A Decorative Area Rug
As Unique As It’s Content

The fiber used in your decorative area rug will influence its looks as well as its performance.

Your decorative area rug will be constructed of natural or synthetic fiber or a mixture of both.

Natural fibers are derived from plants and animals. They offer beautiful coloration, a variety of texture and long term performance. The most expensive natural fiber will be found in a wool rug. Look at wool for softness and durability but not if you have allergies.

Other natural fibers are cotton, jute, silk and sisal.

• Cotton retains a wide variety of dyes, is softer than wool but not as durable.
• Jute is a popular rug making material but fades easily in sunlight.
• Silk remains a choice rug material.
• Sisal is the most popular of the plant fiber rugs, is durable, colorfast and strong but hard to clean.

Synthetic fibers are manmade and offer easy maintenance and an outstanding value.

For versatility and durability, consider the popular synthetics that are favored for quality rugs, acrylic, polypropylene and nylon.

A decorative area rug can be constructed by tufting or by weaving.

With a tufted rug the yarns are tufted through a backing material to form a looped or pile surface. Some examples of tufted rugs would be looped and hooked, can be done by hand but most likely is done by machine.

In many types of woven rugs the yarns are loomed together by machine or hand.

The braided rug uses many different materials including cotton, wool, nylon and fabric blends.

Flat weaves result in a reversible rug that has no pile.

Hand knotted, the weavers knot yarns around other yarns. The smaller the knots, the more detailed the area rugs and the closer the knots the higher the quality.

The wear on your decorative area rug is unavoidable but can be minimized.

• Be careful not to run over rugs with a fringe with a vacuum. It can cause damage. Sweeping your rug with a broom is also a good idea. Not only does it help with the dirt, it will bring out the rug's sheen.
• Exposure to strong sunlight will over time cause your rug to fade.
• Some rugs, particularly hooked rugs can develop pulls called sprouting. Never pull the sprout out, eliminate it by cutting it even with the pile of the rug.
• Occasionally rotating your rug will equalize the effect of wear by exposing it to different traffic patterns.
• Heavy furniture can crush your rug. It's a good idea to use protective discs under the legs of heavy furniture where you can. Pile that has been crushed can be revived with a little water and brushing with a brush.
• Extend the life of the rug by using proper padding underneath. Padding will keep your rug flat, provide sound absorption, extra cushioning which reduces wear and tear, and makes easier vacuuming. Rug pads can be purchased at home improvement stores like the Home Depot.
• Treat all spills immediately to reduce the possibility of staining. Clean spills with white paper towels beginning at the outside edges of the spill.

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