Flat Weave Rugs - Some Basic Knowledge
When most people think of an , they envision thick, hand-woven ones made from . But rugs can take on many forms, and there is a wide range of materials available to make them, including plastic, cotton, and synthetic fibers.
Perhaps the most interesting class of rugs are flat weaves. These rugs, also known as kilim rugs or , are made by knotting pieces of (the ) over a series of wefts (the wefts are the horizontal threads). The process produces long strips, which are then woven together. The result is a flat, durable surface that can be used to create beautiful designs.
Weavers use a flat-woven technique to create works of art. The art of flat dates back to ancient times, and Egyptians used the technique to make rugs that covered their floors. The ancient North Africans also used kilim rugs for floor coverings.
are by makers in Middle Eastern countries like Pakistan and India, as well as in parts of Africa. are also called kilim rugs, Persian rugs, and Oriental rugs. Afghanistan is renowned for producing fine .
are popular in today’s because they allow homeowners to express their own artistic vision through patterns and colors.Â
How are Flat Weave Rugs Made?
are woven on a loom that is not round, but oblong, and the threads pass over and under the threads. Each thread is stretched along the loom to pull it tight. The process of is essentially the same as that of making a circular ; however, the loom allows for more depth to the pile, which is what gives their unique .
Where are Flat Weave Rugs Used?
are versatile and can be used in many places including: dining rooms, hallways, entry ways, offices, the , and kitchens. are easy to clean and maintain making them a great choice for just about anywhere (except outside of course).Â
Most commonly, are used in high-traffic areas of the home like the kitchen, entryways, and hallways. are perfect in these areas because they are durable, scratch-resistant, easy to clean, stain-resistant, and they dont shed.
Types of Flat Weave Rugs
The term “” is used to describe the same type of , a . It just depends on where the originated that gives it its name type such as Kilim, Dhurrie, or .
Older types of include Chainstich, Needlepoint, Aubusson Weaves, and Hooked Rugs.
For example, Native American culture has adopted the phrase “Navaho rugs”. India and Pakistan are home to durries, or they can originate from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and from some former Soviet Republics. Gilims and kilims are also popular in these regions.
Benefits of Flat Weave Rugs
are a popular choice in contemporary and modern homes. The design is easy to maintain and the natural look provides a soft, warm feel to your home. More benefits include:Â
- Easy to Maintain. are fairly easy to clean. You can use a damp rag to remove stains from them.
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- Vibrant Colors. are available in a variety of colors.
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- Easy to Store. are easier to store than other types because of their low-profile pile. They can easily be rolled up and stored.
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- Easy to Transport. For the same reason they are easy to store, they are also easy to transport due to the option of rolling the in a way that is easily transportable.
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- Durable. are considered to be more durable than . Their durability and flat construction make them great for high-traffic areas.
Are Flat Weave Rugs Soft?
Many people believe that have a soft feel. They are not soft per se, not soft like a shag , but the area of the will give you a soft feeling on your bare feet.
Are Flat Weave Rugs Durable?
are considered to be more durable than those that have a pile.Â
are manufactured without a pile, which means that each one has been woven closely and tightly together. As a result, tend to be more durable than rugs that have a pile, which are usually made with more loosely woven strands that are less likely to bunch up. Because they are so tightly woven, tend to be smooth, flat, and easy to clean.
Are Flat Weave Rugs Easy to Clean?
can be just as easy to clean as any other type of . Simply use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and dust. You can also use a sweeping broom to remove any larger pieces of dirt.
You can also spot clean the that has a stain on it with mild soap and water. You may want to test on an area of the that is not visible to make sure the cleaning solution doesn’t damage the fibers.
If you do not want to clean the yourself you can always take it to a professional cleaning service.
Where to Buy Flat Weave Rugs?
There are a number of places to buy . Many stores carry rugs in the section, while others may carry rugs as part of a home decorating section. Online retailers also carry a variety of .
We have compiled a list of some of our favorite manufacturers in the marketplace today.
Ballard Designs offers beautiful flat-woven rugs at very affordable prices.Â
View their entire flat weave rug collection here.Â
