The Art and Beauty of Rug Hooking

Rugs are pieces of art that can be showcased through wall hanging or just simply using it as it is – a floor decoration that can be used to separate areas of your house. As time evolves, different kinds of rugs were made and invented by people. Other materials such as wools, nylon and other kind of fabrics were also introduced to create varieties of rugs. Truly colourful and pleasing to the eyes, rugs became a sense of statement in one’s home.

The rugs that are usually made by the experts in the field were also used to form another kind of art which is called rug hooking.  Rug hooking is an art and craft activity that is done by pulling loops of fabric through a base which is the rug itself. Tracing back its history, rug hooking originated in England during the 19^th century. At that time, rug hooking was distinguished to be the work of the poor because the ones who practice the said art are the workers in weaving mills. The workers are then allowed to collect pieces of unwanted yarns. Those yarns were used by them to make rugs. Yarns and everything that may seem to come handy were used to make rugs during that time. Rug hooking was considered as a country past time of the poor. Country in this context is partly defamatory more than complimentary.

But as time goes by, people of other nations have looked at the hobby as a form of fine art. In fact, in Canada, rug hooking is considered as a high form of art. Rug hookers have taken the next level of experimenting techniques to form better pieces of rugs made of hooked wools and fabric. Aside from techniques, hookers, people who practice rug hooking, became open to using other fabrics aside from wool and yarn to create better pieced of rugs.

One does not need to be an expert in order to do rug hooking. Hookers said that once you have known one technique, you can already consider yourself as a master of the craft. With a normal rug as a base, and pieces of fabrics to be hooked, one can already practice rug hooking.

Alternatively, if you want to use rugs as a decoration and yet you feel that you do not have much time to do rug hooking, you can opt for other types of rugs such as traditional rugs, wool rugs, modern rugs, designer rugs and more. At Fantastic Rugs, with the variety of rugs that we have on hand, we are sure that there is a piece that will suit your taste and personality. Order a rug from us and take advantage of our free standard delivery on most rugs to mainland UK. For more information about our rugs and our free delivery services, visit our website or give us a call at 01234 220076.

The Beauty of Traditional Rugs

Rugs, just like everything else, have evolved over time in terms of design, materials used and other factors. Through the years, many different kinds of rugs have been introduced in the market, depending on the trend of the time. Basically, a rug is a piece of heavy fabric that is meant as a floor covering. Today, aside from functioning as a cover for a floor, rugs are also used as an accessory to make a room or any space look more appealing.

What is the difference between a rug and a carpet?

We often hear the terms rug and carpet used interchangeably. The difference between these two is usually distinguished by the size. A carpet is usually big that it can stretch from floor to floor, compared to a rug that is comparably smaller and can only cover a small portion of the floor.

What are the different types of rugs?

Although rugs are simple cloth cover placed on the floor, they still have their own variation, according to style. 

·         Modern rugs

·         Traditional rugs

·         Designer rugs

·         Shaggy rugs

·         Fluffy rugs

There are many other styles available out there, but among all these, the traditional rugs standout.

What is a traditional rug?

A traditional rug, as the name implies, is one that resembles the first rugs that were ever produced. Traditional rugs showcase beautiful, intricate designs similar to the rugs from Persia in the early times. These rugs have a special feel and commonly include straight or curved lines, together with flower illustrations arranged in various ways to make it more interesting. These traditional rugs possess a different kind of appeal and the designs are considered classic. 

Why do people go for traditional rugs?

In spite of modernisation and having contemporary rug designs, some people still choose traditional rugs because of the following:

·         Due to its classic design, traditional rugs can blend in easily with the rest of the furniture.

·         Traditional rugs give the impression of grandness and impeccable taste in furnishing.

·         They are always on-trend and never go out of fashion.

Rugs, in general, have become a staple in furnishing a home. Aside from being functional, rugs also play a big role in the industry of interior decoration. They have become a favourite piece to complete a theme, or to simply add depth to a space. Traditional rugs, most especially, are one of the top choices when it comes to choosing rugs for the home.

Understanding the Traditional Rug Patterns and Designs

It has already been proven that traditional rug patterns and designs are timeless and eternal. The demand for these products is not declining and will not be declining anytime soon. Because of the beauty that it has that transcends time and the radical changes that have come with the modernisation of the human race; the value of these rugs and carpets has continuously been growing. But do we really understand the intricate designs behind these rugs and carpets?

The patterns and designs that traditional rugs possess have not changed that much since the time they were invented. In fact, these traditional designs have remained in the industry today. But what does these designs really mean?

• A flower or a plant in the centre of the rug. This design is basically prominent in the Middle Eastern culture where deserts are common. The flower, most commonly a lotus, represents the value of water. Water is one of the most valued commodities in this area and flowers represent how this commodity is revered in these areas.

• Complex borders surrounding the rug or carpet. As we all know, carpets or rugs have also been used for religious ceremonies and practices like praying. The borders surrounding a carpet or rug represent the protection that the carpet gives to the user while praying on it.

• An “X” or a flower with 8 petals. Having an “X” in the middle of your carpet or a flower bearing 8 petals as the main attraction of your carpet design represents the directions of the world. Ancient people regarded travelling so much that they value these directions and applied it to the designs of their carpets.

Aside from these, there are other designs that traditional rug and carpet makers have used in their work. Most of the time, traditional rugs feature symbolisms referring from a small scale plan up to the whole of the universe. But symbolisms and meaning of these rugs were not limited to their designs; colours were actually used to add to the meaning and value of these carpets.

These rugs provide diversity in the market and offer prestige and glamour to the common modern choices in the market. Traditional rugs are never out of style. This is the reason why many shops like Fantastic Rugs still offer high quality traditional rugs to the market.

The Different Types of Rugs at Fantastic Rugs

There are a lot of rug suppliers out there, but only a true rug specialist that has been in the business for years and knows the trade so well can provide you with the best selection of rugs at a great price. An established rug supplier like Fantastic Rugs can definitely offer you a wide range of rugs that will suit your taste and needs.

We are all aware that a rug is not just a home decoration, nor is it a simple covering on the floor with no purpose. There are different types of rugs available in the market today and each is made to be suitable and effective in their purpose. 

At Fantastic Rugs, we make sure that the rugs we offer are high quality, yet affordable. In order to provide our customers with the best offer, we only commission the finest weavers and the best hand tufters at the best possible price.

The Different Types of Rugs at Fantastic Rugs

According to Style: Modern, Traditional, Designer, Shaggy, Fluffy, Plain, Round, Runners, Children’s and Utility. Name the style that you are looking for and you can definitely find it at Fantastic Rugs.

According to Brand: Asiatic rugs, Flair rugs, Oriental Weavers and many others. Because Fantastic Rugs strive to be the best supplier of rugs, we ensure that any brand you prefer is available and more.

According to Colour: White, Cream, Ivory, Blue, Teal, Turquoise, Brown, Beige, Charcoal, Black, Green, and many others. From neutral hues to vibrant ones, almost all colours are available depending on the product style and stock.

According to Material: Acrylic, Bamboo Silk, Polyester, Polypropylene, Sisal, Viscose Rayon and Wool

Aside from the ones mentioned above, Fantastic Rugs also features Special Stock Offers. This is a great rug sale, but since they are stock only, once they are sold, they’re really gone!

At Fantastic Rugs you can be sure that all products are high quality, without being overpriced. No matter if you are buying rugs for your home or for commercial purposes, you can definitely find the perfect choice at Fantastic Rugs.

Difference Between Wool and Synthetic Rugs

For high traffic areas, the most common choices for rugs are wool rugs and synthetic rugs. Both have the qualities that can endure the usual stress that rugs get from the frequent dirt and walks of shoes and feet. However, it is also important to note that wool and synthetic rugs have differences.

WHAT ARE WOOL RUGS?

Wool rugs are usually hand-made and are a popular choice of homeowners for their living room, dining room and other high traffic areas because:

1. Wools are water repellent. It will take quite some time before water penetrates the fabric of the wool rug.
2. Wools are fire-resistant. Wools rugs are naturally fire-resistant and don’t require special treatment to be non-flammable. When it gets close to a light, it doesn’t flare up and cause damage to anyone or anything in your home. This is also the exact reason why firemen wear wool uniforms.
3. Wools are static-resistant. In an area where there are more feet walking, static is more likely to become present. This can also be associated with wools being fire-resistant -- if one is walking across a wool-carpeted area, he or she is less likely to get shocked when his or her skin gets direct contact to a grounded object that may cause fire.
4. Wools are durable. Wools are resistant to the stresses and strains compared to other types of rugs because it is resists friction. This is because wool consists of fibres that are made up of rather stretchable coil springs that are less likely to break.

Aside from being water-repellent, fire-resistant, static-resistant and durable, wools are also considered as a good insulator if you want to avoid noise in an area. Wool rugs absorb sounds and reduce the level of noise. This is the same reason why wools are used in offices, restaurants and other establishments were a number of people are always present.

WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC RUGS?

Synthetic rugs are the convenient version of wools, only they are machine-made and comprises of plastic. If you want to cut down on your budget and yet want to achieve the same results that wool can offer, synthetic rugs are the best option for you. However, it is important to take note that synthetic rugs will require you to tend to your rugs more for cleaning and maintenance. Unlike wools that are made of natural fibres, synthetic rugs are made of plastic that hold odour like no natural fibres can.

WHAT SHOULD I BUY, WOOL RUGS OR SYNTHETIC RUGS?

The answer will depend on your budget. Logically, hand-made rugs such as wool rugs will cost you more than machine-woven rugs like synthetic rugs. Another factor to be considered is the environment that you have at home. If you have pets that are not potty-trained, it is expected that you will have a problem with synthetic rugs because it contains jutes.

For a wide variety of wool rugs and synthetic rugs that you may want to choose from, visit Fantastic Rugs and browse our products.

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Shaggy Rugs Pros and Cons

In the modern era, a contemporary look in home decor is in trend and shaggy rugs will make an excellent accessory to any modern dwelling. Shaggy rugs are available in a wide array of colours according to your taste and home design; they are the perfect companion to the quintessential sofa or couch.

Shaggy rugs or shaggy carpet are aptly named after their ‘shaggy’ appearance. A shaggy rug has gained in popularity, as it provides a very soft feel underfoot. It gives any room a very cosy feel. Available in a variety of fibres including wool, acrylic or cotton, shaggy rugs are also sold in long, short and mini versions. The distinguishing features of the shaggy rug are the long yarn fibres that are attached to the back of the carpet, giving it an irregular pattern.

Pros

 

Plush Feel 

Shaggy rugs have a very soft feel giving you a ‘walking on air’ feel. The long, fibrous strands collectively make for a cosy and inviting atmosphere in the room.

Availability

With their growing popularity, shaggy rugs are readily available and a regular among other varieties stocked by many stores, including Fantastic rugs.

 

Durability and Style

Shaggy rugs are well suited to areas that are frequently in use and that receive high traffic. Wool shaggy rugs are durable, naturally stain resistant and insulating. Insulation provides warmth during the winter and a cool haven during the summer to give respite from the heat. Shaggy rugs have a unique quality and serve as a focal point in contemporary modern living.

Cons

Proper Care

Shaggy rugs are high maintenance, as dirt easily sticks to the long strands of yarn on the carpet. Regular vacuuming in between the fibres, row by row, may become a necessity in order to work out any dust or dirt from the middle of the rug. The trick is to remove spills and stains immediately in order to maintain and protect the rug.

Frequent Shedding and Yellowing

Shaggy rugs are crafted out of long strands of fibre.  Prone to shedding, shaggy rugs will initially lose some of their fibres. The shedding diminishes over a period of frequent use. Wool shaggy rugs can yellow over time from exposure to sunlight, certain detergents or due to the latex that binds them together. Bleaching may solve this problem or the use of hydrogen peroxide but it would be more advisable to seek the help from a carpet cleaning expert.