Braided Rugs

For those of us who appreciate and relish in the arts, rugs are a definite interest to reflect on. One particularly beautiful embellishment to consider is the braided rug. Today, many people decorate their homes, shops and office space with these simple, albeit elegant adornments. Braided rugs are a reflection of taste, comfort and home life. Many people associate them with the life in the countryside, or the farm home. One thing is for certain, and that is the fact that they instill a certain feeling of warmth in the midst of their surroundings – even in the most taciturn of settings. Braided rugs can be purchased from an array of retail outlets or catalogs, but an increasing number of people have begun to engage in the tradition of crafting their own braided rugs. Today, it is a popular trend amongst both artisans and with your average home body.

The history of braided rugs is a diverse one, and while it developed as a cultural stamp, it found its way into most every corner of the world. Originally, it was first conceived for the sole purpose of retaining warmth on a hard, cold floor of dirt or stone by the first American pioneers. It was usually sphere-shaped and made in one or two solid colors, but as more people gradually began to make these rugs, it would adapt to a variety of situations and designs. While the braided rug started as a commodity for the poorest of people, it came to be a very popular adornment in even the wealthiest of estates. Depending on the country and people making a braided rug, it can vary in color, style, design, fabric and shape. Today, braided rugs serve a variety of functions. Many people make them to give away as housewarming gifts, Christmas presents or gifts for most any celebration you can think of.

Now that we know a bit of the history on braided rugs, just how are they made? That is a question that certainly deserves a good answer, and here is where you shall find it. First, you will need to choose the fabric you want to use for making your braided rug. There are many different materials you could use, but in order to ensure long life in your rug, you should use either wool or cotton. Not only are these materials particularly tough and easy to wash, but they also come in many colors.

To start, take three separate strands of the fabric you have chosen (preferably 8 to 9 feet long each), and sew them together at the ends. You need to attach one end to something stable; this prevents everything from falling apart while you make your rug. Next, pass your last strip over the middle strip, and loop it under your first strip. Repeat this process until every inch of the three strips is used up, and then finish your rug by sewing everything together. Now, take a step back and admire your handiwork!

Choosing appropriate floor coverings is an essential part of any decorating project, but can often be a part that is looked over with little consideration. It’s easy to stop at the home department store and purchase the first area rug seen on the shelf, but is that what would be perfect for your space?

Before you choose a rug for your room, consider the many options, including the beautiful, out-of-the-ordinary braided rug. We wouldn’t be surprised if your mind immediately conjures a log cabin in the mid-west one hundred years ago. In fact, you’d be quite historically right, for braided rugs became popular in the 1800s when farming families were continually looking for a way to re-use things including old scraps of fabric. Ripped or out-grown shirts and pants became quilts, braided rugs or mats, and new clothes.

Obviously, we live in the 21st century, and our houses are far beyond the log cabin of the 1800s. However, that doesn’t exclude braided rugs from being an integral part of modern decorating. Braided rugs are unusual but unique. No braided rug looks the same as another one. Beautiful, modern decorating is constantly calling for character, personality, and uniqueness.

Furthermore, braided rugs are certainly not boring. The variety of colors and unusual texture makes it a topic of conversation and quite aesthetic. Normal area rugs, in comparison, may seem plain in some spaces. For people who enjoy creative decorating, a braided rug can provide that final perfect touch needed to finish a room.

With all of our home department stores and internet shopping, it’s not difficult to find braided rugs suitable for your space. However, if you find yourself creative, crafty, and ambitious, you might enjoy the satisfaction of making your own braided quilt. Strips of fabric, basic braiding skills, and a needle and thread are all you need for such a project. Having a personally made braided rug makes it all the more perfect for your space because it will forever speak of your creativity and effort.

Braided rugs bring together rooms of all kinds. It could be perfect for a room with dark colors and wood furniture, something that resembles that of a log cabin or country home. However, braided rugs also fit well in lighter rooms, such as those that remind us of ocean-edge cottages.

Because of the colors, texture, and design of braided rugs, you have to ensure that the rug you choose will match your furniture, wall colors, and overall design. A braided rug is not right for everyone or every room. However, when decorating, take time to consider all of the options for floor coverings. You just might find that the braided rug is perfect for your space in a way that no other plain and simple area rug could be.