Ways to Interpret Some Common Symbols Found in Rugs

Handwoven rugs depict a host of rather interesting symbols. Traditional symbols on hand-woven rugs bear witness to many of the beliefs and superstitions that are held in central Asian countries where the art of weaving was born and still thrives. A pattern has three fundamental elements, a unit, repetition, and a system of an organization which can be interpreted in a curvilinear or rectilinear manner.

The patterns in the Persian rugs bought from any reputed Persian rugs wholesaler depicts designs that were made thousands of years ago and have been handed down from one generation to the next. These hand-woven rugs are unique as you won’t find two hand-knotted rugs that look the same. People from various regions – tribes, villages, cities – use different designs and materials in the construction of rugs.

Any Oriental rug design that is bought from any reputed Persian rugs wholesaler contains certain components that remain same in all the rugs:

Borders :

There are usually two borders on a rug one is the main border which is the widest section of design around the outside of the rug, while another border is the guarded border that is usually narrow and lies inside the main border.

Field : The field is the colorful background inside the borders.

Medallion : Often, rugs feature a medallion in the center of the field. The medallion is a large shape which can be round, oval or polygonal and sits prominently in the middle of the rug.

Corner brackets, quarter panels or spandrels: These are designs that fill the corners of the field.

Some Common Symbols on Oriental Rugs

Birth Motifs

Elibelinde : This symbol represents the mythological goddess of the same name and it looks like a figure of a person.

Ram’s horn : A Ram’s horn symbolizes masculinity. The central part of the design represents male fertility and power.

Life Symbols

Comb and earrings : These two symbols reflect a desire to marry. The comb is a nuptial accessory, while the earrings are a common wedding gift.

Sandikly – hope chest/ trousseau: This symbol reflects the objects that girls weave for their trousseaus before they get married. These objects include small purses, kilims, scarfs, belts, and garments.

Yildiz – stars: Stars are a symbol of happiness and a life full of hope.

Ying-Yang : This Ying-Yang holds a different meaning to that of the more common Ying-Yang. It symbolizes a balanced relationship between women and men.

Afterlife symbols

Birds : Birds symbolize the flight of the soul to heaven.

Vulture : This kind of bird is particularly important as it indicates the souls of the dead.

Tree of life : This is the most widely-known symbol of immortality.

Some Common Misconceptions about New Oriental Rugs

Rugs are an ideal solution for almost any kind of interior. Rugs are very interesting decorative items that are rich in history and have cultural significance. In modern times oriental rugs have been adapted to satisfy more contemporary tastes and are often made in workshops. A vibrant oriental rug’s rich colors and elaborate designs can effortlessly transform the entire look and feel of a room. Oriental rugs are more expensive than the normal area rugs so visit multiple rug wholesalers to get the best price rugs in London.

Remember that when you are buying an oriental rug you are not just purchasing a rug but making an investment. Modern spaces coupled with traditional or even antique rugs represent a stunning solution. But buying an original oriental rug is a mean task. It is not easy for normal folks who are amateurs to identify rugs and know the distinction between an authentic handmade Oriental rug and a machine made a rug. There are several misconceptions about new oriental rugs that often mislead buyers and refrain them from purchasing the best price rugs in London. Here we will discuss some of the common misconceptions that you should ignore when buying oriental rugs:

1. Old Rugs are Made from Natural Dye and New Rugs have Synthetic Dye

Most rugs and carpets that are available on the market now that are considered old were made with synthetic dyes and only some new rugs are now made with natural dyes.

2. New carpets with an old look have been given a bath in tea
Tea is sometimes used, but almost always in combination with other substances whose effects are permanent.

3. If you find bands of slightly different color run across a rug, it is a sign of natural dyes
This disparity in color is a sign that wool has been dyed in small batches, each batch is slightly different in shade.

4. New Oriental rugs are no longer made by hand
One of the most important facts about Oriental rugs is that they are all hand-knotted and made from hand-spun wool and natural dyes.

Why a Wool Rug is Considered as the Best Choice?

Decorating with oriental rugs is a trend that has been spotted by leading interior magazines, stylists, designers, and bloggers. The way these traditional style rugs have been styled in a modern setting is rather unique and exciting. But it is not easy for normal people who are not trained in identifying rugs to know the distinction between an authentic handmade Oriental rug and a machine made a rug.

The most important thing first-time buyers must remember while buying Oriental Rugs from bespoke rugs manufacturer in UK is knowledge is the key to finding the perfect authentic Oriental rug. Many amateur buyers often fail to identify original Oriental rugs and end up with machine-made carpets. The main three factors that you must notice before buying an Oriental rug are the knot count, the fiber, and the color of the carpet.

Why are Wool Rugs the best choice?

The use of wool to make oriental rugs is a very ancient practice; nomadic tribes were the first to appreciate the advantages of wool.

Strength – Wool is an especially resistant material, which is capable of coping with wear and tear very well. Wool rugs are expensive but the additional expense is compensated by the rug’s longevity.

Color – Wool absorbs dye incredibly well so it gives all the wool rugs a very intense color.

Stain resistant – Compared to other synthetic materials from which rugs are made; wool is very stain resistant and easy to clean.

Good for all Seasons – It is a well-known fact the wool rugs are just perfect for winters as it helps to keep you warm but a lesser-known fact is that wool is actually good in summer as well. That is because it helps absorb humid air.

Old is gold – Wool rugs are one of a kind. The value of authentic Oriental wool rugs bought from bespoke rugs manufacturer in UK never diminishes, over the years a wool rug can lead to fabulous muted colors and can be easily passed on to the next generation as a priced possession.

Safety – Wool is an ideal material that reduces fire risk. If a fire breaks out on wool the flames will self-extinguish.

Guide to Choose the Best Fibre for Hallway Runner Rugs

Rugs are often considered as the best decorative item in a room that pulls the whole look together at a single stroke. Oriental rugs are pieces of art that add colour and pattern to space while offering both warmth and comfort. As well as hiding less than perfect flooring, rugs can be used to draw attention to an important piece of furniture, like the coffee table, sofa or dining table.

Some houses look a little cold and unwelcoming just the moment you enter the house may be because they lack hallway runner rugs. We all know that first impression is very important so choosing the perfect hallway rug will help you create the right impression on your guests. That is why it is important to choose a hallway runner rug that reflects your style and taste. Choosing what will be the best hallway runners for your home can be a difficult task. You can opt for a free trial of rugs for home viewing before you choose the perfect piece for your interior.

How to choose the perfect hallway runner?

The most important thing that you need to consider when it comes to finding the best hallway rugs is the fibre from which the rug is made. For the best hallway runner rugs, you really need to opt for a free trial of rugs for home viewing and select a durable fibre that would last for very long.

The best fibres for hallway runner rugs

Wool – Wool is a very durable and long-lasting fibre but it is a bit expensive. Wool is the most suitable material for hallways because it naturally feels very warm and soft, it is stain resistant and can be cleaned without much hassle.

Polypropylene – This is a made-made fibre but it is very durable. It is the best for hallway runners in high-traffic households as it is easy to clean, dry and is very durable.

Jute – Jute is a natural fibre that comes in neutral shades and is reasonably durable. Jute rugs work particularly well in rustic style interiors.

Sisal – Sisal is another natural fibre that is very hard-wearing when it comes to high-traffic areas. It is stain resistant but very difficult to clean.

Moroccan Rugs – Exclusive Handmade Work

Moroccan handmade carpets, or hand hitched mats, are exclusive in that each carpet is made by a different craftsman who passes on her historical legacy in her apt creation. Regularly working in cooperatives, these ladies live in provincial regions of Morocco and by and large give a very long time to taking a shot at a solitary carpet. The themes and examples of Moroccan mats can be emblematic of the family from which the weaver comes, illustrative of riches or economic wellbeing or characteristic of a specific religious conviction.

Handmade carpets usually utilize natural dyes that convert into energetic colors, making them more conspicuous accent pieces than producing carpets. With their many-sided themes and flashy colors, high quality Moroccan rugs in London will add warmth and profundity to uncover floors in any room of your home.

The characteristic colors that are frequently utilized are yellow, red, blue, green, burgundy, white and dark. The white and dark are made of sheep fleece, the blue from the indigo plant, burgundy from pomegranate, the yellow from saffron, the red is normally extricated from henna and the green is made of mint. All other dyes utilize a blend or a shade of the colors said above.

One of the benefits of utilizing normal colors in high quality mats is their durable life, which gives continuance and immortal polish. They are bits of artistic work in that they are a lifetime venture, expected to be appreciated, respected and passed on to a great many generations.

The intricate designs of every single carefully assembled mat are made utilizing at least one of three noteworthy sorts of weaving: heap weave, flat weave and hand-tufted. Heap weaves or hitched weave is the technique most utilized and comprises of making ties with yarn.in contrast, flat weave does not utilize ties in the weaving procedure, so the surface seems flat. Likewise with the flat weave, a hand-tufted floor covering is made without tying ties. In this procedure yarn or wool is pushed through an essential support, which makes the tufts. They are then stuck together, and a second and third establishment is connected to the back of the carpet. The circles of the tufts are then sheered as the last advance of the procedure. Typically, Moroccan Rugs in London utilize either a heap or level weave or a mix of the two.

There is nothing more exceptional than something handmade. Innovative utilization of shading and perplexing details are intrinsic in every single high quality floor covering. These qualities are particularly clear in Moroccan carpets. Bring one piece in order to give an elegant touch to your home with a Moroccan carpet and let the excellence of the lovely craftsmanship fill your lounge area, family room, room or corridor.

Decorating Your Home with Handmade Rugs

Rugs are a popular choice for decorating many gorgeous homes because they not only enhance the beauty of the space but it is also placed on the floor so that you can feel the warmth and comfort. Traditional handmade rugs have their own specialty as they are known for the unique design and longevity. Each handmade rug is unique as you will not find another rug with the same design anywhere else in the world. Each rug has its own unique design and pattern that is different from the second one.

Keep in mind that recognizing a handmade rug is a difficult thing to do. Some of the facts on the basis of which rug can be distinguished are color, design, and craft. The skills which have been used at the time of weaving the rug, as well as the material used and a number of knots placed on the rug is also a big measure of the quality of these handmade rugs.

Benefits of using Homemade Wool Rugs

If you are planning to invest in a handmade rug to decorate your home then it is better to invest in a wool rug.

  • Rugs made from wool are resistant in nature and they last for generations.
  • Handmade wool rugs do not absorb soil and dust so you don’t need to clean it often.
  • These types of rugs are just perfect for high traffic areas in your house or for the children’s room as it does not get dirty easily.
  • The natural material from which handmade rugs are made from is also resistant to static electricity
  • Handmade rugs are fire resistant so it will keep your family safe.
  • Wool rugs suck up to 30% of its weight in the water so it is a natural absorber of water.

How to choose the best rug for your home?

  • You should keep certain factors in mind when you are selecting traditional homemade rugs for your home:
  • Make sure, that the design and color of the rug match with that of your room.
  • Price is another major consideration which should be kept in mind while making a purchase of the rug to make sure that it is within your budget.
  • You should ensure that you are buying original homemade rugs and not a fake one.

Create Illusion of Space by Decorating with Oriental Rugs

Decorating homes with rugs is an easy way to freshen up your home décor. Apart from that, the rugs help to turn a bland abode into a welcoming home. Home decorating with rugs is important because rugs play a very effective part in enhancing the décor of the room. Rugs are a perfect decorating accessory for modern contemporary homes as they not only enhance the beauty of the room but also protect the expensive flooring from becoming dirty and damaged.

Rugs are very popular in colder climates as it looks warm, feels warm, and helps to insulate a home. Rugs don’t only provide a decorative centerpiece or colorful anchor for your room but they are also great at casting illusions of space and make a room look bigger. If you have a small room that feels suffocating, employing the right rug could be the perfect way to lift it and make it look larger, cozier and welcoming.

Here are some tips for home decorating with rugs in the most effective manner:

Use Lighter Shades Rugs

If you have a small room refrain from using dark-colored rugs as it will make the already small room feel even more enclosed. Using rugs in lighter shades make the room feel freer, airier and more expansive so it is advised to use rugs with plenty of pale colors in them.

 

Use Rugs to Separate Different Spaces

You can try using two or three rugs in your smaller room, as this helps create the feeling that there are multiple spaces in there. You can make smaller apartments look spacious by using this trick.

Select Rugs in Small Prints and Plain Colors

To make the room look more open and spacious use rugs in same shades, similar patterns or plain colors. This will create the illusion of a space that is visually coherent with all the elements complimenting each other to make the room more attractive and open.

Unify the Flooring with the Room

Create a space that is visually open and spacious by keeping similar tones for the ceiling, wall and the floor. You can create a stable harmony by unifying the tone of the flooring with the rest of the room and make it look larger.

Tips to Take Care of Afghan Area Rugs

Rugs immediately make a room cozier and welcoming. The quintessential Afghan rug is made from natural materials like wool with a repeated octagonal figure on a red field. An area rug will help absorb sound, stabilize temperature and make it just a little bit easier to move around the house by giving your feet a soft landing pad. Decorating with rugs from any renowned Afghan rugs wholesaler in UK is a great way to add extra color, texture, and pattern to space. The right area rug can add a huge dose of style and color to your room but when a rug is placed on a hard floor such as wood or laminates the chances to slip or trip increases.

How to keep the area rug in place?

Place a nonstick, rubbery rug mat underneath the rug to keep it in position. Make sure that the rug mat is a few inches smaller than your rug. If the rug mat is too small then it won’t be able to anchor the rug above and if it is too large then the mat will protrude from the rug’s edges.

If the rug bunches on top of the carpet, you anchor at least one edge of the rug with furniture or try two-sided rug tape strips underneath the problem areas.

How to keep rugs in good shape?

Vacuuming– It is very important to vacuum the rug on regular basis to get rid of dust particles and maintain the beauty of the rug.

Rug Pad– You can use a rug pad as that provides a foundation for longer rug life and also prevents premature wear and tear caused by having a rug on an uneven surface.

CleaningTo avoid strains quick action is required in handling spills. For liquid spills remember not to rub as that might ruin the rug, firmly press a clean cloth to absorb as much as possible.

Shedding– Don’t get alarmed if the expensive rug bought from Afghan Rugs wholesaler in UK starts shedding. It is normal for the rug to shed for the first six months if you vacuum it daily.

Remove Creases– Reverse rolling helps to flatten rug creases with time. Give the rug some time to settle to get rid of rug creases.

Sunlight– It is important to position the rug away from direct sunlight as it causes your rug to fade over time. Rotate the rug regularly so that it fades evenly.

Best Places to Adorn an Oriental Hand Knotted Rug

 

Our home should reflect who we really are. And after living in a house for a long time you must feel like a change – a makeover for your home just like changes in our lives. There are hundreds of different ways to renew or update the look of your home. Using floor rugs is one of the best ways to give a makeover to your place. You may add a new rug or simply replace your old rug with a new one. A simple trick can bring a huge difference and your home will look brand new without doing much to the entire space.

When we say a great rug, we simply mean one and only hand knotted rug. Since ages, oriental hand knotted rugs have been highly coveted and praised because of their beauty, crafted designs and durability. These rugs are soft to feel yet tough enough to last longer. Now, have a look on the ideal places of your home where you can place your rugs –

Living Room

Adorning your living room with a beautiful hand knotted rug is always a great idea. These rugs could make the living room more comfortable and attractive. One of the greatest advantages of using oriental hand knotted rugs is that they can complement any place no matter what your theme and style of interior decoration. If there is large space in the room, you may consider using a large area rug. Even a smaller one can add some attractive accents to your living room.

Dining Room

Your next stop should be your dining room. A beautiful hand knotted rug is enough to set the tone and bring life to the space. For the dining space, we recommend you to choose wool as woollen rugs are easy to clean and maintain. Since wool is naturally repellent to dirt, you may find easier to keep the dining room neat and clean.

Bedroom

Embellishing your bedroom with a magnificent oriental hand knotted rug can give an elegant touch to the space. This rug is the perfect combination of warmth and comfort, beauty and style. For bedrooms, you can choose either wool or silk as its material. But silk may not last as longer as wool. So you can use the silk rug for the corners of the bedroom where it will receive less wear.

In fact, a hand knotted rug can be used anywhere in your room. All you need to do is pick the right size, shape and design so that it can match the rest of the decoration.

Buy an Authentic Afghan Rug and Keep It for Generations

When someone says Afghan rug, the inevitable picture comes into our mind is the authentic tribal rug. These rugs are the result of a wide array of sophisticated designs and techniques. With the advent of globalisation, it is now hard to find out which Afghan rug is actually made in Afghanistan and which are manufactured in somewhere else in the world by Afghan refugees. However, it is all possible to locate the authentic Afghan rugs wholesaler in UK so that you can pick a rare kind of Afghan rug for your home.

Features of Authentic Afghan Rugs

The craftsmanship of an authentic Afghan rug can only be traced in the handmade rugs, not in machine-made rugs. Some features like the knot count, source of the dyes and expertise of the artisans determine the quality of Afghan rug. Even the price of those handmade rugs is also influenced by those factors. Let’s have a look on some determining factors for buying an Afghan rug and shop like a pro –

• Craftsmanship of Authentic Afghan Rug

Don’t expect to evaluate the true craftsmanship of authentic Afghan rug as it takes several years of knowledge. But as a beginner, you can use some basic knowledge. Firstly, a perfect Afghan rug must lie flat and straight. There should not be any crooked or raised corner. Secondly, you should focus on the edge of the rug. Make sure the edges are tight and even. Then, you should also observe the knots at its back. If you find the rug’s back absolutely perfect in line, you should consider it as machine-made rug.

• Natural Dyes

Traditional Afghan rugs must be made of natural dyes where the colours are mostly derived from the plant and animal sources. Artisans bring a rich look to those handmade rugs by mixing colours for a harmonious blend of shades. Natural dyes often bear the variation in colours so that the artisans can add the right charm and warmth to the rug.

• Knot Count

The number of knots found in one square inch of a rug is called its knot count. Don’t think that lower knot count always means lower quality of a rug, though many times it is true. Sometimes, tribal Afghan rugs may have as low as 50-knot counts that make them coarser in quality. These rugs usually have geometric patterns with bold colours. On the other hand, the city made rugs may have more than 1,000-knot count with intricate curved designs and tighter weave.

Follow these basic features to identify an authentic Afghan rug once you contact an Afghan rugs wholesaler in UK and purchase a genuine Afghan product that would pass down from generation to generation.