Traditional Area Rugs – Rugs of Traditional Elegance
Traditional Area Rugs
Area rugs are those that act as your partial floor coverings. These are different from wall to wall carpeting with rugs as they are applied over specific areas only and not the entire room. Traditional area rugs refer to those that are more authentic in their designs and patterns and pertain to the old school of designs.
Types of Traditional Area Rugs
There are several types of traditional area rugs. These are categorized on the basis of their region of manufactured that marks the differences. Here is a brief detail about the various places that are the origins of different types of traditional area rugs.
- Tibetan Area Rugs – Tibet was the place of origin for rugs. These rugs were originally made by Tibetans for the protection against the harsh winter climates over there as well as for giving away to monks for their use at the monasteries. However these rugs were later sent out to different parts of the world for commercial purposes.
- Persian Area Rugs – Persia or the region of the Middle East in the modern world is traditionally famous as the region of carpet weaving and individual styles of design. Rugs that are manufactured on traditional lines are well known all over the word.
- Kashmir – In India Kashmir is traditionally known for its individual style of weaving rugs. There are several innovations in design and style that are unique in this region. There are other parts in India like Rajasthan where different varieties of rugs are woven that are famous for their quality and design.
Fabrics for Traditional Area Rugs
Despite the availability of different kinds of fabrics for traditional rugs in the modern world the chosen fabrics are always natural fibers. However there are a few synthetic fibers that are employed in the making of traditional area rugs. Here are some details of the fabrics which are used in the making of traditional area rugs.
- Wool – Traditionally rugs were made with wool in Tibet. Tibetan goat wool and wool from yaks were used by Tibetan to make their rugs. Wool is also a chosen fabric in the Middle East for the manufacture of rugs. There are wide possibilities of designs and styles to make these rugs both beautiful as well as durable when they are made out of wool.
- Cotton – This is one of the finest of natural fabrics that is also durable. There are various designs and patterns possible on rugs made of cotton.
- Silk Blends – Some of the finest qualities of traditional rugs are made with silken fibers. However it is not possible to sustain the manufacture rugs entirely from silk as that would not be cost effective. Therefore silk is often used in blends with wool or other natural fibers that makes exquisite traditional rugs.
- Sisal – This is a natural grass that makes for excellent rugs. These are both durable and are available in a variety of traditional designs.
More about Traditional Area Rugs
Traditional rugs that are generally of natural fibers are also very often hand tufted or handmade. Their quality and price can be determined from the number of knots that is present in each square feet of a rug. Though natural fibers are of preference there are traditional styled rugs made of synthetic fibers also. Examples are that of nylon and polypropylene. These may not be as safe as natural fibers but are beautiful, durable and cost effective.