Rug Buying with Pets in Mind

Pets are part of the family. Dogs, cats, and other animals share our houses and our lives. They therefore influence the decisions we make about decorating and furnishing our homes. This is especially true when it comes to rug-buying. Many pet lovers would rather live with bare floors than relegate their pets to the mud room or even worse — outdoors.

Whether it’s the musty odor a pet leaves behind, the inevitable accident during training, or the outright misbehavior that sometimes occurs, you need to consider the consequences of pet damage when you buy new rugs. The first line of defense for making your rugs — and your house — pet-proof is to consider the type of rug you lay on your floors.

Indoor/outdoor rugs come in a wide range of colors and styles now; they can complement almost any indoor decorating scheme. The beauty of an indoor/outdoor rug is that you can easily clean it when it gets dirty. Just take it outside, scrub it down with a mild detergent, and let it air-dry over a porch railing or clothesline. Niggling pet odors and accidental discharges disappear completely. Once it dries, you've got a rug that’s as good as new.

The weave on various kinds of rugs may undergo substantially more wear and tear than others when you have pets. Long nails and claws, for example, can get caught in hooked rugs. Simply by treading across a hooked rug, your cat or dog can create a snag or pull. Similarly, shag rugs and thick hand-tufted pieces, with pile that’s a quarter-inch high or longer, can catch long nails too. Your pet can pull out fibers inadvertently when trying to free itself. Instead of hooked or shag rugs, stick with flat, low pile to prevent this kind of wear.

If you prefer hand-knotted beauties on your floors (or if you’ve got other rugs you can clean), you must get to an accident as quickly as possible. Spot cleaners made by Capture® are ideal for such messes. Blot the cleaner on the spot with a wet sponge. Avoid rubbing or scraping, which can destroy the rug’s fibers and spread the mess. Use cold water so you don’t damage the rug’s color or wool fibers. Continue blotting with fresh cool water until the mess is gone.

For the best of both worlds (beauty and ease-of-use), we recommend a hand-knotted rug with a low pile. Rugs made of natural materials are the only ones you can have professionally cleaned. Once your pets have an accident on synthetic, machine-made rugs, they will never be pristine again. While you can certainly spot clean anywhere Spot made a spot, in the end, you may still be able to spot that spot. A thorough professional cleaning for your tufted or machine-made rugs just isn’t possible.

So if you have pets, your best bet is an all-natural, hand-knotted rug or an inexpensive indoor/outdoor rug. Even Spot will enjoy it.

Reposted from Wordpress. 

Size Matters

There are several things to consider when purchasing a rug however, size, is the most scientific variable. Anyone can determine the ideal size of a new rug by following a few simple steps:

1. Measure your entire room. Use a good-quality measuring tape, if possible.

2. Measure existing furniture. Either add them to your drawing or, even better, cut out blocks of paper for each piece, so you can easily and quickly “rearrange the furniture.”

3. Draw your room dimensions in scale. Include doors, windows, fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents, where necessary.

4. Measure the space you want to fill. Unless you want a customized rug (and are willing to spend the price for one), don’t get too specific. Measure out and mark off standard sizes: 4×6, 5×8, 8×10 feet. 

Tip: Use masking tape to outline the rug’s dimensions.

5. Always double-check your measurements. Like the seasoned carpenter says, “Measure twice; cut once.”

6. Size Matters. Go shopping! Find a store, like Rug & Home, that allows you to take the rug home and try it out for several days. You’ll know immediately if it’s the right size, but you may need longer to consider things such as color, pattern, and durability.

A few more thoughts:

-A rug that isn't properly sized for a room can make the room look uneven or unfinished. 

-Don’t size your space just with your eyes. A 6×9-foot rug that seems huge in the store may still be too small for the room once you get it home.

-Leave at least 18-24 inches of exposed floor in your room whenever possible. 

A new rug is like a new chair: you can tell in the store how comfortable it is, but you won’t know until you get it home how well it fits in to your life. Do your homework before you buy, but make sure you can return it if it doesn’t work.

Does lighting really make a difference?

Silk fibers as well as Wool fibers

Prior to having ever set foot in a Rug & Home store, I admittedly had never shopped for a rug in my life. Like most wide-eyed individuals, I was overwhelmed by the sizes and variety of options these works of art come in. You can only imagine my surprise when I settled on liking a slate grey number, it's dropped to the floor, and immediately the color has changed. Huh? To a rug shopping newbie, the concept of light and dark side can be a "wow" moment. What may appear bright and "light" on one side, changes to darker and less lustrous on the other. This is true of all wool rugs and even some machine made rugs though the intensity will vary based on color palette and fibers.

Silk rugs have the most variation in sheen. This variation is the nature of the nap of the rug (compare it to vacuuming carpet and the 'lines' that appear when vacuuming) and not a defect of any sort. If you're looking for an exact coloration throughout, your best bet may be a tufted or machine made rug, however, I would argue that the reversibility of sorts may be beneficial for certain seasons when you may want a different perspective on color. Silver sheen may be bright in a dull winter, but a grey tone may be more suitable to a colorful summer. Does lighting really make a difference? Absolutely! Look at both sides of your rug when shopping to get the full experience of color.

By: Samantha Palacio

Manmade v. Machine Made

Q: Manmade vs. Machine-made. Which is the better option for my house?

A: The answer to your question depends on a variety of factors. In terms of quality, manmade rugs will always win—hands down. The craftsmanship that goes into creating these rugs far surpasses that of their machine-made counterparts. As a result, handmade rugs can last a lifetime and many are coveted and prized, like works of art.

While machine-made rugs are a more temporary purchase and aren’t desirable from a collector’s standpoint, they are typically (although not always) less costly than handmade pieces and can certainly be a great option in many cases.

Pets: If you have a problem pet or pets, you’ll most likely want to keep your floor coverings affordable and relatively “disposable” in case they were to become Fido's favorite chew toys or bathroom spots.

Children: If you have young children, you know that spills and messes are inevitable. While manmade rugs can always be cleaned and repaired, you may want to avoid making a serious rug investment until the terrible twos are long-gone.

Renting: If you know you’ll be renting a house or apartment for just a short amount of time, pick a piece that’s less of an investment for you in case it doesn’t work in your next space.

If you’re a landlord, you may want to use rugs in your rental property or properties instead of traditional carpeting. Machine-made rugs will likely save you a lot of worry and allow you to keep your properties affordable for renters.

Changing trends: Do you like to change the look of your rooms often, keeping up with design trends? If so, a machine-made rug may be a good option for you. They come in a variety of contemporary styles with trendy color palettes, like the one pictured above, and are typically budget-friendly.

8 Gift Ideas for Mom

Family Circles Bronze Figurine // Alex Brass Frames S/3 // Amethyst Geometric Square Plates S/2 // Aramis Mosaic Coasters S/4 // Loloi Azalea AZ-03 // Counterflory Recipe Book Holder //  Marisa Graphic Ottoman  //American Rug Craftsmen Panoramic 90002 

This year we're celebrating Mom with a gift that will outlast the holiday. Offer her something she can enjoy year round like this Family Circles Bronze Figurine. This contemporary take on the bond of family love will surely touch her heart. Mom can display treasured heirloom photos in these Alex Brass Frames that are reminiscent of their Antique silver counterparts. Pretty glass trays to stash her baubles or keys are both decorative and functional.  A thoughtful gift - these coasters will help protect her furniture but are also beautifully done in a mosaic pattern. Give Mom something to brag about with this colorful Azalea rug from Loloi. She is sure to be the envy of all her friends with such a bright and cheery space. Working moms will appreciate this recipe book holder making it easier to whip up a favorite dish without damaging Grandma's recipe. Every mom could use a comfortable place to rest her feet. This versatile Graphic Ottoman is not only a place to prop her feet, but will double as a side table and even a vanity stool. Hip moms will love this trendy Panoramic rug for it's contemporary vibe in bright and cheerful colors.

By: Samantha Palacio

Making Changes with Karastan

When you think of Karastan, you may envision the colorful, traditional style rugs that they have been known for, for nearly 90 years. Karastan unveiled a fresh line of new designs, custom dyes, and shag style rugs at the Atlanta Market this January and we are proud to be supporting National Karastan Month here at Rug & Home. I'm here to tell you that these new arrivals are not your grandma's rugs! Moroccan inspired  designs, lush family room shags... Karastan has opened up to a whole new market of rug buyers and we are thrilled for the opportunity to bring you the change.

About Karastan

Karastan takes pride in the easy clean up and longevity of wear. Have you heard of the "Wonder Rug"? In the midst of a Great Depression, Karastan introduced a 12x15 rug to the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair. Here they invited 5 million people to trample this rug and they did it again 5 years later to total 13 million people gracing this tree of life pattern with muddy footprints, and many stories. The words: "If this rug could only talk," come to mind here. Look at this amazing before & after clean up depiction. If you are as intrigued as I am, read more about the story here. I promise it won't disappoint. 

Hard to believe a rug can retain such radiant luster after 80 years! I think this is a beautiful depiction of quality you can expect of this manufacturer. Karastan strives to match the quality and craftsmanship of its counterpart - the handwoven one-of-a-kind treasures we sell here every day. Down to the fringe and bright colors that mimic its more costly cousin, you would likely be fooled unless not a trained rug connoisseur. 

Did you know that by purchasing Karastan you are supporting domestic jobs? Karastan is a North Carolina-based company bringing local jobs and revenue back into our home state. You can feel good about your purchase both aesthetically and domestically. No pun intended. 

Go Green

Karastan uses renewable ingredients such as wool and "renewably sourced polymers" committing themselves to the environmentalism bandwagon. The science behind the making of handwoven rugs produces a positive footprint on the environment with longevity reducing energy consumption. To break it down - much like wool hand-knotted's, these rugs can be passed down or sold off once your family has tired of the look. The endurance of a Karastan rug insures less filling of the landfill and happy homeowners all around. 

By: Samantha Palacio

Understanding Dyes

To get you up to speed on the dyes that are used when making rugs, we've compiled three categories of types. Keep these in mind when shopping for quality and brilliance of color:

Natural

Natural dyes have been used for centuries to create beautiful and striking colors. Historically, they've come from plant sources, and they typically do so today. For example, reds are often created from dried madder root, blues of indigo extracted from a variety of plants, and yellows from the Mediterranean herb, weld. Secondary colors then come from mixing these primary colors. Shades of brown can also be created naturally, from items like walnut husks.

The natural dyeing process can be a complicated one. As a result, pieces that are naturally dyed can be more expensive than those created with synthetic dyes and are usually highly desirable. While the unique colors created by natural dyes can be closely imitated with synthetic ones, colors from natural dyes do vary slightly, giving you a one-of-a-kind piece that can never be exactly duplicated!

Synthetic

If you don’t want to stretch your budget too thin, rugs colored with synthetic dyes are great options, as it’s nearly impossible for the naked eye to tell the difference between a synthetically dyed and naturally dyed rug. While prices vary, a synthetically dyed rug usually costs about 30% less than one that’s naturally dyed. Synthetic dyes are also bold and bright, and they allow a manufacturer to create rugs with consistent coloring.

A Mixture

Because certain natural dyes are not readily available in all areas, rugs are often dyed using a mixture of natural and synthetic colorants. Rug makers use what materials are available to them that will give the best color payoff for you to enjoy!

Sari Silk Rugs

Some call it recycling; others think the process deserves a name with a more positive connotation. Thus, the term upcycling was born. Upcycling means taking something that would otherwise be thrown away — in this case, fabric — and making it into an even better product. In upcycling, the old parts do not equal the new whole.

Sari Silk rugs are an upcycling success story. Made from the silk that once graced the saris destined to be worn by Indian women, these rugs have become some of the most colorful, most imaginative, and most sought-after pieces on the market today. A sari is a four-to-nine-yard length of cloth, often silk, that women wrap around themselves as their garment.



Upcycling Saris

The saris upcycled into rugs are typically composed of handspun silk. Since the rugs’ popularity has skyrocketed, women’s cooperatives in India have developed a cottage industry to create the vibrant silk thread that’s then used to hand-knot the fabulous rugs.

The women unravel unused saris by hand, fortify the extracted silk with cotton, wool, or other fibers, and then weave the threads into unique patterns that end up looking like pieces of art. The breathtaking creations, made entirely of this fortified sari silk, are saturated with colors and are so soft that you may find yourself wanting to leave the sofa to snuggle on the floor.


One-of-a-Kind Masterpieces

No two Sari Silk rugs are alike because of the variety of the source saris collected by the Indian women. Once the fabric has been hand-knotted into rugs, they become the one-of-a-kind masterpieces you can find at Rug & Home.

These hand-crafted works of art contain inconsistencies in their patterns and variations in their colors — elements that heighten their beauty instead of detracting from it. You will experience an infinite variety of color in your Sari Silk rugs.

Caring for Your Treasures

These natural rugs are durable and will hold up for decades if you take care of them properly. Don’t place your Sari Silk rug in a place that receives heavy traffic, but do lay them on top of a quality rug pad, such as those sold at Rug & Home. You may also want to keep it out of direct sunlight.

Put your colorful work of art where it will be seen rather than trampled, such as by a corner sitting area, underneath a table or baby grand piano, or in your bedroom. Some owners love their rugs too much to walk on them, preferring instead to hang them on the wall.
Sari Silk rugs require gentle vacuuming with suction only, although you can have them hand-washed by a professional cleaner as needed.
It’s worth the little extra time and the effort it takes to care for a Sari Silk rug because they will last longer. In the end, you won’t think of them as upcycled or even recycled … you’ll just love and respect the beauty of your one-of-a-kind rug.

The Allergy Dilemma

If you suffer from allergies, you may have been drawn to hardwood floors for their ease at cleaning dust mites and dander. Carpet, though entirely cleanable, is still known to trap dust and dirt that even the most expensive of vacuums can't remove completely. The problem with hardwoods is that they are not energy-efficient and are just plain cold at certain times of the year. Warmth is still attainable with these 4 tips for selecting a rug when allergies are a consideration:

1. Assess your needs. Where is the rug going? There are several different rug materials and each can function in some areas better than others. Wool, for instance, is very durable and works well in high-trafficked areas. It also happens to be a material that some are allergic too, however. If you have a wool-allergen, you would be advised to avoid tufted rugs as they tend to shed and the wool fibers may cause irritation for the allergy-sufferer. 

2. Are you allergic to natural grasses? Natural fiber rugs such as jute and sisal are popular for their neutral tones and clean, minimalist look. If tolerable, these make a great alternative in living spaces and under foot in the bedroom.

3. Maintenance. Proper care of your rugs insure longevity and keep your home fresh. Be sure to roll your rugs periodically and clean the surfaces beneath them. Particles that may become lodged beneath the rug can cause damage to the backing over time. A good pad will not only adhere the rug to the floor but not mark your floors and protect them from the daily use the rug is getting. Proper cleaning will also rid the rug and surrounding floors from any dust and germs that may be irritating. 

4. Machine made rugs may be the answer. If you are allergic to wool or natural fibers, a machine made rug may be best. Machine made rugs are easy to clean, do not shed their content, and are made from synthetic fibers. Due to the synthetic nature these rugs are also known to be made with vibrant colors that will retain their color over time. 

Do not feel discouraged if you are one of the one in five* persons that suffer from allergies. Though we may have to do a little extra dusting here or there (face masks may or may not be donned), there are still many beautiful options out there to dress our floors with! 

Written By: Samantha Palacio
* Statistic from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-statistics

Caring for Your Handmade Rugs: Part 1

You may have noticed that handmade rugs typically cost more than machine-made rugs. But don’t let the cost deter you, as they’re a great investment. With proper care, handmade rugs can easily last for hundreds of years thanks to the high quality fibers, dyes, and techniques used to create them. We’ll go into more detail on the process in other posts in this series, but for now, let’s focus on just what proper care entails.

Clean Regularly

Regular cleaning plays an important role in extending the life of your rug. While heavy-duty cleanings are best left to the professionals and should be preformed on a semi-regular basis, there’s plenty you can do to keep your rug looking its best, too. Here are some tips:

• Sweep or vacuum daily/weekly. We know that there aren’t enough hours in the day. If you can’t sweep or vacuum daily, do try to make at least a weekly routine of caring for your rug. If vacuuming, you’ll want to choose a machine without beater bars—those rotating plastic brushes found on the undersides of almost all standard vacuum cleaners. They’re not gentle enough for handmade rugs and can tug at the fibers. You may be able to turn off the beater bar on your vacuum. But, if not, make the broom your friend!
• Spill? Act quickly. For a liquid spill, blot immediately with a paper towel or clean white rag to soak up as much liquid as possible. For a solid spill, quickly blot with a paper towel or clean white rag, then gently scrape any remaining debris away with the dull edge of a knife or spoon. Still there? You may be able to use products you already have at home—like vinegar and wax paper—to help remove the spill. Or, you may need to use a cleaning product specifically made for rugs. Rug & Home recommends Capture products by Milliken (www.captureclean.com). Their cleaners contain no bleach, solvents, or harsh chemicals and are easy to use. All you need is a vacuum! For a list of possible spills and how to clean them, CLICK HERE. It’s also possible that a professional cleaning may be needed to properly remove the spill or stain. Please call Rug & Home for our recommendations on the best professional cleaners in your area.

Use a Rug Pad

Using a rug pad is a relatively inexpensive way to ensure that your purchase lasts a lifetime. Pads help minimize regular wear and tear. And, they offer some protection from mildew by allowing air to circulate under the rug, which also helps a vacuum cleaner remove dirt. Pads also help protect your floor from your rug. When placed on hardwood flooring for an extended period of time with no pad, a rug can cause scratches and other damage.

In addition to helping keep a rug in great shape, a pad provides several benefits for the homeowner. It helps grip the rug to the floor, which not only keeps the rug where it should be in a space but also helps prevent slips and falls. (Rugs on hardwood, tile, or other non-carpeted surfaces can slide around easily.) A pad also provides a little extra cushion for added comfort when walked on!

Keep Out of Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is possibly a rug’s biggest enemy. Fortunately, it’s the easiest threat to combat. Simply drawing the curtains when you leave your house for the day will protect your rug for years to come.

If exposure to sunlight is unavoidable, work to ensure that your rug fades evenly. You can rotate your handmade rug every few months and avoid significant fading. Rotating also ensures that one portion of your rug won’t wear more significantly than another.

If your rug has already been damaged by the sun, don’t panic. Closely examine it. Is the fading only at the very tips of the pile, or raised surface of your rug? If so, remedying the problem could be as simple as a professional cleaning, which will abrade the ends of the pile and reduce the appearance of fading.

How to: Select the Best Rugs for your Bath

No one likes to step out of the shower or bath onto a cold tile floor. Not only is tile uncomfortable and even dangerous (due to the tendency of slipping), but it also adds no warmth to the room, but where do you begin? If you're determined to keep your bathroom void of a faux chenille with rubber backing, circa 1980, use these simple tips and shop with ease. 

If you've perused the aisles of your latest big box store, you've no doubt seen an assorted selection of rugs designed specifically for your bathroom. While I applaud Nate Berkus (I am a huge fan, in fact) for bringing stylish trends to Target, your choices extend beyond cotton bathmats and the well-known, inexpensive versions of branded "bath rugs" that these stores carry. You can absolutely take your high-quality taste into the bathroom with a high quality rug!

Most consumers associate hand-knotted with the terms "traditional" and "oriental" though a rug connoisseur and even you can attest that times have changed. Conventionally, hand-knotted rugs are more ornate and feature traditional borders though in recent years artisans have developed some of the most beautiful modern designs with the timeless features of bold colors and durability. A wool, hand-knotted rug is a wise choice for the bath because it doesn’t contain glue or synthetics that may erode when exposed to moisture over time. Steer clear of wool tufted rugs in the bathroom, however. Tufted rugs are known to shed and while we love a cozy sock, you likely will not love the feel of furry, wool-covered feet!

Natural fiber rugs (jute, hemp, or sisal) add a spa-like feel to your bathroom space and with neutral tones, work with most any decor. Like hand-knotted rugs, these typically do not have any artificial backing or glues that would decompose over time. Keep in mind, that these aren't typically characterized as "soft" rugs. While spa-like they aren't going to be plush under foot. 

Chenille and cotton are the most common choices for the bathroom. While they are typically

inexpensive and certainly very soft, they have some drawbacks. Most bath rugs in this category have a synthetic backing that will decompose over time. If you're looking for something you can throw in the washing machine, these make great temporary choices. You can change them easily for holidays and seasons, they typically fold with ease due to thin fibers, and you can find them in most home decor or big box stores. If you're using a cotton mat without a backing, I would always recommend a good rug pad to avoid slipping, allow for the rug to breath (to avoid unwanted odors), and to extend its life. 

Follow these few simple tips, and you won’t have to suffer from cold tile or cheap bathmats. Which one will you choose?

Written By: Samantha Palacio

Trend Alert: Geometrics

Blocks, dots, and lattice, oh my! We know it all to well: the clean lines, the hard edges, the contemporary prints. If you put them into one category we call them: geometrics. They work in every home of the house where you may want to add a modern edge and there are no color restrictions or common colors. In fact, you can find a rug that includes [almost] every color of the rainbow in multicolored blocks. It's true!

It's an acquired taste, not everyone's cup of tea, though lately we are seeing the geometrics go viral. The wonderful thing about the geometric niche (if you are not a fan already) is that the clean lines make decorating a breeze. They can be artistic or a means to simply streamline a space. We'd love to hear your thoughts on this new trend!

Here are some examples of basic geometric prints from popular collections:

Blocks

KAS 'Kidding Around'

Dots

American Rug Craftsmen 'Dryden'

Trellis

Momeni Geo

Which is your favorite?

By: Samantha Palacio

Styling with Rounds

"Styling and visual merchandising have become more of a personal reflection of the designer behind the brand, evocative of charm and character." - "Stories of Style" from Est Magazine Issue 12.

I love this statement made by an Est Magazine writer. Styling a home with round rugs requires a unique taste. Traditionally, rectangle rugs are preferred for their clean lines and ease of filling a room, but maybe you want something a little different. Maybe you have an odd shaped room? In any case, round rugs are no longer being used in dining rooms alone. Indoor/Outdoor options are available for patio use, living rooms can be styled with large rounds, and a round rug in a foyer can create a cozy landing strip. 

Mimic the same rules for the living room when using a round. The front legs should be touching and grounding the rug. It makes a perfect compliment to a round coffee table if you have one. 

You can also purchase a round large enough to fit all or most of the furniture on like pictured here: 

Steve Allen Photography via HGTV

Round rugs are traditionally used in large foyer areas, but look best when styled with a small table or some sort of vignette. Please don't create a landing strip in which your rug looks like the lonely island. A polka dot effect in a child's room can be seen as whimsical and cute, but from a design standpoint, please don't decorate your adult bedroom with a floating round rug.

Do:

Don't:

Entry way landing strip:

Hooked indoor/outdoor rugs are ideal in foyer areas because they are high trafficked and make the first impression. Kaleen makes beautiful round rugs with their Home and Porch collection - everything from traditional to contemporary in trendy patterns like this chevron pictured here. Likewise, these are the  perfect patio solutions under a bistro set during those summer barbecues.

Are you using rounds in your home? Send us a picture! We'd love to see how you've styled with rounds.

By: Samantha Palacio

The Beauty & Style of Flat Weaves

Typically made from wool, cotton, or jute, flat-woven rugs do not show traffic patterns like other rugs. They are so thin, that they are the perfect selection for a tight hallway space, or in an area where a door may craze over carpet. 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 unbelievably affordable at around $89 for a 3x5 rug! 

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. Flat-weaves are ideal for a casual or rustic setting in a family room or office.  However, designers have brought forth contemporary and transitional patterns that lend these rugs to work well in any room and with any decor. They are ideal for an eating space because they can withstand heavy traffic and sliding chairs. They can even be used as a wall hanging or backdrop behind a bed.

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.
• When you here the term "flat-woven" you may be picturing a Southwestern theme. 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 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.

Making Changes: Karastan

When you think of Karastan, you may envision the colorful, traditional style rugs that they have been known for, for nearly 90 years. Karastan unveiled a fresh line of new designs, custom dyes, and shag style rugs at the Atlanta Market this January that we are unveiling this month in stores, and I'm here to tell you: these are not your grandma's rugs! Moroccan inspired  designs, lush family room shags... Karastan has opened up to a whole new market of rug buyers and we are thrilled for the opportunity to bring you the change.

About Karastan

Karastan takes pride in the easy clean up and longevity of wear. Have you heard of the "Wonder Rug"? In the midst of a Great Depression, Karastan introduced a 12x15 rug to the 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair. Here they invited 5 million people to trample this rug and they did it again 5 years later to total 13 million people gracing this tree of life pattern with muddy footprints, and many stories. The words: "If this rug could only talk," come to mind here. Look at this amazing before & after clean up depiction. If you are as intrigued as I am, read more about the story here.

Hard to believe a rug can retain such radiant luster after 80 years! I think this is a beautiful depiction of quality you can expect of this manufacturer. Karastan strives to match the quality and craftsmanship of its counterpart - the handwoven one-of-a-kind treasures we sell here every day. Down to the fringe and bright colors that mimic its counterpart, you would likely be fooled unless not a trained rug connoisseur. 

Did you know that by purchasing Karastan you are supporting domestic jobs? Karastan is a North Carolina-based company bringing local jobs and revenue back into our home state. 

Go Green

Karastan uses renewable ingredients such as wool and "renewably sourced polymers" committing themselves to the environmentalism bandwagon. The science behind the making of handwoven rugs produces a positive footprint on the environment with longevity reducing energy consumption. To break it down - much like wool hand-knotted's, these rugs can be passed down or sold off once your family has tired of the look. Their decades worth of wear insure less filling of the landfill and happy homeowners all around. 

By: Samantha Palacio

It's a Revolution

In the famous words of Stacy London: "Shut the front door!" Feast your eyes on the Evolution & Revolution collections from Kaleen. These high-quality tufted wool rugs feature modern, geometric designs in vibrant colors that will work with any sleek design.

Teal is always a favorite. 

Navies are a calming hue and pair well with orange, yellow, and reds. 

The neutral grey tone in this rug makes it a great choice for a pattern-filled space. Just remember to mix it with a smaller, complimentary print.

Check our Facebook page for updates and photos of more rugs from these trendy collections.

In stores only, these fabulous collections (and more) are on sale for just $199 in a 5x8* size!

Not close to one of our locations? Shop our ONLINE sale! Rugs priced $199 and under here and here. 

*5x8 size is approximate. Different rug manufacturers may vary to 5 x 7.6 and 5 x 7.9.