While earlier, area rugs were made from only wool and cotton, today you have more of a choice between several synthetic and natural fibers. What's the best choice? I guess it all depends on how much traffic that is in the area, how easily the rug is to be maintained, and finally how much you're willing to spend on the new rug.

There are different kinds of rugs depending on the materials used. Rugs are categorized into two major types - the natural rugs and the synthetic rugs.

Area rugs made of synthetic or acrylic fiber - these rugs are highly durable and resistant to stains, mildew and sun damage, as well as being water repellent therefore, ideal for outdoor use or for high-traffic areas. Compared to other kinds of fiber, synthetic rugs are considerably cheaper. Among the different synthetic materials, Polypropylene and Olefin have the highest resistance level against stains. Nylon is another type and popular for its easy maintenance and durability.

Area rugs made of natural fibers - Wool is highly recognized as a quality fiber because of its soft texture. Cotton is another natural fiber that may not be as durable as wool but is sought after because of its easy wash and dry quality. Cotton rugs are best for bathroom and kitchen use where with its light material, the susceptibility to wetness and dirt will make it easier to clean. Jute is like cotton in its softness and lightness but can be sensitive to sunlight exposure causing its color to fade and its material to deteriorate fast. Hence, only use a jute rug as an indoor decoration.

In searching for the right area rugs, you would come across jargons that you might just brush off. Yet, these terms can actually help you in finding the perfect rugs - those that meet your standards and preferences and those rugs that will work best for your home. Here are some of the important words:

Pile - this refers to the surface of the rug made of yarn. In our casual words, pile is the "rug's face."

Line Count refers to the process that the polypropylene goes through in order to put twists into the yarn. When yarn has been set with heat, it ends up having a wool-like appearance.

Pile is the surface of the rug. It is the yarn that makes up the face of the rug.

Border - this is the group of designs that are repeated in one direction in the border or outer lining of the rug.

Warp Yard - if you hear this word, this simply means the stationary threads of the rug, and is the strongest fiber used in rug production. The yard is woven through the warps, hence the name.

The border refers to the composition of the decorative designs that are repeated in one direction all around the outside of the rug.

These information will prove useful in your rug hunting. Knowing some of the most important things about area rugs will assure you of making the right choice, especially with the materials used.

Now that you know all about finding rugs, it's time to shop for your very own braided wool rugs. We suggest you start looking at www.HouseOfAreaRugs.com.