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.

Favorite Things Friday

1. Uttermost Ferns Framed Art // 2. Carentino Green Table Lamp // 3. IMAX colorful birds // 4. Sari Silk Rug - Rug & Home // 5. Alaina Recycled Magazine baskets // 6. GuildMaster's table

In celebration of Earth Day, this Favorite Things Friday posting is composed of some of our favorite recycled products as well as nature-inspired accessories here at Rug & Home. From foliage to birds and even recycled baskets, we've got traditional mixed in with contemporary. This beautifully designed Sari Silk rug is a one-of-a-kind rug made from recycled Sari's that features unmeasurable softness. The unique style of this GuildMaster's table would be fun in a playroom, eclectic living room, or even in a mancave. So many options to style your home and add a fresh pop of "green" this Spring! Visit us on the web.

By: Samantha Palacio

Sustainable Accessories

In thinking of Earth Day approaching, we'd like to share a few of our favorite 

Sustainable Accessories with you all! Bringing sustainable goods, eco-friendly products, or reclaimed furniture into your home is not only helping to reduce your carbon footprint on the world, it is beautifying your home! Eco-friendly goods can be found naturally dyed in many brilliant colors and there is nothing like the breathtaking hues of a Sari Silk rug! If you have not laid eyes or hands upon a Sari Silk rug, you have to stop by and feel the luxurious texture! For more information on how to find these and other environmentally friendly goods, visit our website and the descriptions below.

1. Anise Recycled Magazine Stool by IMAX // 2. Sea Grass Baskets by IMAX // 3. Reclaimed wood console // 4. Sari Silk Rug & Home exclusive // 5. Capuchin Rattan Baskets // 6. Rug & Home Mosaic Rag Rug

By: Samantha Palacio

Singing the Praises of Solid Wood Furniture

As is the case with handmade rugs, the quality of solid wood furniture far surpasses its counterparts—pieces made with plywood and pressed wood. (There are situations where plywood and pressed wood may be appropriate, however, just as there are times a machine-made rug could be the right choice for you.) With proper care, these pieces can also last a lifetime and stay away from the landfill. And, many solid wood pieces are crafted with wood from reclaimed sources, further making them a sustainable option for those working to tread lightly on the planet.

Care

Caring for solid wood pieces is a lot simpler than it sounds. In fact, the only tools really needed are a clean rag and elbow grease. When your piece gets dusty or dirty, just wipe it lightly—with the grain of the wood—using a clean cotton cloth. You can use furniture polish, just be sure to do so sparingly. Should your furniture piece get a minor scratch, try buffing it with a small amount of polish. For larger scratches and dents, contact a professional; they should be able to easily repair your piece. Keep in mind that if a blemish isn’t deep enough to reach beyond the finish, it likely won’t cause long-term problems. In other words, you can leave it to add a bit of character! Today, many solid wood pieces come with a “weathered” look straight from the manufacturer that creates the illusion of an older, well-loved item. Also keep in mind that because wood is a natural fiber, it can be negatively affected by the elements. As with handmade rugs, you’ll want to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and extreme humidity. 

Sustainability

Have you gone green? Many solid wood furniture pieces have as well, as they’re now made of reclaimed wood; thus are a great option if you want to be kind to the environment without giving up durability and style. At Rug & Home, we carry a wide variety of reclaimed wood furniture, much of which is from Theodore Alexander’s Castle Bromwich collection (pictured). Each piece in this collection is handcrafted with reclaimed antique hard wood from architectural savage. The designs are inspired by Castle Bromwich Hall, a 16th century Elizabethan Manor house. Theodore Alexander himself owns Castle Bromwich, and he’s currently working to restore it to its original splendor. Stop in any one of our locations to browse items from the collection!