The Anatomy of an Area Rug: Parts & Terminology – Prescott AZ
Hi folks! Ruthie here at Arizona Oriental & Specialty Rug Care and I thought I would take a moment to talk briefly about the different parts of an area rug. Of course, I can’t go into this extensively, but you’ll get a beginners glance at the most commonly known parts of an area rug.
Medallion – The “heart” of the rug. I should actually say it’s the center of the rug and will either have a floral or geometric motif.
Border – Borders make up the outer edges of the rug. Frequently, there are multiple borders with the widest border being the main border. Smaller borders are called guard borders.
Warp Threads – These are one part of the skeletal structure of your rug. They are the 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 – The other part of the skeleton of your rug – weft foundation threads run horizontally (left to right) and help to hold the knots in position by snugging up to them and not allowing extra movement.
Fringe – An extension of the rug made up of the foundation warp threads that run through and then extend out of the rug. To finish off the rug and prevent unravelling, these threads are knotted, braided, or finished in a way that is both decorative AND also secures the threads so the rug doesn’t unravel. NEVER cut fringes off! Doing so allows the rug to unravel. Call Arizona Oriental if you have an unravelling rug and need a repair estimate. The sooner this is repaired, the less extensive the damage will be.
Field – The main body of the rug, generally surrounded by borders.
Mihrab – This is the arch design in a prayer rug that represents the prayer niche found in a mosque wall, pointing to Mecca.
Spandrel – You can find these at the four corners of the rug just inside the border.
Armed with this new terminology, you may want to use your expanded knowledge during your next household gathering while sitting and chatting around your area rug.
Remember that all rugs need T.L.C. and Arizona Oriental specializes in the proper care of all types of rugs from Persians and Orientals to more basic rugs made with synthetic fibers. We offer not only cleaning but repairs, rug padding, urine restoration, and moth treatment as well!
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 Prescott Valley, Prescott, Sedona 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 the different parts in your area rug 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) (01-17-17)
