Flokati Area RugsFlokati area rugs are deep, thick, but usually small sized, woolen rugs enhanced by shaggy piles, which were originally hand-woven in Greece. Invented within the limits of the highest village of the Pindos Mountains, Samarina, Vlachs, an ethnic group of Serbia, made the first flokati rugs back in the 5th century. At that time, flokati rugs were used to keep babies warm, line sleeping areas, and were even worn as clothing against the harsh cold climes. Although there are flokati-type rugs made of synthetic man-made materials, such as polypropylene or acrylics, true flokati area rugs are still hand woven on a loom, and the most common material used is a 100% pure organic wool brought to Greece from neighboring areas such as New Zealand, and Australia. Of course, being hand made with such extravagant material makes them slightly more expensive than simple area rugs sold for less.
The actual flokati name is now a registered Greek trademark, and the Greek government has passed laws to protect the name. For instance the government calls for all flokati rugs to be washed in the Pindus Mountain waterfalls as they were long ago, or the flokati name cannot be used for a rug. This process necessitates about 40 hours. Detergent cannot be used; instead the reliable high waterfall pressure will cleanse the wool. This profoundly affects the backing of the rug. It will shrink, thus causing the pile to become even thicker. The coarse yarn will become luxurious and softer and can, after this treatment, almost be defined as fluff making the distinctive feel of a flokati area rug unlike any other. By tradition, the flokati area rugs will then be hung to dry by sunlight.
Not much has changed regarding flokati rugs created in the 5th century. Their high quality can still be expressed as being soft, warm and ultra-comfortable. The luxurious plush flokati rug comes in a myriad of colors. What's even more important, flokatis will not only withstand the rigors of washing machines, but they will maintain their extraordinary softness, color and beauty as well. A decidedly important point about the flokati area rugs should be mentioned here. The high lanolin count of their pure organic wool makes flokati rugs practically stain resistant and thus they are relatively easy to keep clean.
Homeowner-decorators will find them a wonderful boon to compliment or highlight any room in your home. Their attractive colors have made them extremely versatile. Decorators know that large expanses of wall-to-wall rugs must be kept in soft color neutral ranges, but a very colorful flokati rug is indispensable for putting a focal point in a room. Some rooms are naturally cold and unattractive and need a "je ne sais quoi," an inexpressible something, to enliven them. Once you've experienced what flokati area rugs can do to a room, you'll understand that you now know what's needed to give that room warmth and interest – a flokati! Yet another reason why you'll be taken by the extraordinary beauty of a flokati area rug is that decorators for the most luxurious homes have begun placing them on walls. For some reason, the rugs seem to promote conversation about them, possibly because they are almost irresistible to touch and comment about.
Finally, although a quality flokati rug can be a worthwhile investment, and it's relatively easy to keep clean, it can all come to zero if it falls victim to dirt and grime. If done properly, washing your flokati won't damage it at all. Instead, it will lengthen its life; so, here are some tips for owners: Warning: The following can damage or destroy a flokati's fibers: hot water, chlorine, bleach and dry cleaning. Remember: Washing a flokati rug properly does not damage the rug. It merely enhances the rug's uniquely pleasing quality, look and feel. If you want to leap right in and do some pre-shopping for a flokati rug, I'm sure you'll find the rug that suits your choice in design, material, color, type of weave, and size at the recommended source below.  I can assure you I took great care to select it. It does rank high in customer satisfaction, and has quality rugs in many price ranges, a sure bet they can satisfy their customers' needs.
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