The Rug Blog by Modern Rugs UK

Designer Rugs by Brink and Campman

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:06:00 +0100

Brink & Campman rugs are known for their high quality. The company not only manufacturers but also designs and develops its own products. Brink & Campman develop a new collection each year with updated designs in fashionable colours. The standard collection is carried only by the best decorator sites in the world.

This exciting product line includes several styles for discerning buyers to choose from. Whether you are looking for a quality hall runner, a shaggy style or an odd-shaped floor covering, this company can provide you with unique, well-made designs. This collection also includes a selection of spot rugs, icon rugs and even items specially created for kids.

Hall runners

Hall runners offered by Brink & Campman feature multiple colours and bold designs. Choose from an abstract motif, a series of squares or a pattern that looks very similar to a cosy blanket. Other options for consumers interested in breaking up a hallway space include a runner that appears as though a large handful of pebbles have been sprinkled across its surface.

Shaggy rugs

Shaggy rugs are always an interesting choice for an indoor space, and this manufacturer produces a series of earth toned and neutral rugs. All of them are made to the highest standards with the weight of 4400 g/m².

Odd-shapes

If you are looking for an area rug that is something other than the norm, consider buying one from the Brink & Campman Xian collection. Not only do they feature bold designs but also, all of them have striking colour combinations.

Spot rugs

Brink & Campman also carries premium shaggy rugs. These spot rugs are woven in India and made from the best quality pure wool. Unlike other shaggy rug options, the spot rugs have black spots appear at the end of each cream-colored tuft. The result is a unique look that will warm up any room. These thick and heavy rugs have a weight of 4300 g/m².

Icon rugs

Icon rugs offered by the company are contemporary in design. These prints, which are woven in India, are made from pure wool. Not only are they striking to behold but they offering thick, soft texture. Each one of the rugs from this collection weighs 3600 g/m² making them an outstanding by for discerning consumers.

Kids rugs

Brink & Campman has not forgotten about the younger members of the household when designing high-quality floor fashions. Each one of the kids rugs offered by this company has bright colours that children will love.

The eyes are immediately drawn to the interesting patterns in this part of the collection, which include patchwork teddy bears, a series of colourful cubes, a geometric pattern, a flower cutout and a series of dots that are reminiscent of an artist's palette. These exceptional quality rugs have awaited 3000 g/m², making them an excellent choice for a child's room.

The Brink & Campman rug collection offers high-quality products and designer colours to modern homeowners. No matter which style is chosen, buyers can rest assured that they are purchasing a floor covering which will last for years.

Traditional rugs an excellent choice for classic decorating schemes

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:40:00 +0100

If you are looking for a floor covering to complement a room that is decorated in a classic style, consider one of the traditional rugs available on the market today. These types of rugs can also be purchased for a room that is decorated in a contemporary style where you are trying to soften the look of the space. There are several colours and options to choose from at various price points to suit your budget.

Afghan

The Afghan collection includes several traditional designs. Each one is made from 100 per cent worsted wool pile to create a floor covering which is durable and easy to keep clean. Beige, red, and black rugs are available in this collection.

Bokhara

Bokhara rugs are made in Pakistan and are hand knotted by experienced rug makers. This floor covering choice features the traditional Gul motif that is commonly found in Pakistani rugs. This product has a very dense pile and has a very soft, velvety appearance. The rugs from this line are offered in beige, gold, green, red, and rust tones.

Fade

As the name implies, Fade rugs have a muted, antique appearance. These rugs are machine woven and are made from 100 per cent polypropylene pile. These rugs are water repellent and non-static, making them an excellent choice for sitting or dining rooms.

Jewel Chenille

Consider Jewel Chenille rugs if you are looking for a floor covering with a sophisticated look. The surfaces of these rugs have a silky feel and they are made with a combination of acrylic chenille pile and viscose. The design in the surface of the rug is raised to make an aesthetically pleasing look. Green and beige rugs are available as part of this collection.

Neelia

Neelia rugs are offered in plain colours and they feature subtle handcrafted patterns in their surfaces. They are made from 100 per cent wool pile and have a very soft, thick appearance. Rugs from this line are available in beige, cream, chocolate, green, and red colours.

Sensi

Sensi rugs are hand tufted and made from pure wool. If you are looking for a floor covering which has a thick, heavy pile, the rugs from this collection are a great option. These rugs are well constructed and made from superior materials. Available colours are beige, golden, blue, light green, red, and rose pink.

Zeigler

Zeigler rugs are made from pure heat set polypropylene pile. The product is both soft to the touch and very hardwearing. They are a classy and elegant choice for any room in which they are placed. If you are looking for rug that will provide several years of regular use, the floor coverings from this collection are an excellent choice. Choose from cream, golden, red and brown rugs.

These traditional rugs are examples of high quality floor coverings available to consumers. They make an excellent addition to any room in your home.

The Big Rug Guide 2013

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:43:00 +0100

We begin our Blog in 2013 with our ‘Big Rug Guide’ – everything you need to know about different qualities, materials, styles and manufacturing techniques.

Hand-loomed Rugs
Hand-loomed rugs are typically flat-woven and can be used on both sides; one-sided piled pieces are however also available on the market, nowadays especially hand-loomed shaggy rugs from India. Unlike classic flatweaves or machine-woven rugs, they are produced on semi-mechanic weaving looms. The weaver incorporates the weft threads manually, as with an oriental Kelim. The rug is then tightend mechanically. The warp yarn of typical hand-loomed rugs is usually made from jute or synthetic fibres. The weft yarn is usually made from wool, but other raw materials such as cotton are also used. The wool is generally dyed before spinning. For mixed yarn, different coloured flocks of wool are spun together. In order that the wool is stable enough, it is spun around a wick. This wick may be made from jute or cotton. Hand-woven rugs are produced in countries such as Morocco, Hungary, Greece, Tunisia and India. Austria also has a hand-woven rug industry.

Hand-tufted Rugs
The production of hand-tufted rugs differs significantly from all other production methods. The rug is not woven or knotted, but rather the pile yarn is incorporated by hand into a backing fabric using a tufting gun. There are two kinds of tufting guns: electric or purely manual ones. If the pile is cut open in the process, a velour surface emerges. In order to retain a loop structure, the pile yarn is not cut. As soon as the pile is completed, the pile threads have to be fixed because they are only loosely incorporated into the backing fabric and can be pulled out easily. The entire back of the rug is therefore bonded, generally with latex. The back of the rug is then covered using a cotton fabric for a clean look. Subsequently contours are often carved out. Unlike with knotted rugs, whose patterns are created row by row from the bottom to the top, all pattern details in one colour or type of yarn can be produced before moving onto the next. Curves can also be created easily. The pile is usually made from polyacrylic fibre, polyester or wool. Hand-tufting is a fast process, which makes the rugs thus produced very inexpensive. The main countries of production are China and India. Particularly high-quality pieces are also produced in Europe.

Hand-Knotted Rugs
A rug is said to be knotted when the pile yarn is incorporated into its basic weave by means of a knot. The basic weave, that is warp and weft, is usually made from wool or cotton, the knotted pile is usually made from wool. A knot has to fully enclose at least one warp yarn. Today, the most significant knots are the Turkish knot, the Persian knot, the Tibetan knot and the Berber knot. The manufacturing process of a knotted rug
starts with stretching the warp across the loom, also called beaming. The tension of the warp is important for the quality of the rug. Rows of weft yarn are then woven in at right angles into the stretched warp. The resulting so-called Kelim band or plain weave band provides stability. Now, row by row, the pile is knotted around the warp. Each knot runs over a pair of warp threads. Each knot is incorporated individually, which allows for different colours and patterns to emerge. The knotting is done either from memory or according to a pattern, so-called vaghires, point paper designs or talims. The knots are always pulled downwards, which produces the pile bias, or the grain. It always leans towards where the rug was started to be knotted. After each completed row of knots, the knotter then puts in one or several wefts. Finally, he beats the wefts and knots down using a heavy, comb-like tool called beater. It is important that the impact always has the same force to ensure that the final appearance is uniform. If the impact is lower in one part, for instance in order to save time, the rug will be looser and the patterns will no longer be in proportion. As soon as the knotting is completed, the rug is washed, which makes the pile shiny and removes excess dirt and wool. The pile is then trimmed to its final length. The finer the knotting, the lower the pile, or the pattern blurs.

Oriental Hand Knotted Rugs
Two types of knots are generally used for the production of classic oriental rugs: the Persian and the Turkish knot. Despite their names, these types of knot are not bound to a particular region, since both types are used in Turkey and in Iran. The Persian knot is knotted asymmetrically over a pair of adjacent warp threads; the pile yarn fully encloses one pile yarn, and half of the other. Other names for this type of knot are: farsi baff, Senneh knot and asymmetric knot. The Turkish knot is knotted symmetrically over an adjacent pair of warp threads; both threads are fully enclosed by the pile yarn. Other names for this type of knot are: Turk baff, Ghiordes knot and symmetric knot. So-called looped rugs represent a special category. Here, the pile is incorporated into the basic weave using W or V loops. But there is no knot that truly encloses the warp thread. Nevertheless, experts consider rugs thus produced to be knotted rugs. The pile of such looped rugs is less durable.

Nepal Hand Knotted Rugs
For Nepal rugs, Indian imitations and Chinese Tibetan rugs, the Tibetan knot is used. This knot is wound around a rod. Once one row of knot loops in one colour is completed the loops around the rod are cut to fan out the pile. This produces the typical striped knot appearance. The knot that is cut open resembles the Persian knot

Berber Hand Knotted Rugs
The Berber knot is used for Moroccan rugs of the same name. The main versions are simple and double. These French names indicate whether the knotting thread is placed individually or doubly parallel to one other and are then knotted that way. Triply placed pile yarns are also occasionally used.

simple: knot with a simple wool thread, producing 2 pile ends per knot. double: knot with a double wool thread, producing 4 pile ends per knot.
demi double: the knotting is done in two different sets: one row with simple and the next row with double knotting thread. The alternation of one simple and one double knotting thread is also possible. This technique is not, however, very common. Here, the pile ends alternate between having two and four ends.
triple: knot with triple wool thread, producing 6 pile ends per knot.

In Berber rugs, a knotting yarn may consist of twisted pile yarns. This knotting yarn is called torsadé and produces a granular pile effect. The advantage is that this type of yarn is less likely to become felted. one knot in the direction of the weft – it also saves material – per row of knots, only half the pile yarn is needed. The pile knotted using the Jufti knot is only half as thick making the rug noticeably thinner and thus of a lower quality. When the asymmetric knot is used, the jufti knotting can be recognized, by bending open the pile. If the jufti knot is used, you can see two warps of the basic weave per knot. If the symetric knot is used, run your thumb firmly over the pile in the opposite direction – if possible while directly comparing it with a similar rug of which it is known that a normal knotting technique was used. Open back / Closed back In China a distinction is being made between so called “open back“ and “closed back“ knottings. The two terms are motivated with regard to the wefts: the wefts are visible from the backside of the rug in open back rugs. In closed back rugs they are invisible. Both types of rugs are made with double warps and asymetric knots. In open back rugs the loop of the knot wraps around the warp closer to the pile. In closed back rugs it wraps around the other warp, the one closer to the backside. Closed back rugs can be produced faster, but they are less durable.

Flatweave Rugs
Flatweaves are rugs without pile. The design emerges exclusively from the warp and weft, unless embroidery and other appliqué is applied subsequently.

Kilim Rugs
The Kelim is probably the most famous and popular oriental flatwoven rug. It receives its patterns through different coloured wefts. Each area of colour in the pattern is woven using a separate thread.

Machine-produced Rugs
In the middle of the 19th century, the first machine-produced oriental rugs were made, thus making this coveted and luxury product accessible to a wider audience. To this day, these rugs are considered an inexpensive alternative to the knotted rug. The quality of such machine-produced rugs is not necessarily lower than that of handmade pieces. Most machine-produced area rugs are woven; however, rugs made from tufted wall to wall rugs are also produced. Relatively new on the market are machine woven rugs, that have a contour carved out, like it can be found in hand tufted rugs. Woven area rugs are usually produced using the Axminster technique or the wire technique. The basic weave is formed by the weft, connecting warp, which incorporates the weft, and filling warp, which gives the rug additional stability. The warp that forms the pile is called the frame. The number of frames is the same as the number of colours in the finished product. To produce a pattered rug, a Jacquard loom is needed. It is able to guide the relevant warp (that is, pile) threads so as to produce the desired pattern.

The pile material in woven rugs is either wool or polypropylene. The quality of a woven rug is given in points or naps per m2 and not in knots per m2, because the pile is not knotted.

Wilton Rugs
Weaving over wires is the oldest technique for the production of mechanical woven rugs. In this process, the frames are guided over steel wires that are inserted during the weaving process. This produces, depending on the height of the wire, pile loops of a specified height. In the case of velour rugs, the wires are linked at the end using a blade. When pulling out the wire, the loop is cut and the pile fans open. Loop-pile goods are woven over wires without a blade. The Wilton rug is a patterned velour wire loom rug. The pattern is produced by lifting or lowering the frame: The thread of the desired colour is guided over the wire. The other pile warps, the so-called dead frames, go to the back of the rug, where they can be seen as coloured stripes.

Axminster Rugs
When producing Axminster rugs, pile threads of a certain size and colour are placed into the loom and taken to grippers via a yarn carrier. The grippers pick up the yarn and guide it into the basic weave. Here, the thread, whose ends form the naps of the pile, is fixed using an additional weft thread. The Axminster technique can be used to produce very elaborate patterns, the speed of production is relatively slow.

Double Rugs
A very efficient manufacturing process is the weaving of so-called double rugs. This involves weaving two rugs at the same time as one work process. The warp, which will later form the pile, is woven in between the two backs: one on top and one on the bottom. Then the resulting fabric is separated in the middle using a blade, producing two rugs with mirrored patterns.

Flat-Woven Rugs
The simplest form of a machine-woven rug is the flat-woven rug. It only consists of warp and weft threads. The patterning emerges as a result of the colours of the yarn and the type of weaving. The simplest form of weaving is the plain weave where each warp thread is carried over and under a weft in turn. More elaborate patterns, as with woven rugs with pile, can be produced using a Jacquard loom, which carries the necessary pile thread to the rug surface and weaves the rest into the basic weave.

Flat-woven rugs are amongst the least expensive woven rugs. They are almost exclusively made from polypropylene. Flat-woven natural fibre rugs form a separate group.

Natural fibre Rugs
The trend towards natural products means that flat-woven natural fibre rugs now form a special group within the market. Even though wool is a natural fibre, only rugs made from plant-based fibres are called natural fibre rugs. The raw materials used most frequently include sisal, sea grass and coconut. The patterning is determined by the type of weaving. The most well-known are rib weave, panama weave and fishbone weave.

The majority of natural fibre rugs are sold as border rugs, where the natural fibre is framed using fabric, leather or artificial leather in a matching colour.

Hides
Even though, from a production point of view, hides are not rugs, they do fulfil the same function: They are designed to make a room more homely.

Sheep hides have a long tradition. They usually enter the market undyed, i.e. off-white. Cow hides enjoy some popularity. They are offered in all kinds of designs: undyed, dyed, printed, e.g. with a zebra or tiger fur pattern, or embossed and printed with metal effect dye. In addition to the more common sheep and cow hides, more unusual hides are also
traded, such as reindeer and springbok. Both full hides as well as patchwork rugs made from hide parts are marketed.

Materials:

Wool (WV - pure new wool; WO - wool)
Application
- Most important yarn in rug manufacture
- Especially as pile material
- Used in knotted rugs, hand-tufted rugs, hand-loomed rugs, machine woven rugs
- In the case of nomad rugs and rural rugs also in the basic weave
Types of wool
- Virgin wool is wool sheared from living sheep
- Dead wool is obtained from dead animals and is of a lower quality
- Highland wool is high-quality, hard-wearing wool from sheep living in the mountains;
almost always wool from the country of origin of the rug
- Lowland wool is the soft wool from sheep that live on large plains; almost always imported wool, for instance from New Zealand
- The greater the staple length of the wool fibres, the better the quality of the wool yarn.
Advantages
- Wool absorbs up to 36% of its own weight in steam, which means that it regulates
temperature
- The surface repels drops of water and does not attract dirt easily
- Good heat insulation
- Pleasant feel
- Elastic, individual fibres bounce back easily
- Good image, as it is a natural product, renewable raw material
Disadvantages
- Easily absorbs steam, which means that it can rot in rooms that are always moist

Silk (SE)
Application
- Finest yarn in rug manufacture
- In the pile usually in outlines, very high-quality rugs are made entirely from silk
- For very fine rugs also as basic weave
- Used in knotted rugs and very high-quality hand-tufted rugs
Advantages
- Feels extremely soft
- Shimmery, fine appearance
- Silk fibres are very tear-resistant
- Good image through its reputation as the most valuable natural fibre
- Very fine fibre
Disadvantages
- Sensitive to moisture
- Very expensive due to time-consuming production process
- Silk pile is less robust than wool pile

Cotton (CO)
Application
- Second most important yarn after wool for knotted rug production
- Often used as basic weave for knotted rugs
- Almost never used as pile material in knotted rugs. If anything, it is used for details in pure white.
- Used in hand-woven rugs
Advantages
- Has directional stability and tensile strength
- Natural product with a good image
Disadvantages
- Easily absorbs steam, which means that it can rot in rooms that are always moist
- Not very resilient as pile material, tends to become felted
- Attracts dirt easily

Viscose (CV)
Application
- Artificial fibre based on cellulose
- Popular as silk replacement in the pile
Advantages
- Cheaper than silk
- Pleasant feel
- Looks similar to silk
- Wood is basic raw material
Disadvantages
- Much less hard-wearing than silk
- Less hard-wearing than mercerised cotton, wears out fast
- Not very elastic
- Bad heat insulation

Polypropylene / Heatsetgarne (PP)
Application
- Used as pile material in machine woven rugs
Advantages
- Not moisture-sensitive
- Light weight
- Good heat insulation
- Very hard-wearing
- Much less expensive than wool
Disadvantages
- Does not absorb any moisture, does not regulate temperature
- Unrefined, it does not feel good
- Artificial fibre with a bad image

Polyacrylics (PAN)
Application
- Used as pile material especially for hand-tufted rugs
Advantages
- Cheaper than wool
- Soft to touch
- Does not absorb dirt easily, can be cleaned
easily
- Good heat insulation
Disadvantages
- Absorbs little moisture, does not regulate temperature
- Artificial fibre with a bad image

Next Generation Acrylic Rugs

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:55:00 +0100

When you are looking for rugs for your home, do not overlook the modern acrylic collections in your quest for the perfect floor covering. This type of floor covering includes a number of colours and styles. Acrylic rugs are a popular choice for consumers who want a modern look and a floor fashion which is less likely to shed than a wool rug.

Contour rugs

Contour designer rugs feature contemporary patterns and rich colours. These floor coverings are made from 100 per cent polyester pile. Some of the rugs from this collection feature handcrafted detail to create a bold contrast and make a specific part of the design more prominent.

The Contour line is available in a number of striped and floral designs and in a variety of fashion colours. Many of these rugs are offered in earth tones including rust, brown, green, and blue.

Esprit rugs

Esprit is one of the leading fashion brands on the planet. All the rugs in this collection are stylish and made to the highest quality standards. If you are looking for a rug which is an expression of your personal style, consider one of the floor coverings from this collection for your needs. These rugs are offered in plain colours, as well as leafy patterns.

The Cross Walk rugs from this line have a graduated colour effect and different pile heights in the floor covering. All of these rugs are hand tufted and have a heavy pile weight of 3300 grams per sq/m.

Frame rugs

Frame rugs have a unique design that sets them apart from other options available to consumers. The pattern is positioned around the edge of the rug and the centre of the floor covering is plain. Some of the rugs in this collection feature floral patterns near the edge, while others have a contrasting border. These rugs are made from 100 per cent acrylic pile. These rugs are a great choice if you want floor coverings that will not shed and are easy to care for.

Xian rugs

The Xian collection of rugs is offered by Brink & Campman. These rugs are not meant for people who are looking for floor coverings that are going to blend in to the room. Instead, they use bold colours to make a definite statement and draw the eye down to the floor. Each one of these rugs is hand tufted and made from Japanese Acrylic. The pattern in the rug is enhanced by handcrafting to create a unique look.

Some of the rugs in this collection have striped patterns, while others have bold abstract designs. Other choices from the Xian collection include whimsical floral, butterfly, or confetti designs.

Modern rugs are available in a number of colours and textures. Choosing an acrylic rug, does not mean that you need to sacrifice style to get a floor covering that is durable and easy to keep clean. The only decision you need to make is which colour and pattern will look best in your indoor space.

Hand Knotted Rugs from Tibet

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:05:00 +0100

Tibetan rugs are known for their striking colours and large patterns. Traditionally, they were fashioned from highland sheep wool. These items were used for a number of purposes including wall hangings and flooring. The most common use for Tibetan rugs was for seating carpets. Commonly known as a khaden, they measured 3x5 feet, 0.9 m x 1.6 m.

The knots used to make Tibetan hand knotted rugs are different from the method used by rug makers in other parts of the world. Traditionally, they were tied over a rod. The pile would not be cut until a row of knots had been completed. At that point in the process, the rod would be slipped out so that the rug would have a flat surface.

The finishing process for Tibetan rugs involves carving the pile so that certain parts of the design are outlined. Most of these rugs are produced with 60, 80 or 100 knots per square inch. The more intricate the design is, the finer the weave that is used to create it. A 100-knot rug will be thinner when completed than a 60-knot rug.

A 60-knot rug will have more pile that can be sculpted to accent specific parts of its design. This type gives the weaver more freedom to add texture to the finished piece.

Colours used in Tibetan rugs

Common background colours used for Tibetan rugs are red, blue, black and orange. Some weavers use ivory or yellow for this part of the rug, but these are not common colour choices.

The motifs used in the rugs are usually made with white, beige, yellow, blue, green, red, orange or pink yarn. Designs used are influenced by East Turkestan and Chinese cultures.

Motifs on Tibetan rugs

Specific images used on the rugs include mythological birds and animals, flowers and medallions. Examples of mythological creatures that may be depicted on Tibetan rugs include dragons, bats, bees, the white Manchurian crane and the phoenix.

Some designs feature a floral motif. With this type of Tibetan rug, two or three flowers may appear on the rug's surface. Another option is to feature large flowers in an overall pattern without a border. Popular flower designs include peonies, lotuses and chrysanthemums.

Medallion rugs feature one or three large medallions surrounded by two or more borders. Some medallions are square and are surrounded by flowers and leaves, while others are round, and they feature a peony or a lotus inside their design. Animal motifs may appear inside medallions, and snow-lions, Manchurian cranes, dragons and the phoenix are popular choices for this style of rug.

Tibetan rugs are made with a unique weaving technique. By choosing the number of knots per square inch, the weaver can control the thickness of the rug. Since the rug's pile is sculpted to draw attention to specific parts of the design, each one of these handcrafted floor coverings is truly unique. With their striking colours and intricate designs, Tibetan rugs can be interesting focal points for any room.

Fair Trade Rugs - Care & Fair

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 15:19:00 +0100

You may have seen the Goodweave logo on our website which stands against child labour in the rug industry. Our rug collections from designer brand Wissenbach carry a similar guarantee mark CARE & FAIR.

CARE & FAIR is an industry initiative of the European carpet trade and, therefore, the forum of an engaged and responsible part of the industry. CARE & FAIR has today approx. 450 members in 20 consumer countries and 3 countries of origin. C & F partner organisations work in Bhadohi / India, Lahore / Pakistan and Kathmandu / Nepal. Members of the Executive Board and members of work teams of the association work in an honorary capacity and abstain from any kind of reimbursement of costs. That way, and because most of the necessary public relation work is done free by members, almost 85 % of the C & F funds are for the benefit of the project work. The membership in the association is based on moral responsibility and voluntary selfcommitment.

What does CARE & FAIR want?
C & F has set itself the goal to improve the living conditions of the carpet weavers and their families in the carpet producing areas by making available education and primary health care. C & F wants to make producers understand in a friendly professional cooperation that western customers are no longer prepared to accept goods which are produced with child labour or which originate from other non-social production.

C & F wants to give an example and prove that the take over of social responsibility of an industry will be for the well being of all concerned. C & F intercedes with the governments of the countries concerned in the frame of international norms of the carpet trade, that they introduce an overall business supervision in order to enforce their own laws.

How does CARE & FAIR work?
The association charges the importing members with a 1 % import-contribution, besides a very minimal basic compulsory membership fee, and
the exporting members with a 0,25 % exportcontribution. In the C & F-owned and by C & F supported 30 facilities at present yearly more than 6.000 students and about 120.000 patients receive free education and medical treatment. In the Women Empowerment Programs more than 200 women are presently taught.

CARE & FAIR support presently:
30 Projects
17 Schools - 6.003 students
5 Adult Education Centres - 205 women
7 Clinics - 120.800 patients
1 Students Health Care Program - 1.701 students with 187 teacher / doctors and 112 personnel

For more information visit http://www.care-fair.org/

The History of European Rug Designs

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 18:30:00 +0100

European rugs are different from traditional Oriental rugs in that they were not fashioned for everyday use or to sell in a local or foreign marketplace. Most of them were designed by famous designers and custom-made for wealthy customers. Their designs were similar to the painting and architecture that were popular during different historical periods.

Fine rugs made in France in the 17th and 18th centuries featured the same detailed floral designs and bright colours that were made popular during the Baroque and Rococo styles of the period. A number of rugs made in the 18th century were made to copy the detailed ceiling designs for the rooms where they would be placed.

Art deco and art nouveau designs were popular, while in Ireland the Donegal designs featured geometric designs made famous by abstract art in the 20th century. France, England and Ireland were major rug weaving centres for European rugs.

French Rugs

Some of the most influential styles of 17th and 18th century French rugs were the Savonnerie and Aubusson. Most of these types of rugs were made to be displayed in palaces and were fashioned on a special-order basis.

Royal court artists developed the designs, which featured coats of arms and floral patterns, as well as some architectural motifs. The overall theme of these designs were very elegant, and the most important period for Savonnerie rugs were the years from 1650-1789.

Aubusson rugs were named for the region in France where they were first produced. The earliest designs were copied from Turkish rugs, but later versions featured floral medallions.

English Rugs

The first English pile rugs were made in approximately 1570. At that time, the designs were copied from Turkish rugs. The earliest custom designs featured coats of arms. Pile rugs were first made in the period from 1765-1790. Designs for these English rugs were influenced by the Adam style.

Octagonal and oval shapes were often used when fashioning the rugs. Wreaths, garlands and fans were also popular at this time. Light blue, gray and red were commonly used to make the English rugs.

William Morris rugs were named after the famous writer, artist, designer and social activist. He used floral motifs in his designs, which were influenced by Persian rug styles. Morris' rug designs were made from 1878-1881, and he used blue and red tones as his dominant colours. William Morris rug designs were copied by rug makers in India, China and Pakistan.

Irish rugs

The first pile rugs were made in Donegal, Ireland in 1858. All of them were custom-made to reflect the decorating taste of the client. In many cases, pastel shades were used, and the designs reflected abstract art.

The design and colours of European rugs reflect the period and country where they were made. They featured highly detailed motifs that could be described as works of art that reflected the skill and dedication of their designers as well as the artisans responsible for fashioning them.

Cotton Chenille and Natural Floor Coverings

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:42:00 +0100

Cotton chenille and natural floor coverings make up part of modern rug collections. These materials are a good choice when durability is a desirable trait. Materials like jute, sisal, and denim are wonderful choices when you are looking for a natural look for your room. Cotton chenille rugs are available in several colours and styles that will help you find the right floor covering to complement your decorating scheme and the colours in your room.

Decomatic

Decomatic plain rugs are made by Belgian manufacturer Louis de Poortere. These floor coverings are characterized by a ribbed stripe design. This floor covering option is available in a number of plain colours, as well as several two-tone varieties.

This floor covering option is constructed of cotton and polyester chenille. The pile thickness of the rug is only 5mm, which makes this type of rug an excellent choice if you are looking for one to place under your table and chairs. Decomatic rugs are offered in several colours, including red, ochre, cream, prune, brown, and pistachio tones.

Jute

These rugs are great choices when you are looking for floor coverings that are woven from natural fibres. Jute is a very strong material and rugs made using it are very durable and can be used in sitting rooms, dining rooms, or kitchens. This type of rug is available in natural shades as well as various dyed colours.

Sisal

Sisal rugs are fashioned from natural materials and have cotton borders. Anti-skid backings mean that they are safe and stylish choices for any room in which they are placed. Sisal rugs are very durable and can be used in almost every room in your home.

Lazy Days sisal rugs have multi-coloured stripes. These floor coverings also have non-skid backings. If you are looking for a highly durable natural fibre, sisal is definitely one worth considering. Consider this style of rug for high traffic areas in your home, such as kitchens, hallways, entrances and conservatories. These striped rugs are available in a number of attractive colour combinations to suit any decorating scheme.

Tom Tailor

Tom Tailor rugs are made from a combination of denim and jute. They are very heavy, with a pile weight of 3200 grams per sq/m. If you are looking for casual, hard wearing floor coverings for your home, Tom Tailor rugs are worth considering.

Cotton chenille and other natural materials can be fashioned into a number of attractive floor coverings. The rugs described above would be good choices for indoor spaces where you are trying to create a stylish yet casual look.

All of these options are very durable and easy to keep clean. They do not shed like pure wool rugs, and you can choose from a number of fashionable colours to complement your furniture and walls. The next time you are looking for floor coverings, consider these options for your home.

Modern Rugs Supplies Big Brother House 2012

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:46:00 +0100

When the producers of Big Brother needed a luxurious shaggy rug for the all new 2012 Big Brother House we were more than happy to help. They loved our all new 'Plush Rust' shaggy rug which fitted in beautifully with the house decor. You can see the rug in the bathroom of the house on the current Series which started last week on Channel 5.

Fancy one for your your own home? See the Plush Rugs collection in the shaggy section of our website for the full selection of sizes and colours. The Plush range is set to become one of our best selling shaggies in 2012. The luxuriously thick and heavy pile is super soft and comfortable with the added advantage of little to no shedding unlike most similar wool shaggy rugs.

That's not our only claim to fame this month, as well as the Big Brother house we've also just supplied some of our popular Harlequin Rugs to the Eastenders set. The design they chose was the flamboyant Harlequin HA10-10 Spacedust Bright, if you've an Eastenders fan keep your eyes peeled and see if you can spot them in situ!

Large Rugs for a Large Floor Space

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:14:00 +0100

Rather than leave the floors in a large-dimensioned room plain, consider using one of the large rugs available on the market today to add colour and texture to them. Decorating a large room does not have to be an intimidating prospect for homeowners. Having a large space to work with means there are several interesting choices available.

Rugs designed for large rooms are offered in traditional and modern designs. Buyers can find floor coverings with short piles, as well as shaggy rugs. No matter what the decorating scheme of the room happens to be, there is a rug that will fit the concept, as well as the dimensions of the room.

Afghan Traditional

Afghan rugs are made from pure worsted wool and are very durable. They are an excellent choice for consumers who are interested in floor coverings that are easy to keep clean. These rugs are known for their distinctive patterns and are available in beige, red and black colours.

Jewel Chenille

Jewel rugs are known for their sophisticated look and silky feel. These rugs are made from a combination of acrylic chenille and viscose. These rugs have a raised design that draws the eye to that particular area of the floor covering. The look offered by Jewel Chenille rugs is a very traditional one, and these rugs are available in green and beige tones.

Rope

Rope rugs are a new option in textured rugs for your home. Their chunky looped pile is made from pure wool. People who are looking for a floor covering that is thick and heavy will not be disappointed if they choose a Rope rug for their home.

Shaggies Collection

Shaggies Collection rugs are made from 100 per cent New Zealand wool and strands of jute. The latter material adds extra texture to the rug. The wool used in this collection is double dyed and the pile is cut to a height of 70 mm. The rugs in the Shaggies Collection bring a luxurious look into a consumer's home.

Shetland Shaggy

The rugs in the Shetland Shaggy collection are loom knotted and they are made from pure wool. They are an excellent choice for consumers who are looking for warm, comfortable area rugs for their rooms. These rugs are available in natural and caramel shades.

Union Jack

Union Jack rugs allow homeowners to show their national pride in their homes. Made from pure new wool, these rugs make a definite statement in any room in which they are placed. Colour selections incorporating the original blue, red and white are available, as well as rugs in brown, red/pink, and grey/charcoal tones.

York

York rugs are available in a wide variety of plain colours and all of them are fashioned from 100 per cent wool pile. As a result, they are very soft to the touch. Consumers can choose from the following tones to complement their room decor:

• Beige
• Chocolate
• Duck Egg Blue
• Green
• Lavender
• Purple
• Taupe
• Teal
• Terracotta
• Wine

New Calvin Klein Rugs Launched

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:55:00 +0100

The Calvin Klein name is associated with a number of fashion items, and the company has lent its name to a line of high quality floor coverings. All the Calvin Klein rugs feature a fresh, clean appearance that makes them an excellent choice for any room in your home.

The Bowery rug collection features solid colours. All of these floor coverings are hand loomed and made out of pure wool. The surface of the rug has a combination of cut and loop pile, which creates a tone-on-tone geometric pattern.

Consumers who are interested in a rug from this collection can choose from medium brown, light stone beige, paprika, pebble, pepper, shale and whisper shades. Area rugs are available in sizes ranging from 107cm x 168cm (3 feet 6 inches x 5 feet 6 inches) to 236cm x 330cm (7 feet 9 inches x 10 feet 10 inches). This collection also includes hall runners on a special order basis.

The Lunar rugs offered by Calvin Klein are made from solid colours in a slightly ribbed design. Made from 100 per cent rayon silk, these area rugs have a sheen that creates an elegant and luxurious finish. With its thick pile, Lunar rugs are highly durable with a definite velvety feel.

The colours available in the Lunar collection include blue, charcoal, light brown, soft purple and pewter. Customers can choose from sizes ranging from 107cm x 168cm (3 feet 6 inches x 5 feet 6 inches) to 236cm x 330cm (7 feet 9 inches x 10 feet 10 inches). Hall runners are also available.

The rugs in the Naturals collection by Calvin Klein are handmade with 100 per cent wool with a cut and loop pile. The pile is sculpted by hand to create a three-dimensional pattern in the rug's surface.

Consumers who are interested in this type of rug can choose from grey/light beige and sand beige options. Available sizes range from 107cm x 168cm (3 feet six inches x five feet six inches). The extra large size, 244cm x 335cm, and the hall runner are available by special order.

Sahara rugs feature a linear design that is accented with faux silk. Homeowners who are looking for an area rug that has a subtle texture will be interested in this collection. These rugs are made from New Zealand wool and are offered in a number of neutral shades, as well as grey and blue tones.

Urban rugs are highly patterned and available in a variety of colours. Some versions mix shades with complementary tones to create attractive designs. These rugs have a thick pile made of 100 per cent New Zealand wool.

Consumers who choose any of the Calvin Klein rugs listed here will no doubt be happy with their choice. All of them are well made with a clean, classic look that will complement any space.

Arte Espina Rugs for Spring

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:20:00 +0100

Arte Espina are known for their contemporary designs. This company, which is based in the Netherlands, uses different techniques to manufacture high-quality floor coverings. Many of this company's designs feature bright colours, which would look striking in a room with a contemporary decor.

Consumers who are interested in owning a floor fashion that is out of the ordinary will want to consider the offerings from this innovative company. Its products are always interesting and immediately draw the eye to the area where they are placed.

Shaggy rugs

Putting a shaggy rug into a room is a great way to add texture and create a cosy atmosphere in a space. Consumers who are looking for a designer shaggy rug may want to consider the Arte Espina Beat option. Available in a variety of colours, including ivory to beige, silver, orange, purple, and black, these rugs offer exceptional quality and very heavy weight of 4500 g/m².

Swing shaggy rugs are made with a 4cm pile and they provide a luxurious feel beneath the feet. These rugs are also very heavy, with a weight of 4200 g/m². The roads in this part of the collection are also available in several colours including lilac, pink, aqua, and lime green.

Dance shaggy rugs have a 3cm pile and a weight of 3700 g/m². This collection features multicoloured patterns in a shaky road. Choose from large floral prints featuring earth tone or bright colour combinations as well as a floor covering featuring a number of large dots that completely cover its surface for an interesting and very stylish look for your room.

Candy Store round rug

A Candy Store round rug includes colourful pastels around the outside of the rug with the cream base. The effect is a bright and whimsical romp that is also very durable. This option from the Arte Espina Company is made with Espirelle Acrylic, and has a weight of 2900 g/m².

Designs for the young and youthful

All the Young designs offered by Arte Espina Rugs are fashioned from Espirelle Acrylic. Buyers can choose from designs and abstract patterns featuring coordinating red/orange, lilac/purple or various shades of green. Other options include bright floral patterns, floor coverings that look like a stylized mix-and-match patchwork quilts, And rugs featuring striking stripes squares or triangles of bright colours. In each case, the finished product is absolutely striking to be all right and it would be an excellent choice for any well designed and decorated indoor space.

Playful rugs

The Playful Rugs offers by Arte Espina are meant to be placed in children's rooms. Youngsters will delight in the bright colours and variety of patterns available including floor coverings shaped like cars, butterflies, pirates and princesses.

No matter which type of rug a buyer chooses from the selection offered by Arte Espina, he or she will be well pleased with the designs and quality offered by this company. The rugs are well made as well as striking in their colour combinations.

Flokati Rugs for Your Home

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:09:00 +0100

Flotaki rugs were originally made in Greece, and this type of floor covering dates back to the fifth century. They were used in winter months to protect people from the effects of the cold. The rugs were worn by warriors and travellers for warmth. Over time, they became popular with the general population, who started wearing these pure wool rugs as well.

The rugs eventually evolved into a popular decorating element that was commonly found in Greek homes. A Flotaki rug was traditionally part of a bride’s dowry, and they are popular with modern consumers as well. This type of long-pile rug brings warmth into a casually decorated room and provides some texture to the space as well.

Hand-knotted Flotaki's

Most of the modern Flotaki rugs are still made in Greece. They are hand-knotted to create their unique look. To create one, the weaver works with wool and a woven backing material. In most cases, the backing is also fashioned out of wool. The wool is hand-knotted through the backing material and lifted to make a thick, soft, cloud-like rug.

The wool used to make the rugs usually comes from either Greece or New Zealand. Consumers can choose from several thickness styles when considering Flotaki rugs. Buyers can choose from a short-pile rug that has a fluffy appearance or a longer-pile one that has a more free-form look.

An advantage to choosing a rug made from natural wool for the home is that this material is naturally static-resistant. Consumers can place it near computers and other electronic equipment without having to be concerned about interference. Flotaki rugs are a perfect choice to keep a homeowner’s feet warm in the winter. During the summer, the rug’s soft finish has a light appearance that creates an inviting atmosphere in any room.

Some people who make Flotaki rugs use the traditional technique of “ripening” the rug with water. This method involves taking the rug to a mountainous area where they are washed in the rough water near the base of a waterfall. As the wool is soaked in the water, the natural current pulls and lifts it, which results in increased strength and durability.

Flotaki Colours

The traditional colours for Flotaki rugs are white, tan and earth tones. Modern buyers can find them in the classic tones, as well as bright colours like lime green and fuchsia. Consumers who like the look of this type of traditional Greek rug can find one in just about any colour they like. All they need to do is decide which one will complement the room and its decor most effectively.

Flotaki rugs are available in short and long pile styles, and are a great choice for casual, funky decorating styles. It is an unconventional choice that immediately draws the eye to the floor where they are placed. These rugs are easy to clean and maintain, which makes them a great choice for homeowners who are looking for a product that will last in their home.

A Guide to Sheepskin Rugs

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:05:00 +0100

Sheepskin rugs may seem like an unconventional choice when it comes to decorating a home, but they create a cosy atmosphere anywhere they are placed. Along with being a natural product, they can be used in multiple ways to create a warm and inviting space. Homeowners who are looking for a rug that is easy to clean and maintain would do well to consider sheepskin rugs as part of their decorating scheme.

Area rugs may be the first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks about using sheepskin as a floor covering. Many of them measure six feet in length by three feet in width, which can fill in the space on the floor in a room quite nicely.

Other options for using an area rug made from sheepskin in a room include hanging it on a wall or draping it over a sofa. In the latter instance, the rug can be used as a cosy blanket when someone wants to curl up for a nap.

A designer sheepskin rug has a different look than an area rug. It may be dyed any colour to suit the decor of a room. Some of them incorporate long and short sheepskin to create an interesting pattern in the pile of the piece. A creative designer may decide to combine sheepskin from different species to create a multi-colour rug. Buyers can find a single rug that includes white, ivory, grey, brown and black colours in it. This combination of tones would make an attractive addition to any indoor space.

Not all sheepskin rugs are placed on the floor. They can also be used as a warm and attractive bedspread. The most popular choice is a white sheepskin rug, but other colours can also be used for this purpose.

Small size made specifically as childrens rugs are popular choice among new parents. Measuring approximately eight square feet, the pile can be trimmed so that it measures no more than 3/4", which makes it safe for a young child to be in contact with. Not only can these rugs be placed in a child's crib, but they can also be placed on the floor for the child to sit and play on. Parents who are dealing with a fussy baby may want to try putting the child down on top of a sheepskin rug; the warmth and texture of the rug may help the youngster to settle down.

Caring for Sheepskin Rugs

One of the advantages of choosing a sheepskin rug for the home is that it is easy to care for. The pile of a new rug may appear flat at first, but it will bounce back relatively quickly if it is shaken and spread out. A sheepskin rug can be machine-washed or cleaned by hand using warm or cold water. Special products are available for machine washing. The rug should be spread out flat for drying and kept out of direct sun.

A Guide to Hand-knotted wool rugs

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:04:00 +0100

Consumers who are looking for a finely crafted floor covering may want to consider buying a handknotted wool rug for their home. They are a superior product that will add warmth and texture to any room where they are placed. Buyers who choose them are getting a rug that will look good for several years and will improve in appearance over time.

Characteristics of hand-knotted wool rugs

Hand-knotted rugs were the norm until the introduction of machinery that could take over this function. The advantage to using machines to make wool rugs is that the process can be completed more quickly and at less cost than if each weave has to be knotted and tied by someone.

In a factory, looms are used to make rugs and the threads can be held together by glue or an acrylic. The consumer who is interested in buying a hand-knotted wool rug is getting a product that will be more durable than its machine made counterpart. The trade-off is that making a hand-knotted rug is very labour-intensive, and may cost more than a similar-sized, factory-made floor covering.

Buyers who are interested in owning a unique piece of art that they can place on their floor may want to consider hand-knotted rugs. Each one reflects the skill of the person who made it, and each individual rug will be unique as well. The rug may well include mistakes, which only add to its charm. A machine made rug will have a standard appearance and factories can produce multiple versions of the same pattern, whereas a hand-knotted rug is a one-of-a-kind item.

Durability of hand-knotted wool rugs

Hand-knotted wool rugs are made from highly durable, natural fibre. As the rug ages, its surface will take on a shiny appearance, which is considered very attractive. This characteristic is one that will actually increase the value of a hand-knotted rug. In contrast, the factory-made rug will deteriorate over time.

Deciding to buy a hand-knotted wool rug

A consumer who is interested in buying a hand-knotted wool rug will want to consider the decision very carefully. Even in a case where the initial cost is higher than buying a factory-made floor covering, the hand-knotted rugs may actually be a better long-term investment. The factory-made rug will need to be replaced much sooner than a hand-knotted one, which means that it may be the more expensive choice.

A hand-knotted wool rug also has the advantage of being easier to care for and repair than a machine-made one. Hand-knotted rugs can be cleaned from back to front and then put out to dry. Machine-made rugs also collect dirt on the bottom, and they can be very difficult to clean because of waterproof chemicals used on them.

Hand-knotted wool rugs offer a number of advantages to consumers. Buyers who are looking for natural fibres for their home that are easy to clean and maintain would do well to consider this option.