An Explainer on Area Rugs and What Rugs Are Made Of

Some people don't really like the "wall to wall" look that carpets tend to give off. A great design solution to this are area rugs! They're incredibly helpful for any aesthetic, highlighting parts of your home’s interiors beautifully.

What's an Area Rug?

An area rug is called so because it only occupies and covers an area of the room, not the entire flooring of that space. Rugs of this kind often come at 5’x8’ and 8’x11’ in size and are available in rectangular and circular shapes. You can also find irregularly shaped rugs, such as sheepskin or cowhide area rugs.

Area rugs can come in a multitude of colours, as natural dyes and synthetic dyes alike are used during production. It all depends on the manufacturing process at hand.

They used to be made by hand only. However, modern changes have led to machines being able to manufacture rugs just as well.

What Are Area Rugs Made Of?

Area rugs can be made from a variety of materials. Area rugs usually have wool or silk as the top layer. Below, you will find cotton and/or jute backing, as well as other materials like latex, latex foam, and latex foam, rubber, soybean, or straw. Modern rugs are often made of synthetic materials, such as polypropylene. These are very easy to clean.

Let's elaborate on some of the most popular materials used:

• Cotton - Usually in braided or flat woven rugs, this soft material is well-loved for its practicality. Cotton rugs can even be flipped the moment one side is just too stained.
• Jute - Made of the fibre of a particular kind of grass, this is most often made into rugs. These are durable and eco-friendly. Along with sisal, it's a rather common option for outdoor use.
• Nylon - The flat surface of area rugs made with this naturally repels small particles like dirt. It also gives off a glossy look, which can be an aesthetic asset for many.
• Sisal - Obtained from a plant, sisal is very durable. It is not as soft as wool, but it is thicker, making it a popular choice for commercial settings. Sisal rugs tend to be inexpensive and are often used in entryways and kitchens.
• Wool - This material is very popular, as wool is durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting. They are available in many different textures and thicknesses. Wool rugs are often made in natural shades and not bright, flashy colours. These rugs are often mixed with leather or sisal and are very soft to the touch. Wool rugs are also available in synthetic materials.

Other materials include the likes of:

• Cashmere
• Coconut fibre
• Coir
• Linen
• Mixed fibres
• Natural Fiber
• Silk
• Tufted wool

Conclusion

Carpets don’t always have to run wall to wall. If you like carpets that are less domineering in terms of floor space, area rugs are for you. They can be made by hand or through a machine. Common materials include cotton, jute, sisal, wool, and nylon. There’s an area rug perfect for your space and lifestyle, so shop for one now and transform your space instantly!

In need of decorative area rugs in Vancouver? Shop at Global Carpets today! We have a plethora of laminate flooring, hardwood flooring, carpets and—you guessed it—rugs.