If you are planning to brighten up your home using rugs as an accent, consider going in for ones made of natural fibers. Besides being an eco-friendly option, rugs created from natural materials offer all sorts of other advantages. Let us look at some of these advantages and the kinds of natural fiber rugs available – you’ll probably be getting some of them yourself soon when you see how nice a natural rug can be!
A primary plus point of natural fiber rugs is its non-toxicity. They are made without polymers – chemicals used for artificial rugs that cause pollution, therefore hazardous to the environment. Natural fiber rugs don’t only look nice but they are long lasting and health-friendly.
The most popular fibers used in the production of eco-friendly rugs are bamboo, sisal, coir, hemp, jute, paper, sea grass and mountain grass. Below are their benefits:
Bamboo rugs are well known for their durability and resiliency. Not at all surprising given that bamboo, a popular plant in many Asian countries like India, China and Indonesia is a strong source of material. Numerous products are made of bamboo and their high quality is unquestionable. Rugs made out of this robust plant are mostly in pale tan and with a cotton cloth. Some people however prefer to turn the color into a darker shade. Owning one is hassle-free as it is easy to clean, moisture-resistant and lasts a long time.
Sisal rugs, another natural-made rug, are long lasting too. Sisal is from a plant native to Africa and Brazil called Agave sisalana, hence the name. The rugs are made by forming the fibers into a flexible and sturdy rope that holds the rug together. This kind is preferred by many because of its resistance to stain, so spilled wine wouldn’t be much of a problem. It also doesn’t have static electricity common to other rugs especially the artificially made ones. Sisal rugs also go well with other fibers like sea grass and wool. One reminder though – avoid using this rug in wet-prone places like the kitchen and the bathroom as it doesn’t have good absorption quality.
Coir, a material made from the husk of a coconut, is drawn into rope and woven into rugs. Coir can easily be dyed, so these rugs come in a wide range of striking designs and colors.
Hemp is another fiber that is highly useful and adaptable making it an ideal material for manufacturing goods like rugs. Hemp rugs are best for areas exposed to water, static and stains due to its resistant quality.
Jute is a soft, natural fiber that is used for a variety of purposes from bags and sacks to mats and rugs. Since it is so soft, it is better not to use them where people move around a lot, but is highly tensile, so the rugs tend to be well woven and strong. Jute is a good insulator as well, and very cheap to produce, so jute rugs are generally inexpensive.
There are plenty of other kinds of natural fiber rugs. Paper rugs are pleasantly smooth, and are sturdy and attractive as well. Sea grass is the most economical material used for rugs, and such rugs are smooth, shiny and long-lasting. Mountain grass rugs are hard and durable – they look almost like wood.
Reading from this list confirms that there are indeed many kinds of natural materials turned into rugs. There is no more excuse not to buy an eco-friendly accent for your home. Be healthy. Choose well.
If you enjoyed this information about rug decorating, then you are going to love these shag bamboo area rugs.
