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Rugs
By peace | June 23, 2007
There are few furnishing elements that can equal rugs when it comes to delivering a wide range of decorative effects for very little money. Available in an astounding variety of sizes, colours, patterns and fibres, they can inject fresh colour and texture into an otherwise boring scheme, hide stains or bald and fraying patches on an old carpet and prevent similar damage to a new one. They can be used to decorate walls too.
Look for woven cotton, traditional kelims, shaggy or fluffy rugs in funky colours, or even plain, or experiment with classic squares cut from natural flooring and bound with tape. If you have a creative streak, try painting your own canvas floor cloths with fabric paint and pre-cut stencils or create your own designs free hand.
Tips
- Even if the label states ‘dryclean only’, most small cotton rugs will go in your washing machine on a cool cycle. As many of these cost less than few trips to the drycleaners, you cannot really lose. The dyes are unlikely to be stable, though, so wash rugs separately.
- When you place a coloured rug on pale carpet make sure the dye won’t bleed through. If in doubt, slip a barrier between them or choose an undyed rug instead.
- Loose rugs should never be placed directly on a hard floor. To guard against accidents, anchor them with an anti-slip mat or special tape.
