Home and Garden Wisdom » Flooring, Rugs And Carpets

Basic Area Rug Hooking

John — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:26:09 +0000

Hooked wool area rugs became popular in the middle of the 19th century when burlap and machine-made cloth were first available in the United States. The early designs were home-drawn with charm and originality and have since become prized works of art. The most cherished rugs were often made of scraps richly textured with creative and varied colors.

Once printed patterns and chemical dyes became available for home use in the 1860’s, rug makers began to create more realistic designs using finely cut strips and many graduations of color. It wasn’t uncommon for a single flower to have ten different shades. These rugs may have lacked the expressiveness of earlier works, but were, nonetheless, crafted with enviable skill.

Preparing the Backing

While a few early rugs were backed with linen, burlap became the traditional and most popular backing material. Much of the early burlap came from empty grain sacks and if you have no other source, you could consider this for a small project. However, the burlap sold by rug-hooking equipment suppliers is much more durable, wears longer, and has evenly spaced holes for easier hooking. Before making a purchase, hold the cloth up to a light to make sure there are no broken threads that could cause a gap in your rug. Another durable backing is Monk’s cloth. However, its softness makes it difficult for beginners to use.

Choosing and Preparing Your Fabric

Hooked large area rugs are an excellent way to recycle torn or damaged woolen clothing and blankets. Medium weight, tightly woven fabrics, such as flannels, are easiest to hook. Once you’ve become an expert, you’ll be able to use different weights and weaves to produce a variety of textures.

You should collect all-wool fabrics. They wear best and are resistant to soiling. To prepare cloth for hooking, remove linens, facings, and other non-wool parts. Wash the remaining woolen material in warm water and detergent. It’s best to wash even new or freshly dry-cleaned woolens in order to shrink them and tighten their weave.

After washing, remove seams, button holes, and other stitching and discard any parts of the material (such as knees or elbows) that have worn very thin. If you wish, you can even dye your material. Tweeds and plaids can be lightly over dyed (tinted) with a single color to impart a unifying cast to them. Bright colors can be toned down by dyeing with a contemporary hue. For example, red cloth dyed green becomes a mellow brown.

After washing and dyeing, the fabric must be cut into strips that parallel the grain of the weave. To do this, first tear the material into 2 inch widths, then carefully cut these into narrower strips. For medium weight flannels 1/8 inch is usually the right width. Light weight fabrics should be cut a bit wider in order to make a heavy pile that doesn’t pull out of the burlap backing. Heavy fabrics must be cut narrower or they’ll be difficult to pull through the burlap and may strain its threads. If you plan on doing a lot of hooking, you may want to buy a mechanical cutter that can produce many strips at one time and make the job go quicker.

Unexpected Benefits of a Braided Rug

John — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:51:04 +0000

A braided rug is an inexpensive way to liven various areas of your house. Braided area rugs made of wool, cotton or a combination of both are popular for their durability and hassle free maintenance. Hand sewn braided carpet rugs are ideal for regular use without wearing. They are made to last longer than other types. They are available in different colors, sizes and shapes. Hence, it is easy to find area braided carpets and rugs to fit any room size.

Ways to Use A Braided Rug

Conventional oriental rugs might be fashionable, however, the braided variety of rugs are both fashionable and durable. They are useful in bathrooms, kitchen or areas in the house where expensive rugs are unsuited due to high traffic, prone to spills, getting wet and damaged.

A Braided area rug is useful at home or at the office as they protect the floors from dust and scratches. You can also use these rugs in your kid’s play area to protect their delicate toys from falling on the floor and breaking. These rug carpets also work well on a patio or outdoor sitting areas and decks. They can withstand extreme weather conditions and are easy to dry after being wet in rain.

Buying Braided Area Rugs

So, what do you need to consider when buying braided area rugs? Think of heavy traffic areas in the house and the lighting. The prices also vary depending upon handmade or machine-made, synthetic or natural fiber rugs. You might also want to buy the rugs that match your home furnishing and wall colors. Look for good brands such as Capel, Rhody, Colonial Mills and others that are available from below $30.

Thus, a braided rug is a highly versatile and affordable option for your home. You can make them at home; buy them online or from a store and use them for long time.

Dealing With Oval Rugs

John — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:01:05 +0000

Here is a true fact. Utilizing either an oval rug or a large area rug can truly change the entire appearance of any particular room, and by extension offer a whole different presentation of the particular residence involved. The great thing is that this relatively inexpensive investment that offers so many positives to whomever is involved, can be altered or changed easily at a particular time when one wishes to make a different and new projection. The items in question have the ability to do just that, and one who chooses to exercise that option can do so very quickly and very easily.

Oval rugs are terrific in any situation they may be inserted into, but they probably stand at their finest when they are utilized as the focal point of any particular room or space, For instance, one great example of their appeal and value is when they are put into place in a lobby, hall or any other place of entrance that is frequently used. They truly can and will set the standard for the atmosphere that one is hoping to get across to any visitors.

The large area rug is an item that is not only extremely appealing and attractive to any who view it, but is also extremely functional and designed to perform a valuable service beyond its attraction. The item in question, beside adding an appealing look to the area where it is installed, can and will offer protection to the flooring, tile or carpeting it is covering. This can be extremely vital moving forward in terms of saving and conserving money, as well as offering the options of easily and completely diversifying and altering the presentation being offered. One who extends themselves and puts in a genuine effort to find the appropriate oval rugs and large area rugs that they seek, will be rewarded at the current time and well into the future.

Oval Rugs in a Variety of Options

John — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 04:56:03 +0000

Today oval rugs come in a variety of options. Many different materials can be used in the manufacturing process, so you can choose one that best meets your needs. They are available in large and smaller sizes as well. Though they are not difficult to find, you will not find as many of them as in the other shapes. This makes them somewhat more unique and style option you might want to consider.

For a seating area in the living room, you may want to choose a larger size that lies under the coffee table but is still very visible to those who enter the room. One of these floor coverings will look great under the dining room set, particularly if the table is a similar shape. A rectangular table will look good resting on top too, if a large size is used.

Materials used to create these products include wool, bamboo, synthetics, cotton, sisal and many others. Wool is very durable and soft, but may need special care by carpet specialists. Products can be found in retail stores as well as through specialty stores that offer the oriental versions.

Synthetic fibers are durable are able to resist staining. This may be the best option for areas of high traffic, for homes with pets or in a child’s room. Cotton is commonly used in the woven throws that are smaller in size and consist of many different color strands. Sisal is a material made from the agave cactus. It is durable and its colors do not bleed, as with other materials.

Braided oval rugs are still available today, but look nothing like those used in past generations. They are woven with vibrant color schemes and some include special designs in the center. You may need to look online for a specially designed braided rug, as you are likely to find many additional choices.

Tigerwood Hardwood Flooring – An Option You Needn’t Think Twice About

John — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:59:04 +0000

When selecting a strikingly attractive floor for your home, consider tigerwood hardwood flooring as it offers an amazing and memorable look. This kind of flooring is so named because of its yellow golden color, unique grain designs, rich black and deep, dark brown color stripe, making it look like a tiger. With its color scheme and strikingly different black grain patterns which are irregular and crinkly, tigerwood truly fulfills its name. Over time, these floors grow in appeal and beauty as their natural colors deepen in tone, making them that more pleasing to look at as they age.

Tigerwood is one of the most special hardwoods available in the market and it is mainly used for up-market applications like room and deck flooring, paneling, furniture and for making cabinets. Whatever may be the project or end application, it is an attractive and fascinating wood to work with indoors or outdoors. What’s more, this wood is functional, durable, decay and insect resistant, and odor free. Because of its many benefits, as well as its elegant and unique appearance, quite a number of people are choosing this flooring option for their homes, today.

Tigerwood, like any other wood plank flooring, adds an element of warmth and elegance to your home or office, along with its timeless allure. Moreover, because of its exceptionally good looks and durable quality, it will not escape the attention and admiration of visitors. As with any wood flooring, frequent maintenance is a must for tigerwood hardwood flooring, in order to retain its original appearance and condition. Thankfully, owing to its rugged strength and durability, it requires low maintenance, and common occurrences such as spills, stains, dust and dirt can be easily dealt with. Make sure to buy the appropriate cleaning materials that are recommended for this type of hardwood flooring at the time of purchase.

Like any high-quality product, it may cost a little more to install tigerwood flooring, but it will be well worth every extra penny spent.

The Many Styles of Floor Rugs

John — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:29:06 +0000

Floor rugs are an excellent way to brighten your children’s room, add warmth to a den or living room or even beautify an otherwise dull area of your home. There are dozens of styles to choose from in all shapes, sizes and colors, and you can easily find the style and brand you want by perusing through the selection of floor rugs online.

The following are some of the various styles offered by dealers online:

Animal rugs come in different designs and patterns and can be a great way to enhance a room or distinct area of your home. You can purchase a braided rug featuring your child’s favorite animal for your child’s bedroom or playroom for his fun and enjoyment. Or if you are looking for that perfect accessory for a den or living room, you can choose a more stylish animal print rug such as leopard skin or zebra stripes to add a finishing touch to that particular area.

If you prefer a more modern taste in home decor, you may opt for a contemporary rug style with its more modern designs and color schemes that will complement the furniture and other accessories already in place. Matching your rug to the atmosphere and theme of its potential room is an important point to consider as you do not want a product that clashes with your room decor, but rather a product that will blend in with its surrounding and accentuate the room, without “dominating” it.

The Oriental rug descending from a long line of traditional eastern designs is another rug style that is very popular today. Both Turkish rugs and Persian rugs fall under this category. The main feature of this type rug is its knotted weave structure and its elaborate patterns. If you are attracted to this style, then there are a variety of designs to choose from to complete a particular look or color scheme within a room or area of your home.

Soho Blue and Brown Accent Floor Rug

Premium-Lock Rug Pad 9×12 – For Hard Floor Surfaces

4′x6′ Vantage Premium Grip Non Slip Rug Pad for Hard Floor Surfaces

Is Your Dream House Stalled Along With the Economy?

John — Wed, 05 May 2010 00:59:40 +0000

Few industries were hit harder by the recent economic crisis than the real estate market. Besides the thousands of people with inflated home values and impossible mortgages, countless others were at the point where they felt it was time to sell and move up to something closer to their dream home. While they may be far more fortunate than those who purchased just before the bubble burst, they find themselves in a very uncertain market and unsure of how to take the next step.

Many Americans feel that it may be a long time before it’s safe to go back into the real estate waters. Not only is it extremely difficult to judge where home values will finally settle, the mortgage process has taken on such Machiavellian characteristics that they are unwilling to put themselves through that.

Fortunately, not being able to purchase a new house does not mean that you cannot move closer to your dream home. For a long time, builders enticed buyers with increasingly larger and larger houses, but a lot of people have come to realize that it’s not necessary to go the McMansion route. Spending your savings wisely and remodeling to effectively use your current square footage is often all that it takes to create a home where you can be very happy.

Is oak flooring on your wish list? There aren’t many things that you can do that will so totally change the look and feel of your home as the addition of solid oak flooring. What about stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and maybe new marble counter tops? This would be the time to move a few walls and finally put in that Jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom. Wasted space in the basement? How about a media room with a wall-sized high-definition TV so that it doesn’t just become your dream house but also the favorite hang out for all of your friends?

It’s true that the economy may be unstable for quite some time, but this does not mean that you have to put your dreams on hold. The possibilities are limited only by your budget and your imagination.

Which Shade of Blue Rugs?

John — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:22:02 +0000

Blue is a beautiful, calm and restful color and therefore it is very popular when it comes to room decoration and for accessories such as rugs. However, there are many shades of blue and not every one will be right for every situation and color scheme, so it is good to plan in advance before you start looking for blue rugs so that you don’t make a mistake.

1. Baby Blue

A baby blue rug will be just right in a nursery (naturally) for a little boy, but it could also be perfect for a romantic bedroom which has a lot of white furniture as the color is soft without being too sweet. As well as working with white, baby blue also goes well with a range of other pastel colors such as pale pink, mint green and lilac and you could introduce these colors in a patterned rug rather than using a plain one.

2. Navy Blue

Navy blue is very much a grown up shade, perhaps because it is the color of many uniforms and therefore it shouts authority. It is often used in a floor rug in a contemporary room where it goes well with navy blue leather sofas. It could also be used in a nautical themed room if you use it with white and red.

3. Turquoise Blue

Turquoise reminds us of summer sun, so it is a very cheerful color to add to a room. Perhaps it is a little overpowering for winter, but a turquoise rug could work well in a sunny room in summer and it is also a great color for an outside rug to be used on your patio or by your pool as it then acts as a tropical color.

4. Mid Denim Blue

Mid denim blue is a very soft color without being too light (which can be a problem with a rug which is forever being walked on). It works well in many styles of room and it is really the style of the rug and not just the color in this case which determines whether a rug works well in a room or not.

Which Round Area Rugs are a Worthy Investment?

John — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:29:22 +0000

You can’t fit a square peg in a round hole, but a round area rug goes nicely in a square room. Round area rugs add pleasant contrast to the lines and angles of a typical building, but you should not just purchase the first one you come across. It takes some careful thought to determine the best kind of round area rug for your needs.

Will you be using the rug in a well-trodden area of your home or office? If a rug does not have non-slip material on the bottom, it may not be worth shelling out the money for a round rug pad, which run around $35 (as opposed to $5-10 for rectangular). You will have to find some way to keep the rug from sliding and bunching when you walk on it, and short of tacking it permanently to the ground (making cleaning difficult) or placing heavy weights on the sides, you may have a hard time without non-slip material forming the base of the rug.

Durability also comes into play when considering the functionality of a rug. Factory-made rugs, while cheaper, will wear out in a much shorter time than hand-made rugs. Paying $175 now for a quality rug that will last ten years is better than paying $60 every two years for that same amount of time (adding up to $300 in the long run).

The practicality of a round area rug is debatable in situations where you will place furniture over the rug. An oval or circle-shaped rug will fit a 5′ x 10′ space in a very different way than a rectangular rug. If you do choose to go with a round area rug, a good rule of thumb is to add a buffer of a foot or two to each side of the furniture you are placing the rug beneath.

How To Choose Shag Area Rugs

John — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 21:05:36 +0000

Do you have hardwood floors in your home that you want to protect by purchasing a rug to lay down over them? Shag area rugs are great for protecting the floors in your home and will provide you with a stylish look as well. Shag rugs come in many different shapes and sizes and can be made from a lot of different types of materials. If you are interested in putting some rugs in your home there are a few things that you will want to do in order to make sure that you get the protection and look that you want.

One thing that you will want to make sure that you do is figure out how much space you have available to place an area rug. You will want to know the length and width of the area that you have available so that you will be able to find the right size rug to place on top of your floor.

Another thing that you will want to make sure to do is figure out which color you would like for your shag rugs to be. Depending on the rooms that you will be placing them in you may have different colors of furniture. You will want to go through every room of your home that you are thinking of putting a rug down in and figure out which color would look the best.

You will also want to know what type of material you would like for your shag rug to be made of. There are a lot of materials available but the one that you choose will depend on your personal decorating style and preferences. Certain materials will make certain rooms appear to be more homey and inviting while others will give a room a more modern appearance.

When you have figured out how much space you have available, which color you would like, and the material you want you will be ready to start looking through the available shag area rugs to find the right one. Shag rugs are a great way to protect your floor and make your home look more inviting.