Rugs For All

No one has accurately pinpointed the time rugs began to be used but most theorists agree it must be as old as man. Man used animal skins as his first clothes, so it is presumed that rugs probably began as discarded skins thrown down to prevent the feet from getting cold in the earthen floor. From skins, there was little movement to woven rugs and carpets, as civilization developed, and from designs that were originally functional to those that were totally decorative and for multiple use as well.

Theories were advanced about rugs and carpets beginning with the Egyptians, Mayans and Chinese in their oldest civilizations, with hair like wool, plant fiber and silk as weaving materials as much as their clothes. From simple cords woven as floor mats, rug-making probably progressed to knotted tapestries of exquisite designs, made specifically to adorn a room, a wall or even a whole chamber, with each civilization, or even people, imprinting its own motif and system that will make their products recognizable as uniquely theirs later on. 

In Russia, archeologists discovered in 1947 a carpet in a Scythian chieftain’s burial tomb that was remarkably still largely intact. It was carbon-dated to be about 2,500 years old, and was made with a distinctive knotted motif still in use today.  The design of horses indicates the carpet was made in Scythia and not ‘imported’ from outside the region like Persia or even nearby Mongolia. However, there is no indication that carpet-making was indigenously developed there for the area and not copied from somewhere else.

The known history of carpet-making in China was recorded to the Sung Dynasty which flourished 960 to 1279 AD.  Subjects of Taoism and Buddhism were the usual designs, popular as they were at the time. Earlier designs have been thought to be geometric or more on nature such as flowers and animals, which would have been simpler to create. These would be both ornamental and functional rugs, serving as floor coverings, beds, wall hangings, curtains and even saddle underlay to prevent the saddle from chafing the horse’s skin.

The significant mention of rugs and carpets in the Bible was in Exodus, Chapter 36 verses 35-37, which named curtains as integral parts of the Tent of the Lord’s Presence. Some versions also suggest cloth woven of wool or animal hair to be rugs or carpets usable either as wall covering or as rugs for the tent floor. Thus they are valuable gifts also for anyone, especially those crafted with skill and can be very decorative in the process.

Meantime, Nebuchadnezzar II (605-562 BC) who ruled Babylon and much of the area about the Tigris and Euphrates collected many carpets and rugs in his conquests, proving that their values are enough to make them fit for kings, and indicating that rug- or carpet-weaving is already quite an art form by then. Again, it also suggests that as civilization progresses, rug-making and carpet-weaving develop as well.

As a form of art, however, it has been established to have begun as early as the 5th century BC, with discovered fragments being accurately carbon dated to the era. Carpets were, however, originally an Eastern or Oriental weaving art introduced to the West only during Marco Polo’s time and during the Crusades.

GOING ROUND AND ROUND…
Rectangle, square, oval – these are the common rug shapes that we recognize and we apply in our homes.   Round rugs, anyone?

Round rugs interrupts the homogeny of lines on the floor, walls, ceiling even on the furniture.   A round rug does not only serve as a covering for hard surfaces like hardwood, tile and stone, but it is a good focal point for an area with a wall-to-wall carpet or when placed under a dining room table.

Round rugs are very adaptable and can have many uses in the home!  There is a round rug suited for any part of the house – living room, dining room, family room, bedroom, kitchen, hallway, even for your patio.  Round rugs come in multicolored patterns and designs without overpowering it.  In addition to that, round rugs can be changed as often as your mood changes; and can be switched from season to season.  With that, should you move from one home to another, your round rug is yours to keep!
Here are some notes on round rug decorating for your home:

Color – this design element plays a very essential role when acquiring a round (area) rug.  Colors selected must match your furniture and current color of the area.  Color selection can be very tricky on the other hand.  It is imperative that you always visualize the items in the house, most especially the part where you will be integrating the rug.

Perfect space with the right design – here is another factor that needs to be considered for your round rug.  The good rug design will complement the entire room and give it an appeal.  The design of the rug which will contain patterns and colors must blend into the room.  The rug must not in any way clash with other décor.

Rug Material – the rug material perform a crucial role.  This is because its composition gives texture to the floor or a different feel of the room.  There are specific types of material suited for every area in the house.  Rugs can be made of synthetic material or natural ones like sisal, hemp, sea grass and coir.  A highly durable material is commonly used in the foyer area (using a medallion rug), while cotton and polyester rugs are good for the bedroom and the living room area.

Budget – this is a major concern for everybody.  When you pick the right rug for your home, we are oftentimes caught in between the design that we love and our budget.  If the round rug happens to be so pricey, you may want to consider other suppliers in the market.  The key is source out other options before you buy one.

A medallion rug was earlier cited and this type of rug is commonly found in an entrance way near a front door or to decorate the foyer.  Medallion rugs presents a decorative scalloped edging that makes them very perfect for situating them in the center of your living room or foyer or formal dining room.

As soon as you have identified the reason for having a round rug, you can then settle on the look and feel that you are trying to accomplish.  Then you decide which type of fiber would be best for your round rug, depending on the area and traffic.

Make your home a space of charm and comfort!