Traditional Rugs

Some people call rugs Traditional that are made by hand rather than by machine. These are the Persian and Oriental rugs made mainly in China, India, the Middle East and North Africa. For me a traditional rug refers to its style, as it tends to follow traditional designs and patterns..

Traditional rugs are the ideal choice for creating an ethnic theme – such as a Moroccan, Chinese or Indian look. It also complements a formal and elegant setting.  But you have to be careful and subtle. These rugs are normally very rich in colors and patterns which can overpower or close up a space. If you decide to have a large traditional area rug – make sure that your room is large and light. Do not use other patterns in the same room and choose your overall color scheme based on the colors of the rug. Although dark colors on walls used to be popular in the past – don’t try to simulate this look; use fresh and off-white colors. These work much better in the 21st century!

Your furniture also must complement a traditional design. Do not mix and match contemporary furniture & furnishing with traditional designs. This method can actually work, but it really needs an expert designer’s touch – otherwise it looks like mish-mash of clashes.

Also consider your paintings and other artwork! So many times have I seen people creating an accurately traditional look – with all the details harmonising… except the Picasso-like modern paintings on the wall or the abstract modernist ornaments on the shelves. They just don’t work together.

Oriental & Persian rugs are made of wool and silk, mainly by hand, using ancient techniques and dying processes. These days you can buy machine-made reproductions of these designs.

Cleaning Traditional Rugs

Handmade rugs tend to be stronger and more hard-wearing than machine-made ones. But you should take care when cleaning them. Vacuum gently – without the rotating beater brush normally found in upright cleaners because this could damage the knotting of the piles. Do not beat them with a beating-stick or tennis rocket either!

To remove stains, use a wool or silk compatible carpet-shampoo. Heavy stains can be dabbed (not rubbed!) with a mixture of equal amounts of white vinegar & water.  It’s advisable to use professional carpet cleaners to clean your rug every couple of years or so (depending on the traffic it takes).

Read more about area rugs, in particular modern area rugs or natural rugs
We have also put together a list of where to get a discount area rug