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If you’re interested in traditional Persian or tribal rug designs, consider purchasing an antique rug through a respected dealer. Contemporary designs are available, many of which have been adapted from old techniques and styles, or you can mix both traditional and modern looks. There is also a strong trend toward furnishing your floor space with ‘art.’
Hand knotted pieces tend to be better quality, because of the intensive labour required for weavers to tie individual pile yarns around a rug’s warp, the length wise section of the rug. Densely knotted rugs have a fine surface; rugs with fewer knots are thicker and plusher. Often these pieces are antique Persian or Afghani tribal rugs and highly collectible. Look for both wool and silk designs. Hand-tufted rugs (like the Angel Adams and Bev Hisey designs) are more affordable and involve stenciling a pattern on the rug backing and then threading yarns into the design.
Hand painted canvas rugs, or floor cloths, are a great, colourful solution to floor covering. They’re also great for allergy sufferers and are a durable alternative to traditional wool rugs. Look for handpainted designs and a durable finish so the surface is hardwearing and easy to keep clean. All they’ll need is a quick mop if they get dirty!
I think it’s best to look for the Rugmark tag on new rugs. The tag signifies that the rug is certified by Rugmark, a non-profit organization that works with manufacturers and designers to end child labour in South Asia. Visit their site at www.rugmark.org for more information.
Rug Placement
A rug should never touch the walls of a living room, instead it should be centred to create a seating area. Ideally the front legs of tables, sofas and chairs should sit on the rug, leaving a generous amount of floor space around the edge of the room (at least two to three feet). For a dining area that seats six, for example, an 8' x 10' rug is appropriate; the chairs remain on the rug even when they’re pushed away from the table.
Rug Care
The Canadian Government’s Preserving My Heritage website has great tips on how to care and clean rugs, both old and new.
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Sources
The Home Depot
www.homedepot.ca (available only from website)
Angela Adams – Mammy rug
Angela Adams – Lulu rug
Turco Persian Rug Co.
(800) 457-0629
www.turcopersian.com Fine silk Persian Garden design rug
Gabbah design Afghanistan rug
100% wool semi-antique (circa 1920) Persian rug
Maude Decor
(604) 879-7775
www.maudedecor.com Painted canvas Spotz
Painted canvas Bubbles
Painted canvas Stringy
Bev Hisey
(416) 703-3418
www.bevhisey.com Moroccan wool carpet
Umbellifera wool carpet
Folk wool carpet