All Natural Area Rugs

Braided Rugs

• Braided, coiled rugs are associated with Colonial America, when poor settlers used whatever material was available to make floor coverings. Traditionally, they were constructed of wool scraps, but rags and chenille were also used. The material was braided into a long strip, coiled into a circle or oval and then stitched together. Braided rugs are still made in the 21st century; many are produced using synthetic materials and machinery. However, all-natural cotton and wool varieties are still available -- some handmade by master craftspeople.

Persian Rugs

• Persian rugs are a type of hand woven rug dating back to around 500 B.C. Quality specimens are world renowned for their beauty, intricate patterning and expert craftsmanship. Persians must be hand woven in Iran -- the location of the ancient Persian Empire -- to be considered genuine. Traditional Persian rugs are made from wool and/or cotton; cotton is sometimes used a backing material, while the wool is used as the carpet pile. Naturally-sourced dyes provide the color and the highest quality Persians often integrate gold, silver and silk threads into the design.

Chinese Rugs

• Like Persian rugs, Chinese rugs have been around for thousands of years. They are woven from a very thick, five-ply wool yarn and then sculpted. Traditional rugs use natural dyes only. Known for their density and quality, Chinese rugs have inspired cheaper, synthetic versions, as well as less expensive 100-percent wool imitations.

Sisal and Seagrass Rugs

• Sisal fibers come from a particular type of agave plant; one leaf can produce 1,000 fibers. These fibers are spun into yarns ranging from creamy white to straw yellow; often they are combined with synthetic fibers to make them softer, but 100 percent sisal fiber rugs are available. Seagrass rugs are woven into flat herringbone or basketweave designs. They have a hard texture, but resist staining, and are easy to clean, hypoallergenic and non-absorbent.