Sometimes the interior design of a home just isn’t complete without an area rug. Area rugs are multifunctional and should really be considered when decorating your home. Not only do they bring color and style into a room, but they also protect your flooring. With that said, not all rugs are alike. When it comes to rugs, they are constructed differently both in material and weave, come in a variety of sizes, and require specific care and cleaning based on their design. Keep in mind that a high-quality rug is going to be an investment. You want to buy the best rug you can afford, so if you have to go without until you save up enough money, it’s better to do so.
Although machine-made rugs can be produced more quickly, the same basic techniques used in hand-woven rugs, still apply. Whether you purchase a machine-made product, or a handcrafted one, knowing the features of each type of weave will help narrow down your options.
Hand-Knotted rugs are made up of individual knots that are tied to the warp yarns that make up the length of the rug. All of these knots are what makes up the surface, otherwise known as the pile, of the rug. The number of knots in the rug, enhance both the durability and the value, meaning the more, the better. Another key feature is that no two hand-knotted rugs are the same.
Tufted rugs don’t have knots, which make them easier to manufacture. The surface of these rugs is created by loops of yarn that are pulled through the backing material. The loops are then sheared, making the rug smooth. Keep in mind that tufted rugs tend to shed more than other rugs, which means more vacuuming may be required.
Hooked rugs are similar to tufted rugs but without the sheared loops. Instead of a smooth surface, you have a knobby, embroidered look.
Flat-Woven rugs do not have a pile like the above-mentioned rugs. Instead, the vertical yarns are woven through the horizontal yarns.
Braided rugs do not have a pile either. Another special feature is that they are often reversible. These rugs are extra strong and durable because the yarns are braided into one continuous rope, which is then sewn in a spiral.
As mentioned earlier, rugs are made from a variety of materials. The main natural fibers area rugs are made from are wool, silk, cotton, sisal, hemp, jute, bamboo. Rugs also come in synthetic fibers like nylon, polypropylene (olefin) and rubber. Before making a purchase, think about your needs. Will the rug be placed beneath furniture? Will the rug be used in high-traffic areas? Understanding more about fibers will help you make a decision.
- Wool – strong, durable, soft and easy to clean, but prone to fading.
- Silk – strong and soft, with a sheen, but harder to clean.
- Cotton – durable, machine washable and biodegradable, but wears quickly.
- Grass fibers – strong and durable, with great texture, but prone to staining.
- Synthetic fibers – strong, durable and stain-resistant but crushes easily.
As you can see, all have their pros and cons, when it comes to durability, feel and ease of cleaning, so it’s really going to come down to your budget and your needs. Talking with the rug supplier will help you figure out what will work best in your home.
Fabric Resource has a wide variety of Persian, contemporary, and shag rugs for you to choose from. Often times, when a rug is purchased from a department store, there is a huge price markup involved. This is why the best option is to purchase from a reputable rug dealer. The quality of our rugs is exceptional and we offer a 25% off introductory offer. Shop online or come visit us at Cutting Corners in Dallas, or another of our Texas locations!
