Rug Hooking; A Short Introduction

A Short Introduction to the World of Rug Hooking

When you think of rugs, it’s easy to picture just the mainstream offerings like those at Rugs Direct, but there’s a sub-culture of enthusiasts who actually make their own. The technique, known as rug hooking, dates back to the 19^th Century and it really is a fascinating craft. With that in mind, here’s our short introduction to the world of rug hooking.

The basics of rug hooking

Without getting into an in-depth tutorial, the basic technique behind rug hooking involves pulling loops or fabric or yarn through a stiff base such as linen, burlap or rug warp. In a method that’s actually quite similar to crochet, these pieces of fabric or yarn are pulled through using a hook attached to a handle. The strips of yarn can either be hand-torn for a rustic effect or precision cut with a machine. Purveyors of rug hooking are able to create hugely intricate designs by creating a basic sketch on the backing, then hooking through any number of colourful yarns.

Where rug hooking began

The roots of the rug hooking technique seems to begin in Yorkshire around the 19^th Century. At this time the workers in the weaving mills were sometimes allowed to keep the offcuts of fabric, which they would then take home. Because they didn’t have looms at home, the manual method of rug hooking was born. There’s also some evidence that the technique was also used by the Vikings who came to Scotland – or at least the idea of pulling fabric through a base layer. The practice of rug hooking is also very popular in the United States and Canada alongside such creative pursuits as quilting and embroidery.

Rug hooking as an art form

Today, despite the fact that most commercially available rugs are produced through large-scale operations, rug hooking remains a niche interest. There are plenty of people across the world who push the limits of what can be done with the basic rug hooking technique. For example, rather than simply settling for a regular geometric design, many rug hooking enthusiasts will attempt to create realistic pieces of artwork such as portraits. In this way, rug hooking really is an art in itself.

If you think rug hooking seems like a lot of work, why not check out our huge selection of ready-made rugs? There’s something for everyone. Or if you have questions about rugs (or anything else) just call 0845 838 8638.

World's Most Famous Rug

The Fascinating Story Behind the World's Most Famous Rug

Sometimes the very best things come in pairs.

That’s a sentiment which certainly applies to one of the world’s most famous rugs: the Ardabil Carpet. The story behind this priceless rug is truly intriguing, and goes to show just how much history can be imbued in a simple collection of coloured fibres. In today’s blog post, we’re digging into the truth behind the Ardabil Carpet… so let’s start at the beginning.

Where it all began

The Ardabil Carpet is a name that actually refers to a pair of carpets, both made in Iran in the mid-16^th Century. It’s unknown exactly where the carpets were made, but best guesses place it around the Tabriz area in Iran. The carpets began their life as part of a mosque in Ardabil – hence their current name – until they were sold to a British carpet specialist in the late 1800s. By this point, both of the carpets had become very worn and discoloured, and it was here that the carpets became one.

Making one from two

So how did the Ardabil Carpet go from being a pair to just the one? Well, due to the degradation of the carpets over the 100+ years in the mosque, extensive repairs would have been required. However, because of the intricate craftsmanship and specific materials used in the carpets, doing these repairs would have been impossible in England. As such, the carpets’ owner decided to use the smaller of the two to repair the larger one. During this process, the second carpet became almost unrecognisable, and was apparently sold to an American then bought and sold a number of times.

Finding the Ardabil Carpet today

The second smaller (and now almost unrecognisable) rug has ended up at a museum in Los Angeles, whereas the main carpet is now on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This rug is very large, with dimensions of over 10 metres x 3 metres. In terms of its material, the London rug is made from a foundation of silk with wool pile. One of the reasons the Ardabil Carpet is so valuable is that it bears an inscription penned by the Persian poet Hafiz Shirazi. This, combined with its long and varied history, make the carpet a truly unique and priceless piece.

If you’ve been inspired by the tale of the Ardabil Carpet, why not take a look at the wide range of rugs in our online shop? And don’t worry, they won’t set you back a small fortune!

Rug Buyer's Guide for 2015

The Essential Rug Buyer's Guide for 2015

Buying a rug isn’t always as clean-cut as you may think.

In fact, many rugs once purchased are in place for a decade or more. With that in mind, doesn’t it make sense to put as much thought as possible into your purchase? We’re here to help with our rug buyer’s guide for 2015. So let’s get started…

Use the rug as the basis of your room’s aesthetic

If you’re right at the beginning of an interior design project, you’re in a great position for creating a beautiful aesthetic. In order to create a consistent style for the room, everything has to tie in correctly, so why not go from the ground up and start with the rug? With so many rich and intricate options in terms of colour and design, both modern and traditional rugs are a great basis for a room’s stylistic brushstrokes.

Scale the rug to fit the space

Remember that rugs come in all shapes and sizes. Some will allow you to tailor the size to fit your space, whereas others are of a fixed size. Whatever the case, when buying rugs you need to consider this element. After all, if you’re just looking for a nice subtle rug for the centre of a room, you don’t want it going wall-to-wall when you get it home! Be sure to pay close attention to the size options when browsing for your next rug.

Consider the stylistic impact of the rug’s design

Everything you place in a room will have some effect on its overall atmosphere and mood. If you have an established design with consistent colours, shapes and other elements, you don’t want a rug that’ll stick out like a sore thumb. For this reason, be sure to visualise the rug you’re considering in the space you have it earmarked for. Even going so far as using editing software to drop it in might help with this process!

Pick the right texture for you

The final pointer is on the topic of texture. Rugs come with a variety of pile lengths and fibre densities. These elements come together to create the overall texture of the piece, so be sure to look into which one you’re choosing to be sure it fits. Sometimes a big fluffy shaggy rug isn’t right for a room, so plan out your options and decide which fits best for you.

Feeling inspired to pick out the perfect rug for your home? If so, check out the Rugs Direct online shop right now, or simply call the team on 0845 838 8638 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Prevent Wool Rugs From Shedding

Our Top Tips to Prevent Wool Rugs From Shedding

Wool rugs are one of the most eye-catching additions you can make to your home, and one of the signs of true quality is shedding. That’s right: a high quality wool rug will always shed to some extent. But if you want to avoid the clean-up involved, there are ways to prevent a wool rug from shedding. Here are our top tips.

Reduce foot traffic if possible

One of the biggest causes of the rug’s pile being agitated and hence come loose from the body of the rug is friction. And one of the biggest causes of friction is foot traffic. So one piece of solid advice is to keep your rug in a place in your home which doesn’t serve as a throughway or a place where people will regularly walk on it. Of course this isn’t ideal for everyone, but it will help keep those wool rugs from shedding.

Vacuum the wool rug when required

If your wool rug is suffering from excess shedding, or you simply want to avoid the spread of the fibres across your home, regular vacuuming is encouraged. We’re sure you already do plenty of vacuuming, but paying special care to ensure your wool rug gets a regular vac is a great idea and will keep the spread of shed fibres from your wool rug to a minimum.

Use a quality underlay

Using a top-notch rug underlay with your wool rug is an excellent way to keep it at its best for as long as possible. It’ll be protected from excess friction with the floor, and the underlay will serve as a barrier against dirt and grime which can cause the loosening of fibres over time. This will depend on the surface your wool rug lives on, but using a quality underlay is always recommended.

Brush your rug regularly

It’s understandable that not everyone wants to subject their wool rug to vacuuming, especially if it’s a valuable item. Likewise, not all vacuum cleaners have suitable attachments for properly treating a wool rug. That’s why using a soft brush to gently remove excess shed fibres from your wool rug is an excellent idea. You can take your time and ensure that your woollen pride and joy is kept 100% intact.

With the right care, you can make sure that your wool rugs last as long as possible and look great too. To find the very best wool rugs in the UK, explore the Rugs Direct online shop now or call the team on 0845 838 8638. 

How to Turn Your House into a 'Smart Home' with Modern Rugs

How to Turn Your House into a 'Smart Home'

Modern technology is evolving at an incredible rate, and it seems like everything is ‘smart’ these days. So if you’re looking to keep up with the pace and want to bring some handy technology into your home, here are our recommendations for creating a smart home of your very own.

Wireless speakers

You’ve probably already seen ads on TV for wireless speaker systems, like those from Sonos, and they’re a great investment. Simply drop the speakers around your house, then use your smartphone or tablet to stream music wirelessly. Perfect for parties or just relaxing at home – and the prices of wireless speakers are coming down all the time.

Smart TVs

Our phones have been smart for a while, so why not our TVs too? A smart TV will give you access to apps like YouTube, Netflix and so on without extra cables or any fuss. All you need is a Wi-Fi connection and you can hook your TV into a world of entertainment. Most of the new TVs on the market from brands like Sony, LG and Samsung are equipped with smart features, so they’re easy to find.

Remote lighting and heating

Whether through an existing service or using a gadget like a WeMo plug, it’s now possible to remotely control almost anything in your home. Remote heating and lighting products are readily available, but you can also attach a WeMo plug to any mains device and operate it remotely from anywhere in the world.

Robotic vacuum cleaners

Are you sick of trudging round and vacuuming? If so, you can now get a robot to do it for you! Products like the Roomba will automatically travel around your house and vacuum up whatever’s in their path. You can program paths or just let them do their work; they’re even designed to avoid walls and obstacles. Futuristic, eh?

Wireless charging mats

We’ve all lost our phone charging cables now and again, but now there’s a solution. Wireless charging mats can sit on a table and all you need do is throw your phone on top. Through the magic of wireless technology, your phone (or tablet) will begin to charge without needing a cable plugged in. Now that’s what we call smart!

If you fancy giving your home a technological makeover, why not treat it to some first-class rugs too? Check out our online rug shop for the latest and greatest in modern and traditional rugs. Or simply call our friendly team on 0845 838 8638 – we’d love to show you the future of interior design!

Retro Trends Set to Make a Comeback in 2015

5 Retro Trends Set to Make a Comeback in 2015

It’s hard not to notice how frequently trends that were once thought dead and buried come back into public favour. From yo-yo’s to sports cars, it’s always a surprise. But is there any way to predict what’s next? Well, we’ve taken a look around the web and concocted our final list of the top 5 retro trends that will make a comeback this year.

5. Diner-style kitchens

For a long time, the design of kitchens has been relatively static, in the sense that public tastes don’t change too often. But this year it seems one particular design might come back: the diner-style. Think of an American diner: booths, black and white chequerboard floors, vivid colours and maybe even a neon sign. Keep an eye out in 2015 to see this style in a kitchen near you.

4. Digital radios in a vintage style

Effortlessly merging the modern world with that of the past, a new trend for vintage-style radios with digital capability is already emerging. Brands such as Roberts are leading the way with radios that take design inspiration from classic 50s and 60s units, even going so far as to include padded cushions and leather trim. Whatever next?

3. 80s-style electronic pop music

Here’s one you’ve probably already have some experience of. The 80s is back in a big way when it comes to chart music. Artists such as Taylor Swift are wearing their influences on their sleeves, with every genre from pop to electro showing 80s traits through and through. So dust off those drum machines, there could just be an opportunity for you!

2. Cubist-inspired interior design

Cubism and geometric patterns are something we’re very familiar with here at Rugs Direct. Some of our most popular rugs feature a 60s-inspired design which is as colourful as it is intricate. So we’re not at all surprised that cubism is going to come back into the limelight in many areas of interior design. That also extends to modern art pieces too, so you’ll see all over the home.

1. 70s-inspired clothing

If you’ve still got a pair of bell-bottoms or perhaps a floral shirt somewhere in the back of your wardrobe, 2015 might just be your year. The 1970s are coming back during spring and summer with many pieces taking direct inspiration from the catwalks of that decade. Flared jeans, wide-collar shirts and vibrant colours all form part of this retro revival.

Which trends are you looking forward to in 2015? Let us know! And don’t forget to check out the latest rug trends in our online rug shop. 

Rugs; How are they Made?

How Rugs Are Made: What Is A Loom?

As one of the leading rug retailers in the UK, it’s very easy for us at Rugs Direct to assume that everyone knows the ins-and-outs of rug manufacture. But actually, in a world of mass production, it seems very few folks really know how rugs are made. With that in mind, in today’s blog post we’d like to explain what a loom is and its role in the creation of modern and traditional rugs.

The loom: a definition

In a nutshell, a loom is a mechanical device or tool that is used to tightly knit threads together in order to create a rug or other fabric-based object. Looms can be found in both manual and automatic forms, both of which share similar core concepts. It wasn’t until looms were able to be produced on a large scale that mass production of rugs became a real possibility. Without looms, we wouldn’t be here at all! Having said that, there is still a place for hand-woven and tufted rugs, many of which are selected due to their personal touch.

How do looms work?

A loom mechanically weaves two threads together to form the final piece. To do this, it interlaces the two threads at 90-degree angles. The horizontal threads are known as the weft, and these are pulled through the vertical threads, which as known as the warp. Most looms include a small device called a shuttle which actually guides the threads during the interlacing process. During Victorian times, mechanised looms included a flying shuttle, which allowed the weft to interlace the warp faster than any human being could.

How looms create patterns

In order to produce the intricate designs that you see on many modern and traditional rugs today, most large-scale looms will use a series of wires known as heddles. These heddles will hold the warp threads in certain places (usually either forward or back) in order to create the specific pattern required for that rug. Likewise, different coloured threads can be used as the weft or warp in order to create certain areas of the design in the correct colours. Large mechanised looms can have many hundreds of threads being woven at any one time – it really is quite a sight to behold!

If this quick guide to how a loom works has inspired you to find a new rug, you can check out our full range online. Or you call one of our friendly team on 0845 838 8638 anytime. 

Kick Back and De-stress in 2015 with Our Top Tips

Kick Back and De-stress in 2015 with Our Top Tips

It’s no secret that we’re living more stressful lives than ever, with a turbulent global climate and multiple sources of stress and strain. If you’re suffering from the effects of stress, don’t despair – there are many ways that you can tackle the issue head-on. So kick back, put your feet up, and take a look at our top de-stressing tips for 2015.

Work more efficiently

If the problem that’s keeping you up at night is a hectic work schedule that you can’t get through, you need to work smarter – not harder. To do that, why not try a new method of working, such as the Pomodoro technique? Break your working day down into several uninterrupted 25-minute sessions (no phone, internet or anything else), following by short rest breaks. This can be an amazing way to get a lot done.

Take the right supplements

As always, you should check with your GP before taking any supplements, but there are a number of herbal remedies known to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Chamomile tea, for example, is a great way to take the weight off your mind. Valerian root is another herb that’s often used to tackle stress, and can be found in many supplement shops.

Change your interior design

You know what they say: de-clutter your space, de-clutter your mind – and it’s really quite true. Ensure that your home or office is in good tidy order to reduce stress and strain. Likewise, you can try out adding some new touches like a fresh modern rug or new furniture. It could give you the pep you need.

Try out some meditation

Believe it or not, meditation is hugely popular at the moment. More specifically, mindfulness meditation. This form of relaxing, peaceful introspection is designed to bring your attention purely into the present moment – and it’s even recommended by the NHS. Forget what you think you know about meditation; it really is a genuinely effective tactic in the reduction of stress and anxiety. Don’t believe us? Take 10 minutes out of your day to sit, focus on your breathing, and clear your mind. There are plenty of guides out there to help too.

We hope some of these tips will help you take the stress out of your life in 2015. Have a question about any of the rugs we sell in our online rug shop? Just visit the store now or call us today on 0845 838 8638.

Rugs, a History of.

The Fascinating History of the Rugs in the UK

When most people think about rugs and carpets, it’s likely that images of far-flung oriental places will instantly jump to mind. But believe it or not there is actually a very rich heritage and history behind the rugs manufactured right here in the UK.

With that in mind, we thought we'd shed some light on the unique and fascinating history of English rugs... 

The first carpet weavers in the UK 

According to most sources, the very first carpet makers were Flemish, and came to England in the 16th Century. Interestingly, many of these settlers came to live in the Norwich area in Norfolk, where they continued to make carpets and rugs. As such, the first carpets made in the UK are sometimes referred to as 'Norwich carpets'. In terms of the designs these carpet weavers chose, many examples seem to be inspired by carpets from around the world -- including India and Persia. The only remaining carpets from this early in the history of rugs are several examples from the Exeter and Axminster areas. Naturally, due to the carpets being over 400 years old, they are kept in extremely controlled conditions -- so you're unlikely to see any adorning a floor near you!

The rise of Axminster carpets

In the year 1755, a man called Thomas Whitty established a factory in Axminster, Devon, and began production of a carpet which still has some visible influences in the machine-made carpets sold today. By the time the factory closed in 1835, many advances in carpet-making technology had been made – including those similar to velvet and chenille methods. Today, Axminster carpet is still available in three different forms: tufted, hand-knotted or machine-woven. It is the latter type that remains the most popular in England.

Modern carpets and rugs in the UK

The heritage of English rugs and carpets which began in places like Axminster and Wilton is still recognisable in the form of machine-woven designs. Generally speaking, the hand-tufted rugs are sourced from places such as Egypt, India and Africa, but due to the Industrial Revolution and advances in machinery within the UK, machine-woven led the way. One of the key benefits of rugs made by machine is that they are highly durable, often lasting more than thirty years.

If you’re in the market for a high quality rug (from the UK or anywhere else), why not check out our full range? Or, if you have any questions, quiz our experts now on 0845 8388638.

Rugs in your New Year's Resolutions

The 6 Most Common New Year's Resolutions for 2015

With the New Year now upon us, many of us have spent the last few days concocting our wishes for the year ahead. But what are the most common New Year’s resolutions, and which ones are also yours? Let’s find out…

6. To quit smoking

Cigarette smoking has dropped by over 30% in the last decade due to active campaigning and things like Stoptober, but it’s still a popular habit in the UK. It’s no surprise, then, that lots of folks want to spend 2015 kicking the habit and finally becoming a non-smoker.

5. To pay off existing debt

It’s not just smoking that’s a thorn in many of our sides – money can be too. And that’s why a lot of us are aiming to pay off as much debt as we can in the coming year and start to save. Whether that’s for travel, a new house, car or anything else – being debt-free is a goal many of us share.

4. To travel more

It’s a big world out there, and there’s a lot to see. For that reason and more besides, a lot of us will be choosing to travel more in 2015. And with fuel prices dropping to record lows, it looks like it’ll be more affordable than ever before.

3. To find a new job

If you’ve been a little bored or feeling stuck in your job, why not join the thousands of others with a resolution to find a new one? It can sometimes be a great wind of change in your life, and could set you on the path to true success. Of course, if you already have the job of your dreams – stay put!

2. To improve the interior décor of your home

Could your home do with a facelift? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us have set a resolution to improve the interior décor of our homes. That could be the wallpaper, design of the space, or even a simple addition of a quality rug (like those we sell in our shop at Rugs Direct). You might be surprised at what a difference a rug can make!

1. To get fit and lose weight

You probably saw this one coming, and that’s because it tops the resolution charts every year. With Christmas being a time to indulge and enjoy ourselves, January is often packed with joggers and gym-goers. If you fall under this umbrella, now is a great time to nab some deals on gym memberships – just make sure you use it!

4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

4 Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

It can’t have escaped your notice that the nights have drawn in and the time for hot-water bottles is once again upon us.

The winter has never been most people’s favourite season, and one of the main reasons behind that is the ever-increasing cost of warming the home. With energy prices in the UK going up all the time, we’re all on the lookout for ways to bring down those wintertime bills. Well, here at Rugs Direct we’ve got a few recommendations that could help you keep your home warm for less – so let’s take a look.

4. Block out drafts effectively

Drafts are one of the main factors in loss of heat within the home. Whether it’s a window slightly open or simply the crack under the door, cold air can easily get in and warm air can get out. To eliminate this issue, you should look at every area where air could escape and install either draft excluders or similar in order to block them out before they start.

3. Install underlay for existing rugs and carpets

Just like wearing multiple layers to keep your body warm, it’s a good idea also to ensure heat isn’t escaping via the cold ground below your home. You can add an extra layer of insulation by adding a high quality underlay to the existing rugs and carpets in your home. Of course, this solution isn’t ideal for very small rugs, but large rugs and 100% coverage carpets will benefit greatly from this measure.

2. Only heat the room you’ll be spending time in

Why pay to heat a room nobody is in? The answer to that should be simple – and the ethos carries across the home. Try to isolate your heating by only switching on radiators in rooms that you’ll actually use. Electric heaters can actually be a better way to achieve this, even if the energy-efficiency of these units is often much higher.

1. Get those exposed floors covered up

If you have a lot of bare wooden floors in your home, or even concrete or other stone materials, you’re losing a lot of heat all the time. The cold ground will quickly sap any heat that’s being generated and boost your bills sky-high. To avoid this, look into purchasing a large rug for total coverage – the longer the pile, the better it will be at trapping warmth.

Remember: for more handy tips like this, keep your eye on the Rugs Direct blog. And if you’re looking for the very best rugs for winter or anytime of the year, head over to our online shop or call 0845 838 8638.

Rugs: The Perfect Present this Christmas

Kids’ Rugs: The Perfect Present This Christmas

With sleigh-bells on the horizon and the temperature rapidly dropping, it can only mean one thing – Christmas is well on the way.

And here at Rugs Direct we want to make sure yours goes off with a bang. One way to do that is with the perfect gifts, and if you’ve got a child or two who fancy redecorating their bedrooms (let’s face it, which of them don’t?), then we have the kids’ rugs for you. With that in mind, let’s explore some of our most popular kids’ rugs…

Stripey Ted Kids’ Rug

Perfect for kids who are still in the nursery, this wonderful Stripey Ted Kids’ Rug is packed with character. Shaped like a classic teddy bear and made up of bright, vibrant colours, this is a kids’ rug that will really stand out and make a lasting impression. Ideal for a boy or a girl, the rug is made from hand-tufted 100% wool.

Arte Espina Kids Collection

If you want to be spoiled for choice in terms of the design on your kids’ rugs, you’ll love the Arte Espina Kids Collection. Adorned with colourful characters, these are kids’ rugs that demand to be seen, with complex scenes that kids will just love to explore themselves. If you’ve got a budding builder in your family, they’ll love the kids rug we have featuring a big yellow digger – a real favourite!

Capri Guitar Kids’ Rug

If you’re shopping for a slightly older child, we’ve got plenty on offer for them too – including this eye-catching Capri Guitar Kids’ Rug. Designed with the unmistakable graphic of a guitar in deep grey with just a dash of red, this is a kids’ rug with a real urban vibe. Made from 100% polypropylene pile, this rug is made from an exclusive Maclon fibre that makes it soft to the touch and easy to clean – the perfect kids’ rug!

Arte Espina Fairytale Kids Rug

Our final favourite kids’ rug for Christmas is perfect if you have a little princess in your household. Emblazoned with a fairytale princess castle and pink pony, this really is a rug that’s made for a little girl. The Arte Espina Fairytale Kids Rug has been hand-tufted in China and is made to last.

We hope you’ve got a fresh batch of ideas for your kids’ rug present this Christmas, but if you’re still unsure, why not explore our full range? If you have any questions, please contact our friendly team of rug experts on 0845 8388638.

Rugs on a Budget

Rugs on a Budget: The Best Way to Dress Your Home for Less

Believe it or not, the words 'budget' and 'cheap' are not at all synonymous – at least not in the case of the rugs we offer here at Rugs Direct.

In fact, in our experience, we've found that some of the best examples of our products are budget rugs. That’s why we thought we’d offer you the rundown of some of the very best budget rugs you can buy. What does this mean for you? Well, you can dress your home in style without breaking the bank.

Keep it simple with Skye Rugs

Sometimes you don’t need an ornate pattern or an intricate design to bring something special to a room. That’s why one of our favourite budget rugs is the affordable range of Skye rugs. Hand-made in India with 100% polyester, these rugs feature flat colours that will blend seamlessly into any room. If you’re looking for simplicity along with your budget rugs, this one’s for you. Oh, and they’re available in a range of classic colours including teal, cream and mulberry which makes them ideal budget rugs for any home.

Add a touch of visual flair with Nina Rugs

If a plain flat colour is a little too ‘vanilla’ for your tastes, another recommended budget rug is the range of Nina Rugs. These are hand-made rugs crafted in Egypt using a polypropylene pile which makes these budget rugs truly durable. The depth of the pile allows for an eye-catching range of patterns and colours that really make these pieces shine. If you’re looking for a rug that will stand the test of time but go easy on your wallet, Nina Rugs are the answer.

Budget rugs for the practically minded

When you’re not too bothered about the visual design of the rug itself, it opens plenty of doors for true durability. So if you’re looking for a budget rug that can be tested to destruction and be affordable, we thoroughly recommend the Sisal Rug range. Machine-made and sourced from China, these budget rugs also have an anti-slip backing that means that even when placed on a smooth wooden floor, they’ll always stay firmly in place.

To discover the full range of budget rugs in our shop, just click here. Have a question about any of our products, or simply rugs in general? Call our friendly team of rug and carpet experts on 0845 8388638.

Traditional Hall Carpet Runner - Celebrate the Past

Celebrate the Past with a Traditional Hall Carpet Runner

If you’ve got a long, narrow hallway in your home, then it’ll come as no surprise that you can’t simply drop a regular-shaped rug there and cross your fingers. What you’ll need is a hallway runner, also known as a hall carpet runner: a long, narrow carpet in a design that suits you. In this post we’d like to talk about one form of runner that seems to be making a comeback of late – the traditional hall carpet runner. Here at Rugs Direct we offer a host of differing designs from all over the world, so let’s look at what makes these so sought-after.

The top manufacturers of hall carpet runners

Just as with the other rugs we sell, hall carpet runners are manufactured by a number of different brands, all with their own unique spin on the item. We’re proud to offer hall carpet runners from such brands as Balta, Oriental Weavers, Lano and many more. These manufacturers are dab-hands at creating traditional hall carpet runners with designs that are both eye-catching and give a gentle homage to the past. Even better, these hallway runners are often hand-tufted – meaning they’re even more durable and long-lasting.

The intricate details of traditional hall carpet runners

One thing that sets this type of rug apart from the rest is the traditional designs and patterns they so often feature. If you take a look at our range of traditional hall carpet runners, you’ll quickly notice a running theme of exquisite, intricate patterning along with rich, deep colours. These are a far cry from many of the modern designs you see nowadays, and each one is unique in its own way. You’ll notice subtle differences depending on location too: oriental hall carpet runners will usually feature similar but different patterns to those from India, for example.

Give your home the ‘wow’ factor

In addition to the rich heritage and detailing of a traditional hall carpet runner, you’ll also benefit from something a little less tangible. There’s a real sense of amazement that classic patterns and designs like these can provide to a home. When your guests first step through your front door to be greeted by your eye-catching traditional hall carpet runner – well, let’s just say you can expect more than a few compliments! A traditional hall carpet runner is a superb addition to any home, bringing balance to any hallway and adding a focal point at the same time.

For more info about traditional hall carpet runners, you can call our friendly team on 0845 838 8638 for some free expert advice. 

Do Traditional Rugs still have a place in 2014?

Do Traditional Rugs Still Have a Place in 2014?

With a strong focus on modern rugs in today’s marketplace, it’s easy to see why some people may believe that the popularity of traditional rugs is waning. But more than that, there is also a question about whether or not these traditional rugs even have a place in the modern home. Our opinion may be somewhat predictable, but based on our many years as market leaders in the rug and carpet industry, we can tell you categorically that traditional rugs very much do have a place in today’s home – and we’d like to explain why. Please click the link above to find out more

Is Your Rug worth £20 million Pounds

Last year saw the most expensive rug sold at Sotheby’s auction house. More than tripling the previous record for a rug. According to Sotheby’s, the rug is a “sickle-leaf, vine scroll and palmette ‘vase’-technique carpet,” that is probably of Kerman origin, and had belonged to the Clark Collection.

Vase carpets such as this piece are extraordinarily desirable, a fact that was only underscored by the tremendous price fetched by this impressive rug. Upon the final sale of the rug, the room at Sotheby’s erupted into applause in a cathartic release of the excitement and energy that had been steadily building in the room as the price of the rug rose and rose.

Shattering pre-auction estimates and all records for the highest prices ever fetched for rugs, the sale of this magnificent Kerman marks something of a watershed moment, as antique rugs become an ever more desirable commodity and establish a very firm footing in the highest rungs of the art world.

The good news is you don't need £20 million to buy a rug similar to this at Rugs Direct our Traditional Rugs come in at a very affordable price for any home. Take a look around our easy to use website and I am sure you will find something a little less pricey. Now we can not promise the increase in value over time but I am sure you will get many years of pleasure out of it.

...and if you are interested you can even watch the 5 minutes it took to reach £20 million at the auction in New York.

Check out our current sale!

Every now and then we get a rug returned becuase a customer decides that is is not quite right for their home. However there is nothing wrong with the rugs so we keep them in the office and add them to our clearance section!

So if you are looking for a brand new quality rug at an unbeatable price that can be dispatched next day, you can't go wrong with our clearance rugs!

Below are some of our current rugs in the clearance section and they can be found along with the price and size on our website: http://www.rugsdirect.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.dspSaleItems

Competition Winners Revealed!

Congratulations To Our Lucky Rug Photo Competition Winners at Rugs Direct!

We would like to congratulate Anne Akers for winning 1st prize in our recent rug photo competition! Anne will recieve £50 to put towards a new rug of her choice from our website.

We also decided to create a 2^nd prize due to the number of photos we recieved, so 2^nd prize goes to Sue Lancaster! Sue will recieve £25 to put towards a new rug of her choice from our website.



Both of these lovely rugs can be bought directly through our website in the 'modern' and 'traditional' categories.

We will be announcing a brand new competition very soon for all of our Rugs & Stair Rods customers via our Newsletter and facebook page so keep your eyes pealed!

A New Year, A New Look?

Revitalise Your Home For 2013

The rush and excitement of Christmas is well and truly over and 2013 is now in full swing.  A new year can bring about a lot of questions about ourselves from our career goals to our lifestyle. 

A New Year means a whole new set of possibilities and opportunities and we often find ourselves clearing out the old and bringing in the new. 

For some of us this allows us to let go of the past and welcome a new beginning and fresh start. For others it is simply spring cleaning coming early or taking advantage of some Christmas money to spend on ourselves for a change. 

Whatever your reason may be, one of the easiest ways to revitalise your home or work place is by adding a rug to it. Not only does a new rug instantly lift a dull and faded carpet, or create a soft warm feeling underfoot on hard floors, it also adds colour, warmth and personality to any room. 

Rugs come in a variety of sizes and prices to suit all rooms and budgets. They range in style from traditional designs to modern and elegant, to funky ‘out there’ designs! There really is a rug to suit every room and every personality. 

 

If you are in search of a new you and a new home without moving or picking up a paint brush then browse through our website and see what takes your fancy. You can even add rugs to your ‘wishlist’ and come back to them another day.

 If you have any questions we are always happy to help on the other end of the phone or by email.

www.rugsdirect.co.uk