Rising Popularity of Natural Rugs Such as Sisal and Seagrass
Tropical rugs made with natural materials and fibers are becoming one of the most popular types of rugs, especially amongst young consumers looking for an alternative look for their homes and apartments. Natural rugs, made of seagrass, sisal, and other natural materials, give a home an organic style. Using leaves and plants to make our homes more comfortable is hardly a new concept. Man has been using them since time began. However, incorporating materials like bamboo and sea grass into rugs and carpets is somewhat of a new idea in terms of interior design.
The Beauty of Grass Rugs: Seagrass, Sisal, Jute
Grass rugs also known as hemp rugs are a beautiful addition to any room, with natural brown and copper earth tones lending a calm and restful atmosphere. These rich earth tones compliment furnishings of any style. Their definitive texture and various weaves make them a popular choice among professional interior designers. Mountain Grass area rugs are made of a durable grass that is native to the high altitude slopes of the Pacific Rim. They give a room an organic look and have almost a wood-like appearance. They are undyed and may show natural variations in color. Many natural rugs are backed with latex which makes them more durable and prevents slippage. Seagrass rugs offer an affordable yet durable option for floor covering in any room. Seagrass has a beautiful warm hue that is very popular with interior designers. It is very versatile and can accent room furnishings and therefore makes for a wonderful choice for nearly any room.
Seagrass Rugs
One of the most interesting of all natural fiber rugs, the seagrass rug, is beautiful and will quite literally last a lifetime. Sea grass is naturally hard wearing thanks to its stiff, non-porous structure. It will not absorb moisture like other tropical rugs can, and is therefore perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. As its name suggests, a sea-grass rug is made from a grassy fiber, which thrives in sea water. The grass is grown and harvested in China and is green in color although this, like its strong scent, will fade over time. Their surfaces are smooth, and are best in low-traffic areas of the home. The perfect place for a sea grass rug is beneath a coffee table or under another eye-catching piece of furniture. The lovely color and wonderful sheen that the rugs naturally have really helps to set-off' an item and will only complement its beauty rather than detract from it.
Sisal Rugs
Sisal is hardwearing, anti-static, dyes very well and its smoother pile make it appear more sophisticated than other natural floor coverings. Sisal carpet lends itself to use on stairs, wall-to-wall installations, and for mats where its texture works well with borders. It is probably the best natural fiber to us in bedrooms. Sisal rugs or Sisal carpet are usually the most expensive natural floor covering. Sisal is woven into a variety of simple patterns, which can look subtle or strongly textured, depending on the weight of the yarn. Unlike other natural floor covering, sisal rugs can be dyed in strands, before being spun, so the woven floor covering can be solid-colored or multicolored. Different colors can also be spun into a single yarn to give the finished product a subtly colored, metallic quality. Because jute rugs are so soft, it is ideal for bedroom floors, but it is not practical material for areas of heavy wear, as it is difficult to clean and develops watermarks if it gets wet.
Sisal Rugs, The Fiber
Sisal's textured look is a favorite of interior designers. Sisal is a natural fiber derived from the 'agave sisalana' cactus plant. Sisal grows in semi-arid regions, and the largest producers of sisal are located in northeast Brazil and Africa. Sisal fibers (which can be up to three feet long) are harvested by hand from the leaves of the cactus plant. Sisal is not the same fiber as coir or jute; it is stronger and more durable than other natural fibers. Sisal wool is a combination of the best of both worlds. Sisal wool has the look, texture and durability of sisal with the soft feel underfoot of wool. Sisal wool is made of 60 percent wool and 40 percent sisal.
All About Jute Rugs
Jute rugs date back to the inception of rug making. Brilliantly dyed jute fibers have been found in Neolithic remains dating back thousands of years. Thirty-five hundred years ago the Jute stalk was a tradition of native craftsmen of Bangladesh and is still to this day widely used. In the seventeenth century, these beautiful fiber rugs were popular in the British Empire. Throughout history jute fiber has been treasured for its capacity to take and hold beautiful colors. The inner fibers of the jute stalk are very soft after retting, cleaning and combing and being spun into yarn. Colors of natural jute vary in color from light tans to browns, but when it is exposed to sunlight, jute can change in color. The fiber is quite resistant and can be cleaned by shampooing or dry-cleaning. The fiber also has a natural sheen, which retains the look of fine silk. Like Sisal, Jute fiber is strong and has natural fire retardant properties.
