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Area Rugs

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Welcome to our Area Rugs Showcase, featuring exceptional designs from artisans throughout the world. Beautiful and practical, each is an exquisite work of art - favorite styles include the wool rugs, sisal rugs, jute rugs and alpaca wool area rugs.

Area Rugs by Size

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.

+ - What are different styles of area rugs?

They say variety is the spice of life. For every personal preference, there is an ideal area rug to match. Whether youre drawn to the geometric patterns and natural dyes of Zapotec rugs done in traditional Oaxacan style, or gorgeous dhurrie rugs from India woven from jute fibers, the elegant sisal rugs from Jaipur, or soft alpaca wool from the Andes, there is an area rug that is perfect for you.

Eight facts about handmade area rugs you probably didnt know

Zapotec Wool Rug 4 X 6 "Red Maguey An area rug can change the dynamic of an entire room. It can add depth, dimension, and a sense of authenticity to a living space. Rugs provide warmth and comfort. They mute unwanted sounds. Plus, they are... read more

Top Area Rug Categories

Peruvian Area Rugs

Mexican Area Rugs

Indian Area Rugs

Central American Area Rugs

Wool Area Rugs

Area Rugs by Size

Large Area Rugs

Featured Reviews

Zapotec wool rug, 'Summer Sun' (2.5x5)

Jean

Sep 19, 2019

even prettier than the picture

This is a well made rug, and it is beautiful The wool is substantial, and I hope to get many years of joy from the rug, Thank you!

Wool rug, 'Matrimony' (4x6)

Sabrina

Oct 19, 2023

Gorgeous and a true work of art

I just unboxed my rug and am in love. The texture (soft wool), patterns, and vibrant colors male this rug sing. I can "feel" the artist's joy in crafting it. Photos don't do it justice. I plan to enjoy for many years to come.

Animal Themed Area Rugs

Area Rugs

Zapotec wool rug, 'Fuego' (4x6)

Michael

Jan 12, 2020

Exactly What I Wanted

My girlfriend and I moved from New Jersey to Sedona 8 months ago. We are in the process of decorating in a manner that is southwestern without being cliche, without being cartoonish. We looked at Zapotec rugs in local stores. They were what we were looking for in the way of rugs. I was prepared to pay the high price they were asking, but we didn't find exactly what we wanted. Then I happened on Novica, had never heard of this site, and found exactly what I wanted, for much less money, and a lot more of that money going to the artisan. This piece by the Ruiz Bazan family is simply superb!

Featured Artist

Mario Chavez Alfombras y carteras zapotecas tejidas a mano

(36)

"Un día miré a mi alrededor y pude ver que estábamos rodeados de arte, pero la gente no lo valoraba lo suficiente y la pobreza se estaba asentando en nuestra comunidad".

Última actualización“En el 2002 comencé a exportar mis diseños tejidos a mano con la ayuda de ustedes. Siempre quise fortalecer la cultura zapoteca en... read more