You can put a cream rug into any room and it will fit in perfectly. The reason for this is that cream will compliment almost any colour.  Can you think of a colour that cream doesn’t go with? Me either. So for me it’s the versatility of a cream area rug also adds to the appeal!!!

Originally considered to be ‘THE’ only rug to have due to its durability, texture and softness. They have earned this reputation in their own right. The softness of the rugs comes from the process of dying and washing. 

There are so many wool rugs to choose from. They can be used to create a tremendous diversity of effects from plain to elegant. They come in several different sizes just like most rugs. With over 150 varieties of wool they all have different properties. The two most popular woollen rugs are Persian and New Zealand.

A large rug enhances the appearance of a room while also keeping the floor clean. It’s hard to know what size to put into a room- this isn’t a task that should be rushed. Before you start to look at a rug take measurements of the area that you want covered by a rug. A rug that is the wrong size can look awkward.  

So how to choose the ‘right’ size rug? If you are going to put furniture on the rug ensure that it all fits on the rug e.g. all legs of table fit on and all legs of chairs fit on when pulled out. It the rug is too small e.g. that only the table leg fits on the room will look out of proportion.

As the Irish Government plays hard ball with the IMF over interest rates on their £77 Billion bailout, rates which they claim are simply too high for the country to pay back, the government continues to spend lavish amounts of money on what can only be described as high end luxury items.

The importance of a door mat is under stated.  You may not notice it but every person who enters your home steps on it. It is the first and last thing they see as they come and leave. There’s no second chance for a first impression. You will want a doormat than will make a lasting impression but also durable.

While, hopefully, you won’t lose sleep over this decision there are a few things to keep in mind. What do you want from your doormat- decoration, durability, removing dirt or moisture? What material? Hiding a stain? Do you want it inside, outside or both?

You have spent time and money looking for a rug you-want to keep it as long as possible. Rug materials can vary greatly - depending on the material you need to take special care when cleaning to prevent damage.  You will find the sisal rugs withstand in a heavy traffic area. To make a rug last it needs to be treated well.
 Care must be taken when cleaning to prevent damage. Here are some basic tips for taking care of your rug:

There are two main reasons that rugs shed. The main reason is due to the quality of the fibre used in the rug. This is not only related to sheepskin but also faux sheepskin rugs. Another reason for shedding is how the rug is made.  Although shedding is completely normal with most new rugs whether real sheepskin or not.  

A real wool rug seems to shed more than synthetic as the manufacturing cost is very high. The manufacturers try to keep production costs down to compete for lower markets therefore cutting back on manufacturing costs. To have excellent wool that has been through the correct processes would dramatically increase the price of the rug. 

Don’t over look children’s rugs as educational tools. We all know how important visual images are to a child’s development. We use wall charts and pictures but more often than not we overlook kids play mats. We know that children learn best with the idea of repetition and visual representation. That’s why in bedrooms, on fridges and in all classrooms you will find displays of some form.

The floor can be a blank canvas for reinforcing learning.

Buying rug can be so stressful. We all know what it’s like dragging huge rugs all the way home to find that is wrong colour/size and then having to bring it back again. With such busy lives we just don’t have time for that. 

Here are some tips for getting the right rug in the first instance.

Does the ends of your rug Curl up? So Annoying not to mention dangerous! 

When you get a new rug it is very common that it needs flattened. Sometimes it can be a difficult task. The Reason is that the fibres in the rolled rugs conforms  to that shape. This cannot be helped as rolling the rug is the most efficient way of delivery especially to prevent damages to the rug. 

Choosing an outdoor rubber rugs can be difficult as you want all the same properties as you would for an indoor one: a defined space, interesting colours, patterns and also make you patio etc. more welcoming. 

As many of us know we have put our ‘outdoor ‘ rug outside and the excitement was short lived. It may have fallen apart or grown mouldy. So here’s how to make a good choice and get more mileage from that outdoor rug.

We have already talked about decorating a child’s room-well that’s an easy job compared to a teenager’s room. We all know the tears and tantrums that take place over simple things never mind something as important as changing a bedroom.

More than likely the room has been the same since they were a child. You need to discuss what they want in the room and the budget you have to work with. Most teenagers will know what they want their bedroom to look like but if they aren’t sure have a look in interior design magazines and even search through the internet.

A rug is more than something to wipe your feet on! It is a statement of who you are. Large rugs, shaggy rugs, and modern rugs make your house look lived in and comfortable. When you add a rug to the main living spaces of your home, it is a finishing touch that adds a level of comfort that does not exist with bare floors.

You can buy rugs for a good price when they are on sale, or you can buy rugs online, where they are often priced more inexpensively than in a traditional store. When you buy a rug for your home, it makes your home feel complete. Whether you prefer shaggy rugs, modern rugs, or sheepskin rugs, each rug that you add should complement the look of your home.

Have you heard of upcyclying? Nope, well, me either until I was getting a new chest of drawers. I was leaving my old one to the local charity shop and I was told that the furniture such as tables and chairs are selling like hotcakes. People are now getting older pieces of furniture and ‘upcycling’ them!

Often it’s hard to know how to decorate your child’s bedroom. Storage is very important for a child’s room so that they will have enough space to enjoy their bedroom. It’s also easier for you as it will mean less tidying up as your child will know where items belong. So before you start your project assess what you need what you’ll be keeping and anything that can be reused. Wardrobes, boxes and baskets are great solutions

The Red Carpet season is well and truly in full swing!
Now that the Cannes Festival 2011 is a wrap we know that this year as usual fashionistas brought glamour to the Red Carpet! Gwen Stefani rocked in her glitzy Black jumpsuit and WOW did you see Uma Thurman- the gown -the colour- all I can say … Amazing!!!

At the moment we have just had a new delivery of wool rugs- not just any wool 100% New Zealand wool rugs.
New Zealand wool is one of the most famous Wools and is sought after for many rug seekers. It is luxurious to look at, feel and especially to walk on! If you are conscious of our effect on the environment you’ll be pleased to hear that New Zealand wool is biodegradable so there is no need for concern

Black Wool Rugs always look great in any room in the house and never go out of fashion. They can create a cosy warm feeling especially in a room with bright white walls. Black wool rugs look good on any surface including wooden and tiled floors. Black wool rugs are suitable for sitting rooms, dining rooms, or large bedrooms.

Flying clothes moths won’t eat your rug but the females do lay hundreds of eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae that consume wool, fur, silk fibres and feather. Moths and their larvae thrive in dark, undisturbed areas where rugs aren’t often vacuumed and get very little traffic.

You want to give your home a facelift and something new to look at? I know the feeling, so many notions and ideas of what to do. All the ideas, the anticipation and excitement -you can’t wait, then you start you get a mind blank- can’t remember what to do to where and never mind where to start. Usually it’s too late you’ve already started and you’ve got to do something.

When purchasing a rug you can choose from two materials either manmade fibres such as polypropylene or natural wool.  Wool has been used in the making of rugs long before manmade fibres became available.  Wool rugs are still one of the best selling rugs on the market.  Wool rugs look equally as good in contemporary designs as they do in traditional designs.

Caring For Your Rug – Water Damage

Most varieties of Oriental rugs have a wool pile but many have a warp and weft made of cotton. The warp is the foundation upon which knots are tied to in order top create the pile. The weft runs over & under the warp strings between rows of knots to strengthen the rug side to side.

We have sold barrier mats for many years and as such have gained many years experience in the field. There are many misconceptions regarding barrier mats and I have taken the time to list a few here and also to give the truth behind the misconceptions.

Using pads under oriental rugs can prevent sliding and prolong the life of both your rug and the floor on which it is placed. They will do this by cushioning hard floor surfaces and they will also provide comfort under foot. You need decide if you will need rug pads under your foot. A simple rule of thumb is; if your rug is heavy and thick then it probably won’t need rug pads.

Cotton bathroom rugs are a fairly durable but will eventually succumb to effects of constant moisture without proper drying, as the cotton fibres will slowly begin to disintegrate.

Bamboo bathroom mats are solid, flat and thin. Bamboo is a flexible and long lasting material making them suitable for bathroom use but can be a bit hard on bare feet.

Imitation Sheepskin Rugs

Unlike most traditional rugs which are rectangle or circular sheepskin rugs are shaped as a series of oval shapes grouped together ranging from a single pelt shape similar to the size of a fireside accent rug right through to double, triple and up to octo sheepskin rugs.

“Cheap everything” are the new buzzwords over the past two years as everyone’s finances take a hammering.  Rug retailers now provide a larger range than ever of economy range cheap rugs that look great. Most people associate cheap rugs with poor quality rugs but this does not have to be the case. Today manufacturers can dramatically cut costs by shaving a few inches off standard sized rugs that the eye would never notice but the purse will.

Runner rugs have become more popular in recent years with the advent of wooden and laminate floors. Wood and tile floors are fantastic but some times they need an injection of colour or design and a long hall rug is the perfect way to do this. Runner rugs can transform a hallway in a matter of moments.

The benefits of rugs are endless but the article below outlines some of the main reasons why purchasing a rug may be the right decision for you…

Comforting Feeling – A thick soft dense rug adds a feeling of warmth and softness to any floor but particularly hard wood and tile floors on cold winter days. Hardwood and laminate floors are great flooring products but unlike rugs they can be cold and uninviting.

The most exciting room in the house, bright stimulating décor is what most people desire for their kids bedrooms and playrooms. Area rugs specifically designed for children is one of the best and cheapest ways to brighten up you child’s space. Good children’s rugs are designed for play and education.

At this time of the year we start thinking about cleaning the house and clear outs. It’s also a good time for cleaning and caring for your rugs.  Simple changes will have a vivid effect on the appearance of you home and the way you feel when you’re at home. Why not try rearranging your furniture. It can give your room a whole new outlook and make the room appear bigger. If you have limited space a mirror can create the illusion of more space. Try moving your furniture to different angles

Teal is the new chocolate brown or Duck Egg Blue of the 2008/2009 season.  Look around your local interiors shop and you will see teal curtains, teal cushions, teal bedding, teal blinds, teal towels and now rugs are getting in on the act too.

Many people would consider teal too strong a colour to use solidly in furnishings but teal is beautiful striking colour and really enhances minimalist interior decors especially cream and white walls.

Red rugs always look great in any room in the house and never go out of fashion. They can create a cosy warm feeling especially in a room with bright white walls. Black rugs look good on any surface including wooden and tiled floors. Machine washable, non slip red rugs also look good in today’s modern bathrooms. Red rugs are suitable for sitting rooms, dining rooms, or large bedrooms. Rugs should be chosen with care.

Sheepskin rugs have a quality and texture unlike any other rugs; with a dense luxuriously soft pile sheepskin rugs create a 3 dimensional effect due to their elevated pile height. Sheepskins have been traditionally crafted for hundreds of years and sheepskin rugs made in the traditional ways are still available today from companies who ensure that the traditional methods are strictly observed and only the finest materials are used.

The most exciting room in the house, bright stimulating décor is what most people desire for their kid’s bedrooms and playrooms. Wool rugs specifically designed for children is one of the best and cheapest ways to brighten up your child’s space. Good children’s rugs are designed for play and education. Wool rugs provide a beautiful soft touch that children love and cherish.

This article is Part 1 of my answer to a previous article called Rug Shopping – The Questions. This part deals exclusively with the design aspect of what rug you would like to choose.

Sometime we need to purchase rugs for our homes and we do not wish to spend a great deal of money it may be that we cannot afford it at that particular time or it may be that a cheaper rug will suffice, that is where sale rugs are very useful as most online retail shops now hold rug sales in line with shops. These sales are normally held at New Year Easter and summer.

Black Rugs are very much in fashion for the 2008/2009 season and are very much in evidence in furniture and carpet shops and also textiles stores.  There is also a wide variety of black rugs to choose from online with many different colours and shapes available.

The material used to make a rug is very important, as it will determine how the rug looks and feels and how long a rug will last in your home. Broadly speaking there are two general categories of textiles:
Man-made: which includes acrylic, polypropylene, viscose and nylon
Natural: such as sisal, coir, wool, jute, cotton and silk

Rugs runners are a great way to brighten and personalise your hallway or staircases with runner rugs. Runners can easily and quickly revitalise an often tired and neglected part of the home that has traditionally been a drab and lifeless area. Long narrow rugs can be used to add a whole new colour and design or bring together fragmented colours and styles in an area of the home that very often doesn’t have a defined style but rather melts into the background as an area of service rather than style.

As runner rugs have become more commonly available over the past 15 years they have become more and more common in the home. Originally designed for use in hallways and on staircases many consumers are finding many other previously unthought-of uses for these long narrow rugs. Firstly, runner rugs are rugs that are more than twice as long as they are wide. Here are some of the many uses that we have found people are now using their runner rug for.

Shaggy rugs are as popular today as they were in the 1980’s because they come in every colour imaginable from modern designs, plain colours, extra thick, and extra thin. Shaggy rugs will breathe new life into any room. They offer quality and versatility. Just imagine your toes on a heavy shaggy rug with the feeling of walking on clouds.

Purple rugs are very much in fashion for the 2010/20011 season and are great for kid’s room or for funky teenage rooms.  Purple rugs are also best for studies and offices as they help to create a more conducive working atmosphere.   There is also a wide variety of Purple Rugs to choose from online with many different colours and shapes available.

Just a few quick pointers about general care for your rug so that you can maximise its potential and gain many years of enjoyment. These simple tips can be applies to all kinds of rugs in your home or business.

There are many varieties of construction that define rug types and characteristics. Flatweave, needlepoint, hand-knotted, hand-tufted, hand-hooked, and machine-made are just some of the many classifications.

As with all rugs runners can be handmade or machine made. Handmade runners are much more expensive but will make more of a statement. Machine-made runners are cheaper and often easier to look after so they are more practical. It’s a matter of personal choice but more and more consumers are thinking of the practicalities when it comes to rug runners because of the nature of their use and the onset of more troubled economic times.

Area rugs are a fantastic combination of style and utility and can be used to bring together the décor of a room, protect your floor or as a quick & easy way to brighten up tired looking décor. Area rugs can be used to link various colours and styles and bring them together to give the room mood and ambience by harmonizing colours and shapes.

Modern rugs true to their name are the most up-to-date rugs available. Contemporary rugs can play a huge role in the décor of homes as they are often used as statement piece to bring an injection of colour to cool calm simplistic surroundings. Geometric designs, atypical shapes, bold colours and artistic flair make modern rugs a great addition to any home.

Cotton bathroom rugs are a fairly durable but will eventually succumb to effects of constant moisture without proper drying, as the cotton fibres will slowly begin to disintegrate. Bamboo bathroom mats are solid, flat and thin. Bamboo is a flexible and long lasting material making them suitable for bathroom use but can be a bit hard on bare feet.

Silk style rugs often made from viscose or cotton offer the look and feel of a real silk rug at a fraction of the cost.  They are also extremely practical and are designed to be non-slip on all hard floors.  They will maintain their shape and position in areas that have a high volume of traffic. All viscose rugs are easily vacuumed. Silk Style rugs should be hovered twice a week if possible. 

If a rug has been folded or rolled extremely tightly during shipping it may have wrinkles or creases that will need to be removed before the rug is laid on the floor. To flatten the rug down first find out which way the pile (nap) lies. You can do this by rubbing your hand in the direction of the fringes. The pile will feel smooth one way and rough up the other way.

Traditional Rugs are often the focal point of a room and can be a great conversation starter if the right rug is chosen. Like striking pieces of art it is not uncommon to hear people design their whole room around an audacious contemporary rug. Traditional rugs with their timeless elegance and classic charm will always have a place in interior design but they aren’t right for every interior.

Blue Wool Rugs always look great in any room in the house and never go out of fashion. They can create a cosy warm feeling especially in a room with bright white walls. Black wool rugs look good on any surface including wooden and tiled floors. Black wool rugs are suitable for sitting rooms, dining rooms, or large bedrooms. Rugs should be chosen with care.

September 29th 2010 saw the introduction of a ban on “carpets, rugs and other textile floor coverings and carpets used as wall hangings” that are of Iranian origin. The ban is a part of a group of sanctions on Iranian goods imposed by the U.S. government against Iran and its nuclear programme. President Obama signed the legislation on the 1st July 2010 reversing a move made in the late Clinton administration which seen the easing of restrictions on Iranian goods.

There are many different styles of rugs available to choose from and at prices to suit every budget.  Nowadays one is no longer limited to traditional or contemporary rugs, although they continue to remain very popular.  Some rugs obtain their names because they are for a certain type of use like hall runners, doormats, children’s rugs, bath mats, and non-slip washable rugs.

If your rug is being stored for more than 3 months then there are a few things you need to do in order to protect your rug. You first need to have your rug properly cleaned and sprayed with an anti-moth insecticide. It must then be wrapped in protective plastic or a tough synthetic paper like building material wrapping. Don’t use newspapers or brown wrapping paper. These materials are not chemically stable and are often quite acidic.

When purchasing a rug you can choose from two materials either manmade fibres such as polypropylene or natural wool.  Wool has been used in the making of rugs long before manmade fibres became available.  Wool rugs are still one of the best selling rugs on the market.  Wool rugs look equally as good in contemporary designs as they do in traditional designs. 

Rugs are a great way to transform your home in a matter of seconds. They are the most effortless and economic way to add life and colour to your room or to finish off a long thought out décor. Area rugs will give a room a cosy feel, softening any hard wood or tiled floors or adding a splash of design to a drab carpet. Below are a few tips to think about when buying a rug:

Sheepskin rugs are soft and luscious with vivid colouring these are the perfect rugs for tired feet. They are now commonly made from synthetic materials, which give you all the comforting benefits of the real thing but with practical elements of man-made fibres.

Occasionally when you purchase a new rug particularly a shaggy rug or a faux sheepskin type rug it may shed a little of its fibres. This is due to the pile been cut to the required length during production and will appear as fluff on or beside the rug.  This can easily be overcome by vacuuming often when first new, everyday if necessary until the rug settles. 

When rugs are not square in shape or has built-in wrinkles, sizing or blocking the rug may help. A rug is sized by turning it face down and laying it as flat and square as possible and fastening it down along the edges (A staple hammer can be used to hold it in place). The rug is then stretched and mixture of sizing and water is sprinkled over the back of the rug. The rug is then allowed to dry.

All kinds of minor mishaps can befall your rugs. I have listed a few of the more common ones below and the best way to deal with them. If you have some questions or solutions of your own please give me an email and I will happily add them to our Rug Care information section.

In financially uncertain times such as these affordability is a key concern. Affordability encompasses several meanings, for most people affordability is synonymous with cheap but this is not always the case. Affordability is more about what you are willing to pay for a rug and regardless of income people have varying amounts that they are willing to pay for a particular rug. Affordability does not mean a sacrifice of quality if you know where to look and what to look for.

So you’ve decided you want to make a statement with your stairway and you realise stair carpet is the only way to do it. Well the question is, how do I measure up for the stairs and just what is available out there?

Yes it’s true... Grant confessed to his darker side in a recent interview with OK! magazine. The star of Four Weddings and a Funeral admitted that he had smuggled rugs from Turkey and got caught.

Bathroom rugs take on many different forms but it is important to know some information about the material before you decide to purchase a rug for your bathroom. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to purchasing a bathroom rug but points to consider

Children’s Rugs serve several purposes in the modern home. Children’s Rugs are normally colourful rugs that children enjoy playing on and the best rugs will be informative and enhance children’s playtime. They also protect flooring from the full rigours of hardworking kids and their toys! With the ever-growing popularity of wooden floors many parents and child carer’s are finding that these floors are too cold and hard for children to play on.

Trying to evaluate the huge amount of rug types on the market can feel overwhelming. It is easy to be misled when comparing hand-made to machine-made and woven to tufted rugs. What you need to take into account when buying a quality rug are the identifiable signs of quality:

Determining the proper size for a rug is just as important as finding the right colour and design. To start, simply measure your room; then follow our room-by-room measuring guide to find the best fit. Family Room: The general rule for sizing a rug is to allow 12 to 18 inches of flooring to frame the rug. For a small room, 12 inches may be more than enough space.

It has been revealed that border guards in Pierre Elliot Trudeau Airport in Montreal discovered nearly $4million worth of Heroin on the 30th July this year. The discovery was made while the Canada Borders Services Agency (CBSA) was carrying out a routine inspection of a rug shipment from Pakistan. Nearly 11 kilograms of heroin was found hidden within the hand-knotted wool fibres.

Rug points illustrate the machine woven quality of rugs. Like all industries there has been huge advancements made in the production of rugs due to the development of hi-tech looms that can improve weaving with the use of more colours at a higher definition and with more detail. 

Following in the footsteps of past US Presidents, Obama has been doing some home decor. The Michigan based Scott Group were commissioned to design and create several rugs for the White House including a huge 23foot by 30foot handmade rug. The rug is made from 100% wool and features the presidential seal in blue, cream and wheat – according to the administration “colours in keeping with the neutral colour scheme favoured by Obama for the Oval office”.

Jute rugs are fantastic for adding freshness and cleanliness to all types of homes. Natural looking fibre is the in thing at the moment as we all strive to improve the outlook for our planet. Kids bedrooms, college flats, fancy living rooms; cool kitchens and even porches and decking are getting the jute rug treatment. 

American rug retailers are stocking up on Persian rugs in preparation for the US sanctions against Iran which come into effect on the 29th September 2010. As part of US legislation – a ban will be put in place on all Iranian imports including Persian rugs which will no longer be allowed into the USA. 

Rubber mats or Dust Control Mats are one of the most of the most durable types of flooring available today. Modern technology has helped to create modern barrier mats that are extremely durable and absorbent, & these dust control mats will still look good in your home, office or shop.

Rugs have been in existence for thousands of years but because they were made from man made fibres such as wool or cotton, very few have survived to the modern day. It is clear from the few surviving rugs that Ancient Royalty valued rugs not just as luxury items but also as status symbols reflecting the riches and quality of their weavers. 

Choosing the right design, colour and texture is a personal taste. One of the best places to start is by asking yourself a few questions. Is your room formal or informal? Do you want an area rug that defines your decorating scheme or one that supports the decor? Are you looking for bright or subdued colours? What shape best fits your space? With those thoughts in mind, let's dig a little deeper to explore the wonderful world of colour, design, and texture.

A simple guide to removing all kinds of stains from your rug. There is no special cleaning agents or preparation required so whether its a large bowl of pasta or a bottle of red wine too many have a quick read of this guide and your rug will stay looking better for longer and make you look a domestic professional.

Most varieties of Oriental rugs have a wool pile but many have a warp and weft made of cotton. The warp is the foundation upon which knots are tied to in order top create the pile. The weft runs over & under the warp strings between rows of knots to strengthen the rug side to side.