As we are heading into a new year you might find that there are many companies that are offer great discounts on certain items that you would consider seasonable like rugs.

No longer is the trend for homes to have wall to wall carpeting in them anymore. While many people still find the look to be appealing, it seems that more home owners today are opting for hard wood flooring over just about every other option available.

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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:

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?

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.