Area Rugs Blog

DECORATING WITH A BLACK AREA RUG

When it comes to choosing a color for your rug some people find it a daunting task while others respond to it as being not that big of an issue. Most often by the time it comes to picking out a rug they have run out of enthusiasm and sometimes money and will end up buying the first one they come across. In these cases as in many others, the black area rug may be the ideal solution.

Also, remember the shape of the rug will give a totally different appearance as well. You may feel that a square black area rug will not be fitting for the room, but try to visualize what a round or oval black area rug would look like. It may make a total difference to how you perceive the color black.

With home decorating there are so many decisions to be made. Choosing the rug color is one of them and in order to get the color that is most suited depends on many factors. To begin with, do you want to go with a solid color such as a black area rug or do you want something with a pattern or even just a blend of colors?

As hard as it may seem to believe most often choosing the carpet colors after the decorating has been done is easier then trying to plan the decor around the rug itself.

A black area rug can be the ideal solution for many decorating problems but there are some things you must keep in mind when using a black area rug, which we will discuss.

If you have a room that you have used a lot of different colors in even if its earth tones then you have to be very careful with the colors in your rug. If you have a predominant color that overshadows the room and you go too strong with this in the rug then the color itself will overpower the room and downplay the other items such as furniture and accessories. In this type of situation, a simple black area rug will certainly suit the purpose. Again though it will depend on the size of the room, how it is decorated and the placement of the black area rug.

Some people feel that a plain black area rug has no character. When it is used correctly, it has the capability of making a room look simply elegant. For the multi colored rooms, it doesn’t interfere with the decor but adds warmth to the room.

Then the other side of the coin is the room that has basically no major color and the color is only provided by accents. Starting with a totally white room and perhaps a heavy reliance on chrome type furniture opens the door to utilize a black area rug to make this room a showroom of good taste. In this type of decorating, it is more pleasing if just one other color is used to accent the black area rug. For example, the walls could be white. The furniture ultra modern in the chromes and white leather. The floor with the black area rug then shades of red or even one vibrant shade of red for the accents such as the pillows and other accessories such as the drapes or window coverings. This gives the perception of a very high quality clean prestigious look.

Also, remember the shape of the rug will give a totally different appearance as well. You may feel that a square black area rug will not be fitting for the room, but try to visualize what a round or oval black area rug would look like. It may make a total difference to how you perceive the color black.

Sometimes black area rugs get a bad name because they are considered high maintenance. This is true but only depending on where they are used. If you are going to use them in the main traffic areas of your home or in the kids’ rooms then yes, you are going to be spending a lot of time vacuuming and cleaning them. In a room where their isn’t major traffic they are actually quite easy to maintain and require no more work than any other rug you might use.

Keep in mind the size of the plush to the black area rug as well as the thickness of the plush gives various types of unique looks. Small pile may not be all that attractive for the area but a thick plush black area rug may be magnificent.

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June 12th, 2009 | Tags: area rug, Area Rugs, black, rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment

WHY AND HOW TO DECORATE WITH ROUND AREA RUGS

We all know the basics of using rugs not only for specific functions but for decor as well. Interestingly enough most of the emphasis is put on color as opposed to style or shape even if there is some room for flexibility. Most often, the possibility of using a round rug is not really considered. In the recent past though round rugs are starting to take their rightful position in the home fashion decor.

The possibilities of using a round rug to really enhance your decor are almost endless. Click on the image to see Contemporary rugs (including Round Rugs) by Foreign Accents.

Once you have tried a round rug you are no doubt going to be very pleased with the new look it brings to the area of use. Now of course it takes a certain amount of space to be able to utilize a round rug properly. It doesn’t do them justice to try and squeeze them into a small area. You need to be able to lay the round rug out so it lays perfectly flat and round, the way it was designed to.

Another fallacy is that people don’t realize that a round rug will work in just about any shape room. It can be a square or rectangular or even a round room such as a foyer for example.

The pattern and material that your round rug is made of will also have to be something that you factor in. As an example, let’s assume that your room isn’t all that big, but it will accommodate a round rug quite nicely. You don’t want a glaring bold colored round rug that is going to be overbearing. If you had a large room and were going to use a medium sized round rug then yes you could go that route.

There are two effects you can get with a round rug. First, you can use it on a bare floor where you will get one type of look, and then you can use it as an overlay on an existing carpet. I personally find that unless you have a big floor area a round rug is far more impressive as an overlay. Now this brings you to another choice. If you are going to use the round rug as an overlay, you have to consider the carpet it is going to be laid on. If that carpet is a solid color then you can choose any pattern that will fit in with the scheme of your room. If on the other hand the carpet is a pattern or multicolor then you would be better to stick with a solid color round rug, otherwise the patterns and colors may clash.

You can also get some spectacular effects with the round rug if you use then to set up the illusion of a room within a room. Let’s say you have a large living room with a fireplace. Then by placing a round rug in front of the fireplace with some cozy chairs beside it you have created a room within a room. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, you can take one corner of the room put an easy chair, small side table and lamp. Then place a small round rug in front of the chair. Again, you have created the illusion of a room within a room.

The material you choose for your round rug is going to depend on a few factors. If you are using it as an overlay and your carpet is a low pile then you may want to consider a high pile round rug to give some contrast. If the carpet is a high pile then you should stick with a high pile round carpet as well. In this particular case, a low pile would look like the round carpet didn’t belong or was part of the decor.

The possibilities of using a round rug to really enhance your decor are almost endless. In a dining room, a large round rug with a smaller round dining room table on it looks magnificent. Make sure the chairs sit comfortably on the rug as well.

In the bathroom, as soon as you lay the round rug, which is usually a smaller size, it automatically adds elegance to the room regardless of the theme.

We can’t talk about round area rugs without mentioning these two brands; Karastan and Sphinx Rug. They offer you a variety style from traditional to contemporary. So be sure to check them out. As always, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about rugs including the round ones.

regards,

Tina (design consultant)

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June 8th, 2009 | Tags: Area Rugs, Foreign Accents, karastan, round rug, Round Rugs, rug, rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment

BRAND REVIEW

Karastan is one of the finest rugs and carpet manufacturers in existence. This is the case for many reasons but most of their success is due to their credibility, which is accounted for by their experience. This company has been in business since 1928 and still going strong. Obviously, they must be doing something right and meeting the needs of the public.

They manufacture both rugs and carpets. This perhaps can be confusing to some individuals as to really what the difference is between the two. Actually, it is usually the size that distinguishes the two. The term “carpet” is normally used for wall-to-wall, and most often according to industry standards less than 40 square feet is considered a rug.

Don’t think that because Karastan has been in business for so many years that they have become stale in their concept of what rugs and carpets should consist of. Of course, they are never going to jeopardize their quality but they also know they must keep up with fashion and trends. They have no difficulty filling these tasks. They are consistently offering new and exciting colors, new fibers and innovative ways of utilizing those fibers getting the best from them that they have to offer.

Karastan offers some of the most beautiful and timeless Persian designs in today's hottest colors.

Karastan also believes in the importance of the preservation of the environment. This is fast becoming an issue of the general public in these modern times. Karastan is committed to their research for materials and manufacturing of their products that are not going to harm the environment during their entirety or use materials that are going to deplete the environment in any way.

There is going to be no lack of choices when it comes to their carpets and area rugs. They even have a great selection of runners as well.

One of the most important aspects of any rug of course is the materials used to make it. This is partly what gives it its quality. In the case of Karastan wools, you can be assured that you are only getting the very highest quality of wool used throughout their products. Another very strong attribute of Karastan is that they monitor every rug or carpet they make from the very beginning to the end when it ready to go to your home. There is no room for error here when it comes to craftsmanship.

You won’t have to worry about being restricted to simple rectangular rugs either as they have rounds as well and of course runners. Then you will have to consider the style you want as well as the pattern. Do you want animal prints, casual or perhaps floral? These are just a few of the many choices awaiting for you at Karastan.

There are numerous collections offered by Karastan. Making decisions as to what you really want is really quite simple because of the way that each rug and carpet is categorized.

How can one talk about Karastan and not mention the gorgeous Plum Blossom in Studio Artworks? The Plum Blossom is one of the twelve series of Karastan artworks area rugs collections, and their distinctive, exotically antique look give them a special place in the mind of the buyers and rug lovers everywhere.

The work of finding the perfect place to purchase your rug is already done once you have seen the Karastan rugs at Area Rugs Club. What is left is for you to identify your requirements so you know what it is you require and want. Once you have measured the area you want to cover and selected the colors you like to have, just browse the entire collection in just a few minutes to find your dream rug.

Incidentally, if you are concerned about just how durable the Karastan rugs and carpets really are going to be then just check out their various and impressive warranties. No company is going to stand behind their area rugs to this extent if they were not absolutely positive of the durability and performance of their products as Karastan does.

* Karastan Sale is here again and you can save up to 50% OFF if you hurry. The sale will end on 5/31. Additionally you will receive a free American Express gift card with all orders of $399 and up.

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May 24th, 2009 | Tags: Area Rugs, Artworks, karastan, karastan plum blossom, karastan rugs, Karastan Sale, rug, rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment

The “Kids Rugs” page is up finally! We like the outcome, especially when we were able to make a quick Youtube video to go with it! Rugs believed by many, is soul of the room. Why not help the little ones nurish a happy, creative soul by getting them one of these lovely rugs? Our area rugs selection includes the brand spanking new collections by Momeni: Lil Mo Whimsy, Lil Mo Classic and of course Lil Mo Hipster.

We all want something practical and comfortable which also looks good. We have put together a beautiful collection of designs suitable for almost any girl, boy, from baby to tween/teen.

cheers!
James (Sales)

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May 19th, 2009 | Tags: Area Rugs, kid, kids rugs, rug, rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment

LEARN ABOUT ANTIQUE RUGS BEFORE BUYING ONE

When buying rugs some people prefer to buy an antique rug because of its history, faded and unique design inherent in handmade antique rugs. Beware, some dishonest dealers might try to convince you that a rug is an authentic, handmade antique. You should educate yourself first through books and online resources such as search on Google to watch for ways to spot a fake antique oriental rug from a real one. Learn about antique rugs and ways to discover the value and authenticity of a rug before you purchase it. One place we highly recommend is RugRag.com where you can find a wealth of information about oriental rugs.

Blow-Torching method used on a new wool rug (before wash) to achieve an antique look.

If you enjoy the aged, antique look of a rug but prefer not to pay an arm and a leg for it, you may look into one of high quality machine made rugs from Karastan. TeaWash™ is a unique finishing process invented by Karastan and used on rugs, see the famous Karastan Samovar Collection. This multi-step technique transforms wool colors from a lustrous into a vintage patina, giving rugs a faded appearance that usually only comes with age.

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May 13th, 2009 | Tags: Antique Rugs, area rug, karastan, rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment

So really, what makes Momeni area rugs so special? It is mostly due to their superior workmanship that is combined with superior materials and great color palettes which all leads to quality area rugs. Fortunately, for those in line for an area rug you can count on the Momeni line. It all started years ago when Haji Momeni began to introduce Persian carpets to America. Not only is their quality recognized by those that have the pleasure of owning a Momeni rug but they are well recognized within the carpet industry as well. Multiple times Momeni has been the recipient of the America’s Magnificent Carpet Award.

One only has to look at a Momeni rug to understand the talent and craftsmanship that is a priority in not just a few of the Momeni collections but in all of them.

Another very special feature about the Momeni rugs that is shared by only a few other top brands such as Karastan and Safavieh, is the versatility in choice being as they have many major lines to choose from. Each possessing their own uniqueness and characteristics.

For colors that are unobtrusive but speak of richness and quality, then the Agra Collection would be a good choice. One always speaks of the distinct look in the Agra collection and the reason behind this is the light tea wash each rug is subjected to. If one is looking for a rug that will fit in with the antique décor then this has to be one of the best choices.  When it comes to patterns, the inspiration behind these is the Heriz designs, consisting of tribal patterns. The quality of these rugs is accredited to the 100% New Zealand wool combined with the hand-tufted techniques of India.

Aside from the antique taste in rugs, many prefer a motif pattern. All it takes is one to peruse the Momeni Allure Collection and they will find a wide choice of contemporary as well as tradition designs. Each and every rug in this collection is hand finished and is 100% viscose.

For rugs that speak of history and culture then the Chambord Collection should be of interest. Their unique designs are inspired by empires that were scattered throughout Europe and the Middle East. A very significant fact about this Momeni collection is that they are completely reversible which is almost like getting two carpets for the price of one.

If Contemporary is your cup of tea, look no farther. Momeni New Wave Collection is well known and is selling like hot cake! With just one look this collection, you will know why.
Being probably the most popular collection made of tufted wool yarn rugs, it reflects the colors, patterns and shades from Vienna Secession of 1910-1920s, 1930s Art Deco movement, Abstract Expressionism of 1950s and contemporary geometrical designs in vibrant hues and shades.

It is of no value to speak of the wonderful patterns without fully understanding that every single type of material used by Momeni has to be of the highest quality.

Although these are but a few of Momeni collections one needs to stop and speak of the durability of these fine pieces of work. It is of no value to speak of the wonderful patterns without fully understanding that every single type of material used by Momeni has to be of the highest quality or it is just not acceptable for a Momeni rug.

To speak of the workmanship that goes into these rugs is really not a necessity because one only has to look at a Momeni rug to fully understand the talent and craftsmanship that is a priority in not just a few of the Momeni collections but in all of them.

Up until now, we have talked about the exquisite collection that sets the tone of elegance for any room they find themselves in. To take a bit of a different route we need to mention the Coastal Collection of Momeni. They are fun to look at and most definitely set a light and airy mood for whatever room they are found in. They are a hand hooked array of palm trees and tropical fish. There really isn’t a room that one would not enjoying seeing one of the Coastal Collections.

It is most difficult to choose which one of the many Momeni rugs to speak about. It is even more difficult when it comes time to choosing the one, which is right for your home. Unlike other carpet lines, there are multiple choices for almost any requirement you have for your home décor. If it’s something unique you are looking for, then Momeni has a wide selection of the unique rugs. A good example of this is the Peshawar rugs found in the Sutton Collection. It’s a unique blend of the old world with the new. To own one of these quality wool rugs can only speak of your elegant taste.

I hope you enjoyed this review.

James B (Sales)

PS: Don’t miss the Momeni May Promotion going on at Area Rugs Club right now! Take 20% OFF selected collections. Click here to start shopping.

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May 12th, 2009 | Tags: Area Rugs, karastan, momeni, Momeni New Wave, Momeni Rug, momeni rugs, rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment

KARASTAN RUGS ADD ECO-FRIENDLY TO GREENSPIRATION HOME

GREENSBORO, NC, April 15, 2009 - Greenspiration Home, a showcase home for modern eco-friendly building practices in Greensboro, NC prefered the rugs to be locally manufactured and be at harmony with an established palette of earth-inspired colors. Karastan was, naturally, a perfect choice.

As serene and tranquil as a summer sky, Karastan's Sereno pattern combines elements from an early 20th century Sultanabad carpet in a flowing arrangement that settles gently into the subtle ombre of the cerulean blue ground.

Beautiful Karastan rugs, four of them, are featured in the Greenspiration Home, which was open to visitors during the High Point Market in April. Here are the four area rugs showcased:

From the Original Karastan collection:
Sereno graces the dining room with a serene composition of rosettes, palmettes and flowering vines, on a cerulean blue ground with accents of peridot, amber and citrine. The design of this rug was inspired by an early 20th century Sultanabad carpet.

From the Ashara collection:
Ravenna, a classic sensibility with an updated color scheme in the family room. Accented in distinctive shades of amber, putty, maize and cherry red, its exotic, large-scale motifs “pop” against an open, rich brown background. Its airy design complements both traditional and more modern decors.

From the Sierra Mar collection:
Capri–Maize, provides a lovely foundation for the master bedroom. A relaxed study in cream and maize with taupe and garnet accents, the rug also features yarns that have been specially twisted and space-dyed to create unique color “stria” reminiscent of fine hand-woven Peshawar rugs from Pakistan and India.

From the Shapura collection:

Athena, which also draws inspiration from Peshawar rugs, outfits the home office. Its autumnal palette and distinctive design establish a luxurious ambience for this cozy workspace.

All these area rugs are woven in nearby Eden, NC, of 100% high quality New Zealand wool, a renewable resource produced using farming techniques that carefully preserve the health and beauty of the land for future generations.

“Given Karastan’s ongoing dedication to sustainability, we’re thrilled to be part of the Greenspiration Home project, which demonstrates that a true commitment to green living is increasingly within everyone’s reach,” said Connie Berry, director of marketing at Karastan. “Our rugs artfully exemplify that being environmentally friendly and beautiful are not mutually exclusive, an idea that is fundamental to the mission of the Greenspiration Home.”

Greenspiration Home owner Trish Holder agrees, writing in her online notes about the project, “Karastan takes sustainability seriously. Wool is naturally durable (and stain resistant!). Thanks to Karastan, we have successfully found beautiful, eco-friendly and local area rugs to help warm up nearly 3000 square feet of wood floors.”

All the Karastan rugs in the Greespiration Home are Axminster woven rugs, which perform beautifully for 20–30 years or longer. Since the weave of a Karastan Axminster rug is inherently strong, the need for a secondary backing is eliminated in most Karastan woven rugs which saves the energy and raw materials required to produce a typical latex backing. Wool is not only has renewable and biodegradable qualities, it is naturally resistant to dirt and soiling and it is fire retardant. ISO 14001 companies make environmentalism a priority and constantly strive to find better and more efficient ways of meeting their eco-goals. Karastan’s rug manufacturing plant in Eden, NC, is an ISO 14001 certified facility. Karastan strives to continue to create magnificent rugs while considering our planet’s much needed care and help preserving its beauty and health for future generations.

Don’t miss Karastan Sale at Area Rugs Club!

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April 17th, 2009 | Tags: Area Rugs, karastan, karastan rugs, Karastan Sale, rugs | Category: Area Rugs, In the News | Leave a comment

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WAR RUGS

The war rug culture of Afghanistan has its origins from the time of Russian (former USSR) occupation of Afghanistan from 1979, and has continued through the continuous military, political and social conflicts. Afghan rug-weavers began designing the war rugs almost immediately after the Russians invaded their country.

As a form of protest Afghan women began weaving these rugs featuring different aspects of the war. They used these woven blogs, if you will, to pass on their stories to the world and future generations.

War rugs are traditional Persian or Oriental rugs depicting war related images, such as helicopters, tanks, guns, etc. They come from, primarily, Afghanistan and were first woven around 1979. However, some would rightfully argue that original “war rugs” are old Persian rugs depicting the battles with men on horseback and swords. Yes, the war rugs’ designs change accordingly with war weapons of the time.

These area rugs are also made of traditional fibers such as wool, silk and cotton. They have intricate designs, bright patterns with bold colors.

At first glance they look like the area rugs woven for hundreds of years by the tribal peoples of Afghanistan. But instead of traditional motifs such as floral patterns, abstract designs, these rugs feature tanks, helicopters, jets, hand grenades and AK-47 assault rifles.

Men on horseback with swords in their hand had been the nearest significant image relating to the war found on tribal rugs. But the invasion by the Russians gave Afghans an abrupt familiarity to modern warfare. As Afghan men went to the battlefield to fight, women (for nearly all rugs are woven by women) began weaving these area rugs. Due to the total chaos and downfall of the socio-economic conditions, and also due to the violence faced in their daily lives, the women were confined to their houses. As a form of protest they began weaving these rugs featuring different aspects of the war and started one of the first woven blogs, if you will, to pass on their stories to the world and future generations.

Initially the patterns and images were subdued and hidden. But as the war progressed, the patterns became bold and the designs more distinguished. One could easily identify particular guns such as AK-47s, Kalashnikov rifles, and automatic pistols.

The war rugs’ modern form shows the collapse of the World Trade Center, and many Americans find it depressing. After 9/11, Afghan weavers began to depict the attacks with minute precision.

Although the first war rugs that came into the market did not find any popularity among the collectors, presently they have become more acceptable and popular due to their traditional color combination, fine weaving and historical details.

External Source: Oriental Rugs

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April 16th, 2009 | Tags: Afghan Women, Area Rugs, rugs, War Rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment

DEFINING TRANSITIONAL RUGS

Transitional area rugs stand between traditional and contemporary rugs and boldly encompass the two. Unlike contemporary rugs, their designs are evidently classical, but unlike traditional area rugs, designs acquire new meaning through usage of bold colors and sharper lines and styles. The transitional area rug encompasses a large array of designs, motifs and styles. They are a good blend of the ancient and the modern, the traditional and the contemporary, and herein lies the special appeal of transitional area rugs. They provide original interpretations of floral and classic designs and when combined with modern senses of color and motifs they provide unique accents to your room.

Transitional rugs integrate the floral and botanical patterns of a good old traditional rug with bold lines and colors of impressionistic art, giving us the best of both worlds.

Consider a room in a traditional home that has or seeks to have modern furniture; a transitional area rug easily pulls together all the design elements of that multi-hued room and seamlessly gives it a sense of style that is neither ancient nor modern but a perfect blend of the best of the two. In such a scenario, neither an ancient rug from Persia nor a contemporary rug from Andy Warhol collection would have done the job; only a perfect blend of these two worlds, the transitional area rug, can truly and simply bring the two design elements of such a room together.

Floral and botanical patterns are good examples of transitional area rug elements. These were the chief elements of traditional designs, and, being too directly beautiful and realistic, therefore not falling within the concepts of impressionism, are conspicuously absent in contemporary artwork.  Yet transitional rugs integrate the floral and botanical patterns of a good old traditional rug with bold lines and colors of impressionistic art, giving us the best of both worlds.  Some of the best of such designs are to be found in Sphinx Generations collection and in the Soho collection by Safavieh.

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March 20th, 2009 | Tags: Andy Warhol Collection, Area Rugs, Artworks, Contemporary Rugs, rugs, safavieh, Soho Collection, Sphinx Generations, Traditional Area Rug, Transitional Area Rugs | Category: Area Rugs | Leave a comment