Natural Weave Rugs ideal for the conservatory

Flat weave rugs are not only durable and stain resistant but they have a natural look similar to sisal, which looks great in conservatories and orangeries. Across Europe, these styles of rugs are increasingly popular due to the prevalence of underfloor heating and hard wood floors.

Choosing a natural rug for your conservatory or orangery ensures that you will be purchasing a durable, stain resistant rug which also looks stylish and complements the room. Basketweave designs are stunning and come in a range of natural neutrals, from sage green to chocolate brown, but bear in mind that lighter natural rugs will show stains and marks more easily. Generally made from polypropylene, basket weave rugs are hardwearing and will last for years to come, with most being suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, giving the beautiful appearance of seagrass.

Flat weave polypropylene rugs have the appearance of sisal or seagrass whilst being low profile, and so ideal in spaces where your children play, such as the conservatory. They’re also ideal for high traffic areas such as the hallway or kitchen. A stunning foliage patterned terracotta rug will add warmth to what is traditionally one of the coldest areas of your home. If you’re using your conservatory in the winter months, adding one or more rugs can help you to keep warm and give the room a cosy feel that is hard to beat. Bright colours will also help to warm up a chilly space, so why not choose brick red or lime green for a shot of vibrancy.

Natural foliage patterned rugs look great in a room such as the conservatory, as they help to bring the feel of the outdoors in. Whether you choose pale, pastel shades such as mint green or baby blue, or go for natural colours such as beige and light coffee hues, these rugs will complement the feel of your conservatory perfectly, for a stylish and cosy feel.

Complement your choice of natural rugs with woven wicker furniture for a relaxed feel and summery appeal. In winter, when conservatory floors can become particularly cold and uncomfortable to walk on, snuggle down with matching wool throws and light some scented candles, enjoying the warmth provided underfoot by your new natural rugs.

Choosing natural look rugs for your conservatory is easy, but remember to fit anti-slip backing if your conservatory has laminate or wood flooring to prevent accidents happening.

Use flat woven rugs in a variety of ways.

Flat-woven rugs are popular, durable, affordable, and colorful … and a must-have for many rug collectors. While they seem to belong to another era, flat-woven rugs are in fact undergoing a revival. Young, upwardly mobile couples to retirees have fallen for the soothing, natural environment these rugs offer.

Typically made from wool, cotton, or jute, flat-woven rugs don’t show traffic patterns like other rugs. They are so thin they work well in a hallway by the door. Since this ancient flooring technique has no pile, you can shuffle across flat-weaves for years with little wear. Furthermore, they are often reversible, so you get twice the life out of them. And they’re so affordable. You can get a 3×5-foot flat-woven rug for as low as $89 and a large 10×13 for around $2,000.

Many flat-weaves contain native patterns that can accentuate a Southwestern or mountain theme. You’ll likely find a variety of colors hand-woven into the rugs, ranging from orange and red to warm chocolate-brown and yellow. Hand-woven flat rugs are nothing if not warm.

Flat-weaves are ideal for a casual or rustic setting in a family room or office.  However, the emergence of contemporary and transitional patterns lends these rugs to work

Contemporary patterns in flat woven rugs have further increased their popularity.

well in any room and with any decor. They work marvelously in a dining room since they’ll last for years, even with the chairs constantly moving back and forth. You can also hang them on the wall, drape them over a chair or sofa, or wrap them around a pillow.

You can find flat-woven rugs in many sizes and styles. The most popular types are kilim, sumac, and dhurrie:

• Kilim rugs have been made since at least 1000 BC. Long admired for their practical applications as much as for their beauty, kilim rugs are created by tightly interweaving strands of wool. The ends of the strands create fringe, which are knotted to prevent pulling. You’ll find kilims in plain, single-color patterns as well as brightly ornamental designs filled with symbols and ancient characters. The word kilim originated in Turkey, but the flat-weaving process is also practiced in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, and China.
• Sumac rugs were first made in the Turkish town of Shemakja. These flat-woven wool rugs tend toward geometric designs with tribal overtones. The woven embroidery appears on both sides, making these rugs reversible. Europeans have long valued Sumacs for their durability in high-traffic areas and for their designs that fit any kind of decor, from traditional to rustic to contemporary. Sumac rugs tend to be the heaviest of the flat-weaves, yet they remain reasonably priced.
• Dhurrie rugs are usually made of versatile, durable cotton. They have been the rug of choice for many centuries in India. Because they are so thin and flexible, various sized dhurries are used for everything from coasters under vases to floor coverings popular in mediation rooms. Dhurries commonly have traditional touches of oriental and contemporary designs, making them ideal for a wide range of casual decors.

Many people consider the different types of these rugs incidental, preferring instead to focus on the patterns and colors. For collectors, however, dhurrie, sumac, and kilim rugs fill special places in the home and are considered sacrosanct.

All the flat-weaves are light; they fold easily for storage and travel. While we suggest professional cleaning, you can immerse these all-natural rugs in water if you wish to clean them yourself. Vacuuming and spot cleaning are usually all the rugs need to maintain their beauty and last a long time.

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Going “green” with hand-woven Indian rugs doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or durability.  The colors created with natural dyes are not only very pleasing to the eye, they are also exceptionally stable.  In fact, some museum pieces have retained their “glow” even after 400 years! With just routine vacuuming and an occasional rotation, these rugs can maintain their vibrancy and texture for generations.

“Hand made rugs from India are very eco-friendly,” observed Michael Harounian, President of the U.S.-based nonprofit Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA).  “They add elegance and personality to any home, while offering the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the environment.”

“India’s rug-weaving industry has a long tradition of using natural materials to create floor coverings of superb quality and enduring beauty,” commented Raja Sharma, Vice Chairman of the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), a nonprofit association based in India whose members are rug manufacturers and exporters. “Whether gracing the floor of a home or used as a decorative wall hanging, a hand-woven Indian rug can provide additional insulation that will help lower heating costs in the winter months.  Moreover, consumers will be pleasantly surprised by the affordability of ‘green’ Indian rugs.  Many current special retail promotions put the finest quality area rugs from India within easier reach of cost-conscious shoppers.”

For further information, consult your interior design professional, visit you local floor covering retailer or area rug specialty store, or visit http://www.rugsofindia.org. You can also follow Rugs of India on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/RugsofIndia.

Thanks to a revolutionary development in India’s  rug weaving industry, and the emergence of new techniques and materials, genuine hand-woven rugs from India are within the reach of  consumers in every economic bracket.

What makes hand-woven Rugs from India as affordable as they are beautiful?

For centuries, all hand-woven oriental rugs produced in India and other rug-making countries were one-of-a-kind. These “unique creations” were priced like paintings and other original works of art, taking them beyond the reach of all but the most affluent shopper. But the introduction of a new production process in the mid-1970’s made it possible to weave multiple rugs of the same design in a range of sizes and in a choice of designer-influenced color combinations. It also offered the option of customizing rugs to meet special size requirements, as well as individual design and/or color preferences. In short, this revolutionary development not only made hand-woven Indian rugs much more affordable, it also opened up a host of new and exciting ways to incorporate area rugs into homes, apartments, and commercial spaces.

How much should you expect to pay for a genuine hand-woven Indian rug?

Prices for hand-woven rugs from India vary depending on the type of weave and construction, such as hand-knotted, hand-tufted, and flat-woven.  Other factors include the type of yarn used (e.g. wool, silk, a combination of both, or cotton), the complexity of the design, number of colors used, and finishing process.

Hand-knotted rugs are generally the most expensive. Comprised of individually tied knots, these rugs require the most time and labor to produce. Flat-woven Indian rugs, such as Sumaks, Dhurries, and Chainstitch, are a less expensive option. Hand-tufted rugs are made with a less time-consuming weaving technique and are, generally, the least expensive type of rug. For example, the average retail price of an 8’x10’, 100% wool hand-knotted rug ranges from about $1,600 to $6,400. An 8’ x 10’ flat-woven Sumak could cost from $800 to $1,200. And an 8’ x 10’ pure wool, hand-tufted rug can range in price from $450 to $1,000.

Regardless of the type or style of rugs purchased – or the cost – every hand-woven rug from India reflects a centuries-old tradition of rug-weaving excellence.  With reasonable care, they will enhance the eye-appeal of a room and add a touch of elegance to a home for years to come.  In short, the beauty, quality, and durability of area rugs hand-woven in India make them one of today’s most exceptional home decorating values.

For further information, consult your interior design professional or visit your local floor covering retailer or area rug specialty store, or visit http://www.rugsofindia.org. You can also follow Rugs of India on twitter at www.twitter.com/RugsofIndia.