The Beauty and Usefulness of Braided Area Rugs
68Braided area rugs are an American tradition, going back to Colonial times and are one of those items born out of necessity. Old, worn pieces of clothing or other clothe were torn into strips. This strips were then braded and sewn together to form rugs.
Braided area rugs fell out of favor at one point. That may have been because they were considers more for country and poor folks. Fortunately, in the pendulum swung back during the Arts and Crafts movement and braided area rugs came back into favor with more elaborate designs and styles. Their popularity has continued to grow. Today, braided rugs are found in a many home designs – from country and cottage to contemporary and traditional – and just about every room in the house.
- Living rooms
- Family rooms
- Kitchens
- Dining rooms
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Patio
Today’s Braided Area Rugs
While cotton and wool where just about the only choices back in Martha Washington’s day, today’s area rugs are made from a variety of long-lasting materials, like nylons and synthetic blends. There are even indoor/outdoor braided area rugs that withstand weather, as well as wear and tear.
While those old colonial braided rugs were made with just pieces of clothe, most modern rugs manufactured with carpet yarn braided around synthetic cores (think clotheslines style). Braided area rugs one in flat or round weaves.
Care and Maintenance
Many of today’s braided area rugs come in materials that can be machine wash, but depending on the size of the rug, that may not always be possible. Here are a few tips for caring a maintaining you new rugs:
- Vacuum frequently
- Flip them over every few months
- Machine wash and line dry small rugs
- Spot clean or have professionally cleaned
Benefits of Braided Area Rugs
Braided area rugs were originally made to sure a purpose, covering cold and bare floors when other types of flooring were not available. There usefulness continues. Not only are braided area rugs and attractive and stylish ways to covers today’s floor, but they continue to offer up a multitude of benefits.
- Braided area rugs are reversible, so you get twice the wear
- They are easy to care for
- Inexpensive
- They don’t collect allergens the way carpet does
- Braided rugs can be used on bare floors (with a pad) or over carpet
Typical Shapes and Sizes
- Ovals – 2’x3’, 4’x6’, 6’x9’ and 9’x12
- Rounds—3’, 5’, 7’ and 12’
- Retangular—22”x34”, 5’x7’, 8’x10’ and 9’x12’
- Runners—2’x6’, 2.25’x8’ and 2.25’x10’
Braided area rugs can also be custom made to your specifications from a number or rug makers. Also, available are braided rug accessories, like chair pads, stair treads, placements and trivets.
If you're in the market for a new rugs, check out these braided area rugs from Amazon:
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