Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Blancho Bedding Duvet Cover Comforter Sets

Blancho Bedding was founded by the world-wide known image design company MAJANEO. Blancho means pure and virginal maiden in French. Blancho bedding products show the styles of colorfulness and ebullience via the fashionable designs by several specialized designers from worldwide. Our products lead the fashion and deliver new attitude of living and are going on forging the new art of fashion with gorgeous designs, blooming totems and stylish lines. Blancho Bedding products will bring distinctiveness to your bedroom, thereby configuring a space of privacy and coziness for you.

Blancho Bedding products are all made of natural organic fibers, highest quality construction, chemical and fire retardant free. Allergy-free nontoxic natural material. You won't find any similar quality products at these low prices. The concealed elastic band in the fitted sheet will firmly wrap the overall corners of the mattress, thus avoiding displacement. The design of extending the pocket size of the fitted sheet to 14 inches will fit with the most of mattresses. We recommend duvet covers because they can be washed much more often. Too-frequent washing (even dry cleaning) can compromise your comforter's fill. However, a duvet cover can be machine washed. If you have ever priced dry cleaning, you understand why cleaning it less often is a huge advantage! Another advantage of cotton duvet covers is that they are changeable, so you can change the look and feel of your bedroom without having to completely redecorate. Browse our colorful duvet cover sets and bring excitement to your bedroom.
  • Twin Set includes: One pillowcase, one fitted sheet & one duvet cover.
  • Full Set includes: Two pillowcases, one fitted sheet & one duvet cover.
  • Queen Set includes: Two pillowcases, one fitted sheet & one duvet cover.
  • King Set includes: Two pillowcases, one fitted sheet & one duvet cover.

Best Wishes
Warehousedirectllc.com

Monday, September 28, 2009

All About Bedding - Bedding Guide


Good bedding makes all the difference when it comes to both comfort and style in your bedroom. With so many different types of sheets, comforters, pillows and blankets, however, it can be difficult to differentiate between a quality product and a cheap one. Just knowing a few facts can help you make the right decision. This bedding buying guide will give you some basic information to aid you in your shopping.
Sheets

It's easy to find sheets for every common bed size. Most sheet sets consist of a fitted sheet that wraps around the mattress, a flat sheet that stretches over the mattress, and a pillowcase or two. Fitted sheets are approximately the following dimensions:

  • Twin: 39 inches x 76 inches (80 inches for extra long twin)
  • Full: 54 inches x 75 inches
  • Queen: 60 inches x 80 inches
  • King: 78 inches x 80 inches
  • Cal King: 72 inches x 84 inches

When most people buy sheets, they look for a color they enjoy. And while the right color is essential, there is a whole lot more that goes into a good sheet set. The most important qualities in sheets are the thread count, fabric, and type of weave.

Thread Count

The thread count is the number of horizontal and vertical threads in a square inch of a bed sheet's fabric. Typically, a higher thread count means a tighter, softer and more durable sheet. It also makes sheet sets more expensive. You should purchase something with a thread count of at least 200 if you want your sheets to last a while. Sheets with a thread count of 300 to 400 are very nice while remaining quite affordable. Some sheet sets boast a thread count of 1000 or more. While these sheets will feel extra smooth, they probably won't last as long, since the threads must be finer in order to achieve such a high count.

Weave

Two types of weaves are usually used in sheet sets. A percale weave is closely woven with no gloss, which gives percale sheets a smooth texture. A sateen weave has more yarns on the surface of the fabric. This makes a sheet more lustrous and gives it the look of satin.

Fabric

The best fabric for sheets is Egyptian cotton, which is grown exclusively in the Nile River Valley. It is one of the world's strongest, most lustrous cottons, and Egyptian cotton sheets with a high thread count are generally considered to be the most luxurious.

Pima cotton is long-staple cotton grown in the southwestern United States, Peru and Australia. Pima sheets have a soft, silky finish. You might see some sheets made from "Supima" cotton. Don't let this confuse you. Supima is just the trademarked name for 100-percent Pima cotton grown in the United States. It stands for "Superior Pima."

Muslin cotton is course cotton, often used in kids' bedding. It is not as smooth and durable as other types of cotton. Muslin sheets are often printed with colorful character patterns, and they tend to fade and pill with washings.

Flannel is usually a blend of cotton and wool or some other synthetic fabric. Flannel sheets are popular for their warmth. The quality of flannel sheets is not measured in thread count, though. It is measured in ounces per square yard. Generally, 4 oz. or more is considered good quality.
Silk is the finest and strongest natural fiber, a fact that makes silk sheets a real luxury. They are shiny, smooth and expensive, but difficult to clean and maintain.

Satin is a polished synthetic fabric -- usually nylon. It is often used in luxury bedding, but it's not as strong as silk while being more difficult to clean. Sateen bed sheets are also smooth and lustrous, but shouldn't be confused with satin sheets. "Sateen" describes a weave, while "satin" describes a material. Furthermore, sateen sheets are usually made of natural fibers. They are usually less expensive than satin sheets.

Comforters

Comforters can be filled with down or some other down alternative. Down comforters are popular because they combine both softness and warmth. Down typically comes from geese or ducks, but goose down is fluffier and warmer than duck down. And a goose down comforter will last longer and look better than one made with duck down.

Down comforters, usually require special care and cleaning. To avoid this, you should purchase a duvet cover. If you want to save time, you can purchase comforter sets that include coordinating pillow shams and duvet covers along with other bedding essentials. For those with allergies, down alternative comforters often provide the same warmth, and they are usually much easier to clean.

Besides thread count, the important things to pay attention to when buying a down comforter are fill power and design.

Fill power

Fill power is a measure of how many cubic inches one ounce of down fills. A higher fill power means a down blanket will be fluffier and warmer. A fill power of 550 or more is normally considered good.

Design

Makers of down comforters typically use two designs to keep the down from shifting and clumping. A box stitch down comforter has boxes stitched throughout that hold the down in place. A baffle-box stitch has gated baffles (pieces of vertical fabric between the top and bottom of the comforter) that run the length of the comforter to keep the down in place and allow it to keep its fullest loft.

Blankets and Quilts

The most important aspect of any blanket is its fabric. Different fabrics obviously have different qualities of warmth and softness. For instance, cotton blankets tend to be more breathable than those made from synthetic fabrics. However, synthetic fleece blankets tend to be lighter and softer. Wool blankets are extra warm. It all depends on your personal wants and needs. Just pay attention to things like weave and edging to make sure you get a blanket that will hold up after years of use.

When it comes to quilts, handmade does not necessarily mean high quality. Straight, even stitching is important, and many handmade quilts don't have that. You also want to pay attention to whether or not the quilt is machine washable.

Pillows

One of the most important things to consider when buying pillows is the position in which you tend sleep. A flatter pillow is usually good for back sleepers, while a firmer, raised pillow is good for side sleepers. Bed pillows come in several sizes. Standard, queen and king are the most common. They have the following approximate dimensions:
  • Standard pillow: 20 inches x 26 inches
  • Queen pillow: 20 inches x 30 inches
  • King pillow: 20 inches x 36 inches

Be aware that most bedding companies don't make queen pillowcases, only standard and king sizes. That's okay, though, because standard pillowcases will work just fine for queen pillows.
The fill inside your pillow will make the biggest difference as to how comfortable it is and how it holds up over time. Most bed pillows are filled with some kind of foam or down. Foam pillows can be found in various levels of firmness. They have great elasticity and don't sag. A good foam pillow will hold up for two or three years.

If you want firmness without elasticity, down pillows are the way to go. Down pillows can also be molded and fluffed for each new sleeping position. High-quality goose down pillows will hold up for almost a decade if well-maintained. You can purchase allergen-blocking pillow covers if you're allergic to down.

Memory foam pillows (often referred to as contour pillows) soften when they come in contact with heat. That means a memory foam pillow molds to the shape of your head and evenly distributes the weight, no matter what position you are in. Another benefit of a contoured memory foam pillow is it lasts much longer than other foam fill.

Bedding extras

A few things will take your bed from bland to beautiful. They aren't completely necessary for a good night's rest, but they will help you feel extra comfortable in your bedroom. A bed skirt will cover up box springs, completing the look of your bed. Bed canopies will help you feel like you're sleeping in a palace.

Maybe you want to take your bedroom even further, from comfortable to, say, heavenly. If that is the case, think about featherbeds, which are basically down-filled mattress pads. For quality featherbeds, apply the same principals as you do to down comforters. You can also purchase memory foam mattress toppers and other mattress covers with extra layers of softness.

Common bedding questions

How can I make my down comforter last longer?

Since most down comforters should only be dry cleaned, it would be wise to cover yours with a machine washable duvet cover. A duvet cover will prolong the life of the down comforter and save money on cleaning. You can get multiple inexpensive duvet covers from Warehousedirectllc.com to match your room's d?cor in every season. When storing a down comforter, it is best to keep it in a loose, breathable bag and avoid compression.

How can I make my sheets last longer?

Always follow the cleaning instructions on the tag, as they are specific for preventing shrinkage and pilling. Drying your sheets on a low heat or line drying also helps prevent the break down of fibers.

How can I make sure my fitted sheet will actually fit?

Fitted sheets with an elastic around the whole edge of the sheet often fit better than ones with a partial elastic. Pocket size also makes a big difference. You should measure the thickness of your mattress and buy a fitted sheet with a sufficient pocket size.

Is a pillow sham different from a pillowcase?

A pillow sham's opening is on the back, and it often has some sort of decorative edging. Pillow shams are usually meant to be displayed on pillows that sit outside of the blankets as decorations. Pillowcases are a little more utilitarian, with an opening on one edge and very little decoration. More often than not, you'll want to use the pillowcases for sleeping and the pillow shams for decorating.

Ideas from Warehousedirectllc.com

Want to rejuvenate your bedroom but don't know where to start? Warehousedirectllc.com has some good ideas for bringing it all together in each of your home's bedrooms. And what makes it really great is you can find it all in one place for a great price.

Teenager's bedroom

Bright-colored sheets and comforters give a teenager's room personality. Warehousedirectllc.com has a great collection of memorable movie posters and framed pop art to go along. You can also find colorful coordinating window curtains to tie it all together.

Luxury bedroom

Warehousedirectllc.com has a wide selection of luxury bedding. You can match one of our high thread count Egyptian cotton sheet sets with a high thread count Hungarian goose down comforter and duvet cover. We also have bed canopies to make you feel like royalty. Put it all together with some of our classic art prints and one of our comfy armchairs. A handmade nightstand topped with one of our many tiffany-style lamps would add a heavy dose of elegance.

Budget bedroom

Just because you don't want to spend a lot of money doesn't mean you have to forget about style and comfort. A bed in a bag is a great way to make it all match while saving money. Add some colorful curtains and throw blankets for an inexpensive touch of class.

Our bedding store has everything you'll need for a good night's rest. Your new bedding will keep you comfortable for years to come. And you can sleep peacefully knowing you got a great deal at Warehousedirectllc.com.

Best Wishes

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Keys & Tips to Buying Kids Furniture

Kids' furniture creates the comfort zone that every little kid needs. Furniture that is just their size gives kids the security they need when they are at home. At Warehousedirectllc.com, you can find kids' furniture that will take them through every age. And with our famous discount prices, you can afford the fun furniture designs that fit their style. Your children may not come with an instruction manual, but this kids' furniture buying guide will at least provide some directions when it comes to their furniture.

What you need to know

You're going to need different furniture as your child grows. This guide is broken down by age group to help you choose the right children's furniture for every stage of childhood.
Toddlers

Once your child is at least 35 inches tall or strong enough to climb out of his crib, he is ready for toddler furniture. Beds made especially for kids aged 18 to 24 months help them know they aren't babies anymore. Toddler beds are just the right size for your little one to get in and out of without any help, fostering a feeling of independence. Toddler beds are low to the ground like a twin bed but hold a crib mattress. This is an economical choice because you can use the same crib mattress and baby bedding as you did when your child was younger. This also makes your child's adjustment to a "big kid bed" easier. Some toddler beds also have small side rails to prevent your toddler from rolling out of bed.

Once your toddler starts walking around, he may feel like everything is adult-sized. Give him a place to play that is just his size with kid's tables and kid's chairs. Kid's tables are great places to make crafts, play games and eat snacks. You'll find that most children's furniture requires very little maintenance: Unlike your other tables, a kid's table is made to withstand the rigors of play time, so bring on the finger paint. A regular wipe-down with a non-toxic household cleaner should be all you need to maintain your kids' furniture.

Pre-school through grade school ages

As your children grow, you'll see their tastes start to emerge. Let their imaginations run wild with furniture for kids that reflect their newly developing sense of style. Give your children the opportunity to have some input on what furniture they'll have in the bedroom. More choices are available now than ever, so there's sure to be something you'll both like.

Encourage reading with bookshelves sized for your child's height and a kid's rocking chair to sit in while she reads her books. A kid's bean bag chair has all the comfort of a grown-up chair, but it's small enough to give your child a perfect place to unwind and maybe even take a nap. A kid's chair that's meant for outdoor use invites your child to sit with you on the deck or patio. Many children's chairs are available in styles to coordinate with your other furniture, while other kids' tables and kids' chairs are available in fun themes to match your child's burgeoning tastes. A kid's table decorated with sports themes, princesses, racecars or trains can spark the imaginations of your little ones.

Children's beds

Kids' twin beds are just the right place for children to dream. They come in the perfect size for little ones and are available in many fun styles. Some kid's twin beds even incorporate storage underneath. Styles range from classics, like canopy beds and sleigh beds, to modern, whimsical theme beds. Choose a kid's twin bed to reflect your child's developing tastes.

Are you a little short on space? A trundle bed features a second mattress (usually twin-size) that slides under the main mattress. This type of bed gives you the option of a second sleeping space that you can tuck away when not in use. Trundle beds are great for sleepovers.

Memories are made when siblings share a bunk bed; as an added bonus, you'll have room for all the other furniture they need. Check to make sure that the bunk bed has safety features such as guard rails and a sturdy ladder, and only let children age seven and older use the upper bunk.
Another great space saver is a loft bunk bed: a bunk bed with a kid's desk, futon or shelves on the first level and only a bed on the second level. Whichever bed you choose, make sure to measure the spot where you plan to put it before you make a purchase.

Kids' storage

You'll want to make sure you have plenty of kids' storage in your child's room or any room where he plays with his toys. Children's bookshelves don't have to be used just for books: Toys, dolls, games, stuffed animals, trophies and art projects can all be stored and displayed on bookshelves. Baskets or bins that can be kept on bookshelves or in closets can be used for added kids' storage. Coat racks will not only keep coats and jackets handy, but they can also keep a backpack full of homework ready for school. Toy bins along walls or at the foot of a child's bed are another good solution for making clean up time a breeze. Dressers are meant to hold clothes, but putting aside a drawer for even more toys can help when you have an out of control playroom. Encourage a lifetime of organization by creating children's storage your kids can use on their own.

Youth furniture

"Tweens" and teens need bedroom furniture that reflects their older age, but that doesn't mean they need adult furniture yet. Your teenage child may be ready to upgrade her kid's twin bed to a full-size bed. If the styles seem like too drastic of a departure from kids' twin beds, adding brightly colored bedding will help maintain a youthful look. Like kids' twin beds, full-size beds come in many styles: canopy, sleigh and poster, to name a few. Check out Warehousedirectllc.com's wide selection of styles with your child before making a decision.

By this age, your children will be spending more time on schoolwork than they ever have before. Give them a homework zone with a kid's desk. Choose a computer desk if she'll have her own desktop computer. If she'll just be using a laptop or pen and paper, any kid's desk that appeals to you both will work. Coordinate the color, style or material to the bed for a cohesive look, but don't feel too restrained; a kids' room should be more about fun than matching. For creative kids, a kid's desk may also be a place for arts and crafts projects, so if your child is artistically inclined, choose a kid's desk that can be cleaned easily and that stores a lot of supplies. Don't forget good task lighting for your child's desk, as well.

Common kids' furniture questions

I'm worried that my preschool-aged child might not deal well with the transition to big kids' furniture. Is there anything I can do to make the changeover easier?

It's common for a younger child to struggle with big changes, but there's a lot that you can do to smooth a transition in their living space. For kids still getting used to being out of the crib, installing safety rails on their new twin bed can provide a sense of security. Remember to keep the color scheme of your child's room bright and fun; decorations incorporating characters from movies they've loved since infancy are always a sure bet.

No matter how many bins and baskets I buy, my kid's room continues to be a jumbled mess. What can I do?

One possible solution to fix an irredeemably messy room is to put photos on each bin corresponding to what item is supposed to be in it (e.g., a picture of one of your child's completed projects for the building blocks bin). This is particularly effective for visual learners and kids who are still developing verbal skills. Other solutions run the disciplinary gamut from rewarding good clean-up with a treat to revoking access to toys if they're not properly put away.

Celebrate good times

There will be lots of milestones in your child's life, everything from birthdays to starting high school. Celebrate these big events by surprising them with an updated and redecorated room. This is a great way to acknowledge your children's achievements and to let them know they've taken another important step towards adulthood. It's also an excellent opportunity to make the switch from a kids' twin bed to a full-size bed.

Sophisticated tastes

As kids get older, they'll inevitably put aside their toys and move on to more grown-up forms of entertainment. Music and movies are usually the logical next step in a child's entertainment options, and as a parent, you can keep a closer eye on which titles are filling those choices by providing teenagers with a new kids' entertainment center. Better still, make room on those shelves for some books; if your "tween" or teen is exposed to a great piece of age-appropriate literature, it may just foster a life-long love affair with the written word.

Best Wishes
Jessie & Adam

Monday, September 14, 2009

Earn Money For Shopping At Your Favorite Stores!

When you join BigCrumbs, you gain access to exclusive deals and earnBIG cash back at top retailers and member stores.

And, when you tell friends about BigCrumbs, you get paid every time they make a purchase--forever. That's real money, just for helping friends. Plus, a bigger community means better deals for all of us.

For our eBay sellers, and other business owners, we give you promotional tools and allow you to post deals and listings right here-directly to other members of the BigCrumbs community.

Remember, our members are savvy shoppers who spend millions of dollars each month through BigCrumbs.

At BigCrumbs, our mission is to help people enjoy better lives, with less financial stress. It's about regaining control of our own destinies, even in tough economic times. It's about working together. It's about opportunity.

We invite you to explore the many benefits of BigCrumbs membership and we look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Best Wishes

Warehousedirectllc.com

Magazine Subscriptions For Cheap!!!


Warehousedirectllc.com just added a huge collection of Magazine Subscriptions for extremely low prices. Esquire, ESPN The Magazine, Elle, Entrepreneur Magazine, US Weekly, Allure, Cosmopolitian, and so many more great titles to choose from. Go over & check them out!
Best wishes

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Area Rug Buying Guide

Area Rug Buying Guide

Giving your home decor an update can be as simple as adding a new area rug. However, finding a new area rug could cause a few more difficulties. Buying area rugs that are perfect for your home can be a painless process when you use the information in this area rug buying guide and glossary.

What you need to know

Whether you have carpet, tile or wood flooring, adding an area rug or two will protect your floors in high-traffic areas from furniture movement and daily use. Rugs are an instant update to the decor of your living room, dining room or a bedroom. Area rugs also come in many styles, sizes, materials and weaves.

Area rug styles

Online shopping for area rugs will reveal that all rugs are separated into style categories. This helps with your search and helps you identify a coordinating style for your home. For example, if your home is mainly French country, you'll probably be drawn toward traditional or country style and away from contemporary. Warehousedirectllc.com separates their rugs into seven different styles (other companies do something similar):

Casual style area rugs
The predominant features of casual-style area rugs are:
Basic or no pattern: A simple monochromatic rug or a rug with a simple border classifies as a casual rug.Natural materials: Casual rugs include bamboo rugs, simple wool rugs, leather shag rugs, jute rugs and sisal rugs.

Contemporary style area rugs
The predominant features of contemporary area rugs are:
Geometric designs: Contemporary area rugs often feature geometric shapes, waves and squiggles, blocks, stripes and bold circles similar to modern art.Brighter colors: Compared to the subdued colors of casual area rugs, contemporary rugs have bright, trendy colors throughout their designs, including bright monochromatic rugs.

Country style area rugs
The predominant features of country-style rugs are:
Floral patterns and gardens: Vines and flowers, in both bold and muted colors, can be seen on country area rugs.Roosters or other animals: Aside from roosters, pictorial designs of other domestic or farm animals can be seen on country area rugs in bold or earthier tones.Food: Country rugs may have food, like vegetables and fruit, mixed in with their other features, like the roosters and garden fare on this area rug.

Traditional style area rugs
Traditional style area rugs are the easiest to identify. Their main features are:
Persian influences: Persian rugs have intricate designs of vines, flowers and scrollwork in their borders and as their allover patterns.Borders: Traditional rugs are typically bordered, usually with inner borders, filled with intricate designs.

Transitional style area rugs
The predominant feature of transitional area rugs is:
A combination of contemporary and traditional area rug styles; transitional area rugs combine bold colors with Persian styles and borders.

Novelty or kids area rugs
The predominant features of novelty rugs are:
Shapes: Shaped floor rugs are usually used as children's rugs (like cars, stars, hearts and crowns), but shaped novelty rugs can be made for adults, often in conjunction with sports teams.Animal prints: Animal print rugs feature zebra and tiger stripes or leopard and cheetah spots and other animal prints.Sports teams: These floor rugs are a great way to show your winning spirit for your favorite basketball or football team. Sports novelty rugs feature logos, team names and colors.Animals, instruments, hobbies and licensed characters: Other novelty rugs include musical instruments or hobbies, animals that are not considered domestic or farm animals (like monkeys) and licensed characters from cartoons, movies and books.

Outdoor area rugs

The predominant features of outdoor rugs are: Outdoor rugs can come in any of the styles above, but they also have the ability to be outdoors and withstand the elements.Outdoor rugs need to be mold and mildew resistant if you plan to leave them outdoors all year round.

Area rug sizes

Rugs come in sizes ranging from small (welcome mats and smaller) to large (13 feet by 17 feet). There are even larger wall-to-wall oversized rugs, measuring around 26 feet by 37 feet. You can even get an oversize rug custom-made for an area, like an office foyer or hotel lobby.
How to chose the right size of area rug

Choosing the right size of rug can mean the difference between a comfortable room and one where something seems a little off. Here are a few tips:

If you are choosing an area rug for the center of a room, make sure it is alrge enough to reach the furniture around the edges of the room, so it won't look like it is floating in the middle of the furniture arrangement.

For runner rugs and area rugs that aren't surrounded by furniture, determine the border you would like to have around the rug; leaving about 18 to 36 inches between the rug and the wall creates an eye-pleasing border.

If you would like to visualize what the area rug will look like in your room, try taping out the dimensions on the floor with low-tack painter's tape or laying down newspaper in the size of the rug.

Round, oval and square rugs

Round, oval and square rugs share the same styles as rectangular area rugs, featuring bright colors, traditional patterns, monochromatic designs and more. Round area rugs are a nice addition to your dining area, beneath your round tables. Oval rugs would be best for oval and rectangular tables and square or octagon rugs match well with square tables. Round rugs and oval rugs are measured in diameter: 8-foot round or 8-foot oval, for example.

Runner rugs

Runner rugs are used in hallways, stairs and other narrow spaces. They are often used in areas of high foot traffic. Runner rugs are long and narrow, the common sizes being just less than 2.5 feet by 6 feet or more. You will also find runner rugs in every style category. If you want to have a cohesive look throughout the rugs in a certain room, shop online for collections and you can match your runner rugs to your other area rugs.

Accent rugs

In general, accent rugs are smaller than area rugs and not as long as runner rugs. Accent rugs, found in every style category, are perfect for before the fireplace, in a child's room, in the kitchen before the sink and in your entryway as a welcome mat. Most accent rugs measure from 2 feet by 3 feet to 3 feet by 5 feet. Often, novelty rugs are grouped with accent rugs.
Rug pads

Adding rug pads to your area rugs will increase the durability and comfort of your rugs. Rug pads keep rugs from slipping on slick floors and also keep the corners from rolling up as much. For wood and tile floors, consider adding non-slip padding beneath your floor rug. A nonskid underlay between the floor and your rug will give your rug a sumptuous feel and reduce the scratches from your rug moving around. The bottom of the rug will see less wear and your floors will remain beautiful.

When buying rug pads, pick the rug that most closely matches the size of your rug; aim for a larger pad instead of one slightly smaller. Rug pads can be cut to size to match your rug perfectly. This means even your novelty rugs can use rug pads.
Rug glossary

Rugs have many extra names and often they can be confusing, especially when you're buying area rugs online.

Rug weaves:

Cut pile: Tufted area rugs whose tufts have been cut are known as cut pile.

Flat-woven: Flatweave area rugs consist of only welt and warp threads, resulting in no pile. These area rugs are often reversible. Flat-weave area rugs will need a rug pad to prevent slipping unless they are made with thicker fibers, such as wool.

Hand-knotted: Hand-knotted rugs are made by tying thousands of knots to the weft (vertical) threads on a loom, which are then secured by the warp (horizontal) threads.

Hand-tufted: Hand-tufted rugs are tufted by hand, instead of by machine.

Hand-woven: Hand-woven rugs are woven by hand.
Looped or hooked pile: Tufted area rugs, whose tufts have been left intact, are known as looped or hooked pile rugs.

Tufted: Tufted rugs are made by pushing yarn up through a mesh foundation with a needle or gun. A backing secures the tufts (loops).

Rug materials:

Abaca: Abaca is made from the leaves and stems of a banana plant. It is strong and very durable.
Acrylic: Acrylic is a synthetic material often used in making rugs.

Bamboo rugs: Bamboo rugs are made by weaving natural bamboo fibers. Bamboo is an eco-friendly rug material.

Braided rugs: Braided rugs are made in several ways: tape, tubular, yarn and flat. Braided rugs are also called rag rugs because they could be made with many different materials, including whichever rags are lying around.

Canvas: Canvas is cotton, the yarn of which is spun and woven to make a heavy, durable fabric.

Coir: Coir is made of coconut husks and is woven into area rugs.

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber harvested from the cotton plant. Cotton makes light-weight rugs.

Hemp: Hemp is a natural fiber made from the stalks of the cannabis plant. Hemp doesn't require pesticides and grows quickly, making it a renewable resource.

Jute: Jute is made from the stalks of corchorus herbs; jute takes dye well.
Mohair or cashmere: These are types of wool are made from different kinds of goats.

New Zealand wool: Wool made from sheep in New Zealand has higher levels of lanolin, making it very durable.

Nylon: Nylon is a synthetic material used in making rugs. It is more resilient and soil resistant than other synthetic fibers.

Polyester: Polyester is a popular material for making clothes; this synthetic fiber is also used in rug making.

Polypropylene: Also called olefin, polypropylene is a synthetic material used in making area rugs.
Seagrass: Seagrass is made from the stems of tall marsh plants and woven into rugs.

Silk: Silk is a natural protein fiber spun by silkworms or caterpillars. Silk can be cultivated or wild. Silk is often blended with stronger, more elastic wool to increase durability when used in making rugs. Most silk rugs are hand-knotted or hand-woven.

Sisal: Sisal is made from agave leaves and is an extremely strong and durable natural fiber used in making rugs.

Synthetic fibers: Synthetics are man-made materials used in area rugs. They look and feel similar to wool rugs but cost less.

Tibetan wool: This is wool made from sheep in Tibet, which have high levels of lanolin, enhancing the wool's strength.

Wool: Wool is the most common material used for rugs. It is incredibly strong and durable while remaining soft to touch. Wool fibers are more water-, stain- and soil-resistant than most rug materials.

Common area rug questions

Will my vacuum damage my rugs?
Most new model vacuums are made to switch from carpets to rugs, but you will want to double check this when you're vacuuming. If it is possible, turn off the beater bar on your vacuum, or use a different attachment made for cleaning rugs. If you suspect that your vacuum isn't getting all of the dirt, take your rug outside and give it a good beating. A tennis racket is a good tool, but you can use a paddle, if you have one. After you've beaten out some dirt, go ahead and vacuum it again.

Do natural rugs, like wool and cotton, shed?
Wool rugs will shed a bit more than cotton, but you can expect most rugs to have a few "fuzzies" when you vacuum them and when you first get them. This is normal, so don't worry.

Accessorize your space

Because rugs are such a prominent showcasing feature in a room, many people decide to decorate their spaces based on their area rugs. This can be a fantastic and creative way to accessorize your home. Look for floor vases, decorative pillows and side tables that will complement the design and style of your area rugs. If you get very ambitious, you can even use rugs as wall art. Navajo rugs and Oriental rugs and needlepoint rugs make wonderful wall tapestries.