Add Beauty and Elegance to Your home with Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs can be purchased in a great variety of colors and patterns, and will add beauty and elegance to your home décor. When you decide to decorate a room, consider choosing one or more of these exciting and durable area rugs as a cornerstone for your color and design choices. If you are adding a rug to an existing decorating plan, you will have no trouble finding one that complements the choices already made. Although oriental rugs are found most often in living rooms and dining rooms, they are also a popular choice as runners for high traffic areas, for foyers, and even for bedrooms. Your home decorating scheme can include them throughout the interior of your house if you really love them.

What is an Oriental Rug?

When the term "oriental" is used in reference to rugs, it means those rugs produced anywhere on the continent of Asia, and includes:

? Persian rugs ? made in Iran (formerly Persia), the country that produces more handmade rugs than all other rug-making countries combined, and are considered by many to be the finest

? Afghanistan rugs ? still woven mainly by nomadic tribes

? Indian rugs ? mostly imitation of Persian designs, but of coarser wool

? Pakistan rugs ? from the country that is the fourth largest rug producer in the world

? Caucasian rugs ? from the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, and characterized by bright red, rust, or burgundy colors, bold geometric designs, and narrow borders

? Rugs from Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Tibet, and a host of other Asian countries

Each country produces its own distinct style and quality of rug, although many are imitations of Persian designs, as well as modern Tibetan and Indo-Persian designs. Making rugs by hand is an ancient art, and the designs reflect the religious and ethnic structures found in the history of the countries of origin. These designs are still produced today, sometimes by hand and sometimes within a modern rug-weaving industry. The common patterns are traditional floral or garden motifs, often with a central medallion, or a geometric or curvilinear design, or central scenes that look like paintings.

How to Choose Oriental Rugs for Your Home

To decorate with oriental rugs, it is important to take both color and design into consideration. The color should be harmonious with the other colors in the room in which the rug is to be placed and should repeat the dominant or accent colors, or include shades of one or more of them. If the colors are compatible with other colors in the room, even a modern home can be enhanced by the popular traditional designs in oriental rugs.

When choosing an appropriate design, consider how you are going to use the rug. If the center of the rug is going to be very visible, a medallion or central motif or scene is a happy choice. If, however, the center of the rug is going to be under a dining room table or under a bed, it would be better to chose one with a repetitive design or one where the most detail and interest is in the borders.

As well, very colorful rugs with very busy designs can bring a subdued room to life; simple designs and a limited color palette are better in a room that is already colorful and busy. Geometric designs work best in new or modern homes, and curvilinear designs are more appropriate for old and traditional homes. It is most important that the rug does not clash, in either color or pattern, with any other fabric in the room in which it is to be used.

How to Find a Good Buy

A reputable dealer or outlet will give you the "good buy" oriental rug for which you are shopping. Before you go to the store, give some serious thought to the color, design and size of rug you need, and how much you are willing to pay. If you have clear ideas of what you want and have made some decisions beforehand, it will reduce the dizzying number of choices facing you when you have to make your selection.

An antique oriental rug is the most expensive rug, of course, and even if cost is not an issue, authenticity is. Documentation for an antique rug, including the appraised value, is sometimes available, but if not, you can ask for an independent appraisal or a guarantee if you don't know the dealer.

Most people, however, are not buying an antique, and are simply interested in choosing a beautiful rug and getting good value for their money. It is possible to find a discount oriental rug, or a wholesale buy if you shop around. Whether the carpet is cheap or expensive from your point of view, it is important that you understand the factors that affect the cost.

These are:

? Natural or synthetic fibers

? Method of production ? handmade or machine woven

? Intricacy and rarity of design

? Region of origin

Wool is the most expensive fabric, but it is warm, durable, dirt-resistant, fire-resistant, and easy to clean, and has become the standard by which all rugs are judged. Other natural materials used in oriental rugs are cotton and silk, and blends of wool and silk. These materials are more durable than synthetics and never release chemical gases into the air, which is significant to people with health concerns. If you are looking for a less expensive rug, synthetic fibers rather than natural are the answer.

The knots per square inch (kpsi) in an oriental rug is a good indication of its quality, and a high number of knots is usually an indication of durability as well as higher cost.

Expect slight inconsistencies and at least one imperfection in a hand-woven rug originating from a country in the Middle East. The philosophy, from an Islamic point of view, is that only God is perfect, and, therefore, nothing man makes should be perfect. A flaw will be carefully woven into each rug.

"Handmade" means that the rug has been constructed by hand, but it does not necessarily mean that it has been hand-knotted. "Hand-hooked" means the yarn has been inserted into a backing with a hand-held tool. Handmade, hand-knotted rugs are superior in quality to those made by machine made because a rug is more durable when each knot has been individually tightened. Expect to pay more for them.

You can beautify your home with oriental rugs if you give some careful thought to the colors and designs that will work best with your style preferences. By taking time to shop around and make sure that you are buying a quality rug from a reputable dealer, you will be able to enjoy your beautiful rugs for many happy years.

Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing tips to consumers who are in the market for all types of cheap area rugs, contemporary rugs and persian rugs.

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:45:58 GMT

Yahoo shares rise as takeover reports circulate - VNUNet.com


New Zealand Herald
Yahoo shares rise as takeover reports circulate
VNUNet.com - 1 hour ago
Reports are circulating of potential suitors for a takeover of Yahoo, lifting the troubled web firm's shares and heralding major implications for the market.
UPDATE 3-Ex-AOL boss looking to raise cash for Yahoo bid Reuters
Yahoo Shares Jump On Report Of Possible Sale InformationWeek
NewsOXY - Hard OCP - The Associated Press - Register
all 899 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:18:25 GMT

Notre Dame announces Weis will return - FOXSports.com

Notre Dame announces Weis will return
FOXSports.com - 42 minutes ago
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Charlie Weis will return for a fifth year as Notre Dame's football coach despite posting his second straight disappointing season.
The Case For Keeping Charlie Weis Rakes of Mallow
Shanoff's Wake-Up Call: ND Keeps Weis, Really? SportingNews.com
Fighting Irish Insider - WRNN - CNBC - USA Today
all 410 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:03:34 GMT

British conjoined twin dies after surgery - The Associated Press


BBC News
British conjoined twin dies after surgery
The Associated Press - 1 hour ago
LONDON (AP) - Faith was breathing for Hope. So when the newborn conjoined Williams twins were separated, it turned out that Hope couldn't live without her sister.
Conjoined twin in Britain dies after emergency separation Monsters and Critics.com
Conjoined Twin Dies after Separation eFluxMedia
AFP - BBC News - I Really Should Study - SmartAboutHealth
all 511 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:42:45 GMT

Rice urges Pakistan to ‘act quickly’ in Mumbai terror investigation - Christian Science Monitor


Canoe.ca
Rice urges Pakistan to ‘act quickly’ in Mumbai terror investigation
Christian Science Monitor - 1 hour ago
During a visit to India Wednesday, the US secretary of State said Pakistan’s cooperation could help smooth fragile India-Pakistan relations.
Video: Rice: Pakistan Must Cooperate Fully AssociatedPress
Rice Urges Pakistan to Act With Urgency on Terror (Update4) Bloomberg
AFP - Reuters - Washington Post - Reuters India
all 2,613 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:36:14 GMT

Will Mac Become a Virus Trap? - PC World


ZDNet
Will Mac Become a Virus Trap?
PC World - 40 minutes ago
Apple has backed off its suggestion that Macs require antivirus software. Yesterday, the computer maker suffered a public relations nightmare after an article was discovered on the company's site encouraging Mac users to install antivirus software.
Spin Zone? Apple Says Virus Warning Was Old CRN
Apple pulls support note recommending antivirus software Apple Insider
ZDNet - eWeek - Register - Boy Genius Report
all 169 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:05:48 GMT

Patriots bring back LB Colvin - International Herald Tribune


Colorado Buffs Insider
Patriots bring back LB Colvin
International Herald Tribune - 30 minutes ago
AP FOXBOROUGH, Mass.: The New England Patriots shored up their injury-riddled linebacker corps Wednesday by signing veteran free agent Rosevelt Colvin.
Webster To I/R, Colvin Visits Patriots Insider
Patriots Welcome Back Rosevelt Colvin FanHouse
Boston Globe - Pro Football Weekly - WBZ - Boston Herald
all 17 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:15:36 GMT

Kevin Federline on Britney: I Love Her, But I'm Not In Love With Her - FOXNews


Telegraph.co.uk
Kevin Federline on Britney: I Love Her, But I'm Not In Love With Her
FOXNews - 1 hour ago
With Britney’s comeback in full effect, her ex-husband Kevin Federline is ready to set the record straight. In a new exclusive interview with People magazine, Federline has shed his party-boy, rapper, gold-digger, boy-toy names in favor of “daddy.
Kevin Federline Says Britney Spears 'Blindsided' Him With Divorce MTV.com
K-Fed: I'd rather see my kids than Britney's money The Associated Press
Extra TV - E! Online - TV Guide - Popeater
all 215 news articles

Publ.Date : Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:16:01 GMT

RSS Datafeeds
Amazon RSS


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Bollywood Boudoir... On A Budget

"Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor.... Read More

An Introduction to Wood Stoves

Wood stoves are like small fireplaces. They are inexpensive and... Read More

Traditional Lighting - What Is It?

For those considering what kind of lighting style to use... Read More

An Inspirational Poster Can Really Help!

An inspirational poster can really inspire us!Its benefits to us... Read More

Summertime Simplicity in Your Home Decorating

Here in the Northeast, summer is almost here. With hot... Read More

An Introduction to Roman Shades

Roman shades are a simple and practical window treatment to... Read More

Budget Decorating - What Is It?

Budget decorating. You see this phrase a lot but what... Read More

The Benefits of Dried Fruit Baskets

Usually combined with varieties of nuts, dried fruit baskets have... Read More

How to Select an Interior Designer

Selecting an interior designer is the most important decision that... Read More

Grandfather Clock Repair

A well-made grandfather clock is an heirloom piece, designed to... Read More

The Increased Popularity of Granite Kitchen Countertops

The popularity of granite kitchen countertops has increased dramatically in... Read More

Ceiling Fan Blades

The blades of a ceiling fan make all the difference.... Read More

The Hunt for Vintage Kitchen Sinks

Want to relive the excitement of California's gold rush of... Read More

Wall Clocks Tell Time and Decorate!

Clocks can be of any type - they could be... Read More

Decorating Kid?s Rooms On A Small Budget

Now if your children are like mine they want to... Read More

A Baker?s Rack: Always A Favorite

When it comes to home accessories, baker's racks have long... Read More

Couch Slipcovers - An Easy Way to Give Old Furniture a Stylish New Image!

Fitting new couch slipcovers is a great way to instantly... Read More

How to Brighten Your Decor with Hand Painted Ceramic Tile

At one time, ceramic tile was only for the wealthy.... Read More

Entryway Benches - Why Theyre a Must Have in Every Home

One of the easiest ways to leave a lasting, warm... Read More

5 Ways In Which You Can Make Simple Changes To Your Home Decorating

Home decorating, ever wanted to try it, but hesitated because... Read More

Tasteful Home Decorating Changes Your House Into a Home

There is this undocumented story about Andrew Carnegie who kept... Read More

Amish Furniture A Piece Of American Pride

Over the past several months I have been actively working... Read More

Magic Carpet Ride?

There are hundreds of choices carpet choices out there! How... Read More

Why Silk Plants Instead Of The Real Thing?

Should I buy silk plants and flowers for my home... Read More

Finding Discount Waterbed Sheets

Consumers may be led to believe that waterbed sheets are... Read More