Braided rugs can be some of the most colorful, whimsical, and sturdy rugs to decorate your home. They can be used as a doormat, a child’s play mat, the centerpiece in your hallway, or an additional accent in a living room.
If you’re looking for a piece to tie in complementing colors used throughout a room, a braided rug can bring those colors together. It can even add another color to the scheme in a nuanced fashion. The texture of these rugs also provides a unique depth to a room, with their twists and patterns as well as the material used to make the rug.
Another benefit to a braided rug is durability. These braided rugs are safe for hardwood floors and finishes, and provide a soft landing for pets and children. Because of the nature of their construction, these rugs are also sturdy, matching any sort of lifestyle. Braided rugs can be made to be outdoor rugs, while other kinds of braided rugs are better used as indoor rugs. They also come in many different shapes and sizes. Some braided rugs can cover an entire space, while others are only meant as an accent.
Fortunately, there are plenty of braided rugs for sale at places like Rugs USA.
What is a braided rug?
A braided rug is made from weaving strips of fabric or natural fibers. They can be monochromatic or multi-colored. Some of these rugs display elaborate designs. Experts agree that because of the woven nature of the rug, braided rugs are incomparably sturdy. They can be handed down for generations if properly cared for over time.
All braided rugs have a core, or a center, where they begin. Rings of fabric or fiber tightly hug the core and make it next to impossible to shred or rip. Some kinds of fabric can be somewhat stain-resistant and can handle wear and tear.
Braided rugs are known for their incredible versatility. They can come in all shapes and sizes. They can be made from the finest wool, or they can be made from recycled fabric. Some other materials that may form a braided rug include jute, yarn, and polyester.
There are three different kinds of braid style:
- Cloth braids, made from strips of cloth and sewn together.
- Yarn braids, braided from yarn, and much cheaper than cloth braids
- Tube braids, or braids made from loose tubes of fabric. These are the cheapest kind and often considered the least attractive.
The History of Braided Rugs
Indigenous tribes wove saddles and blankets out of wool and scraps in North America, long before the settlers came. When colonists arrived, the indigenous people taught them how to weave in the same fashion. The settlers decided to use them as rugs, as early as the 16th century.
As time went on, housewives in North America continued the tradition, using burlap, wool, fabric, and other forms of material to weave rugs for their homes. Often, scraps that were leftover from sewing projects or clothesmaking were used, so as not to let the material go to waste. These rugs were made by hand, and didn’t just decorate homes, but also townhalls, schools, churches, and other public areas. Some of these unique braided rugs can be found in museums and antique stores. The quality of the braid and the material meant that these rugs could be handed down through generations.
In the Industrial Age, machines were designed to create braided rugs, but the hand woven tradition remained in many places. Today, buyers can pick and choose the types of braided rug they want, from material to make.
How to Pick a Braided Rug
When considering a braided rug, there are many factors to take into account. The first question to ask is: hand-woven or machine-made?
Hand-Woven Braided Rugs: These rugs are made from high quality material and will last for a long time. They offer a unique set of colors and shapes, and can even be made to order, based on your preferences. However, these rugs are difficult to replace and, because of their exceptional quality, fall into a higher price range.
Machine-Made Braided Rugs: These rugs come in just as many shapes and colors, but may not be as intricate or as high quality. They are easier to procure, budget-friendly, and can be just as durable.
Other considerations to take into account include: size, color, style, and shape. If you’re looking for a rug large enough to cover a child’s playroom, a braided area rug will work to protect little knees and limbs.
Some braided rugs come in patterns with bright colors, while others can be neutral in tone. It all depends on how you want to pull the room together. If you already have enough bright and vivid tones, a neutral braided rug can tie all the pieces and themes. But if your room needs a pop of color and depth, a patterned braided rug can give some character to the decor.
Those interested in buying braided rugs should also get a rug pad for underneath. These rugs don’t typically come with grips underneath, which may cause the rug to slip or move around if not properly secured.
These rugs are versatile, but occasionally will need to be mended if a braid comes loose. Furthermore, care must be given to the borders of the rug, which are not as tightly secured as other forms of rug.
How to Clean Braided Rugs
A braided rug may need a special kind of cleaning, depending on the make and material. Some smaller braided rugs are machine washable, on low settings. Others require more attention.
If you have a hand-woven, hand-dyed rug, cleaning it might cause the dye to bleed. These rugs may require dry-cleaning instead.
Vacuuming is considered generally safe for braided rugs, but if you vacuum too often, you might start to fray the edges of the rug or add stress to some of the braids. An old-fashioned solution to removing dust and dirt involves hanging the rugs up on a string and beating them. That practice might help preserve the integrity of the rug.
Some experts recommend laying the rug in an outdoor space and using a solution of water and vinegar to remove any stubborn stains. Soap may leave a residue behind, which could alter the appearance of your rug. Use a pressure hose to spray the dirt off if necessary.
Make sure to thoroughly dry your braided rug before bringing it back inside.
For beautiful braided rugs, visit Rugs USA today.
