Refine
Sort
Member Zone
Log in
Log in to see your rewards
Log in or create a free account
to see your current rewards, artisan impact level and shipping discounts.
Your answers straight from the village experts
Rug pads are great because they prevent slippage, prolong wear, protect the floor underneath, and provide additional comfort and quiet. That being said, most of our rugs do not actually require a pad underneath. Many, like those from the Andes, crafted with sheep wool and cotton, are durable and sturdy enough to be placed directly on the floor. But for enhanced protection and longevity, a rug pad is always a welcome addition.
Area rugs are a design-friendly way to absorb sound and insulate a room. They are a wonderful way to reduce noise, as footsteps on a rug are more muted than on hardwood floors or tile, and they also dull ambient sounds. Additionally, they provide warmth and a general sense of well-being. Who doesnt love a good area rug!
Most area rugs are easy to maintain with a few simple steps. For small stains and spills, you can spot clean with warm, soapy water. Never rub the affected area, always blot! You should vacuum your rugs to remove dirt and debris. And to ensure that rugs wear evenly, it is recommended to place a pad beneath them, and rotate them regularly. As with most vibrant works of art, direct sunlight may dull the colors. For more substantive cleaning, it is recommended that you dry clean your area rug.
Were huge fans of eco-friendly everything! When it comes to area rugs, you can look for certain indicators that it is produced in a sustainable way that reduces our carbon footprint. Some artisans, like a handful of weavers from India, use recycled fabrics: cotton, rayon, and polyester. Others stress the use of natural dyes and ethically-sourced wool. (Wool is particularly celebrated for being recyclable, abundant, and naturally stain-resistant.)
Handmade, or footmade! Many of the weavers who produce area rugs use a pedal, or foot, loom. While they technically have the assistance of a machine--a treadle or handloom--its operation requires the dexterity, strength, coordination, and patience of the artisan. Additionally, most area rugs are finished by hand.
Traditional area rugs are mostly woven on looms. Treadle, or foot, looms make use of pedals to lift and lower the looms harness. This raises the threads of the warp, so that the weft can pass through the opening in the threads. This type of loom is common in the Andes, Central America, as well as Mexico, and traces back to Mayan weavers in the period after the Spanish arrived. Elsewhere, such as India, handlooms are still used. The designs are mapped out in advance, and it takes about four to five days to complete a dhurrie, or traditional Indian floor covering. While the work to craft each of these rugs may be labor intensive, the beauty of the finished product makes it well worth the wait.
While area rugs are handcrafted by artisans from all over the world, they share certain features in spite of their vastly different regions. From the Andes to Central America, Mexico to India, most artisans use some combination of sheep wool, cotton, and natural and industrial dyes. Some artisans, like those from India, may incorporate other materials, like jute, or recycled cotton, polyester, and rayon, into their works. Some of the Zapotec weavers in Mexico use dyes made from natural materials like walnut shell, cochineal, and flowers. With these materials, artisans create vibrant colors and authentic patterns, ideal for adding dimension and warmth to any home.
By Alana
I am blown away by the quality of this rug. I would actually feel so bad even stepping on it so I am debating on buying a quilt/rug hanger to make this a wall hanging instead.
By Jo
The rug is amazing! It looks great. There is less red on it than on pictures. The colours are vibrant, looks like sunset. It is thick and can be used as a typical rug. I love it and I am really happy having it.
By Margaret
I love the vibrant colours of this beautiful new rug. I have already received compliments on it, love the feel of the wool under my feet, and am so happy I purchased it. Thank you Gregorio Ruiz for creating such a vibrant original piece! It helps warm up a Canadian winter!
Loom Woven Red and Black Zapotec Wool Rug (2 x 7 Feet), "Red Star Path"
Crimson diamonds evoke dazzling stars, created with Zapotec artistry. Working with wool, Mario Chavez weaves a colorful path as he crafts the rug on a traditional loom.
Titled "Pasillo de rombos" in Spanish.
Because each rug is individually woven, measurements could vary +/- 2 inches (5 cm).
Hand Woven Zapotec Wool Area Rug Runner 2.5x10 Arts, "Phases of the Sky"
Sun colors blaze across the handloom as Mario Chávez creates this extraordinary rug. Working in virgin wool, he weaves colorful medallions in yellow and orange. Bands of geometric motifs frame them as they glow on an elegant runner.
Titled "Fases de un día" in Spanish.
Because each rug is individually woven, measurements could vary +/- 2 inches (5 cm).
Modern Zapotec Wool Rug 2 X 6 Ft Handmade in Mexico, "Fish Fiesta"
Woven by hand, this handsome runner features fish in fiesta colors. Alberto Ruiz García and his wife create bright mirror images in virgin wool. Navy blue borders the bright area rug named "Armonía de Peces" in Spanish.
Because each rug is individually woven, measurements could vary +/- 1 inch (3 cm).