Area Rugs

Traditional Rugs

By definition, traditional designs are modern-day representations of time-honored European and Asian patterns. In some cases, a traditional rug’s design may even be the exact same pattern used for generations and generations! Traditional rugs tend to be thought of as formal; however, they can certainly be at home in casual living spaces, like dens or game rooms. And, more often than not, their designs contain specific elements: floral and other intricate patterns, borders, and central medallions in shapes like diamonds, octagons, and hexagons.

Modern Rugs

Contemporary rug designs are generally characterized by stark contrasts, bold uses of color, and geometric or free-form style elements. By and large, they’re architectural and modern in their look. Contemporary rugs can feature retro patterns, however. Typically, these designs are references to the art deco and arts and crafts periods. In other words, while a contemporary design can nod to the past, the look and feel of a contemporary rug is very different from the traditional style described above.

Transitional Rugs

Transitional rugs combine classic design with a contemporary twist. Transitional rugs bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary styles. They are versatile and can be used in both formal and relaxed spaces. Transitional rugs blend traditional rug styles with on-trend color palettes. Their clean yet classic designs give them timeless appeal and balance well with today’s fresh, modern lifestyle.

Construction Types

Once you pick your style, there are various types of construction types to choose from.

Braided Rugs

Braided rugs are created by braiding strips of yarn or fabric into thick ropes that are then sewn together into various shapes and sizes making a reversible rug perfect for high traffic areas.

Hand Knotted Rugs

These are handmade rugs constructed by tying each knot individually by hand. This is a very time consuming process and each rug may take 3 months to 1 year to complete. This type of rug is typically made of wool or silk and because of the amount of time it takes to create they typically carry a higher price tag as well.

Hand-Tufted Rugs

This type of rug is created by sketching a pattern on a canvas frame. The yarn is then punched through the canvas cloth and once the rug is completely tufted a latex backing is attached to hold the fibers in place. These rugs are created in 2-4 weeks and can be created in a variety of unique colors. This is a great choice for those individuals seeking an affordable handmade rug.

Machine Made Rugs

This type of rug is created by using a machine that mechanically weaves hundreds of spindles of fiber and is secured with a latex backing. A computer determines the pattern leaving virtually no chance of errors. The backing is a bit rough to the touch and has a grid like appearance on the back.

Materials

The last consideration is the material you want your rug made out of for both design, durability, and function.

Wool Rugs

There’s nothing like the softness, warmth and color that hand woven or hand tufted wool area rugs can bring to a room. Our collection of rug designs features modern neutrals, traditional designs, artistic graphics and sculpted dimensionals in plush 100% wool. The upkeep is minimal, too. Wool is naturally stain-resistant thanks to natural oils that prevent dirt from adhering to the yarn. And because wool’s a durable fiber that springs back, it’s a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

Natural Fiber Rugs

Our natural fiber rugs bring an organic look and neutral texture in a flat weave to any setting. They’re a natural choice for adding a casual look to classic living and family rooms, or a relaxed kickback feel to the weekend cottage. Our collection is woven in interesting patterns by craftsmen whose rug weaving skills have been handed down for generations.

Synthetic Rugs

Synthetic Fibers are made from polymers through a chemical process. They can mimic natural fibers for a lesser price. In general, their life expectancy is shorter and they are unable to hold their luster for long periods of time. They are non-porous fibers that which helps with stain resistance. Synthetic fibers tend to crush easier than natural fibers because they do not have the natural resiliency that many natural fibers do – most notably, wool.

Silk Rugs

Light as a feather but strong as steel – silk is world renowned as the most luxurious and fine material on the plant. And it deserves the attention. It is a natural fiber made by the silkworm – coming mostly from China, Japan & India. Its heritage is based in China where in the early years (around 2500 BC) it was worn only by the Emperor – later used for bowstrings, showing off its strength. Silk was such a mystery that it was used in trade and boosted the Chinese economy to new heights. 100% silk rugs are a rarity this days and to be celebrated. If silk is the only fiber used in the rug, it is of course less durable and best used in low traffic areas such as formal living rooms.

Final Considerations

Size and Color are the last two design choices to make when picking the perfect rug.

Rug Sizes

You will also want to consider size, in order to do this look at the size of the room itself and the decorating purpose of the new rug. For example, in a dining room, you would want to take into consideration the size of the table as well as the placement of the chairs when they are pulled out or pushed in. Clearly a rug with a center design would not be the best choice for a dining room either as it would be completely covered by your table. In a living room, an area rug should serve as the foundation and enhance the design of the room and placement of other furnishings. Feel free to bring in a diagram of the room with the room dimensions and one our sales associates would be happy to assist you.

Rug Colors

Don’t spend hours trying to match colors exactly. It doesn’t happen in nature, and if you try too hard, you’ll end up with an artificial look. One trick designers use often, especially when doing a room from scratch or re-doing a room, is to start with a rug and pull the color choices from there. If you're afraid to go bold with color, start small.