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Casual Rugs
Cotton, Sisal,
Jute & Seagrass
Cotton provides a casual appearance
suitable for kitchens or kids' rooms. Sisal is a natural
fiber from the agave cactus plant and has a slightly
coarse texture. Jute is a natural fiber from the plant
of the same name, is softer than sisal and has a
smooth, flat texture. Seagrass is a natural
grass. Sisal, jute and seagrass all give an outdoors-like
appearance and are often used for entryways and hallways.
Rayon, Viscose and
Other Synthetics
Synthetic fibers are used alone and in combination
with natural fibers for rugs.
Usually machine-made, these rugs will suit casual areas best. Rayon
is made by dissolving cellulose to produce viscose.
Viscose was the first man-made synthetic fiber in 1920. Dupont
called it “artificial silk.”
Nylon, acrylic, polyester and triacetate followed.
All these fibers are wonderful resources but will
not last as long nor display the color brilliance
of wool or silk rugs.
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Multi-Purpose
Rugs
Wool
Soft and durable, wool is warm in winter and cool in
summer. Its yarns can be tufted, looped, sheared, woven
or knotted (see rug construction). Wool cleans well and
is strong and durable yet soft and comfortable under
foot, making it ideal for most any room and purpose,
from hallways to offices to bedrooms. Katie's Modern
Rugs are made from 100% New Zealand wool, considered
the finest available for rug use. Other types of wool,
such as Alpaca, are also used to make different types
of rugs.
Formal Rugs
Silk
Commonly used in fine Oriental rugs, silk creates rugs
that are enduringly strong. Natural silk is a fibrous
protein. Silk is extremely high in tensile strength,
exceeding that of nylon. Dyed silk is a fiber with
rich, saturated colors and
lustre. Tightly woven fine silk rugs, with 200–500
knots per square foot are works of artisanship. Genuine
silk rugs will have fringe at the ends. |
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