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The Village Council

Your answers straight from the village experts

+ - Do most area rugs need a pad underneath?

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.

+ - Do area rugs absorb sound?

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!

+ - How do I care for my 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.

+ - Are there eco-friendly area rugs?

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.)

+ - Are any of your area rugs handmade?

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.

+ - What are traditional methods of making area rugs?

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.

+ - What materials are used to make area rugs?

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.

Featured Reviews

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Zapotec wool rug, 'Milpa at Night' (2x3.5)

Marie

Oct 10, 2017

Beautiful rug

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This is a beautiful rug. The colors are vibrant, the tree of life joyous. While I bought it to use as a small area rug, it is so lovely that I may use it as a wall hanging.

Animal Themed Area Rugs

Zapotec Area Rugs

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Chain stitch wool rug, 'Crouching Tiger'

Alexandra

May 31, 2023

A unique, whimsical piece

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I love these rugs so much I bought them in different styles for different rooms in my home. So unique, detailed, fun, and whimsical. I just love them!

Cotton Area Rugs

Animal Themed Area Rugs

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Cotton rug, 'Sky Over Kutch'

Margery

Dec 10, 2024

Even more beautiful

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The rug is in my front hall next to a staircase. It's even more beautiful than appears in the photos. One of the thin stripes is a lovely dark red. Very high quality, lights up the whole room. Thank you, Mr. Sethi!

Indian Dhurrie Rugs

Solids and Handloom Area Rugs

Cotton Area Rugs

Beach Bonfire Area Rugs

Beach Cottage Area Rugs

Featured Artist

Amit Moza Handcrafted decor accents with aari chain stitch embroidery

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"A lot of my inspiration comes from nature. My designs are mostly floral or based on animal or bird motifs. I love to experiment with different colours."

"I was born in Srinagar. Kashmir is famous for beautiful and creative works of art. As a child, I became fascinated with Kashmiri embroidery and... read more

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