Decorating and Oriental Rugs

Medieval castles and manors had hardwood or stone floors. They were cold, and a little unfriendly, even though they looked terrific. Scattered carpets were a means of compensating for the coldness. Wall to wall carpet felt better on the feet, and insulated a room better. It caught on, and pretty soon, nobody had bare floors anymore.

In the recent years, hardwood and stone floors have made a comeback, in warmer colors and better heating options. With the resurgence of bare floors, carpets have gained popularity again as well.

Carpets fit almost any style, from classic antique chic, to contemporary and trendy looks. Tribal rugs currently hold the place of honor for trendy looks, while the classic city rugs have a range of popular elegant styles.

Decorators are combining classic and contemporary in bolder combinations, exploring new realms of both contrast and compliment.

A handcrafted oriental carpet, either contemporary, or antique, is worth investing in, because they hold their value, wear well, and last for generations. Stylistically, a single carpet accommodates a wide range of colors and themes. They are easy to decorate with, either with, or without the help of a professional interior designer.

Rugs may be used as all-over floor coverings, grouped in casual arrangements, or as a focal point. They work in any sized or shaped room.

Handwoven carpets are superior to machine made. The natural fibers and dyes give luster and brilliance to the appearance, and they wear incredibly well. Handwoven carpets are art, as well as functional items. Handwoven rugs appreciate in value. Machine woven carpets depreciate.

While carpets do wax and wane in popularity, they never lose their value, and they are never completely out of style. True quality is always fashionable, and oriental carpets retain their desirability and appeal even while styles and trends swing wildly around them.

Written by Laura Wheeler, marketing assistant for Handmade Oriental Rugs NYC - http://www.handmadeorientalrugsnyc.com. Professional contemporary handmade oriental rug showroom in New York.