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Area Rugs

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NOVICA’s Area Rug Collection showcases handmade and handcrafted traditional and contemporary designs by global artisans. This colorful tactile collection of plain and patterned rugs includes a diverse range of fibers such as sisal, jute, wool, silk and cotton.

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, 'Red Star Path' (2x7)

David

Aug 15, 2021

High Quality

I purchased another Zapotec rug in the same pattern many years in Taos. I laid this new rug next to the older rug and the quality of the new rug is the same high quality as the older one. Thank you.

Zapotec wool rug, 'August Sun'

Barbara

Sep 29, 2017

Makes me happy every day

I received a gift certificate and used it to get this rug. It is one of the best presents ever. I put it in the entry hall in my house - a traditional Japanese house! It gets a lot of traffic, including pets, and it has held up perfectly. It washes easily (in cold water) and looks as good as the day it arrived. The colors are bright but not gaudy. It goes very well with the naturals of the Japanese house and I get compliments from visitors all the time. I was a bit worried about the fact that it was wool, but now I think the wool was the best choice. I love this tug - it makes me happy every time I come and go.

Traditional Style Rugs

Cotton rug, 'Sky Over Kutch'

Margery

Dec 10, 2024

Even more beautiful

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!

Solids and Handloom Area Rugs

Cotton Area Rugs

Beach Bonfire Area Rugs

Beach Cottage Area Rugs

Featured Artist

Mario Chavez Handwoven Zapotec rugs and handbags

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"One day I looked around and I could see we were surrounded by art, but people didn't value it enough and poverty was settling into our community."

Latest Update"In 2002, I began to export my handwoven designs with the your help. I always wanted to strengthen the Zapotec culture that I was... read more