A Fast Track Area Rug Shoppers Guide

Check out the hundreds of area rugs available online – retailers offer a choice of decorating accents and themes. Natural fibers are popular for environmental reasons as well as the family’s health, while synthetics are inexpensive and low maintenance.

Rugs can be the focal point of the room adding color and interest. Tie varied design elements together with just the right area rug. Protect the floor, have something warm underfoot and define smaller spaces. Area rugs are the perfect solution.

Both traditional and contemporary rugs come in a variety of styles and prices – a truly versatile way to update and add class to any home.

Quick links: [Advantages] [Colors] [Sizes] [Fibers] [Oriental] [Persian] [Braided] [Sisal] [Shag] [Contemporary] [Flokati] [Childrens] [Tibetan] [Sheepskin] [Manufacturers] [Shaw] [Accessories] [Designers] [World] [Rooms]

Advantage of Area Rugs:[^]

affordable way to change interior decor
healthier choice than wall to wall broadloom
protects the floor underneath

Rug Colors: [^]

neutral: beige, black, brown, gray, ivory, white
bright: red, turquoise, yellow, orange
dark: navy, olive green, rust
subdued: teastain look, mauve, gold, sage, oatmeal
pastel: pink, purple, violet
multicolored and variegated yarn, stripes, ochre

Area Rug Sizes and Shapes: [^]

small, medium, large, palace sized
square, rectangle, oval, circle
2 x 3 3 x 5 4 x 6 5 x 8 6 x 9 7 x 10 8 x 10 9 x 12 10 x 14 rectangles
long rectangular runners for stairs in 8, 10, 12 ft, 14’, 16’, 18’ and over 20 foot lengths
6’, 7’, 8’, 9’, 7’8”, 5’6”, 6’3” diameter octagonal and round areas rugs
with border or fringe and without fringes, oversized, carpet runners
stripes, triangles or swirls

Rug Fibers: [^]

cotton, silk, 100% virgin wool from New Zealand
sisal, jute, coconut hair, seagrass
mixed yarns
less expensive options: polyester, chenille, acrylic, polypropylene
decolan, viscose, poly, nylon, heat set olefin
sheepskin, lambskin, leather
rayon, acrylic

Wool Area Rugs: [^]

natural fibre - the textile of choice that can last 100 years
no substitute - ages gracefully and develops a rich looking finish
naturally superior to synthetic
hand woven, hooked or tufted
fire safe, absorbs contaminants and improves air quality - anti-static properties

Oriental Area Rugs: [^]

antique or modern - detailed workmanship
diamond medallions, geometric or floral patterns
can last 60 years or longer
authentic hand woven or machine made from stain resistant yarns

Popular picks:

Abadeh, Afghan, Afshar, Ahar, Arak, Ardabil, Bakhtiari, Baluch

Bidjar, Birjand, Borchelu, Boroujerd, Chenar, Ferahan, Ferdos

Gabbeh, Gharadjeh, Ghoochan, Goltogh, Goravan, Hamadan

Hashtrood, Heriz, Hussainabad, Isfahan, Kashan, Kashmar

Kelardasht, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khamseh, Koliai, Lori, Lylyan

Mahabad, Mahal, Malayer, Mashad, Maymeh, Mazlaghan

Meshkinshahr, Mood, Nahavand, Nain, Nanadj, Qashqai, Qum

Roodbar, Sabzevar, Sanandaj, Sarab, Sarough, Saveh

Shahsavan, Shiraz, Sirjan, Songhore, Tabatabaie, Tabriz

Tafresh, Taleghan, Touserkan, Turkoman, Veramin, Yazd, Zagheh, Zanjan

Persian Area Rugs: [^]

unique pieces that reflect a long history of cultural tradition
genuine antique carpets for elegance and charm
geometric, floral (curves and lines) or pictures
the number of knots per square inch (kpsi) is an indication of quality

Braided Area Rugs: [^]

practical folk art, old fashioned craft, a part of American history
durable for high traffic areas
carefully sewn into any shape and size including baskets and chair pads
neutrals like tan, camel, taupe with burgundy, indigo and rose
solid or mosaic border, alternating stripes, horizontal with wide stripe, multi border
look for flat or tubular braids and thick, well-made ropes around sturdy cores

Jefferson, Deerfield, Chestnut Knoll, Lincoln, Cornucopia

Galleria, Westminster, Boston Common, Brook Farm

Courtyard, Elegance, Monroe, Reflections, Twilight

Washington, Seascape, Botanical Isle, Spring Meadow, Adams

Jute and Sisal Area Rugs: [^]

suitable for indoors or outdoor use in a covered, dry spot
resist rot and mildew, tough and wears well
durability and ease of maintenance
extra value - some rugs are reversible
absorbs sound, antistatic
sisal-like rugs made from 100% wool or olefin/wool blend
basketweave, herringbone tweed, jacquard, boucles, rib and flat weaves
edged with leather, cotton, chenille or exotic tapestry for bindings
constructed from a rope-like fiber
pure jute or latex on non-skid, nonslip backing

Shag Rugs: [^]

updated and plush in retro or transitional look
carefully knotted together for plush texture
manufactured from soft leather scraps, pvc or weardated II nylon

Contemporary Area Rugs: [^]

the latest coordinating or contrasting colors
art deco, retro or Scandinavian
large patterns to smaller, intricate geometric shapes, stars and swirls
multi-colored, abstract designs

Greek Flokati Rugs: [^]

wool from sheep or goats
flokati rugs from Greece will retain their beauty
machine washable, water repellant, fire resistant and colorfast
sold by weight: 1.4 or 2 kilograms/square meter, 3 kg per sq meter, 4 kg/sq meter

Childrens Rugs: [^]

provide a safe and comfortable play area
bright primary colors, vivid and easy to clean
a learning experience with an educational road map, checker board, Noah’s ark, world map, safari, alphabet, phonics, addition, multiplication, clock, geography, numbers, solar system, flags
Childrens rugs games: hopscotch, backgammon, parcheesi, Chinese checkers
reflect their hobbies: ballet shoes, roadster, wild west
enjoy their friends: teddy bear, rabbits, sheep, dog or puppy, pig, cat or kittens, zoo, Humpty Dumpty, Nursery Rhymes, little mermaid
Childrens rugs nature: lizards, frogs, elephants, butterfly, turtle, bugs, ladybug
Childrens rugs sports: soccer ball, football, baseball, basketball, NASCAR, sailor, rodeo
Childrens rugs interests: hearts and stars, cherries, playhouse, ballerina, fantasy princess, ice cream, country charm, springtime, doll house, circus
for home, playschool or church nursery, daycare

Tibetan Area Rugs: [^]

craftsmanship from Tibet, can double as a wall hanging
muted accents and soft shades in 100% wool with silk highlights
geometric and abstract patterns and symbols found in the Buddhist religion
mythological dragons, flowers, trees, tigers and botanical themes
squares, checks, checkerboards and mosaics
hand knotted and carved weave

Sheepskin Area Rugs: [^]

fleece with a soft, cozy texture
ideal for babies and the elderly
can be used as a throw blanket
black, ivory, fuchsia, lavender, lilac, grey, brown, blue, pink, red
single, double, quarto, sexton, octo
store in a cool, well ventilated area, keep out of direct sunlight
keep away from heat sources - fireplaces are acceptable
wash with lanolin based products
never iron or bleach
brush to keep them fluffy

Discount Area Rugs: [^]

buy from reputable merchants - some with free shipping
almost unlimited choice at the lowest prices
beautiful discount priced rugs from around the world
popular brand names, local artists and foreign artisans
no middlemen means price markups have been eliminated
some are available at wholesale prices

Top Rug Manufacturers: [^]

Safavieh, 828 Trading Company, Couristan, TransOcean
International Co. American Weavers, Bowron
Claire Murray, CMI
Foreign Accents, Home Dynamix, Kaleen, Kas Milliken, Mohawk
Momeni, Nourisan, Orian, Oriental Weavers of America
Stainmaster, Signature, Stanton
Tinnin, Sphinx, Radici, Rhody

Shaw Rugs: [^]

major producer, outstanding value and leading technology
award winning designs
soil and stain resistance treatments for enhanced and complete protection
warranty will ensure customer satisfaction
power loom woven, micro or petit hook
low or thick lush pile, heavy luxurious or dense looped pile
Ambrosia, Sonnet, Provencal, Buckingham
Devonshire, Manor, Windsor, Autumn Leaves
Midnight or Winter Garden, Copenhagen
Desert Bloom, Rustic Oak, European Elegance
French Rivera, Harlequin Trellis, Italian Vineyard
Jardin de France, Kensington, Meadow Flowers
Antiquities, Quilted Comfort, Rattan, Mayfair
floral, Vienna, Mille Fleur, Darania, Adirondack
Newport, Pendleton, Port Royal, Readbourne
Chancery, Congo, Eastport, Springfield,
children's favorites: tree frog, blueberry pie, black licorice, outer space, circles of joy, animals, ships, palm trees

Accessories for Rugs: [^]

rug grippers, underlay, stair rod
use with sculptures, lamps, furniture, glass, ceramic and metal art

Modern Masters and Designers: [^]

Marc Chagall, Paul Klee, Gustav Klimt
Joan Miro, Piet Mondrian, Mark Rothko, Agam, Gene Meyer
Dakota Jackson, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, Warlamis
Sara Schneidman, Adam Tihany, Kim Parker
Chris Madden, Kathy Ireland, Tracy Porter, Susan Welsh
Raymond Waits, Phillip Crowe, Suzanne Nicoll, Kelly Rightsell
Jane Keltner, Kate Thacker, Dena, Jack Nicklaus, Philip Crowe

Rugs from all over the world: [^]

Asian: from Afghanistan, Bali, China, India, Iran (Persia), Himalayan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Indian, Nepal
European: from Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Scandinavia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Greece,
Australia, Egypt, French palaces, USA

Around the House: [^]

for the entry way, kitchen, dining or living room, kids bedrooms
master bedroom, hallways, family room, childrens playroom
bathroom, hallway, entrance
den or office, by the fireplace

Home Decor Directory

Our home decor directory contains links to home and garden, shopping, and family-theme resources. Links are chosen for inclusion based on relevance and quality. This directory is solely for the interest of our visitors. We have no business affiliation with the websites in this directory. We do not endorse the companies listed, nor do we assume any liability for products or services listed or receive monetary compensation from these links.

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