Rag Rugs
Rag Rugs are a Reflection of Our Past History
by Thomas H. Lindblom
Log cabins were the primary source of residents of the early American settlers. These cabins were mostly functional in purpose and served as a means of shelter. They were not constructed using any advanced technology and there were numerous crevices and cracks through which the cold air seeped inside the home. In order to amend the situation and keep the house warm, the women-folk in the family occupied themselves making rag area rugs, which were simply made using whatever assortment of rags they had at home.
Considering they were used with assorted left-over pieces of cloth the resultant rag rugs looked colorful, cheerful and warm. What’s more they did not cost an arm and a leg but instead made good use of scraps of cloth, which would have otherwise been useless. Though we no longer dwell in log cabins, we still find it necessary to beautify our homes and also make it look warm and comfortable.
Enter rag rugs. They make any room of any home look warm, cheerful and comfortable. However, the only difference is that these rag rugs are usually made professionally by rug and carpet manufacturing companies that try to keep up with the increasing demand for these beautiful, yet functional rugs.
Some people prefer keeping rag rugs in their homes just for the feel of past history.
One of the other reasons that so many people prefer rag area rugs is that they are relatively easy to maintain and to keep clean. Rag rugs are typically smaller in size and can be easily washed in the washing machine. There is no need for any expensive products meant especially for cleaning rugs and carpets. Another reason is that the relatively cheap price means you can choose to buy as many of them as you want for your whole house without having to break your bank balance.
Instead of buying rag area rugs you could choose to go the way of the pioneers and make them at home. Many of the methods and techniques that were used by them are still in use today, which means if they could do it so can you.
You don’t need any expensive machinery or equipment to make rag rugs at home. All you need is plenty of scraps of fabric and either a sewing machine or a large-sized crochet hook. That’s all!
Now once you’ve got all you need the next thing to do is to prepare your rags for being shaped and converted into rugs. Bind the individual pieces of cloth using either the sewing machine or the crochet hook. There are plenty of books on making rag area rugs to help you along in your endeavor. Or just do a search on the internet and you’d find plenty of resources there too.
Thomas H. Lindblom is a freelance journalist that is always looking for interesting topics to write about. Area rugs are a great way of giving your home a new elegant style. Find a rug appraisal in a store near you and get the rug of your dreams now!
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Braided Rugs
Braided Rugs
More Braided Rugs Less Carpet
by Mitch Endick
Prior to World War II many American homes featured wood and other types of hard surface flooring and area rugs where used as room accents. During the home building boom that followed the end of the war, the use of wall to wall carpeting became very wide spread. Until recently, over seventy percent of American homes had wall to wall carpeting. Area rugs are seeing a renewed popularity and this includes braided area rugs.
Given the cost of replacement, the need to clean it routinely and possible adverse effects on indoor air quality, many homeowners have made a switch back to hard surface flooring. Hard surface flooring like wood and composite materials are much easier to keep clean and sanitary. This is especially important for homeowners who have problems with allergies and other respiratory conditions.
While carpeting can add warmth and comfort to a living space, maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of wall to wall carpet can be difficult over time. Uneven wear patterns, the accumulation of dirt and breakdown of padding materials can make your carpeting look very old well before its time. Ground in dirt and critters like dust mites can be nearly impossible to remove from deep in the carpet.
Some studies suggest that carpet has a wear life of anywhere from three to five years. So given the amount of carpet in service and the need to clean it, perhaps twice a year that translates into a substantial amount of labor and, perhaps more importantly millions of gallons of chemicals and water. This can have a enormous impact on the environment.
Concerned about the potential for increased indoor air pollution, many folks are taking a green approach to their living spaces, choosing carpet fabrics that emit fewer volatile organic compounds or VOCs and have a higher content of recycled fabric materials. Carpeting needs to be replaced periodically and old carpeting often ends up in the landfill, not to mention the cost of replacement.
With the movement toward hard surface flooring has come a greater demand for various styles of area rugs. A traditional favorite in area rug styles is the classic braided rug. Braided rugs have had a place in a variety of home decorating plans, from shabby chic, to Early American and country cottage looks.
One of the more unique and beautiful characteristics of braided rugs is color. Makers of early braided rugs might have used whatever fabric or yarn was at hand. The result was a blend or variegation of many colors, often resulting in random patterns. The variegation in color made every rug unique much like patchwork quilts which did not rely on any particular pattern. Variegated rug patterns are perennial favorites among those folks prefer a very traditional look.
Quality braided rugs are easy to care for and just last a very long time with proper cleaning. Unlike woven area rugs, braided rugs can be turned over. Since you are able to reverse the rug, the wear will be more even and this will further extend the life of the rug.
Depending on the type of weave and materials used to make your braided rug, the rug can help to reduce the wear and tear on wood and other types of hard surface flooring. Braided area rugs can be made from renewable fiber materials like bamboo, jute and hemp. These fast growing renewable fiber sources are environmentally friendly and can be grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular braided rug web site: http://www.braidedrugsale.com. He provides informative advice on purchasing quality braided rugs.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
More Braided Rugs Less Carpet
by Mitch Endick
Prior to World War II many American homes featured wood and other types of hard surface flooring and area rugs where used as room accents. During the home building boom that followed the end of the war, the use of wall to wall carpeting became very wide spread. Until recently, over seventy percent of American homes had wall to wall carpeting. Area rugs are seeing a renewed popularity and this includes braided area rugs.
Given the cost of replacement, the need to clean it routinely and possible adverse effects on indoor air quality, many homeowners have made a switch back to hard surface flooring. Hard surface flooring like wood and composite materials are much easier to keep clean and sanitary. This is especially important for homeowners who have problems with allergies and other respiratory conditions.
While carpeting can add warmth and comfort to a living space, maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of wall to wall carpet can be difficult over time. Uneven wear patterns, the accumulation of dirt and breakdown of padding materials can make your carpeting look very old well before its time. Ground in dirt and critters like dust mites can be nearly impossible to remove from deep in the carpet.
Some studies suggest that carpet has a wear life of anywhere from three to five years. So given the amount of carpet in service and the need to clean it, perhaps twice a year that translates into a substantial amount of labor and, perhaps more importantly millions of gallons of chemicals and water. This can have a enormous impact on the environment.
Concerned about the potential for increased indoor air pollution, many folks are taking a green approach to their living spaces, choosing carpet fabrics that emit fewer volatile organic compounds or VOCs and have a higher content of recycled fabric materials. Carpeting needs to be replaced periodically and old carpeting often ends up in the landfill, not to mention the cost of replacement.
With the movement toward hard surface flooring has come a greater demand for various styles of area rugs. A traditional favorite in area rug styles is the classic braided rug. Braided rugs have had a place in a variety of home decorating plans, from shabby chic, to Early American and country cottage looks.
One of the more unique and beautiful characteristics of braided rugs is color. Makers of early braided rugs might have used whatever fabric or yarn was at hand. The result was a blend or variegation of many colors, often resulting in random patterns. The variegation in color made every rug unique much like patchwork quilts which did not rely on any particular pattern. Variegated rug patterns are perennial favorites among those folks prefer a very traditional look.
Quality braided rugs are easy to care for and just last a very long time with proper cleaning. Unlike woven area rugs, braided rugs can be turned over. Since you are able to reverse the rug, the wear will be more even and this will further extend the life of the rug.
Depending on the type of weave and materials used to make your braided rug, the rug can help to reduce the wear and tear on wood and other types of hard surface flooring. Braided area rugs can be made from renewable fiber materials like bamboo, jute and hemp. These fast growing renewable fiber sources are environmentally friendly and can be grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular braided rug web site: http://www.braidedrugsale.com. He provides informative advice on purchasing quality braided rugs.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Braided Rugs
Braided Rugs
Braided Rugs in Many Shapes and Sizes
by Mitch Endick
The warmth and charm of country decor can be enhanced by adding braided area rugs to your home. From French country and shabby chic to a country cottage look, braided rugs are available in all shapes and sizes. Quality braided rugs are easy to care for and can last for many years.
There are many different braiding styles that be used to make a variety of different shapes. So when you are shopping online for quality braided rugs, remember that these classic rugs are available in a variety of weaves, colors, sizes and shapes.
Traditional braided area rugs are most often seen in round and oval shapes, but the selection does not stop there. Braided rugs can also be found in squares and as long braided runners. Heart shaped rugs are quaintly romantic and are very popular. The shape of the rug usually determines the type of braid that is used. A very popular shape for braided rugs is rectangular and made up of smaller squares closely resembling the beauty of a patchwork quilt.
Braided rag rugs do not use a center core unlike woven braids where yarn is spun around one or two center cores. A standard rag rug braid is typically made up of four braids. Flat rag braids can have anywhere from four to as many as twelve braids of cloth. The most common are flat or ribbon braids though round braids also used. Properly made flat and ribbon braids are often preferred over round braids. Some flat rag braids can be as wide as two inches.
Many less expensive, mass produced braided rugs can be found using a round braid. The braid is very often made up of four weaves of yarn wrapped around a solid center core. Regardless of the shape, the braids of cheap rugs will often wear through, exposing the center core. It does not make sense to invest your hard earned money in a rug that will survive everyday wear and tear.
Flat and ribbon braids are made differently. The yarn or cloth is braided around two center cores that run parallel. Holding the braid to a consistent weave is somewhat more difficult than weaving around a single center core. Flat braids are often seen used in unique swirl patterns that spiral out from the center. False braids, unlike what the name implies, are true braids with the cloth wrapped around one or two center cores. The type of construction makes false braiding very strong and durable.
To achieve the desired shape, the braiding process must be very consistent. The braids for hearts and rounds must be sewn together evenly so that the rug will lay flat. A cheaply made braided rug may curl or pucker, especially after cleaning. When you are shopping for any shape or size of braided rug, always check the integrity of the stitching. If the stitching seems loose or is not uniformly spaced, you may consider looking for a braided of higher quality.
Braided runners can be made so the braids run parallel to each other then wrapped at the corners. Again, the way the rug is sewn will determine how long it lasts. Braids that are not sewn tightly will separate leaving you with the choice of repairing or discarding the rug. Sewn too tightly and the rug is more likely to warp, curl or otherwise loose its shape.
If braided rugs fit into your decorating plans, remember that your decor can be complimented with matching accent pieces. Accents can include pieces such as braided chair pads, placemats and table runners.
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular braided rug web site: http://www.braidedrugsale.com. He provides informative advice on purchasing quality braided rugs.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Braided Rugs in Many Shapes and Sizes
by Mitch Endick
The warmth and charm of country decor can be enhanced by adding braided area rugs to your home. From French country and shabby chic to a country cottage look, braided rugs are available in all shapes and sizes. Quality braided rugs are easy to care for and can last for many years.
There are many different braiding styles that be used to make a variety of different shapes. So when you are shopping online for quality braided rugs, remember that these classic rugs are available in a variety of weaves, colors, sizes and shapes.
Traditional braided area rugs are most often seen in round and oval shapes, but the selection does not stop there. Braided rugs can also be found in squares and as long braided runners. Heart shaped rugs are quaintly romantic and are very popular. The shape of the rug usually determines the type of braid that is used. A very popular shape for braided rugs is rectangular and made up of smaller squares closely resembling the beauty of a patchwork quilt.
Braided rag rugs do not use a center core unlike woven braids where yarn is spun around one or two center cores. A standard rag rug braid is typically made up of four braids. Flat rag braids can have anywhere from four to as many as twelve braids of cloth. The most common are flat or ribbon braids though round braids also used. Properly made flat and ribbon braids are often preferred over round braids. Some flat rag braids can be as wide as two inches.
Many less expensive, mass produced braided rugs can be found using a round braid. The braid is very often made up of four weaves of yarn wrapped around a solid center core. Regardless of the shape, the braids of cheap rugs will often wear through, exposing the center core. It does not make sense to invest your hard earned money in a rug that will survive everyday wear and tear.
Flat and ribbon braids are made differently. The yarn or cloth is braided around two center cores that run parallel. Holding the braid to a consistent weave is somewhat more difficult than weaving around a single center core. Flat braids are often seen used in unique swirl patterns that spiral out from the center. False braids, unlike what the name implies, are true braids with the cloth wrapped around one or two center cores. The type of construction makes false braiding very strong and durable.
To achieve the desired shape, the braiding process must be very consistent. The braids for hearts and rounds must be sewn together evenly so that the rug will lay flat. A cheaply made braided rug may curl or pucker, especially after cleaning. When you are shopping for any shape or size of braided rug, always check the integrity of the stitching. If the stitching seems loose or is not uniformly spaced, you may consider looking for a braided of higher quality.
Braided runners can be made so the braids run parallel to each other then wrapped at the corners. Again, the way the rug is sewn will determine how long it lasts. Braids that are not sewn tightly will separate leaving you with the choice of repairing or discarding the rug. Sewn too tightly and the rug is more likely to warp, curl or otherwise loose its shape.
If braided rugs fit into your decorating plans, remember that your decor can be complimented with matching accent pieces. Accents can include pieces such as braided chair pads, placemats and table runners.
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular braided rug web site: http://www.braidedrugsale.com. He provides informative advice on purchasing quality braided rugs.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Oriental Rugs
Oriental Rugs
Maintaining And Cleaning Oriental Rugs
by Sinjon Van Hammond
Oriental rugs are definitely must haves for homeowners who wish to have a more exotic setting in their dwellings. Their designs are very pretty to look at; it makes many wonder how this artwork can be placed on a rug. They are sure to be eye candy for many generations to come – if they last that long.
The life of your oriental rug depends on how much you devote to maintaining it, and extending it in the process. Here are some things that you may want to consider to prolong the life of your oriental rug for more and more people to see and appreciate.
Like other rugs and carpets, it is not only comfortable for you to place padding underneath your rug. It’s also practical in the sense that it cushions your rug and prevents it from changing its form. You should place some padding underneath your oriental rug especially if you plan on placing furniture on it, or if you plan on having people walk on it. Padding also makes the rug stable, keeping people from accidentally slipping on it after taking a wrong step. This also means that there are lesser chances that the rug would get creases.
Speaking of placing furniture on your oriental rug, you will want to use glides or other forms of protection between the actual article and the rug. Using such protection will keep the fibers of the rug from getting crushed in the areas where the furniture rests. If you plan on changing the position of furniture on your rug, make sure that it is lifted instead of pushed to where you think it should be. This usually means that you will need the help of a few other people in carrying the item.
A spill on your rug may not be avoided. The best thing to do is to attend to the stain as soon as it is noticed. If a dry substance is spilled on the Oriental rug, try to lift out the mess instead of pushing it in more by scrubbing. Finish off the cleaning job by using a vacuum.
In case of any liquid spill, make sure that you soak up any excess liquid or excess moisture with paper towels. Do not scrub the area; instead, wet it with some clean water and soak it all up with more paper towels. The idea there is to make the stain rise up from the Oriental rug’s fibers with the water. Keep repeating this step until the stain disappears, or is no longer obvious.
If it’s a whole dinner plate that unfortunately made its way to the floor, then take away any visible solid particles right away. Be careful and make sure that you aren’t rubbing any particles deeper into the Oriental rug. Then take a clean knife and try scraping the smaller scraps of food residue from the area. Treat the remaining spot as you would a liquid spill, with clean water and paper towels.
Keep your oriental rug vacuumed. Many people prefer to vacuum the rug on a weekly basis, and they would clean it more depending on how often people step on it. When you plan on vacuuming your rug, do not forget to vacuum around and under any furniture on it too. Maintenance of an oriental rug can be a bit tedious, however it still beats paying a big amount of money to a professional cleaner.
Sinjon recommends Roof Bond Foam Roof Insulation and JCS Power ToolsArticle Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Maintaining And Cleaning Oriental Rugs
by Sinjon Van Hammond
Oriental rugs are definitely must haves for homeowners who wish to have a more exotic setting in their dwellings. Their designs are very pretty to look at; it makes many wonder how this artwork can be placed on a rug. They are sure to be eye candy for many generations to come – if they last that long.
The life of your oriental rug depends on how much you devote to maintaining it, and extending it in the process. Here are some things that you may want to consider to prolong the life of your oriental rug for more and more people to see and appreciate.
Like other rugs and carpets, it is not only comfortable for you to place padding underneath your rug. It’s also practical in the sense that it cushions your rug and prevents it from changing its form. You should place some padding underneath your oriental rug especially if you plan on placing furniture on it, or if you plan on having people walk on it. Padding also makes the rug stable, keeping people from accidentally slipping on it after taking a wrong step. This also means that there are lesser chances that the rug would get creases.
Speaking of placing furniture on your oriental rug, you will want to use glides or other forms of protection between the actual article and the rug. Using such protection will keep the fibers of the rug from getting crushed in the areas where the furniture rests. If you plan on changing the position of furniture on your rug, make sure that it is lifted instead of pushed to where you think it should be. This usually means that you will need the help of a few other people in carrying the item.
A spill on your rug may not be avoided. The best thing to do is to attend to the stain as soon as it is noticed. If a dry substance is spilled on the Oriental rug, try to lift out the mess instead of pushing it in more by scrubbing. Finish off the cleaning job by using a vacuum.
In case of any liquid spill, make sure that you soak up any excess liquid or excess moisture with paper towels. Do not scrub the area; instead, wet it with some clean water and soak it all up with more paper towels. The idea there is to make the stain rise up from the Oriental rug’s fibers with the water. Keep repeating this step until the stain disappears, or is no longer obvious.
If it’s a whole dinner plate that unfortunately made its way to the floor, then take away any visible solid particles right away. Be careful and make sure that you aren’t rubbing any particles deeper into the Oriental rug. Then take a clean knife and try scraping the smaller scraps of food residue from the area. Treat the remaining spot as you would a liquid spill, with clean water and paper towels.
Keep your oriental rug vacuumed. Many people prefer to vacuum the rug on a weekly basis, and they would clean it more depending on how often people step on it. When you plan on vacuuming your rug, do not forget to vacuum around and under any furniture on it too. Maintenance of an oriental rug can be a bit tedious, however it still beats paying a big amount of money to a professional cleaner.
Sinjon recommends Roof Bond Foam Roof Insulation and JCS Power ToolsArticle Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Oriental Rugs
Oriental Rugs
Add Warmth To Your Bedroom With An Oriental Rug
by Lee A Dobbins
When it comes to the bedroom we all know that bedding and accents are important, but a key area of bedroom design that is often overlooked is the flooring. Many people have wall to wall carpet in their bedroom and, therefore think that they are “stuck” with that color or design. The truth is that you can jazz up your flooring by simply laying a carpet on top of your wall to wall carpet.
Beautiful and durable, oriental rugs can add warmth and charm to almost any bedroom. This type of rug goes with many bedroom design styles, romantic, Victorian, shabby chic, Tuscan, Morrocan, oriental and many more.
Oriental rugs come in many different designs and colors so you should be able to find one that suits your bedroom décor. You can buy them in different sizes so you can add a splash of color and elegance to any part of the bedroom. You can buy them in a variety of price ranges as well, but as with anything else, the more you spend the better quality your rug will be.
A real oriental rug is hand tied - that’s right each piece of wool is tied onto the backing by hand. These rugs are really works of art, and you might think they are fragile but they are actually quite durable. I have been to many antique auctions where rugs that were over 100 years old have survived to look almost as good as they day they were made.
When selecting an oriental carpet for your bedroom, you should only look at carpets that are 100% wool as these will be the best quality. To determine if the carpet you are looking at is hand or machine made there are a few things to take into consideration. First off it’s good to be able to compare two rugs - one you know is machine made and one you know is hand made. Look at the backs - the hand made rug will be much more colorful than the machine made. The machine made rug will have an overall stitch pattern across the back and you won’t see any knots since only hand made rugs are knotted. Another thing to look at is the fringe. On a handmade rug, the fringe is made up of the wrap strings from the end of the rug, on a machine made it is simply sewn on.
When selecting your oriental rug, make sure to choose colors that go with the colors in your bedroom. If you are placing the rug over wall to wall carpeting, it is best to choose smaller throw rugs that you can use as splashes of color around the room and avoid putting furniture on them unless you buy a large rug that covers almost the entire room.
Love the look of oriental rugs but don’t want to put them on the floor? Why not try using one as a wall hanging? You can use it to jazz up a large boring wall or hang it behind the bed in lieu of a headboard.
No matter how you use them, oriental rugs add warmth and character to your bedroom or any room in the house!
Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com
Add Warmth To Your Bedroom With An Oriental Rug
by Lee A Dobbins
When it comes to the bedroom we all know that bedding and accents are important, but a key area of bedroom design that is often overlooked is the flooring. Many people have wall to wall carpet in their bedroom and, therefore think that they are “stuck” with that color or design. The truth is that you can jazz up your flooring by simply laying a carpet on top of your wall to wall carpet.
Beautiful and durable, oriental rugs can add warmth and charm to almost any bedroom. This type of rug goes with many bedroom design styles, romantic, Victorian, shabby chic, Tuscan, Morrocan, oriental and many more.
Oriental rugs come in many different designs and colors so you should be able to find one that suits your bedroom décor. You can buy them in different sizes so you can add a splash of color and elegance to any part of the bedroom. You can buy them in a variety of price ranges as well, but as with anything else, the more you spend the better quality your rug will be.
A real oriental rug is hand tied - that’s right each piece of wool is tied onto the backing by hand. These rugs are really works of art, and you might think they are fragile but they are actually quite durable. I have been to many antique auctions where rugs that were over 100 years old have survived to look almost as good as they day they were made.
When selecting an oriental carpet for your bedroom, you should only look at carpets that are 100% wool as these will be the best quality. To determine if the carpet you are looking at is hand or machine made there are a few things to take into consideration. First off it’s good to be able to compare two rugs - one you know is machine made and one you know is hand made. Look at the backs - the hand made rug will be much more colorful than the machine made. The machine made rug will have an overall stitch pattern across the back and you won’t see any knots since only hand made rugs are knotted. Another thing to look at is the fringe. On a handmade rug, the fringe is made up of the wrap strings from the end of the rug, on a machine made it is simply sewn on.
When selecting your oriental rug, make sure to choose colors that go with the colors in your bedroom. If you are placing the rug over wall to wall carpeting, it is best to choose smaller throw rugs that you can use as splashes of color around the room and avoid putting furniture on them unless you buy a large rug that covers almost the entire room.
Love the look of oriental rugs but don’t want to put them on the floor? Why not try using one as a wall hanging? You can use it to jazz up a large boring wall or hang it behind the bed in lieu of a headboard.
No matter how you use them, oriental rugs add warmth and character to your bedroom or any room in the house!
Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs And Decorations where you can find more tips on decorating your bedroom.
Article Source: http://www.articlesphere.com
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)