Decorating your home may seem like an overwhelming task at times, but knowing where to start is key to transforming your living space into a home that makes you smile whenever you walk in. If you ask any of the top designers where they start when planning a room, they’ll tell you that the floor covering will determine the decor of the space. This is because the rug or carpet is often the most expensive item in the room and it is easier to match the other elements of the room to the rug rather than vice versa.

Nowadays designers are rediscovering antique rugs as a method to decorate interiors. Interior decorators find that the colors, the patina, and the charm of antique rugs & carpets far supersede what is available in the commercial market and that antique rugs are always truly unique and one-of-a-kind. In simple terms, antique rugs are the perfect way to set your home apart from the commercialness of mass-produced decor.

So what is an antique rug and why are they perfect decorating tools? The term antique simply means that the rug is at least 80 years old. Like most anything else rugs that were woven to meet the highest standards when they were made are constructed to stand the test of time. Not only will they be useable (granted they were kept in good condition by the owner — naturally most things of high quality are purchased by people who care about the item so many antique rugs are still in great condition today) but they also transform during their lifetime: the dyes will often take on different hues and become more subdued and beautiful over time. One such occurance of this is called an abrash which is a line or multiple lines in the rug that seem to be a different color. This happens when the weaver uses different batches of wool when weaving a single carpet and is often seen in tribal and nomadic rugs since the weaver may have to weave small amounts at a time as materials become available.

Now that you have established the reasons for decorating with antique rugs you may be wondering what kind of rug to choose and how to go about finding an antique rug. If you are using an interior designer to help you decorate, you want to make sure that that person is familiar with antique rugs and knows a good source for antique carpets. If you are decorating by yourself make sure you can find a good dealer you can trust. A good dealer will not only have a large enough selection for you to find the piece you want, but will also make sure you are 100% satisfied with your purchase from them — they will offer to have you see the rugs on approval meaning letting you keep the rug at your home so that you can see how it looks in the space. They will also take rugs in on trade so that if you decide to upgrade the rug you buy from them or are moving and would like to trade-in a rug for a new space, the dealer will take the rug back for credit towards something else. Most of all you have to feel comfortable purchasing the piece at a price you think is fair.

Antique rugs are so versatile in their designs and colors that you are sure to find the perfect piece for your home. If you are looking for a piece to match the decor you already have established it is best to ask the dealer or designer you are working with to put together a selection for you that you think will work based on the size, colors, and design of your room. Otherwise if you are just starting to design your home, choosing the right rug to set the tone of the room will make further decorating much easier. Either way, antique rugs and carpets are the perfect choice when designing the interior of your home.

The capacity of man to invent and create even in times of distress is truly amazing, in fact, this is how the antique hooked rug was born; from the hands of women who wanted to discover beauty and made extraordinary carpets out of ordinary rags. In those times they were used primarily to decorate humble homes of numerous families with hard-working parents and lots of children. Today they can be found even in the most select houses, as they represent the imagination, skill and craftsmanship of the grassroots American people.

The story of the antique hooked rug starts somewhere at the beginning of the 1800′s, in North America, some say that it was in Maine, out of the desire of women to save money as times were rough, but at the same time to spend their little spare time doing something useful and beautiful. They started to collect strips of disused rags, sturdy yarns or whatever textile material seemed suitable for creating a carpet which could warm the winter freezing floors. The timing couldn’t be better as in the middle of the century, some trade restrictions were abolished so there was a myriad of burlap sacks used to transport all kinds of merchandise like tea, corn, wheat or coffee. This burlap cloth could be easily torn into thin strips that could later be pulled through the back of a large piece of burlap, in order to make tiny loops.

In the beginning there were no patterns or specific designs so women hooked what they saw; animals, flowers, geometric shapes, sometimes even patriotic themes, nonetheless, the result was amazing. These improvisations quickly developed into a form of art, where the only materials needed for the hooked rug were a frame made of four boards and a hook which could be a bent nail or a wooden crochet, sometimes even whale bones which could penetrate the cloth and pull or push the strings.

By the end of the century this newborn art seemed to have had a very short life as factory-made carpets became ever more popular, however the 20′s and 30′s saw a revival of this folk way of expression. The majority of the so very fashionable clothes in pale tones which were all the rage at the turn of the century ended up a few decades later in exquisitely designed folk hooked rugs. Again, the timing couldn’t be better as the Depression era started to leave marks on the financial possibilities of middle-class families and these cheap but gorgeous hooked rugs were the perfect compromise.

The antique hooked rug is now revered as a slice of American history and because of it’s charm and vintage aspect, is worth much more than their creators could ever dream of. These pieces of art which were derived from poverty and necessity are sold along with other antiquities at high prices. Time has proved that they are also durable and sturdy, however, there are few chances that you will ever find an antique hooked rug laid on the floor in the 21st century as their value demands that you will most certainly find them hanging on the wall.

The carpets you choose for a room will define and showcase it in more ways than you can imagine. Choose wisely, and a large area rug, period wall-to-wall carpet, or series of rugs will successfully anchor the room, allowing all the other furnishings to fall neatly into place.

Interior designers often direct their clients to start with the floor, and for good reason. Any decoration you choose for a room will be affected by the floor covering remember, the floor has more square footage than any given wall. While the period of your house and or the style of your furniture can suggest a few logical starting points, the extraordinary variety of patterns and colors available in reproduction (not to mention new, period-friendly designs) makes for an overwhelming quantity of choice.

The rug styles you select for an older home can vary and be eclectic as long as they have an aged quality that unifies them. If you do not have the budget for an antique rug, the antique quality can be implied by the color or texture of the rug. Select a rug with muted colors, or one with a fringe that is tea-stained rather than pure white.

In addition to looking for rugs with an aged quality, choose a common color or pattern element for all the carpets used throughout the house. The balance of color or pattern in each rug can differ, but still works to draw them together. Layering styles and patterns works to give an accumulated over time look, a sense of history that is more appropriate for a period home.

Before you begin your search, calculate the size of the rug you need. Determine the border of one of your main furniture groupings, and then extend the rug at least a foot beyond that on all sides so that it defines that area, but doesn’t feel tight.

The correct size of area rugs is very significant to the overall feel of a room. They define the space, making a subconscious division. So always go bigger: you don’t want to create subliminal walls within a room.

The next step is to ascertain a color palette, whether based on existing artwork or furniture or simply colors that you love. Your colors should relate. If, for example, your upholstery is mostly blue, make certain that there is some blue in the rug so that it complements but does not match, acting as an accent.

Similarly, if you put two rugs in a room, both of which have some red in the pattern, you would want that color to appear in different proportions in each. Color value also comes into play. If you have darker upholstered furnishings, then you want the rug to be lighter so that it stands out and doesn’t blend in.

Alternatively, if your furniture is lighter in color, you should go darker. Its about contrast, creating separation, layering. Take the carpet samples home to look at with your belongings in night light as well as daylight. View the carpet in natural daylight and in the light in the space where you plan to use the color. The larger the sample, the easier it will be for you to make a decision.

Pay attention to scale and pattern, too. Its all about balance. If your sofa and chairs have a small, tightly patterned floral, then go with a larger pattern on the floor, and vice versa. Striped and solid color upholstery gives greater flexibility when it comes to smaller, busier rug patterns.

The beauty and longevity of carpet depends on the care and treatment it is given. According to the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI), quality carpet that is well maintained should last 10-15 years.

Besides the obvious aesthetics of keeping your carpet clean, there are three primary reasons you should properly maintain your carpets:

Healthier Indoor Air Environment – Carpet plays an important role as an air filter or a sink that traps soil, dust, pollen, animal dander, and other pollutants.  This is a good thing because it helps keep them out of the breathing zone where they may cause health problems. Regular weekly vacuuming with a good quality vacuum cleaner and an annual deep down carpet cleaning by a professional quality cleaning company (carpet cleaner) can remove those contaminants so the indoor air we breathe will be healthier.  You can also help improve your home’s indoor air quality by going to this link IAQ – SearsClean Prolong the Life of Your Carpet – The biggest enemy of your carpet is dirt, oil, grease, spills, and other contaminants left in the carpet.  Without regular removal, this soil when walked upon will grind and abrade the carpet fibers leaving them dull and shortening the useful life.  For more information on carpet cleaning, click here www.SearsClean.com Maintains the Carpet Warranty – Most carpet manufacturers wear or appearance warranties require that the carpet be professionally cleaned using a certified hot water extraction cleaning process every 12 to18 months.    

Cleaning and maintaining the right way is easier than you think. All it takes is a little knowledge about how to select the right carpet cleaning company, the proper cleaning products and the right way to clean your carpet. There are many carpet cleaning companies to choose from, but not all of them use the correct method of cleaning carpet and upholstery or use the proper cleaning agents that are safe for your carpet as well as safe for kids and pets. The Sears two – step carpet cleaning process is recommended by America’s largest carpet manufacturer. Furthermore, Sears carpet cleaning solutions are environmentally friendly and safe for kids and pets.

The CRI Seal of Approval program helps you easily identify effective carpet cleaning solutions, equipment and service providers that clean carpet right the first time. It is best to choose a company that has earned the CRI’s Gold Seal of Approval (highest possible rating). Sears was the first company to have its entire cleaning process awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by the CRI.

Carpets are always been in style and considered as pieces of decoration as well as true picture of your taste and traditions. Decorating your floors with carpets, rugs and mats in always a fashion and your unique choice makes it more valuable. There is a huge variety of carpets but antique carpets have their own glamour. Antique carpets and rugs are not just pieces of decoration but they really represent your taste and cultural.

Antique carpets are simply the best. The unique colors and designs are marvelous and depict a true picture of tradition. A beautiful weaving of antique carpets, show historical fusion with modern colors. They have more artistic style as they are woven by hand. They are a bit expensive due to their hand woven quality. Antique carpets of countries like China, Persia, Afghanistan, turkey and India are very popular. The different styles of antique carpets have different names. These are Agra carpets, Samarkand carpets, Chinese carpets, Tabriz carpets and Sultanabad carpets. These are specifically Asian carpets. Some famous European styles are ax minister carpets, Cuenca carpets, English pile, savonnerie carpets, and Bessarabia carpets.

If someone really wants to add glamour to its floors with tradition and cultural esteem he can go for the antique carpets. The people who are fond of antique designs and unique pieces of art do not care for the cost; they are ready to pay any cost for them. But before buying an antique carpet you should recognize the quality of the carpet. Always go for that carpet which is durable and fine in texture plus having classy antique design.

Today’s interior designers and moving away from have fitted carpets and opting for clean lines and practical flooring alternatives which suit modern lifestyles.

Originally the concept of having fitted carpets was used to help keep homes warm and reduce draughts from coming up through floor boards and whilst many homes still prefer this style of flooring, the trends for clean lines and clean homes is seeing the trend move back in time with stripped floorboards, laminate or tiled flooring being the most fashionable alternatives.

Homes are far better insulated than they were in the past with the introduction of central heating and double glazing in the majority of new homes the need to preserve heat being lost through the floorings is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Many modern and contemporary homes also have under floor heating which enables a wide variety of different flooring to be used whilst still retaining heat.

Sleek, clean lines and easy cleaning are foremost in many people’s minds as they move away from the days when homes took all week to keep clean, and whilst this is still a necessity the ease and speed of completing housework enables people to spend more relaxation and leisure time that hours scrubbing homes!

People from other countries such as France, Germany and Sweden actually find it most bizarre that homes in the UK have fitted carpets, especially in the bathroom! They consider this to be unhygienic for obvious reasons, as tiled floors are far easier to keep scrupulously clean than carpets. In the UK people are also beginning to realise that bathroom carpets are not very practical and are opting for tiles or laminate flooring with a bath mat or rug to step onto. Old fashioned bathroom ‘sets’ comprising of a bath mat, pedestal and toilet mat continue to be popular as these can quite simply be laundered.

Of course this does not mean that every room in your home should be completely devoid of any style of carpeting, rugs are a great way to make a room feel warm and inviting. They are also a cost effective method of flooring which can be changed and swapped around to meet the needs of each person’s interior design style and theme.

Lounges can look stunning with a brightly coloured patterned or plain rug used under a coffee table or in front of a fireplace, whilst dining areas often include a large rug placed under the table and chairs. These placements of rugs may appear to somewhat defeat the object of keeping homes clean as they are used in areas which are most likely to suffer spills and food crumbs, however, as they are easy to maintain they are used with great affect and bring cohesion and create a warming atmosphere to a home.

In the bedroom designers are using a large rug placed just under the bottom third of the bed, rather than the more traditional rugs placed either side of a double bed! This produces a modern look to your interior without having completely bare flooring. With the wide ranges of colours, patterns and styles available having cheap rugs in your home is a cost effective and very practical way of creating stunning interiors which are easy to maintain.

Even though the carpets, rugs and upholstery increase the sophistication and beauty of the room, they may be a home to bugs, stains, dirt, grit, sand, and allergens which are dangerous for the health of you and your family. One of the most common problems with carpets, rugs, in your home is their ability to trap and collect allergens, bugs and pet odors. This causes an unhealthy environment and recirculation throughout your living space. So, they require regular and thorough cleaning. Carpets cleaning ensure their cleanliness and extend their lifespan.

To keep your family and friends and pets healthy and to maintain the elegance and sophistication of your room, it’s vital to have the rugs, carpets and upholstery professionally cleaned on a regular basis. You can clean them yourself and they may even look clean from outside, but there still remain bugs, stains and dirt which are not visible, but may cause immense harm. Professional Rug Cleaning is safe for you, your children, and your pets.

Therefore, it becomes vital to take the assistance of professional cleaners. You just have to select the carpet and rug care professionals that best meet your needs and schedule the service you require. With regular professional cleaning, it’s easy to trace and remove all odors, bugs and allergens ensuring your home a fresh, clean and allergen-free environment. Professional cleaners are experts and can help in extending the longevity of your rug significantly.

Choosing the perfect carpet cleaners is crucial as the health of your family depends on it. By selecting an expert cleaner you can rest assured as they will furnish powerful but gentle cleaning with special care. They are able to detect all stains and provide you a full evaluation of the results. You can be tension free as they are able to remove toughest stains and dirt leaving you with clean carpets and upholstery. With the assistance of the professional cleaners, your carpets, rugs and upholstery can breath free of any dirt, sand or bugs and are able to derive a new life.

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Varanasi is also recognized the world over as a hub of Carpet industry. The Varanasi-Bhadohi-Mirzapur belt of this region has been home to traditional carpet weavers who produce some of the most exotic carpets,rugs and durries renowned globally for their quality and magnificent artwork.The carpet trade from this region had been going on for centuries and carpets from this belt are exported to almost all the countries of the world.Bhadohi, a small town about 45 kms from Varanasi is the center of Carpet trade and has some of the oldest and largest carpet manufacturing units.Historical evidence shows that the Banaras weaving industry reached its peak during the Mughal period, due to the patronage of mighty Mughal emperors such as Akbar.
Influeneced by the popular Persian culture, the Mughal dynasty set up carpet weaving centers that churned our Persian-inspired weavings as well as classic Mogul carpets featuring realistic floral and pictorial renditions.Now the carpet belt of this region near Varanasi is one of the key centers that produce both pile and flat-woven rugs available in an impressive range of qualities, designs, colorations, and sizes. The Bhadohi weavers have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to ever-changing Western decorative tastes while recreating Persian rug designs at increasingly higher quality standards. Moreover, their rugs are produced in an impressive range of qualities averaging from approximately 85 to 150 knots per square inch. Some of the weavers’ dexterity is such that they are even able to produce carpets with over 300 knots per square inch. Most popular in the last decade have been wool dhurries, now mainly characterized by floral designs in an array of fashionable colorations including pastels and more vibrant hues.

The main area where one can look for carpets and handloom products in Varansi is the ‘Chowk’ area and Godowlia and Thatheri Bazaar.AroundVaranasi also offers its clients special shopping trips which will take them to some of the most dependable and reputed shopping centers in Varanasi for carpets and handlooms.write to us at aroundvaranasi@gmail.com

Bhadohi near Varansi is the current manufacturing hub where there are both small and large units churning out some of the most incredible carpets and rugs.Here you can find cotton durries,Chapra Mir Carpet,Loribaft,Indo-gabbah,nepalese carpets and shaggy type carpets.There are estimated to be around 90000 weavers in this region and about 90 percent of the products are exported to foreign countries.

It is only fair that when you travel to Varanasi, you should get one of these magnificent carpets. You are likely to get a good deal at some of the reputed shops.And, it sure can be a great gift for your friends and family back home.