Handmade rugs reflect India’s heritage and creativity that resonate across time and places. With a range of design materials available, people can choose the one that suits their preferences and home style.
Handmade rugs hold a special place in India’s artistic heritage. From Mughal courts to modern home interiors, rugs have delighted people for centuries. Every rug represents skill, passion, and patience in equal measure, thereby considering the item more than a piece of decor.
While buying area rugs in India, customers give high preference to materials. Rugs can be of natural fibres (plant-based or animal-based) or can be blends (a combination of two or more fibres). Well, material choice matters because it denotes the aesthetic appeal, longevity, and comfort of a rug. In this blog, we will talk about the common types of handmade rugs in India.
What are the Different Types of Rugs in India?
India’s handmade rugs bring elegance, appeal, and a timeless charm to living spaces. Well, you need to select the right material that goes well with your home design. Let’s explore the different types of rugs.
Wool Handmade Rugs
The best material for handmade rugs in India can be debatable, but most of the people will choose wool unanimously. Even in a warm country like India, this is a suitable material for rugs. Being a thermoregulating fibre, wool adjusts to your room or body temperature. Hence, woollen rugs are warm in winter and cool in summer. You can consider wool handmade rugs in bedrooms and living rooms.
High-traffic zones require soft and durable rugs, and wool stands as the perfect option here. Being a naturally resilient fibre, wool springs back into shape after being compressed. Hence, you can place woollen rugs under furniture legs. Open windows, sandals, and festivals account for exposure to dust and dirt. This makes wool a perfect material for rugs as it contains lanolin. Meanwhile, such handmade rugs are costly and require high maintenance.
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Silk Handmade Rugs
Silk rugs in India can be the choice for homeowners who prefer elegant luxury and appearance. Apart from offering a beautiful outlook, such rugs provide a premium touch to your home. You can consider this material in low-traffic areas (guest room, dining room, etc.).
Silk rugs are a statement of unique artistry. Being woven with the traditional hand-knotted technique, such handmade rugs fit perfectly with your home vibe and interior design. A key reason behind the high preference for silk rugs in India is their unmatched softness and comfort. Also, they are durable and long-lasting. You can consider such rugs in your office too. But they are susceptible to moisture damage.
Jute Handmade Rugs
Do you prefer eco-friendly area rugs in India? If yes, jute handmade rugs can be a good choice. Such rugs are crafted with compostable fibres, and they are highly durable. Being made from natural materials and possessing an earthy aesthetic, this rug type has gained popularity among Indian homeowners.
Despite being soft, jute handmade rugs combat heavy foot traffic. Although jute rugs are suitable for low-traffic areas, you can also place them in the hallway. This rug material is highly preferable in modern homes because its neutral tone and subtle texture add depth to your room. The main limitation of such rugs is that it is prone to staining, shedding, and water damage.
Cotton Handmade Rugs
Cotton rugs are the right blend of style and function. While environmental awareness is increasing among Indians, sustainable home decor has become an ethical choice. This makes cotton rugs an eco-friendly option, as such rugs are biodegradable. Such rugs come in numerous designs, patterns, and colours, thereby matching different preferences.
A standout feature of cotton handmade rugs is their comfort level. They are capable of withstanding high-traffic areas. The hypoallergenic property of such rugs also makes them suitable for households with allergy sufferers. Also, this rug option is cost-effective. Nevertheless, such rugs are susceptible to moisture damage and have lower durability in high traffic.
Blended Fiber Rugs
What makes blended fibre rugs unique is that it addresses the specific needs of the homeowners. Some of the common blends for area rugs in India are wool-silk, wool-cotton, jute-cotton, etc. Often, blended fibres improve the durability of the rug. Like, using synthetic fibres in a blend enhances resistance to wear and tear.
Blended handmade rugs are suitable for heavy foot traffic. Therefore, you can consider this rug option in a living room. Fibers are also blended to make rugs sustain their shiny texture. This lets you obtain a luxurious feeling underfoot. With cost, export, and design benefits, blended rugs are exported from India. Nevertheless, blended rugs are somewhat less environmentally friendly.
How to Maintain Rugs?
Whether you opt for wool or silk rugs in India, you need to have a good understanding of their maintenance. Let’s check out the maintenance process.
| Rug material | Maintenance process |
| Wool | Daily vacuuming |
| Silk | Professional cleaning |
| Jute | Keeping it dry |
| Cotton | Machine wash |
| Blend | Follow dominant fibre care |
Table: Rug materials and their maintenance processes
Selecting the Right Rug Material: What to Consider
To understand the right rug for your home, you need to keep several factors in mind. These include:
- Foot traffic (High vs Low)
- Climate and humidity
- Budget vs luxury preferences
- Maintenance procedure
To Conclude
Handmade rugs have extensive use in Indian homes. Some of the common handmade rug materials are wool, jute, silk, etc. To match particular needs, opting for blended handmade rugs is also a good option. You need to keep foot traffic, humidity, and maintenance procedures in mind.
Planning to Identify the Perfect Rug for Your Space?
Choose a renowned rug seller in India that specialises in offering a diverse range of handmade rugs. Select the one that matches your preference and home style. Ensure your underfoot stays comfortable and you obtain a magnificent floor covering for your home.
