Overstock carries an extensive collection of rugs from 7 by 9 inches to 10 by 14 inches to suit any homeowner's lifestyle, decor, and budget. Our diverse inventory includes everything from elegant hand-knotted wool rugs designed for formal living spaces to economical synthetic shag rugs that complement modern decor. As the foundation of a room's design, rugs can establish the color palette and overall style of a living area. They also lend a homey feel to your space and offer excellent insulating properties. Overstock carries 7x9 - 10x14 rugs by Safavieh, Martha Stewart, Laura Ashley, and Kathy Ireland, along with other name brands you know and trust. Keep reading to learn some essential terminology that rug buyers should become familiar with, find out about different types of rug materials and their benefits, and get answers to commonly asked questions about rugs.
Soft, strong, and durable, wool is one of the most popular materials used to make rugs. This natural material repels water and other liquids, so it inhibits staining. Wool rugs are typically more expensive than rugs made from synthetic materials, in part because of their outstanding quality and longevity.
Polypropylene, polyester, and nylon are synthetic materials frequently used in modern rugs. They often rival the softness and appearance of wool rugs. Since they are easy to clean, synthetic rugs are a smart choice for high-traffic areas of your home, such as family rooms, and for homes with pets. Some rugs crafted from synthetic materials are even appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use.
Jute and sisal are renewable natural materials. Jute and sisal fibers are coarse and strong, and they lend an organic element to decor. Rugs made from jute and sisal are particularly popular in coastal and global decor styles.
Every animal hide is unique, since each one retains the hair colors and patterns of the animal from which it derived. Ideal for complementing country decor, animal hides also make frequent appearances in modern design schemes, where the natural material and irregular shape can offer a striking visual contrast to angular furnishings crafted from man-made materials. Faux animal hides offer a realistic-looking alternative to genuine animal hide rugs, and they often come at a lower price.
Rayon from bamboo is a type of silky fiber derived from the wood pulp of bamboo plants. Soft and featuring an attractive sheen, rayon from bamboo offers many of the properties of silk without the high price tag. As an added benefit, bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable natural resource.
Medallions are large, central designs that serve as the focal point of many Oriental rugs. Medallions come in myriad shapes, and rugs may include secondary medallions scattered throughout the pattern. Medallion rugs are intended for use in spaces where the furniture placement allows the central medallion to be easily viewed, such as foyers or large living rooms.
Hand knotting and hand tufting refer to two different rug-making techniques. Meticulously crafted from thousands of tiny knots that are individually tied by hand, hand-knotted rugs are extremely durable and require great skill to make. Hand-tufted rugs are made by inserting yarns into a canvas frame. Since the technique is much less time consuming than hand knotting, hand-tufted rugs tend to be relatively economical. Hand-tufted rugs usually feature a canvas or rubber backing, while hand-knotted rugs allow the rug's design to show through on the backside.
Aubusson rugs originated in France, where they were creating using techniques perfected by expert tapestry artisans. The rugs traditionally featured a flat weave, and the designs often depicted architectural motifs, scrolls, and floral patterns. Notable for their refinement and beauty, modern Aubusson rugs look most at home in formal living areas.
Pile refers to the length of a rug's fibers. Long fibers provide softness underfoot and often deliver a luxurious look. However, many fine Oriental rugs feature a short pile height, which makes the rugs relatively easy to clean. Low pile heights also contribute to a rug's longevity, since short fibers are less susceptible to crushing and tearing.
Experts recommend using a rug pad beneath 7x9 - 10x14 rugs, because they provide numerous benefits. Safety is the foremost reason to use a rug pad. Typically made from rubber or felt, a rug pad helps prevent a rug from sliding, which means tripping on a sliding rug and falling is less likely. Rug pads also protect flooring from damage. Over time, dirt and debris can work their way down through a rug to reach the floor, where they can scratch hardwoods and ceramics. Rug pads trap the dirt, promoting cleanliness and helping extend the longevity of your flooring. A rug pad also keeps the rug fibers from rubbing against the floor, which can accelerate wear and tear to your new rug. Finally, when you place a rug pad beneath your area rug, it provides an extra layer of softness to promote comfort while muting the sound of noisy footsteps.
Regular vacuuming is usually sufficient to keep most rugs clean. Remember to vacuum beneath the rug periodically to pick up accumulated dirt. Keep the vacuum away from the rug's fringe to prevent damaging it. Also, avoid vacuuming a rug with shag pile, since the long fibers can become stuck inside the vacuum and tear. Take shag rugs outside and shake them to remove loose debris and grit. To remove stains, first try spraying the area with plain water and blotting it dry. Work inward to help contain the stain and prevent it from spreading. For tougher stains, gentle brushing or treatment with a mild cleanser that's safe for your rug's material may be necessary. Vigorous brushing and harsh chemicals can degrade the rug fibers, so be cautious when tackling resistant stains. Use cleansers sparingly. Rugs may require professional cleaning every five years or so to keep them looking their best. However, rugs in high-traffic areas such as foyers and family rooms may need more frequent cleaning.
Larger rugs tend to make rooms look more spacious, so it's a wise idea to select the largest area rug that fits into your space. Leave at least 18 inches around the perimeter of your room to expose the underlying flooring. In a dining room, choose a rug that fits completely beneath your table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. Consider using numerous smaller rugs in a very large living or family room. This helps define conversation areas, which can help make an expansive space feel more intimate. If you are hesitating between two rug sizes, try marking out the rugs' dimensions on your floor using painter's tape to provide a visual reference and help guide your decision.
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