When you ask an expert on the best way to buy transitional area rugs, the most common answer will be, "it depends." When you set out to buy a rug, you can start in several ways. Some homeowners set off after measuring their space, while others determine what color or style they have in mind.
The most important factors, however, is the construction of the rug and how much care they require. Therefore, it is a better idea to first educate yourself on the attributes and characteristics of transitional area rugs before you buy one.
Transitional Area Rugs - Construction
Manufacturers today create transitional area rugs in a variety of ways. Some manufacturers use looms from accurate, high-speed machines, while many popular designs feature the handwork of highly talented crafts people. The vast range is so that people with a fixed budget can opt for something that falls within their means.
Hooked and Tufted Rugs
Manufacturers make loop-hooked and tufted rugs by a process wherein they push yarns into the base of fabrics. They then glue the back of the rugs into the tufts so that they stay in place. What differentiates a hooked rug from a tufted one is the pile that lies on the face of the rug.
Manufacturers make tufted rugs by cutting the surface pile to produce a plush and dense pile. For their hooked rugs, they leave yarns uncut so that they can retain a looped and rounded appearance.
Hand Knotted
For the hand knotted variety, manufacturers run the warps, which are yarn columns, vertically across a loom. Next, they tie these tufts of wool from side to side, around the warps to create knots. These knot ends provide the pile for the rug.
Hand knotted rugs are the most expensive category. One hand knotted rug would take a team of experienced weavers nearly a year to complete. However, they are extremely durable and of the highest quality. These can last through generations.
We recommend this rug if transitional areas are the highlights of your home. This variety of area rugs is only suitable when you know it won't endure intense wear and tear.
Woven-Flat Rugs
Manufacturers create flat woven rugs through various methods. Generally, artisans tightly weave the yarn along a warp yarns structure. The result you see is flat yarn, without any knots, which covers both the bottom and top of the rug. This also makes most flat-woven rugs reversible.
The best type of rug in the flat-woven rug category is "Kilim", which is a traditional Persian design. Kilims work as prayer rugs and even decorative rugs. Western households show a fondness for these as floor accents.
Braided Rugs
Early colonial homes universalized these braided rugs. The constructions of braided rugs have several methods, including flat braid construction, cloth braid construction, yarn braid construction, and such. The luxurious variety of braided rugs contains 100% pure wool and is appealingly thick and soft.
The most attractive feature of braided rugs is that they are reversible. You can periodically flip over your luxury-braided rug and successfully extend its longevity.
Materials
When it comes to choosing transitional area rugs, people prefer silk and wool materials, which are typically high-end. Not only are these materials natural and high quality, they are also inherently beautiful and extremely durable. With rugs made of these materials, you will give your home something that will last for years to come and still look beautiful.
Silk
Silk comes from the silkworm's cocoon and needs extra care in processing and handling. Silk is one of the most expensive fibers and its production dates back to China, 27th century BC. What makes silk unique is:
- A soft, luxurious unique feel
- natural luster and sheen make an elegant appearance
- hypoallergenic naturally
- Actively resists mildew, fungus and mold from growing
- static
- Although silk comes from a fragile cocoon, yet it is one of the strongest fibers of nature.
To uplift the appearance for any transitional area, especially if you want to draw notice to it, you must look for silk rugs for your space.
Wool
Sheep is the main source of wool but it also comes from Angora goats, which produce Alpacas and Mohair. Wool is a top choice for transitional area rugs because:
- Wool rugs are resistant to stain and soil.
- Wool has a natural resistance to crushing, so rugs retain their shapes for long
- Woolen rugs moderate humidity and temperature in your home because they absorb and release moisture as necessary.
- Wool's ability to absorb moisture means that furniture marks disappear from them completely. Just moisten and allow them to dry naturally.
Other Synthetic Materials to Choose from
Manufacturers also weave use synthetic materials for rugs. Your best options include polyester, acrylic, nylon, and viscose. You should strongly consider polypropylene as it is an excellent wool substitute for high-traffic and damp areas. Not to mention, it is easy to clean, stain-resistant, and very durable.
Styles
Contemporary
Contemporary rugs are an ever changing, design-of-the-moment style. You will see a mix of abstract and modern design elements, simple features, bold colors, asymmetrical, and others in contemporary designs.
They feature eclectic placements, patterns and colors. Contemporary rugs are trendy and blend well with a variety of décors and furniture styles. If you plan to change rugs often, you may look at the more contemporary styles when out shopping.
Traditional
Traditional rugs are generally repetitive patterns in neutral or subdued colors. The tend to have more complex designs having just as complex borders. Traditional rugs have designs featuring circles, trellis patterns, flowers and several geometric shapes.
Traditional styles also feature a lot of nature like florals, birds with ornate borders and plain interiors. If you fancy such traditional styles of transitional area rugs for your home, then you should consider the oriental and Persian variety in the markets.
Final Thoughts
Transitional area rugs are very much the trend and it is a fine idea to buy some for your home. You can combine a traditional look with a contemporary style, opt for something more modern to go with your particular décor style or just play with colors and patterns.