Most area rugs will have a long, useful life in your home and look great while doing it. There are lots of different ways area rugs can be constructed, and the different construction methods often determine the price range of the rug. There are different combinations of density, twist, and fiber, so read on for a short tutorial.
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One important term when it comes to area rugs is "density." Density is the tightness of the weave, knots, or tufts that make up the rug. The denser the weave, the higher quality the rug is, and therefore, the better it will wear. Area rugs are made of many different types of fiber, including acrylic and natural materials. Natural fibers provide soft, long-lasting performance and soft, pastel tones. Acrylic fibers, while they may not last as long, have easy care and good value, and they often come in bright colors. Area rugs can be crafted by hand or on a machine. Machine-made rugs are made on power looms, either with a person or a computer operating the loom. Computer-operated machines are able to make endless geometric designs and many different sizes and colors of area rugs; all the options have made them a very popular choice for consumers worldwide. |
Handmade area rugs are made in many parts of the world, and rely on traditional weaving methods and styles. They can be knotted, tufted, hooked, looped, or flat-woven. The type of construction does not determine the quality; rather, the intricacy of the design, the fiber, and the density are all important pricing factors. A hand-knotted rug could take more than a year to complete, depending on the size and design. Hand-hooked area rugs are also labor-intensive. Hand-tufted rugs, though, are very plush and easier to make than hand-knotted and hand-hooked rugs, making them a more affordable handmade option. The most affordable of all the handmade rugs are flat-weave area rugs. They are usually made of natural fiber like wool or cotton, do not have a pile, and are fully reversible.
