Popular Rug Materials

Wool

Most wool is made from the shearing of sheep. Wool is further categorized by its origin: Tibet and New Zealand are premium sources because their sheep produce higher levels of lanolin, which enhances the fiber's strength, texture, and luminosity. Many kinds of constructions and styles are made with wool: Hand-knotted, Tufted, Flat-weave, and Power Loomed rugs.

Advantages of wool

. •It's incredibly strong and durable, while remaining soft to the touch.


. •Wool fibers are coated with a thin protective membrane that makes them water-, stain-, and soil-resistant, so upkeep is easier than with most other materials.


. •It is highly elastic, so furniture and foot-traffic marks brush out easily.


. •Wool absorbs airborne contaminates, thereby improving the air quality in your home.


. •Harvesting wool is far more energy-efficient than producing synthetic fibers, so wool rugs are more eco-friendly than imitations.


. •Wool is an excellent insulator, and will help keep warm air from escaping through floors in the winter.


Silk

A natural protein fiber spun by silkworms or caterpillars. The Chinese were the first to develop silk textiles and the material they export is considered the highest - quality in the world. In rug making, silk is often blended with wool to increase durability and lower prices. Most rugs containing silk are either Hand-knotted or hand woven.

Advantages of Silk

. •Silk rugs are the softest you will find, and they have a sophisticated, elegant look.


. •Surprisingly, silk is one of the most durable fibers around, which is why the rugs can last a lifetime.


. •Silk fibers have an innate luster and sheen that make them highly reflective. The colors change constantly with the light, yielding a uniquely dynamic look.

NOTE: It is typical of new carpets to shed or sprout as you begin to live with them. While it may seem disconcerting, these issues are nothing to be concerned about and do diminish with regular use and maintenance.

SPROUTING: When carpets are finished, some fibers may be missed because they are impacted in the pile. With use, these longer threads will pop up (or sprout) above the surface of the carpet. Simply clip them to be even with the pile.

SHEDDING: After the finishing stage, carpets (especially cut pile) still retain some of the loose fibers. These often appear as balls of fluff on the surface of your carpet.

With regular vacuuming these issues should become less of a nuisance.

To extend the life of your rugs, consider these tips:

Rotation - To insure even wear, your rug should be rotated once a year. Depending on the traffic, the rotation may vary from six months to two years.

Vacuuming - Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers.

WARNING: USING HARSH CHEMICALS CAN PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE FIBERS.

Any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at 310.463.0007

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