Area Rugs: Parts and Terminology – Sedona AZ
Hi! Ruthie here at Arizona Oriental in Prescott AZ and I thought I would talk briefly on the different parts of an area rug. While I won’t have time to go into this extensively, you’ll get a beginners glance at the most commonly known parts of a rug.
Field – The main body of the rug, generally surrounded by the borders.
Border – Borders are on the outer edges of the rug. Frequently there is more than one border. The widest border is the main border. Smaller borders are referred to as guard borders.
Medallion – The heart of the rug, actually I should say the center of the rug that will be either in floral or geometric motif.
Spandrel – look for spandrels just inside the borders at the four corners of the rug.
Warp Threads – These are foundation threads that run the length of the rug (and make the fringes too). Pile knots are secured (knotted) to these warp threads.
Weft Threads – Weft foundation threads run left to right (horizontal) and help to hold the knots in position by snugging up to them and not allowing extra movement.
Fringe – Is an extension of the rug. It is the foundation warp threads running through and then extending out of the rug. To finish off the rug and to prevent unraveling the threads are knotted, braided or finished in a way to be both decorative AND most importantly to secure the threads so the rug doesn’t unravel. NEVER cut fringes off as this will allow the rug to unravel. If you have a rug that is unraveling, call Arizona Oriental for a repair estimate. The sooner this is repaired, the less extensive the damage will be.
Mihrab – Representing the prayer niche found in a mosque wall, this will be the arch design in a prayer rug.
Now that you know some of the terminology, you may want to use your new expanded knowledge of area rugs as a conversation starter at the next gathering at your home, while sitting and chatting around your area rug.
Remember all rugs need T.L.C. and at Arizona oriental we specialize in proper care of all types of rugs from Persian and Oriental to the more basic rugs with synthetic fibers. We offer cleaning, repairs, rug pad, urine restoration and moth treatment.
Till next time, enjoy your beautiful art for your floor and remember a clean rug is a rug that can last you a lifetime!
Arizona Oriental & Specialty Rug Care serves Sedona, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and much of the Northern Arizona areas. We meet the highest standards in professional cleaning of area rugs with rug wash specialists having earned the highest training which includes certification as WOOLSAFE FIBRE CARE SPECIALISTS through the WOOLSAFE ORGANISATION. Such extraordinary certification ensures the area rugs of our client’s receive the utmost in care.
If you would like more information about proper care for area rugs or a free estimate, give us a call at 928-445-1718, visit our website at www.ArizonaOriental.com, or stop by Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at our rug washing facility at 565 EZ Street, Prescott, AZ 86301 (pick-up and delivery also available). (04-25-17)
