majority of individuals that have a wool area rug are able to enjoy the fact that they provide a lot of additional comfort and warmth during the winter-season. They may cost you a fairly large sum of money, though, and people have the right to not waste money on buying a wool rug.

Another unique feature about wool rugs is that you can buy them in any size and shape. There are square wool rugs, circular rugs, as well as rugs that are more traditional shapes like rectangles. It is completely up to you as to what shape and size of wool area rug will best fit the room that you'd like it to be in. If you have a circular room, you may want to consider getting a circular-wool rug. If you want a rug to go under your feet while you are eating, you can get a smaller, more individual-style wool-rug.

If you are going to make an investment in a wool area rug, you should certainly take the time to admire all of the hard-work that was put into its creation; especially if it was a handmade rug. The benefit of buying a handmade wool rug over a regular one is that it will likely be a lot more unique and have much greater durability than most rugs.

No matter what style of wool rug you have, you should always take steps in order to prevent it from getting worn out. Do not put a special wool rug in an area of your house that is frequently walked through or that gets trampled. Be sure to put it in a location where everyone is able to see it, yet in an area that will prevent it from getting worn out. If you are really serious about preventing your rug from getting damaged, you could even consider buying rug-pads in order to ensure that you keep the bottom of your rug from getting torn.

When buying a wool area rug, you often get what you pay for; if the rug is handmade, you will definitely be shelling out more money than you would for a contemporary wool rug that was made in a factory. If you don't have issues with the pricing of wool-rugs, then it would be wise to select a handmade rug for your house. If you want to get a good looking wool area rug and save money, you should get a machine-made area rug.

If you are wondering where you can find a good wool area rug, there are plenty of places on the internet that will help you find a rug that meets your selection criteria. It is suggested that you look online for a good area rugs and compare the prices of the best rugs that you found online to rugs that you found at interior-décor and home-interior stores. You will likely find that the prices are relatively comparable between sites that sell rugs and stores. Stores are a great place to find wool-area rugs because you don't need to pay for shipping and you can get a close-up view of the texture and rug styles. No matter if you shop at a rug-store or on the internet, you can find a wool area rug that helps bring more life to your house!

5 Steps to Area Rug Bliss - No More Wrinkles, Buckles and Bunching Ever Again

To ensure that your Area Rug experience is one of absolute joy and bliss, consider these 5 tips.

1. Buy a Decent Area Rug

Area Rugs are often bought as an impulse item. When you need a rug to accent your décor or to cover an ugly spot, don't give in to the temptation of buying a chain store special, based on color and price only. An area rug should be a well thought décor item, not a cheap after-thought. You don't have to break the bank. Most good quality wool fiber rugs are available in style and qualities that will fit most any budget. Fine quality wool fiber area rugs can be purchased Online and shipped right to your front door for about the same price as those chain store pretenders.

2. Buy a New Zealand Wool Fiber Area Rug

Wool Fiber that has been shorn from New Zealand sheep is the best fiber for an area rug. Why a New Zealand sheep? Because they have been bred to produce "carpet quality" wool fiber. An area rug of New Zealand wool fiber will be soft on the feet and extremely durable. Most stains are not a problem; simply blot gently with clear warm water for best results.

3. Make sure it is at least 12mm to 14mm pile density

An area rugs density will play an important role in its life and performance. A flimsy cotton or olefin (polypropylene) rug or a runner without a secondary backing is nothing but trouble. A rug without sufficient density will wrinkle, warp, buckle and bunch. Not to mention the battle for possession that takes place when you try to vacuum it. The vacuum almost always wins this battle as you try using your feet to keep it under submission and out of the suction tube. I don't know anyone who enjoys constantly adjusting and straightening their rugs. If you buy a rug with sufficient pile density (or weight) it will remain where you place it and behave when you vacuum. I prefer rugs of at least 12mm. Especially if they are to be placed over wall-to-wall carpet. Buy a dense rug and let gravity keep it in position and under control.

4. Cotton or Jute Backing is preferred

Although cotton or jute backing is preferred, many rugs are manufactured with a secondary backing. I prefer rugs that are woven without the secondary backing. Because you can tell if it's a good quality rug when you can detect the pattern of the rug while looking at it from the back. Whether a rug is machine-made or hand-knotted it has to be woven into something. Cotton or jute is preferred, but polypropylene mesh is fine when used in the backing of a rug (but never the face fiber). However; some rugs need that secondary backing to add density and weight. Also consider how the are rug is bonded. Single backed area rugs only need a small amount of latex to keep them bonded while secondary backing rugs need more latex to secure the backing material. If the rug maker uses synthetic latex for bonding, your nose will be happy. It will only have a new rug smell for a short period of time. If your rug maker uses a lot of real latex to secure a secondary backing, it will most likely stink of burnt rubber for years to come. Especially when the weather gets hot. Most noses and eyes are sensitive to real latex in larger doses. If you have chemical sensitivities, stick to single backed area rugs that don't use heavy applications of synthetic latex.

5. Don't place Heavy Furniture on your Area Rugs

Area rugs are often intended to define and delineate space. If your rug is too big for the area you are decorating you will be tempted to tuck the edges of the rug under your heavier pieces of furniture. When heavy furnishings are placed on an area rug they can often cause bunching and wrinkling where the furniture legs are indenting their selves into your rug. This can cause the most beautiful and expensive rugs to look cheesy and warped. Indents, wrinkles and warping of rugs from heavy furnishings can also become more permanent. To avoid costly rug repairs down the road, keep four to six inches of distance from heavy furniture. (Coffee tables are fine; sofas, hutches and entertainment systems are a definite no-no). Although not often. Some rug applications may result in the need for a dense and firm rug pad (or cushion). I always suggest the use of all-felt or synthetic all-felt rug pads.

Avoiding the hassles of wrinkles, buckles and bunching in your area rug is as easy as pie when you consider applying these 5 tips. Your new area rug can be a joy or a nightmare. Always buy good quality (not museum quality) New Zealand wool fiber area rugs with a single woven and bonded cotton or jute backing, and never place it under any heavy furniture. Follow these rules and your new area rug will be a joy for many years to come. Visit our web site for more about area rugs, home decor items and information.

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Tips About Rugs

Traditional rugs would go a long way if handled and stored properly with care. Here are a few tips that would help you in stretching the life of that favorite traditional rug. Do not fold traditional rugs, instead roll them when you want to stow them away for some time. Rolling prevents stretching or cracking thus providing a long life to fragile fabric of traditional rugs. Wrapping on plastic may cause mildew to traditional rugs, this will eventually damage the rug. You can wrap your traditional rugs in a heavy paper that should be free from acid, cloth or you could wrap it on a sheet.

Tightening with rubber bands should be avoided after rolling your rug. Don’t place your traditional rugs near high temperature zones. Keep traditional rugs away from direct sun because ultra violet rays may fade or damage them, if kept exposed to it for a long time. Keep your traditional rugs away from the areas of heavy traffic to prevent strain and soil. A thin pad should be kept under your traditional rugs to increase its life.

The pad used for keeping under the traditional rugs must be cut half inch shorter than the edges of traditional rugs. These pads help absorb the moisture. You can purchase these pads from your supplier; opt for synthetic pads. Avoid using latex paintings on the backside of an heirloom rug or a traditional rug. Due to the latex, traditional rugs may get hard and cracks may develop. These cracks will damage your traditional rugs. If museum quality traditional rugs come in contact with latex then the life a traditional is cut short.

Due to variation in temperature and humidity, fiber of traditional rugs may swell or shrink. While hanging your traditional rugs avoid stretching. Nailing, stapling or gluing on a frame or board is not to be allowed. Don’t keep your traditional rugs near plastic or glass as condensation on these surfaces will cause mildew and this will ultimately damage your rug. For matting, use mats that are free from acid.

For padding use acid free batting covers on mounting boards, if you have a wooden frame it must be Mylar covered. Mylar is one type of natural plastic. While you hang your traditional rugs on a wall, the weight of your traditional rugs must be equally distributed to prevent straining and avoid sag on the back. To avoid unwanted stretching on your traditional rugs of small size, stitch rug tape or fabric cuff on the edges of your traditional rugs and you could make use of a drapery or dowel rod for slipping through its sleeve. For attaching your traditional rugs on wall drapery fasteners like bend nails or cup hooks must be attached on the rod of the sleeve. Rug hangers or hard wood quilt can also be used for same purpose. A full lining to support the weight of large traditional rugs is required.

Beating or shaking a rug causes strains on the backing of a traditional rug. If your traditional rug is old then it can disintegrated into parts. During foggy days or on damp days allow your traditional rugs to come into contact with natural air from outside, this will make your traditional rugs soft and cracks will not formed in the backing of your traditional rugs. Clothesline hanging should be avoided. Lay your rug flat and turn it occasionally. Grit and sand must be cleaned with vacuum cleaner regularly. Prevent your traditional rugs for getting dry.

Do not let stains form on your traditional rug. Try to remove them immediately. However do not make use of a washing machine for this purpose. Traditional rugs can be washed gently with mild detergent and cold water. Harsh detergents may damage to your traditional rugs, avoid using harsh detergent. Do not dry clean your traditional rug. Your traditional rugs must not be immersed. For cleaning and storing your traditional rug, you could take the advice of an expert.

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Tips for Decorating With Quality Area Rugs

A house has to be decorated with various accessories to make it look beautiful. Carpets and rugs add to the overall effect of a room. Each room can be decorated with different designs and colors to suit the room and also individual tastes. Carpets cover a bigger area and need more maintenance, while area rugs cover only the area that you want covered.

Area rugs can be placed in front of the hearth, the window seat or in a small passage way. It can be used in front of a sink, in front of sofas and under the dining table. It can be placed on a table to keep flower vases or lamps. It can also be hung on the walls or framed and placed on the walls. All this adds to the effect of the room.

The area rug is the best solution wherever you have a lot of people walking about. The rug will protect the carpet or the floor from being worn out quickly. Buying an area rug is much more economical than buying a carpet. So, students and people who have limited income can also afford it. This will also help in making the room warm.

The area rugs are easy to maintain. When you are rearranging the room you can also change the place of the rug. They are found in various colors and designs. You can also have multi colored rugs. In one room you can two or three rugs to decorate the room. They are available in various prices, too, to suit your budget.

You can get handmade and machine made rugs. Machine made rugs are made from artificial fabrics like olefin and polypropylene. Choose the one that will suit you.

You can have floral rugs which give a country or traditional feel. Bold colors and contrasting designs and lines will add to the modern look of a room. You can also have a sheepskin rug or a shag rug.

Persian rugs are supposed to be the best. The reasons for this are that premium dyes are used to get striking colors. Each rug has a unique look. There are three types of designs available in the Persian rugs. They are: geometric designs, pictorial designs, curvilinear and floral designs. The more knots that are there the more tightly it is woven. They are made of the best quality of wool, silk and dyes.

There are three types of rugs to choose from – the hand knotted, the machine made and the hand tufted. The quality of hand knotted rugs depends on the number of knots per square inch, the type of wool used and the wash. The machine made is made by machine. The hand tufted is made by yarn being forced into a grid. This later has an application of latex or fabric backing.

While buying area rugs, you must decide what place in the house you are going to use it in. You should also plan as to how you will blend it with the existing look of the room. Be sure to ensure that the colors match. You should keep in mind how each room is used to decide on what type of area rug you want in which room. You can buy area rugs for the drawing room, the dining room, the bedroom, the bathroom and the children’s room. You have outdoor and indoor area rugs, cowhide rugs, bamboo rugs, oriental rugs and modern rugs. The size of the rug and where it is going to be placed is very important.

Area rugs should not be used when there is an opening to another room or at the edge of a pathway. This might result in people tripping and falling. The rugs with small designs and light colors can make the room look bigger. If you want the attention to be focused on the area rug, then it should have bold colors and designs. Rugs of various shapes can be used to make the room look attractive.

It is good to use rug pads under the rugs wherever the rugs are placed in a room. The rugs get worn out from the bottom, when we walk on it. The rug pads protect them.

You can get area rugs in stores or you can order them online. Each piece can be special. It will definitely enhance the look of the room and add to the décor. There are a variety of styles, designs, materials and textures to choose from. Since it is available in all price ranges, you can buy one to suit your pocket. Go ahead and get area rugs to decorate you home.

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Top Styles of Rugs Available

When it comes to choosing the perfect rug for your dining room, living room, bedroom or study; the options are plentiful. However, before choosing the style of rug which you initially prefer, there are a few differentiations of quality which need to be understood. Overall, wool rugs tend to be the most durable. This, however, does not make them inherently the best choice. Wool rugs also need to be dry cleaned professionally or be treated with a special type of product. This can make them more challenging to maintain. High quality synthetic rugs tend to be easier to take care of and can save the buyer time and money. Therefore, before buying a rug you must decide whether you want to go with wool and have it last longer, or synthetic, and have it be easier to clean.

Another important decision when choosing a rug is buying the pad. Pads can be easy to overlook because they are not what you see when you look at a beautiful rug, but they are essential to making that beauty last. The pad can not only make walking on the rug softer and more comfortable, but it can improve the carpet’s ability to withstand wear and tear as well. Pads can also prevent the rug from sliding along on the floor which makes them safer. Before you choose a style of rug you should be sure to know what kind of fabric is best for your house, and be prepared to buy a pad to match the size of the rug you choose.

One of the most popular styles of rugs is the traditional style. These rugs are intricately woven, filled with elaborate patterns such as floral patterns and come with a variety of trims. Usually found in earthy tones, a traditional style rug can give any room a classic, grand sense of beauty. Most rugs in this style feature intertwining patterns often including vine-work and geometric shapes. A traditional style rug is similar to a classic Persian rug. This particular style tends to go best in homes that are seeking elegance, refinement and formality. Traditional imagery usually points toward the French countryside, Victorian England and the exotic grandeur of the Far East.

Contemporary rugs, on the other hand, feature a more urban style. These rugs tend to feature combinations of colors and shapes which mesh together into a coherent pattern. Generally, contemporary rugs include shapes such as stripes, swirls, diamonds, squares and rectangles. It is not unlikely for contemporary rugs to portray a concept of disorder in shape; meaning that stripes which are not entirely straight, patterns which break off, and uneven color combinations are commonly found. However, given the overall disorder of the patterns, there tends to be clean breaks between designs. Geometric patterns often found in contemporary rugs are split by crisp features, and the overall atmosphere of the image is very fresh. Color combinations tend to feature earth tones with one or two dark colors, and then one or two bright colors which stand out or “pop” as they are currently described. There are exceptions to this rule, but on the whole one can see a lot of black, green, blue, bronze and burgundy in contemporary rugs.

A third popular style of rug, transitional, seeks to mesh the traditional and contemporary worlds into one. These rugs feature a large number of neutral tones, and occasionally are offset with one or two bright or dark colors. It can be very easy to mix transitional rugs into either the contemporary or traditional categories because they can be so close to those styles. Most rugs that fit in the transitional category are either contemporary rugs that are not quite as abstract as others, or traditional rugs that are not quite as decadent. Therefore, they work very well in rooms that lean towards either the contemporary or traditional style, but do not quite fit the mold.

Another popular style of rug is the casual variety. These rugs tend to lack the complexity of the aforementioned categories. For the most part, casual rugs are simple, comfortable and offer a warm touch to any room. They integrate a “lived in” charm which can make any space feel like home. The casual style often encompasses other styles because it attempts to fit in with whatever is natural. For example, if one is living in the southwest area of the United States, an elaborate rug that follows regional traditions of style, such as Native American art, can be considered to fit the casual mold because it is geographically fitting.

There is great potential for any room as long as it has the right carpet. Rugs often act as the foundation from which the rest of the room is decorated. Finding a carpet that fits the style for the rest of your room is essential. With traditional, contemporary, transitional and casual styles, one is sure to find something that fits.

About the Author

About Author:
Nick Kakolowski is a freelance writer who writes about topics concerning home improvement and decorating, often focusing on specific topics such as rugs and Curtains

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A Rug in the Dining Room?

It's easy to assume that any area where food is consumed should have utilitarian, easy-to-clean flooring. However, an area rug in a dining room is one of the best ways to improve the look of an eating area. Whether the flooring is hardwood or wall to wall carpet, topping the existing floor with an area rug creates a warm and inviting space, in which eating is a pleasure.

Speaking practically, if a dining room has hardwood floors, a rug under the seating area will help protect the wood from the constant movement of dining chairs. Even with felt pads on the chair legs, the finish will become scuffed and eventually break down from the wear. If a dining room has wall to wall carpet, an area rug can help protect that investment from stains and wear as well; it's a great deal easier to replace a rug than to re-finish a hardwood floor or rip up wall-to-wall carpeting.

From an aesthetic view, an area rug is a wonderful way to anchor the seating area. If the dining room furniture is the centerpiece of the room, an area rug can act as a frame that pulls the eye in towards those pieces. Choosing a neutral rug with a border will help feature the dining furniture to best advantage. On the other hand, while a bold pattern can distract from the furnishings themselves, oftentimes, an eye-catching pattern can help give a sense of vitality to the room overall and become an excellent foundation for stunning decorating options.

Regardless of the style and features of the rug, it is essential to measure carefully - this is particularly true in the dining room. It is very important that the rug is large enough to allow each chair to be pulled fully from the table. If a dining area is meant to be a comfortable and welcoming place to gather and eat, the last thing a host or hostess wants is for guests to worry about snagging their chair on the rug! In most cases, a rug should extend at least 18 inches on all sides of the table; so, add three feet to the length and width of a dining room table to find the minimum dimensions of a dining room rug. If the dining table is round, add at least three feet to the diameter of the table.

After determining the minimum area rug size, home decorators may want to consider the maximum preferable size for their space. If a room is blessed with hardwood floors, choosing a smaller rug will allow more of the wood floor to shine. However, if the dining area has wall to wall carpeting, an area rug can be extended almost to the walls, depending on personal preference and the condition of the carpeting. Due to these particular considerations, custom-sized area rugs can be a convenient option when decorating a dining room. It is important that home decorators get what they want in the size they want!

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Selecting the Perfect Area Rug

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Your floors will be protected from scratches and wear.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Purchase a remnant from a carpet outlet.

About the Author

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

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