I have always loved rugs. Childhood memories of wool hand tufted Persian rugs in the middle of our family room and of a green one on the wall behind the sofa still make me smile.
This might not match your childhood profile, but just to explain, oriental area rugs were a very popular piece of home decor in Kazakhstan back then.
I knew very little about area rugs and their construction. I just loved the warmth they illuminated and feeling of safety at home as every happy child.
If you have finished decorating your home but still feel like something is missing, add an area rug to instantly tie everything together. Rugs are a staple element of many homes nowadays. Now when I know more about them I would like to share some basics with you to help you make the right decision.
My job as a full service decorator is to help people create functional and authentic spaces that fit their lifestyle the most. Therefore, when it gets to area rugs, it is key to know your fibers so that you get the most out of your purchase.Wool rugs are the best rugs you can buy in my opinion. Wool offers ultimate comfort and natural stain resistant properties. If hand tufted, they normally shed the first couple of years. It is normal and once all the loose fibers are out they are very durable.
Wool and viscose blends are currently very popular due to the lustrous shine viscose adds to the texture of a rug pile. I find, the most intricate contemporary designs have either silk or viscose as its component. Just be aware this might not be an ideal product for you if you have small children or pets. Viscose is not stain resistant.
There are synthetic materials such as polypropylene that offer stain resistant properties. They are machine woven and hence more affordable. Nylon is great for high traffic areas. With hundreds of visitors piling in and out of their spaces each day, restaurant, hotel, and other commercial property owners love nylon because it can stand up to heavy foot traffic.
If you are planning to get a new puppy, an indoor/outdoor rug might be a great option as they are easy to clean and are as beautiful as rugs made for indoor use only.
Longevity of an area rug is highly dependent on its fibers, weave type and maintenance. A wool hand knotted rug that is well kept can be passed from generation to generation and even your children might get tired of it. Many hand knotted area rugs are made in India and one rug might take a family several months to produce. Such a rug made by hand has a soul on its own. In contrast to high pile rugs, flat woven rugs are thinly, have no pile and are often reversible.
Do you need an underpad? Underpad, or underlay, is used as cushioning under area rugs for three main reasons. First, it provides grip so that the area rug will not slip or shift around on the floor, particularly on hard surfaces. Second, the right under pad also helps extend the life of your rug, by minimizing the wear impact on the fibers and backing. Third, underlay provides cushion, which helps give that soft comfy feeling of carpet underfoot, and provides a measure of safety for small children.
First time rug buyers often make a mistake of buying too small. At least the front feet of your furniture need to stand on the rug to anchor the space and visually create a distinct zone. In dining rooms pick a rug that is large enough to hold all chair legs, even when they are pulled out from under your table. Common shapes used in the dining area are either rectangular or round rugs.
What about the style? Most designers select an area rug first and then tie everything else together so that it is complimenting. If the rug is the last final touch you need to add to make your home complete that is OK too. Select a more neutral colour and pattern when you have bright furniture and bold patterns in other elements of your decor. A neutral and calm interior might benefit from more daring patterns and hues.
So, what are you sinking your feet into? 😉
