Your answers straight from the village experts
Rug pads are great because they prevent slippage, prolong wear, protect the floor underneath, and provide additional comfort and quiet. That being said, most of our rugs do not actually require a pad underneath. Many, like those from the Andes, crafted with sheep wool and cotton, are durable and sturdy enough to be placed directly on the floor. But for enhanced protection and longevity, a rug pad is always a welcome addition.
Area rugs are a design-friendly way to absorb sound and insulate a room. They are a wonderful way to reduce noise, as footsteps on a rug are more muted than on hardwood floors or tile, and they also dull ambient sounds. Additionally, they provide warmth and a general sense of well-being. Who doesnt love a good area rug!
Most area rugs are easy to maintain with a few simple steps. For small stains and spills, you can spot clean with warm, soapy water. Never rub the affected area, always blot! You should vacuum your rugs to remove dirt and debris. And to ensure that rugs wear evenly, it is recommended to place a pad beneath them, and rotate them regularly. As with most vibrant works of art, direct sunlight may dull the colors. For more substantive cleaning, it is recommended that you dry clean your area rug.
Were huge fans of eco-friendly everything! When it comes to area rugs, you can look for certain indicators that it is produced in a sustainable way that reduces our carbon footprint. Some artisans, like a handful of weavers from India, use recycled fabrics: cotton, rayon, and polyester. Others stress the use of natural dyes and ethically-sourced wool. (Wool is particularly celebrated for being recyclable, abundant, and naturally stain-resistant.)
Handmade, or footmade! Many of the weavers who produce area rugs use a pedal, or foot, loom. While they technically have the assistance of a machine--a treadle or handloom--its operation requires the dexterity, strength, coordination, and patience of the artisan. Additionally, most area rugs are finished by hand.
Traditional area rugs are mostly woven on looms. Treadle, or foot, looms make use of pedals to lift and lower the looms harness. This raises the threads of the warp, so that the weft can pass through the opening in the threads. This type of loom is common in the Andes, Central America, as well as Mexico, and traces back to Mayan weavers in the period after the Spanish arrived. Elsewhere, such as India, handlooms are still used. The designs are mapped out in advance, and it takes about four to five days to complete a dhurrie, or traditional Indian floor covering. While the work to craft each of these rugs may be labor intensive, the beauty of the finished product makes it well worth the wait.
While area rugs are handcrafted by artisans from all over the world, they share certain features in spite of their vastly different regions. From the Andes to Central America, Mexico to India, most artisans use some combination of sheep wool, cotton, and natural and industrial dyes. Some artisans, like those from India, may incorporate other materials, like jute, or recycled cotton, polyester, and rayon, into their works. Some of the Zapotec weavers in Mexico use dyes made from natural materials like walnut shell, cochineal, and flowers. With these materials, artisans create vibrant colors and authentic patterns, ideal for adding dimension and warmth to any home.
By Susie
I am very proud of my wool rug, Claret Rhombi because it is a outstanding heirloom that everyone gives compliments every time they walk in the house. I share with them where I received it and let them know that can help others by going into Novica.com and become partners with this wonderful company! My friends loved the idea of helping others. This work was done with great love and the colors are so majestic with such great impressive beauty that is so and now I have the privilege to past this to my only son. I know he will take pride and treasure this wool area rug as I do.I hope and pray that others will be so happy as we are in displaying this beautiful piece of excellent work in our home. Exquisite, lovely are words that others are describing this elegant rug that is displayed in our living room. Being part of NOVICA has made me and my family very proud of being part of helping others as well. Thank you for this heirloom that I can share in the future with my son as well!!!
By Sheila
Nicely woven rug with a tight weave and I particularly like the colours which work well with the bedspread and curtains in my bedroom. This rug is a nice addition to the Zapotec rugs I purchased in Teotitlan del Valle 25 years ago. Gracias Señor Ruiz.
By Barbara
I received a gift certificate and used it to get this rug. It is one of the best presents ever. I put it in the entry hall in my house - a traditional Japanese house! It gets a lot of traffic, including pets, and it has held up perfectly. It washes easily (in cold water) and looks as good as the day it arrived. The colors are bright but not gaudy. It goes very well with the naturals of the Japanese house and I get compliments from visitors all the time. I was a bit worried about the fact that it was wool, but now I think the wool was the best choice. I love this tug - it makes me happy every time I come and go.
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