Natural Rugs that Last
Want to build an eco-friendly home, but don’t have the budget for it? Expert designers suggest starting with small accessories, such as area rugs. You’ve probably noticed that rugs are back in fashion: they’re used in modern living rooms, country homes, and even kitchens and bathrooms. These days, what really sells is the natural area rug—rugs made from natural fibers that offer style, function, and practicality all at the same time. Whether you want to go green or simply want to jazz up your décor, natural area rugs are the way to go.
Natural rugs have come a long way from the flimsy fibers of the old days. Today, many natural materials offer the same quality as their synthetic counterparts, and just as much variety in terms of design. Many of them are also surprisingly sturdy for their price. Although not all of them will give you your money’s worth, you can easily find a good deal if you know where to look. To help you find the best piece for your home, here’s a list of popular natural materials and what they can do for you.
Wool
Probably one of the oldest rug materials, wool has been the gold standard for rug quality since ancient times. Wool area rugs are known to be tough and hard-wearing, but also very soft and comfortable. A well-made, genuine wool rug can easily last several decades and still look like new. It’s no wonder it was considered a luxury back in the day, and was even used as a currency. Today, of course, wool rugs are a lot cheaper to make and come in more affordable varieties to suit any homeowner’s budget.
Another thing that makes wool an ideal material is that it’s very easy to work with. Manufacturers can now make wool rugs in any size, style and color, from elegant oriental designs to simple contemporary ones. You can also choose from hand-woven and hand-knotted pieces to machine-made ones with more precise stitches. No matter what theme or color you want for your home, there’s sure to be a wool rug that fits right in.
Sisal
Sisal is a hemp-like fiber made from the agave plant, a type of cactus with spiky green leaves. Besides sisal area rugs, it’s also used to make rope, paper, wall coverings, and even dartboards. Like wool, it’s also very hard-wearing and durable, but it has a smoother, shinier feel that makes it more suitable for contemporary homes. It’s also very color-safe, which means the colors won’t fade even if you wash it regularly or leave it out in the sun.
Since it’s so durable, sisal hardly needs any treatment to make it ready for use. The low chemical content makes sisal rugs an ideal choice for homes with allergy-prone kids. Even the colored ones are usually made with natural paint, which gets absorbed better and stays longer than synthetic ones. If you want an all-natural rug that gives you the best bang for the buck, sisal should definitely be on your list.
Jute
Jute is a small plant native to China, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The plant’s fibrous stalks yield a soft, shiny fiber that’s almost comparable to organic cotton. Jute area rugs are among the most comfortable in the market, with a smooth, silky feel and a glossy finish that makes it very easy on the feet. Although it’s one of the cheapest rug materials, they don’t fall short in quality: their natural luster and luxurious texture makes them a popular choice even for high-end designers.
Jute is less durable than sisal and wool, although it mostly depends on how well the rug is constructed. The rugs are best used in low-traffic areas such as the bedroom and basement. Avoid putting them in humid areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as the high moisture can easily break down the fibers. Wash them in lukewarm water with mild detergents, and let them dry in the sun for better wear.
Bamboo
This is probably the best-known natural material for area rugs, and for good reason. Cheaper than wool but sturdier than cotton, it offers a good balance between price and quality for the budget-savvy homeowner. Unlike timber, bamboo plants grow extremely fast and are much easier to harvest. That’s why bamboo rugs cost half as much as other materials, although they’re equal in style and quality.
Not all bamboo rugs are made the same, so it’s important to choose a good manufacturer. The Anji Mountain Bamboo Rug Co. Mountain Collection is one of the best lines in the market, with genuine bamboo harvested from the cold Anji Mountains. The frigid climate in this area causes the bamboo to grow more slowly and develop a denser core, which produces a much stronger fiber. With an Anji Mountain rug, you get style and quality for a much better price.
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