More Braided Rugs Less Carpet

Prior to World War II many American homes featuredtheir living spaces, choosing carpet fabrics that emit
wood and other types of hard surface flooring andfewer volatile organic compounds or VOCs and have
area rugs where used as room accents. During thea higher content of recycled fabric materials. Carpeting
home building boom that followed the end of the war,needs to be replaced periodically and old carpeting
the use of wall to wall carpeting became very wideoften ends up in the landfill, not to mention the cost of
spread. Until recently, over seventy percent ofreplacement.
American homes had wall to wall carpeting. Area rugsWith the movement toward hard surface flooring has
are seeing a renewed popularity and this includescome a greater demand for various styles of area
braided area rugs.rugs. A traditional favorite in area rug styles is the
Given the cost of replacement, the need to clean itclassic braided rug. Braided rugs have had a place in a
routinely and possible adverse effects on indoor airvariety of home decorating plans, from shabby chic, to
quality, many homeowners have made a switch backEarly American and country cottage looks.
to hard surface flooring. Hard surface flooring likeOne of the more unique and beautiful characteristics
wood and composite materials are much easier toof braided rugs is color. Makers of early braided rugs
keep clean and sanitary. This is especially important formight have used whatever fabric or yarn was at hand.
homeowners who have problems with allergies andThe result was a blend or variegation of many colors,
other respiratory conditions.often resulting in random patterns. The variegation in
While carpeting can add warmth and comfort to acolor made every rug unique much like patchwork
living space, maintaining the appearance and cleanlinessquilts which did not rely on any particular pattern.
of wall to wall carpet can be difficult over time. UnevenVariegated rug patterns are perennial favorites among
wear patterns, the accumulation of dirt and breakdownthose folks prefer a very traditional look.
of padding materials can make your carpeting lookQuality braided rugs are easy to care for and just last
very old well before its time. Ground in dirt and crittersa very long time with proper cleaning. Unlike woven
like dust mites can be nearly impossible to removearea rugs, braided rugs can be turned over. Since you
from deep in the carpet.are able to reverse the rug, the wear will be more
Some studies suggest that carpet has a wear life ofeven and this will further extend the life of the rug.
anywhere from three to five years. So given theDepending on the type of weave and materials used
amount of carpet in service and the need to clean it,to make your braided rug, the rug can help to reduce
perhaps twice a year that translates into a substantialthe wear and tear on wood and other types of hard
amount of labor and, perhaps more importantly millionssurface flooring. Braided area rugs can be made from
of gallons of chemicals and water. This can have arenewable fiber materials like bamboo, jute and hemp.
enormous impact on the environment.These fast growing renewable fiber sources are
Concerned about the potential for increased indoor airenvironmentally friendly and can be grown without the
pollution, many folks are taking a green approach touse of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.