Traditional Area Rugs:
Here to Stay

Traditional area rugs are rugs that have classic looks such as Oriental, Persian, country French, floral, Aubusson and more. Each is available in a variety of colors and constructed using expert techniques, which enables their owners to enjoy them for years to come. These rugs add a more classical look to any room’s traditional decor.

Traditional rugs comprise abundant color palettes ranging from soft tones to rich luxurious color schemes. They can add a look and feel of class to any formal setting, and yet remain suitable in the most casual of rooms.

In addition to accentuating a room’s appearance, an area rug can be big enough to cover a substantial area of the floor, and furnish warmth. Typically, they are used on wooden or tile floors or other hard surfaces. These flooring options are often hard and cold. Traditional area rugs best create a soft surface that is a pleasure for the feet and also warms the floor, holds the heat, and softens the room visually.

Shapes and Sizes

In many Victorian and early American homes, hardwood floors are accented with large rectangular traditional rugs that substantially cover the floor, leaving only a perimeter of the wood floor visible around the room. Colonial and country style homes often incorporate oval or round braided traditional rugs set beneath the kitchen or dining room table and chairs, anchoring them solidly in the center of the room. Often, traditional rugs are set before a fireplace, as well, and these come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Construction and Materials

Many traditional area rugs are hand woven on a loom or hand knotted. Vintage and high end Oriental rugs are still created in this traditional fashion. Colonial America birthed a new type of traditional rug, the rag or braided rug. Braided rugs are typically made from long strips or rags of fabric braided together and then stitched to create a flat surface. Alternately rag rugs may also be woven on a loom using strips of rags and strong thread or fibers.

Depending on the kind of rug, traditional area rugs may be made from wool or camel hair, 100 percent cotton fabric, or other natural fibers. More recently, traditional looking rugs have also been constructed from polyester and other synthetic fiber blends.

Selecting A Rug

When shopping for a traditional area rug for your home, first, look at the style of your home. You want to select a style that is compatible with your home’s style and appearance, in materials and colors that complement your decor.

Second, consider how much wear and tear the rug will receive in the location where you plan to put it. This will help you determine both your budget–how much you want to spend on the area rug in consideration of how soon you anticipate you will need to replace it–and also the materials your rug should be made from.

Some materials are more durable and stain resistant than others. How your traditional rug is constructed and what it is made of will determine both cost and wear ability. In addition, certain rugs will be easier to clean than others.

Finally, measure the room where you will place the area rug to determine the ideal size for your rug. You want the rug to fit the room, and the furniture in the room, appropriately, so that it enhances your decor. For traditional area rugs, it is best to place the furniture in one of two ways.

The first is placement either entirely on the rug, with some of the rug extending out beyond the back edge of the furniture. That would be similar to a placemat used to display and hold your dishes, glasses, and silverware.

On the other hand, if you place the area rug so that the front edges of the furniture are just on the edge of the rug, holding it down, so it does not move and frames the rug, so to speak, it creates a nice, cozy conversation area.

The Sky is the Limit

Traditional area rugs are available in many colors, styles, materials, shapes, sizes, and designs. Really, the sky is the limit! Moreover, with new materials and manufacturing processes, traditional style area rugs are also made in a wide variety of price ranges, so you can find a great area rug for your home or apartment regardless of your budget.

Be sure to assess the needs of your home and family and explore all the great traditional area rug options available. Then, choose the one that matches your personal style and your home’s decor, and don’t forget the mat to go underneath to protect it and extend its wear ability.

If you want to leap right in and do some pre-shopping for traditional rugs, I'm sure you'll find the rug that suits your choice in design, material, color, type of weave, and size at one of the recommended sources below.

I can assure you I took great care to select each one. Each ranks high in customer satisfaction, and they have quality rugs in many price ranges, a sure bet they can satisfy their customers' needs.


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