Tips & Advice
What is the difference between natural and synthetic rug dyes?
As you might expect, the primary difference between natural and synthetic is that one is made of naturally-derived chemicals and materials, and one is manufactured. Natural dyes are rarer, harder to produce, and take longer to create, making them a more expensive option. Natural colors are considered to be more brilliant and, of course, they are natural and organic. Synthetics are easier and faster to make - and cheaper.
What are the benefits of handmade rugs?
There are several advantages of going with a handmade rug. They are considered more durable then machined rugs. Handmade rugs also boast greater style and artistry. High-end handmade rugs can not only retain value but can be considered an investment.
Kilim rugs are made with a flat-weave pattern. Kilim designers use a technique of interweaving the various colored wefts and warps (versus the traditional method of knotting the strands) to give it the unique flat-weave design. These rugs traditionally come from Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran, China, the Balkans, Pakistan, and the Central Asia and North Africa regions. Kilim rugs favor diagonal patterns and often produce bold, sharp patterns, geometric designs, and even florals.
Which country has the best rugs?
While it’s impossible to anoint a best country for rug production, the consensus is that rugs from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and China are among the world’s’ finest ( though poor- or lesser-quality rugs can also originate from any of these countries as well). The best rug is going to be up to you – only the eye of the beholder (and the beholder of the checkbook) can make that assessment.
What are the different types of rugs?
The most common types of rugs include wool, known for softness and durability; cotton, a durable and easy-to-clean material; natural fiber rugs, made of – you guessed it – natural fibers (like sisal), typically stylish and versatile; synthetic rugs, which are durable, affordable and great for indoor/outdoor areas; and silk rugs which are considered the most soft and luxurious, but are less durable.
What is the cost of a new rug?
There are too many variables in rugs to provide an average cost, but you can buy low-end rugs for as little as $20 dollars. From there, prices can escalate up to hundreds of thousands, even millions, for rare Turkish rugs. It’s best to start with the area you want to cover, decide a budget and ideal material, then search for what matches your needs and still has an aesthetic that appeals to you.
Which rug material is best?
The best rug material is the one that suits your needs and style.
- Wool combines durability and softness with a medium-investment cost, making it a popular choice for any room.
- Cotton is easy to clean, durable, and one of the most affordable options. It’s not as plush as wool, but is great for kitchens and kids’ rooms.
- Natural fiber rugs like sisal, along with other renewal fiber rugs, can be versatile and stylish with a medium-cost range. They’re ideal in dry spaces, like living rooms.
- Synthetic rugs are durable,affordable, and a great choice for indoor/outdoor areas because they can handle heavy traffic.
- Silk rugs are the softest and most luxurious, but are less durable and cost more, as a result . Silk rugs are best in bedrooms and lower-traffic areas to avoid wear.
A rug pad is a piece of material that goes underneath the rug between the rug and the floor, and is the same size as (or slightly smaller than) the rug. The rug pad acts as a buffer to deter rug-dye transfer to your hardwoods, prevent scratching, and add a nice little cushion for comfort. They are also really handy in keeping rugs from slipping and sliding. Do not buy a pad that is larger than the rug--that’s never a good look. Stick with the same size or slightly smaller to keep it hidden from view.
How big should an area rug under a dining room table be?
When selecting a rug for under your dining room table, err on the side of bigger. After measuring your table, add 24-30 inches to each side of the table size to accommodate the chairs. You can always go bigger according to taste, but this is the minimum you want on each side.
What are the standard sizes of area rugs?
The most common rug sizes, measured in feet, are 12 by 5, 10 by 14, 9 by 12, 8 by 10, 6 by 9, 5 by 8 and 4 by 6. Naturally there are custom-made rugs and less-common sizes available, but these are the most common sizes you’ll find at retailers.
