Posts Tagged ‘area rugs’

Eco-Friendly Rugs

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

In society today it’s all about making everything friendly to the environment, and that can be done with decor in your home too. Though most people will think that getting green in your home will make the rooms look dull, it’s not as true anymore. There are a larger variety of items that you can purchase to make your home more green and help out the environment. So follow some of the ideas listed in this article to make your home eco friendly.

At times a simple area rug can be added to the room, it will change the room to a more comfortable and cozy setting. They are coming out with fabrics that are friendly to the environment and make some wonderful looking rugs too. There are many colors you can choose from and whatever you pick will surely add to the decor.

Go for natural materials when going for the green. Wool and cotton not only feel nice to the feet, but they can also provide a bit of warmth when the first breath of winter finally sets in.

The furniture you have in your room can normally go with many different colors of rugs, so just add in a bit of extra color to the room by placing down an area rug.

For your design plans to be effective, however, you must first ascertain the area’s use. What is the room for? Is it a place where you can hang out? Is it by a fireplace? Does it have a large, open area? Is there likely to be a lot of traffic in that area? Whatever the case, the room’s function should be taken into great consideration when selecting your area rug. While you will want hardy, durable rugs for high traffic areas the rug meant for cuddling up in front of the fireplace should be plush and comfortable.

Picking out a rug you need to keep in mind what kind of style you have in the room already. If it’s an antique style, don’t add in a modern looking rug. This will simply distract from the design of the room. Pick a rug that will go with your decor.

In the end, being eco-friendly does not necessarily mean that you are tacky. Remember that a lot of people are starting to go green as well along with consumer awareness, and area rugs play their part too. They give that extra warmth especially around winter, and brighten up a room by bringing out its personality as well as complementing the design of your furniture arrangement. They come in a variety of shapes, styles, colors, patterns, and sizes -so you will never have to worry about not finding that perfect one for your home.

Lucky for you decorating with natural rugs has been made so much easier with these bamboo pile area rugs.

Berber Rugs

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

If you take the time to learn more about Berber rugs, then you will be more likely to understand its value as a great decorating choice. You will also be able to dispel the myths that concern how to clean Berber rugs and be able to appreciate the different construction that gives rise to the unique and minor care when it comes to the cleaning techniques. Berber rugs refer to a wide variety of rugs that takes its look and style from handspun natural fiber made in parts of northern Africa. The very first manufactured Berber rugs that appeared were made of wool since wool often gives an appearance that most resembles original hand made rugs.

This was the only fiber that was used to make a Berber for the longest time. And the process of how they made would make these fabulous rugs last extremely long. They are not cheap though, and that’s why many people who found them extremely hard to keep clean. With the wool there would be natural shades in the weave which make these Berber rugs fantastic. It’s hard to understand though why with so many different advances why Berbers still have this same cleaning myth tied to it.

Everything depends on the type of fiber your decorative Berber rug is made of. Of course there will be several things you will need to learn and know for the good maintenance of your rug, but even Berber may seem difficult to keep clean, the task is not impossible. We tend to be a society that is always demanding attractive products that always keep looking good without a whole lot of bother and fuss. Berber rugs are now a very popular choice to many different consumers.

Berber is very beautiful and durable carpeting when it comes to being used as a rug. It is constructed of looped rugged material that runs in parallel lines. The short loop lengths allow footprints not to be seen and allow traffic patterns to not show wear and tear. The short loop can be a given number of twists that make for such a dense carpet that it is very difficult to remove the dirt that gets deep down.

It’s great because the Berber doesn’t look dirty but it makes the job of cleaning seem like a hapless task. So you vacuum the Berber a lot and don’t use any attachments, this way you will get the soil on top and some of it from deep down too. Cleaning it like this will make the deeper cleanings a lot easier for you in the future too.

Olefin is now the most common fiber that is used to make Berber rugs. It is highly resistant to chemicals and moisture and easily releases the dirt and other soils from the surface. What you are now getting is a rug that one of it main characteristics is its natural resistance to stains and that dries very fast.

Lucky for you decorating with area rugs has been made so much easier with these grey rugs.

Decorating With Area Rugs – Beauty And Functionality In One

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

What make area rugs great finds for designing one’s home are their useful and aesthetic qualities. Who wouldn’t want a decoration that looks good while at the same time plays an important role in keeping the house clean and safe? Area rugs are also ideal items to put a touch of personal style and a glimpse of personality in home decorating.

One perfect example is the choice of color and design. An artistic and adventurous person may very well choose an area rug full of colors and big patterns. Geometrically-designed area rugs are favorites of the more gutsy homeowners when it comes to decorating. A person who is more laid back and organized may go for simple colors of earth or neutral tones with clean lines or subtle patterns. Those who are more expressive and straightforward may choose colors that show just that – solid, bright colors that bespeak their personality, whether it’s being cheerful, passionate, sophisticated or somber.

One of the unique things about using area rugs is that they can be felt instead of just seen. This combination of visual and tactile stimuli deepens the experience you get from a simple rug. A smooth rug with short, even fibers is perfect for a formal room, while a rich, plush rug is very comfortable in intimate areas like the bedroom.

There’s so much to praise about the functionality of area rugs. Just as these decorations are impressive in their beauty as home decors, the role they play as floor coverings has so much to admire for. A rug that is a room’s centerpiece or an accessory to a furniture also serves as a floor aide that shields the flooring from damage. See, beauty and brawn in one.

I love area rugs as a hardwood floor cover. Decorative-wise, a brightly-colored area rug is an impressive contrast, an eye-catching piece when placed on a dark floor. Same is true with an area rug with an ornate pattern in the center of a hardwood floor. At the same time, it softens the noise that hardwood flooring emits from the footsteps, especially from my high-heeled shoes. Polishing the wooden floor is also made easier with little or no scratches as the floor is protected by the area rug.

Additionally, if you have a playroom or a child’s bedroom, using an area rug as a floor decor does not only add to the colorful and cheery appeal of the space, but also safeguards your child from injuries, especially concerning slipping and stumbling accidents.

There is much to say about area rugs. The way they make a home more appealing, how they give a relaxing, comforting, cozy, and cheerful or whatever ambiance you want to have, and how they help make the task of cleaning a whole lot bearable are top three picks to rave about. I’m a homeowner myself and I can truly say that I can’t live without area rugs.

Area rug decorating just got even simpler with these orange area rugs.

How To Enhance A Hardwood Floor

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Hardwood and wood-laminate floors are very much in style in new homes and in floor re-modeling projects. The wood comes in all kinds of patterns, board widths and thicknesses. You can get engineered wood that is put down over an under pad and there are other kinds of flooring that can be put directly over solid surfaces or vinyl. Wood flooring also comes in a wide range of prices and it is still possible to replace old wood flooring, carpet, or vinyl economically with well-made, attractive wood flooring. With some study and “how-to” steps from the Internet or the library, you can even install the wood flooring yourself. If you are not handy or have some serious reservations about your ability to handle such a task, it is better to let a professional do the installation part. Wood flooring is a big investment and you do not want to diminish the aesthetic effect with a poor installation effort.

Regardless of the type or style of wood flooring that you select, you will want to protect it. This means doing some research on the right type of wood floor cleaner to use on your flooring. Be sure to get a cleaning product designed for WOOD floors. You will also want to select a good quality wood floor polish and invest in periodic cleaning and polishing of your wood floors in order to maximize their beauty and prolong their life over years of use.

And, of course, you will want to invest in rugs to cover strategic areas of your floors. As wood flooring has grown in popularity so has the use of area rugs. Area rugs offer a first line of protection against damage to your wood flooring, particularly in areas of high traffic. Wood floors can be refinished to eliminate scratches and dents but sanding and refinishing floors is messy and time-consuming and you will want to postpone those activities as long as possible.

Enter the area rug. Strategically placed rugs can minimize damage to wood flooring and can extend the period of time between floor refurbishments dramatically. Wood flooring is being used in every room in the home and area rugs are versatile enough to be similarly used. Rugs come in all sizes and shapes and so can complement your wood flooring whether it is in a bedroom, the kitchen, a bath, or a hallway.

While area rugs do a great job of protecting your investment in your wood flooring, they are also multi-purpose in that they also provide a room-decorating alternative in terms of color, texture, and accent. Rugs can brighten up a dark area with a contrasting color scheme. Large, unbroken areas of wood flooring can be “boring” and a rug will add interest to the area and minimize the sameness of the flooring square footage.

Shopping for area rugs is a breeze. No headaches, no stress especially if you know what color and size suits a room best. An important tip is to go with a color scheme for balance or drama. Same shade creates harmony while contrast gives a dramatic effect. Also, measure the area first before heading out and getting your area rug. The rug should fit the space perfectly for a well-coordinated interior.

If you found this information about decorating with area rugs useful, then you are bound to adore these orange area rugs.

Quickly Decorate With Area Rugs

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Painting a room can give it a complete makeover but placing an area rug down on the floor is another way to create an instant look. So how do you make up your mind which rug is right for your room? Here are some guidelines to help.

You need to first determine how much you can afford to pay for your area rug. If you like to change the look in your room often don’t spend as much money. But if you are going for a family heirloom then spend a little more money as well as time looking for the right rug.

What size do you need? The experts believe that it is important to leave around 18 inches to three feet between the rug and the wall. This lets you open the door more easily. This rule does not apply to the dining room. You will need to measure your dining room table and then add four feet on all sides. This allows you to move the chairs without going off the rug.

What about patterns and colors? For a pattern, consider the patterns that are already in the room and choose a solid. If the room needs more pizzazz, get a rug with a strong pattern. As for color, remember the basics: lighter colors make a room look larger, while dark colors will make it look smaller. Plus, take samples of the room’s existing colors in drapery and upholstery to be sure the rug’s colors will enhance and complement the room, unless you’re in a position to change out every thing to match the new rug.

Will the rug be a focal point? If the rug should be a focal point you need to make the center design bold like a medallion. If it is not going to be a focal point then make it a simple pattern that will blend in with everything. Harmony is a great point to make with an area rug that is not a focal point. The rug should have a different shape and size to make it pleasing to the eyes. Also you will need a rug liner to keep the rug from slipping or moving.

Now you need to consider how the rug will be used. Because rugs are so versatile the can be used for many things around the home.

* Define separate areas, such as a dining room, living room or foyer, with an area rug. * Use a rug to define the room’s color scheme, such as a rug with bold splashes of black and red in a room done in Contemporary style. * Consider using smaller rugs as wall hangings to give the decor texture and visual interest. * If the walls and upholstery are done in neutrals, a rug of a strong color will wake up the room wonderfully. Likewise, a rug in a neutral color or subtle pattern can give balance to a room that’s already busy with many patterns and colors. * Choose the shape of your rug according to how you group your furniture. Not everything has to be formally centered on a rectangular rug; that’s merely a Traditional style. Instead choose an oval, a round or even an irregular shape to highlight the geometry of the furniture setting.

There are so many choices to make when it comes to an area rug for your home. You will love the large selection that is available.

Keep up with current trends in decorating with area rugs and enhance your home with orange rugs – for a modern approach check out the orange flokati area rugs.

Bring Nature’s Beauty to your Home Decor with Animal Print Rugs

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

Area rugs create a warm and intimate look to your room; and can be quite economical in price. Oriental rugs that are very stylish and give a modern and elegant look to your room. There are various kinds of rugs available in the market like Persian rugs that are an important part of the Iranian culture, beautifully designed, hand made rugs are well recognized for their artistic beauty all over the world.

There are various different styles and designs available. They play a big role in decorating your house and giving it an attractive and interesting look. Braided rugs, outdoor rugs, cowhide rugs and animal print rugs are some other types of rugs. Wool area rugs have natural properties and are very durable, unique, and long lasting. Flokati rugs are very popular and luxurious. They are frequently used in contemporary home decor and caring for them is really quite simple.

Animal print rugs are available in different colors, patterns and materials. You can choose the one that compliments your room decor. An animal print rug reflects a deep human fascination with the nature and the wild. The most popular animal print rug designs can feature a zebra, leopard, tiger, giraffe, and bear, but they are available in natural patterns and colors of many species. Animal prints are one of the most popular styles of rugs preferred by those who value natures colors and patterns reflected in their home decor.

Mankind developed complex religious, cultural and mythological systems based on the natural qualities of animals in their natural environment. Since earliest times, humans have hunted animals both for self-defense and for food, clothing and shelter materials. These animals, while used for food, housing and clothing, were still revered and respected. Native Americans used the Buffalo not only for food, but used the skins for blankets, coats, and even tent materials.

Later, men started hunting for passion and hobby. Even today animals are hunted around the world for food, and in many rural environments their fur is still used in utilitarian fashion. The aristocracy and royalty hunted for sport and reputation, and not only used the results for food, but enjoyed making elegant adornments and used the heads and antlers for decorative purposes in their homes.

These natural prints and colors bring an exotic and exciting feeling to home decor. Mankind has a long standing admiration and appreciation for natural animal fur, skins, patterns and colors. Aside from a continuing demand for natural animal hides and skins (some of which are controlled by governmental statutes, due to preservation issues), animal print rugs are now available in a large range of materials for every budget and taste. Very popular are polypropylene animal print area rugs, which bring the rich authentic style of exotic animal prints in a very affordable and easy care rug solution. These are stain resistant and washable.

The popularity of animal print rugs in home decor has never been greater and continues to be a mainstay in room and floor decorating. One of the most popular varieties is the polypropylene machine woven area rug with very distinct multi-color patterns which make for spectacular animal prints and are easy care and very durable. But animal print rugs can now also be found in very modern exciting styled wool rugs and wool area rugs, and even shag rugs. These bring a modern flair to the traditional animal print rug. Animal print rugs also can be acquired in sheepskin rugs, faux fur rugs, and even stenciled cowhides.

Choice of course depends on your total home decor needs, as an animal print rug can be a unique accent rug in your room decor, or it can be just one of an entirely animal print themed room or area. Animal print rugs are particularly popular in western, southwestern and cabin and cottage home dcor, as well as childrens rooms, play rooms, family rooms and traditional great rooms. Cleaning and care largely depend on the material of your animal print rug, and you should check with the manufacturer of your specific animal print rug to determine the best methods of care.

For the best selection of animal print rugs in area rugs, sheepskin rugs, faux fur rugs, stenciled cowhides and more, Hollywood Love Rugs is the most prominent online source, providing personalized service and custom orders.

Hollywood Love Rugs specializes in exotic animal print rugs, for more information on a wide range of area rugs visit their site.

Turn Green, Do Your Share: Facts About Eco-Friendly Area Rugs

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

I’m a big fan of Leo, the Jack of Titanic. I admire that he advocates environmental protection and the fight against global warming. The greenhouses gases from toxins like carbon monoxide and methane harm the ozone layer, which then depletes us of protection against the sun. This leads to slow loss of heat putting not just the Polar Bears and nature to danger, but humans as well. DiCaprio is a staunch supporter of green living to preserve the environment.

I think it’s great that a growing number of people are becoming aware and doing their share to care for the environment. I for one am contributing in my own small ways. I support eco-friendly products and don’t mind recycling and reusing things. I also happily shop in secondhand or thrift stores for recycled and used products. I get funky pieces and I save more. Area rugs are some popular home decors that have jumped in the green bandwagon. There are rugs made of bamboo, wool and jute, which are sturdy materials and actually last longer than synthetic products. My own rugs are made of wool and bamboo.

Wool area rugs are a well-known kind of rug. It is from sheep’s hair and therefore a renewable resource. Wool shearing is not an act of animal abuse. It is painless and is actually a proper care for the animals. Sheep have to be sheared in time for the summer season so that they will be more comfortable during the long hot months. The sheep will grow back their hair and the process will be repeated. Making wool does not make use of chemicals and too much water. With a simple process results a product that is famous for its quality and beauty. Most area rugs are made of wool.

Sisal is a material from a cactus plant grown in Brazil and South Africa called “Agava Sisalana.” This plant grows back fast and doesn’t harm the environment in the rug-making process.

Jute is also a plant fiber grown in India and Bangladesh. Growing this plant doesn’t use too much fertilizers or pesticides, so it’s naturally healthy and environment-friendly. Area rugs made of jute absorb color fast and act as shields against UV rays, heat and sound.

Bamboo rugs are eco-friendly products from bamboo plant. This plant grows back fast and is cost effective in the rug production. Rugs made from this fiber are also fast becoming popular.

Recycling carpets can also be considered eco-friendly and two manufacturers are leading the way. Mohawk runs the world’s largest plastic bottle recycling plant; they purchase approximately 25 to 30 percent of recycled plastic bottles in the United States. The recycled carpet is then made into polyethylene terephthalate carpet and rug material. This is then transformed into products made up of 100% post-consumer content such as new area rugs. Shaw is another manufacturer who recycles rugs and carpets and creates new carpeting.

There are area rugs made from synthetic materials. Hence, the eco-friendly factor of area rugs depends on the materials used. The sturdiest rugs are those made from natural fibers and wool, which are renewable resources and environment-friendly products.

When decorating with natural rugs all the experts agree that it is essential to use quality area rugs. And as discussed here one of the most popular types is the bamboo pile area rugs.

Ways To Choose Contemporary Rugs That Charm And Dazzle

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

Adding an area rug to any design is a great way to give the room a boost of life. Contemporary styled area rugs are the new “it” these days so why not join the crowd?

We’re not talking one of those high-contrast monochrome floor coverings (unless that’s the decor of your home). No, today’s Contemporary style for area rugs has moved way beyond its roots in the simple genre from which it came. Bold patterns, vivid colors, and easy-care materials all have transformed Contemporary rugs into essential elements for any theme from Traditional to the sleekest of Modern designs.

Here are a few guidelines to choosing the proper contemporary area rug for your home.

Ask yourself these questions before purchasing an area rug. How busy does this area of the home get? How large of an area rug will you need?

Beyond that, choosing a Contemporary rug for any living area is purely a matter of taste. Whatever the color or pattern, you the buyer get the fun of choosing the area rug that appeals most to you.

Contemporary area rugs for specific rooms of the home:

Living Room:

If it is a smaller room try going for something on the smaller side with a brighter color palette. You don’t want the room to be overwhelmed with a large patterned area rug.

Likewise, small, busy patterns in a big living room will make the room feel cluttered.

Bold and simple is sometimes other designs that are chosen.

If the room seems dark, try adding a brighter more colorful area rug to the mix.

Rugs designed with bright abstracts in primary colors will set off sleek contemporary furniture.

Choose a rug with a clearly defined border to unify a conversation grouping in a large living room.

Dining Rooms:

Dining room rugs aren’t going to be as picky since most of the time they are under the table. Try going for something with a border rather than a pattern.

Children’s Rooms:

When choosing the right area rug for a child’s room you’ll want to make sure they are durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean.

Try to avoid area rugs which are characterized in a specific theme. In the long run it may just be a waste of money. You know how children love to change their minds. Instead try going for a color palette which will go with any theme they choose in the future.

Consider two smaller rugs rather than one large rug, and make the second choice a “play rug.” Choose one with a street design, a map, a game or other fun and educational design. Children will spend hours enjoying something that sparks their imagination.

If you just want to use one rug try going for something which has an educational learning pattern on them. Many have numbers, colors, or even the alphabet. It will be functional and also promote learning.

Contemporary rugs come in many different shapes, sizes, and patters so there is always something for someone out there no matter your design.

Finding rugs experts all agree that it is vital to start with quality beige area rugs; our favorite place to shop on online is www.HouseOfAreaRugs.com.

Basics For Choosing The Right Area Rug For Your Home

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Rugs are a diverse bunch of decorative and functional items. From the variations in materials and range of colors to the collections of designs and assortment of shapes, rugs are indeed versatile decors you should never do without when beautifying your home. This article is for you to find out more about these amazing decors.

Here are different types of materials that are used in making the beautiful throw and area rugs that you see in every modern home:

Area rugs made of synthetic or acrylic fiber – these rugs are highly durable and resistant to stains, mildew and sun damage, as well as being water repellent therefore, ideal for outdoor use or for high-traffic areas. Compared to other kinds of fiber, synthetic rugs are considerably cheaper. Among the different synthetic materials, Polypropylene and Olefin have the highest resistance level against stains. Nylon is another type and popular for its easy maintenance and durability.

Synthetic rugs – these rugs are made of acrylic fibers ideal for bathroom rugs and mats; Polypropylene and olefin, which are highly resistant to stains and water; and nylon, which is also resistant to stains and very durable. Synthetic rugs are practical for outdoor areas and high-traffic rooms. They also cost lower than natural rugs.

Now that you have been familiarized with natural and unnatural fibers here are some words that every rug shopper should be familiar with. Whenever you go to a rug store you will end up feeling more confident about your decisions and will possibly impress the sales person.

Hand carved refers to a rug that has designs cut into the rug using hand shears. This sculpting gives the rugs a unique and distinctive look.

Line Count – a process used for polypropylene fiber for putting twists into the yarn. This gives the synthetic rug an appearance similar to a natural wool-made rug.

Pile is the surface of the rug. It is the yarn that makes up the face of the rug.

Stitches and needle counts are the number of loops of yarn. Whenever the rug has a high needle or stitch count, it’s denser. A higher density rug will last much longer and wear better than even more loosely woven rugs.

Warp Yard – if you hear this word, this simply means the stationary threads of the rug, and is the strongest fiber used in rug production. The yard is woven through the warps, hence the name.

The border refers to the composition of the decorative designs that are repeated in one direction all around the outside of the rug.

These information will prove useful in your rug hunting. Knowing some of the most important things about area rugs will assure you of making the right choice, especially with the materials used.

Our best hint for finding rugs, is to use these wool braided area rugs which will suit any modern furnishings.

Alter Your Room Quickly With A Rug

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

Time to change! Good thing, area rugs come to the rescue. Accessorizing with an area rug is a surefire way of changing the old to the new. The effects are seen and felt immediately compared to repainting a wall or renovating a room. The best thing is the money factor. Decorating with area rugs are very affordable in contrast to other decorating methods like painting, papering or shopping for new furnishings.

There are several things you will need to consider when it comes to choosing just the right area rug for your home. First of all, you need to determine how much you want to spend. You can make a very substantial investment in an area rug; however, they are well worth it. A high quality piece can last for many years. However, if you change your decor frequently, you may want to temper your spending.

One important factor to consider aside from the price is the size. Allot some allowance of about three feet between the wall and the edge of the rug. If you’re using the rug as a furniture base, make sure that it can cover all areas well. For example, for a dining set, it should be able to hold not just the table but the chairs as well.

An ideal setting is to have the furnishings in the room fit on the rug, particularly if it’s a set furniture such as a dining set or a sofa set. If this is impossible given your limited space, then forgo the furniture set arrangement and just accessorize the rug on some other space. You can place it under a coffee table, a side table or even in front of the entrance.

Spare some time to measure the space and have the numbers with you when you go rug shopping. This ensures you’ll have the right rugs for your rooms. Measuring tape will sure come in handy here. So if you don’t have one yet, visit your nearest store and get one before you actually buy your area rugs.

Next, decide on what type of material you are interested in. Wool is the most popular but there are also synthetics to choose from. Since there are such a wide variety of materials to choose from, think about the amount of traffic in the room. Wool and bamboo are very durable, while cotton does not hold up quite as well.

Furthermore, settling on the right colors and patterns for your rooms are also important. Choose rugs that will complement the rooms and will give the living space added appeal. There’s no need to go overboard with the decors. Mixing and matching colors is fine as long as it will enhance the room for the better.

Area rugs are great means to make your home more beautiful. They can give your place a homey, sophisticated, modern or old-fashioned look, whichever you prefer, by the simple decoration of these versatile items.

Keep up with current trends in decorating with rugs and enhance your home with round braided rugs.