Braided rugs were first made in colonial-era New England by homemakers who found a thrifty, yet functional use for their old clothes and blankets. Today’s rugs have come a long way, but retain the colorful charm and character of their historical counterparts. While purchasing or making a braided area rug is a great way to add some personality to your decor, recognizing quality and providing the proper care will ensure a long-lasting addition to your home.
Although these rugs are usually quite durable, it is important to know what to look for before buying one. The more traditional styles use a flat braid, meaning that the strands of fabric are woven together just as if one were braiding hair. This style is the most durable, and is more likely to be either handcrafted or higher quality. The other method is called a tubular braid. To make a tubular rug, pieces of cloth are wrapped around a cord before being sewn together. While this style is much easier to make, it is also harder to maintain. Unfortunately, as the rug begins to wear, strips of fabric may pull away and expose the cord, which forms the basis of the rug. When buying a rug online, check whether it is made of tubular or flat braids – this will save you money in the end.
Caring properly for your round braided rugs will also ensure their long life. Trim any loose threads rather than pulling them out; these threads are what keeps the rug together. Also, make sure to use a hard surface attachment when vacuuming, as this will minimize any risk of pulling threads. If the threads are constantly being pulled out, you will run the risk of ruining your braided rug. Finally, dry clean the rug periodically. Dry cleaning should always be your first choice when deciding on how to care for your rug. The dry cleaning process is much more gentle on any rug and will help to ensure your investment gives you some worthy time on the floor. As an alternative, washing the rug in a washing machine will sometimes work if you run it on a gentle cycle and you use cold water. However, doing this will be entirely at your own risk.
Nowadays, you can find a rug to fit any decor. Braided area rugs are a perfect fit for the living room, while oval braided rugs add some personality to a smaller space. Another place where you might consider using this type of rug is in the bedroom. Many bedrooms have unused space; try placing a round braided rug in the room and see what a difference it makes. One important thing to remember about these floor rugs is that, unless they are very cheap, there will be variations and irregularities in the fabric. This is intended, and desirable because it is what adds true character to any rug.
Decorating a new house, or even an old one, is the perfect time to let your personality show through. A braided rug is not only versatile and durable, but its unique charm hearkens back to old New England. If your looking to add some character to a room back from the days when people use to grow their own food, a braided area rug will certainly do that. Its hard to find decor items today that can bring so much depth to a room like an antique rug. Many have a story to tell or maybe even a song to sing. Its up to you to give them life again. Pick the right type of rug, care for it well, and it will look beautiful in your home for years to come.
No related articles.