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Rugs have many uses and advantages. The most obvious one is keeping heat in, especially in winter. It also gives a sense of warmth and cosiness.
It is not a bad idea having a summer and a winter rug in different colours and even textures, or one can simply pack the rug away during warmer months.
Rugs also protect floors, especially wooden floors, and improves acoustics by absorbing noise. Visually a rug brings a look together and adds instant colour, texture or pattern.
Important rug terminology:
Hand knotted rug – This is the traditional handmade process where wool or silk strands are knotted one by one. These are the most durable and costly rugs. Designs are limited and often classical.
Tufted rug – From above these rugs look similar to hand-knotted rugs, but is created without tying knots. These rugs are less durable, quicker to make and therefore more affordable. There are many fun designs.
Pile – Refers to the upper layer of a carpet that is attached to a backing. Longer piles feel more luxurious and are softer underfoot.
Woven – These rugs are reversible flat weaves and have no piles.
What the eye can’t see
There are a handful of things to consider when buying a rug most of which are technical and boring. Most choices can be made intuitively - either you like the look and feel of a rug, or you don’t.
Don’t buy a rug with just your eyes, take your shoes off and walk over it. The feel will be influenced by the material and technique. Consider the size when shopping for a rug.
Read more: These are the décor trends you should know about for 2017
There is one important invisible factor to consider - the material. Wool is the most durable and repels dirt. Synthetic fibres also stay clean for longer.
Most other natural fibres are not that easy to keep clean. The very affordable cotton rugs are dirt traps, and not for high traffic areas. At least they are machine washable.
Rug trends
Abstract
Made from 100% viscose, this design imitates marble.
Carrara Bluestone 2,4 x 3,4m
R18000 at Hertex
Distressed
Distressed rug with classical print is made of synthetic yarns.
Blue jewel vintage rug 1,6 x 2,3m
R1799 at Fotakis
Subtle
This flat woven viscose rug has a metallic stripe.
Glitz Stripe Carpet 3 x 2m
R5995 at Weylandts
Geometric
The jaggered pattern gives cowhide rugs a refreshing twist.
Bespoke Cowhide Mirrored
40% Wool 40% Viscose 20% Cotton - This bold rug will be a focal point.
Hand-Tufted Jaggered 1,8 x 2,7m
Striped
This handwoven cotton dhurrie rug has uneven stripes.
Pastel stripe rug 1,6 x 2,3m
R999 from Superbalist
Ethnic
A playful ethnic pattern in timeless black-and-white.
Shaggy Geometric 1,2 x 1,8m
