Choosing Area Rug Materials
Area rugs have come a long way from the native wool and Persian spreads that were popular back in the day. These days, you can find rugs in a wide range of materials, from thick, heirloom-quality pieces to cheap natural fibers like jute and seagrass. If you’re buying your first area rug, it’s easy to get confused by the range of materials on the shelf. While each one has its own unique appeal, they also have their pros and cons. Many people buy based only on looks or price, but there’s more to consider if you want more out of your money.
Fortunately, buying area rugs isn’t as complicated as it seems. Although you mostly get what you pay for, some materials perform better than others for a fraction of the price. It’s all a matter knowing what your needs are and which materials can best provide them. If you know where to look and what to look for, you can always get a great deal. Still not sure what to look for? Here’s a quick list of things to consider when buying your first area rug.
Durability
Even light area rugs are subjected to a lot of foot traffic, and they can start fading and fraying before you know it. You want to make sure your rugs are up to the challenge. Manufacturers have made various improvements to make regular rugs suitable for everyday use. Some even offer outdoor area rugs that can withstand constant heat and moisture, perfect for use in patios, decks, and balconies. These materials are often treated to preserve their color and make them more resilient against the elements.
If durability is on top of your list, try looking at polypropylene area rugs. Polypropylene, a synthetic plastic-like fiber, is designed to imitate the look and feel of natural materials like wool and cotton. Unlike these two, however, polypropylene can withstand regular wear and tear and still look like new. And since it’s synthetic, it can be made in any color and pattern, from plain solid colors to intricate geometric and Oriental patterns. Whatever your design theme is, you’re sure to find a polypropylene rug that fits.
Comfort
The main reason people use area rugs is to protect the floor and make it easier on the feet. So a rug that’s stylish but not comfortable underfoot defeats its purpose. If comfort isn’t something you want to compromise, cotton area rugs are one of your best options. Having been around since the early days of rug making, cotton has been perfected over the centuries to create a soft but surprisingly strong material that keeps its quality even after years of regular use.
Of course, cotton rugs vary greatly depending on how they were made and the quality of the material used. The best ones are hand-knotted and have high thread counts, resulting in a dense, soft material almost comparable to silk. Others are machine-made and use a mix of cotton and polyester. Although not as comfortable, they’re more affordable and require less maintenance than 100% cotton pieces. Most cotton rugs need to be hand-washed and naturally dried to preserve their color and shape.
Design
To some extent, rug materials also influence the range of colors, prints, and designs that can be made. For example, sisal and polypropylene rugs can handle color better than bamboo or jute. So if you want a full-color or printed rug, you’ll want a material that lends itself very well to dyeing and has natural colorfast properties. Likewise, if you prefer earth colors like brown, green or tan, you can go for natural fibers that don’t need artificial coloring.
If you want something different, consider getting braided rugs. Braided area rugs are made differently from most rugs, using strands of material tied together instead of knotted pile. The strands are usually different colors, so the product shows a gradient pattern that moves toward the center. braided rugs make excellent accents for country homes and rooms that need a splash of color. You can get them in wool, cotton or polypropylene, depending on the kind of environment they’ll be used in.
Manufacturer
Rug quality is affected as much by its material as the way each rug is made. Dozens of rug manufacturers have sprung up with the advent of modern décor, but not all of them will give you good value for your money. If you want your rug to last, it pays to do your research and buy only from trusted manufacturers whose name is synonymous to quality.
One such company is Dynamic Rugs. Established in 1994, the company has made a solid name for itself as the leader in residential and commercial rug-making. Dynamic works with designers from all over the world to create stylish yet practical designs that suit every home. From modern area rugs to vintage and transitional designs, they offer a wide range of options for every homeowner.
is to protect the floor and make it easier on the feet. So a rug that’s stylish but not comfortable underfoot defeats its purpose. If comfort isn’t something you want to compromise, cotton area rugs are one of your best options. Having been around since the early days of rug making, cotton has been perfected over the centuries to create a soft but surprisingly strong material that keeps its quality even after years of regular use.
Of course, cotton rugs vary greatly depending on how they were made and the quality of the material used. The best ones are hand-knotted and have high thread counts, resulting in a dense, soft material almost comparable to silk. Others are machine-made and use a mix of cotton and polyester. Although not as comfortable, they’re more affordable and require less maintenance than 100% cotton pieces. Most cotton rugs need to be hand-washed and naturally dried to preserve their color and shape.
Design
To some extent, rug materials also influence the range of colors, prints, and designs that can be made. For example, sisal and polypropylene rugs can handle color better than bamboo or jute. So if you want a full-color or printed rug, you’ll want a material that lends itself very well to dyeing and has natural colorfast properties. Likewise, if you prefer earth colors like brown, green or tan, you can go for natural fibers that don’t need artificial coloring.
If you want something different, consider getting braided rugs. Braided area rugs are made differently from most rugs, using strands of material tied together instead of knotted pile. The strands are usually different colors, so the product shows a gradient pattern that moves toward the center. braided rugs make excellent accents for country homes and rooms that need a splash of color. You can get them in wool, cotton or polypropylene, depending on the kind of environment they’ll be used in.
Manufacturer
Rug quality is affected as much by its material as the way each rug is made. Dozens of rug manufacturers have sprung up with the advent of modern décor, but not all of them will give you good value for your money. If you want your rug to last, it pays to do your research and buy only from trusted manufacturers whose name is synonymous to quality.
One such company is Dynamic Rugs. Established in 1994, the company has made a solid name for itself as the leader in residential and commercial rug-making. Dynamic works with designers from all over the world to create stylish yet practical designs that suit every home. From modern area rugs to vintage and transitional designs, they offer a wide range of options for every homeowner.
Tags: outdoor area rugs | outdoor area rugs | cotton area rugs | cotton area rugs | braided rugs | dynamic rugs | dynamic rugs
August 8th, 2009 at 6:10 am
Good Post !!!
Material of the Rug should be our concern at the time of shopping. Here you have discussed nicely how the looks and acceptance among the viewers of the Rug can defer depending on material of the Rug. I completely agree with you!,. Thanks,..