While making either a basic or extensive list of decorative times for a home or a commercial space, you can add an endless number of items. But one thing that will always remain common and is fundamentally considered the foundation of every interior concept is an area rug.
An area rug is an anatomic part of the flooring that is crucial to complete the grandeur of every otherwise well-decorated interior space. Whenever we enter any living space decorated with an area rug, it boasts an imprint of luxury and boldness. Therefore, such carpets are the most critical interior decor choices you can make to captivate the depiction of your interior space.
If this Diwali, you’re looking to revamp your interior space with a visually amusing area rug and are already interested in buying a carpet but confused about facts like durability and other differentiators of area rug. This quick guide is composed of solid factors that will help you narrow down the other flooring options and adorn your space with an exquisitely crafted area rug.
Table of Contents
Inventor of the first area rug
Before you buy a carpet, let’s uncover the history of area rugs. The exact birthplace of the first area rug remains shrouded in the mists of history, a testament to the widespread practice of rug-making across different cultures. Nevertheless, a significant archaeological find sheds light on early rug craftsmanship. The “Pazyryk carpet,” discovered in the Pazyryk burial mounds of Siberia, dates back to the 5th century BCE, providing a glimpse into the ancient artistry of rug weaving.
How did rugs become famous?
Today, you can easily buy carpets online, but how did these hand-knotted carpets get famous before the age of the internet and media? Let’s explore.
Rug making, we must note, burgeoned independently across diverse regions worldwide. It’s challenging to attribute the invention of rugs to a single culture or individual. Instead, it reflects the collective human endeavor to create functional and decorative floor coverings.
Theory of “Rug” and “Carpet”:
The term “rug” traces its roots to the Old Norse word “rokk” or “rokkr,” signifying a coarse cover or blanket. This evolved into “rugged” in Middle English, referring to a shaggy fabric used for bedding or flooring. Over time, “rug” came to represent a thick textile used for floor covering, providing warmth and comfort.
Similarly, “carpet” finds its origins in the Old French “carpite” or “carpette,” derived from the Latin “carpere,” meaning “to pluck” or “to the card.” Initially used for table coverings and bedspreads, “carpet” later encompassed floor coverings, especially during the medieval period in Europe.
Quirky quotes About rugs
Before you buy carpet online, let’s read these quirky quotes to relieve your shopping stress.
- “I have a rug fetish. Rugs make me happy.” – Ellen DeGeneres
- “The rug really tied the room together, did it not?” – Jeff Bridges, AKA “The Dude” in the movie “The Big Lebowski”
- The Charm of “Snug as a Bug in a Rug”:
- The saying “snug as a bug in a rug” has a playful history, originating from the late 18th or early 19th century. It whimsically describes someone comfortably settled in a place or situation, likely inspired by the observation that bugs would seek warmth and shelter under rugs, creating a snug and cozy feeling.
Rugs in literature
The phrase “sweep under the rug” metaphorically denotes concealing or ignoring problems. Its roots lie in the practice of physically sweeping dirt or debris under rugs to hide them from view. This act symbolizes the evasion of issues, reflecting the idiom’s modern usage.
The synergy between rugs and innovation
While the art of rug weaving thrived for centuries, the 18th century brought innovations that would revolutionize the industry. The power loom, pioneered by John Heathcoat in England, kick-started machine-made rug production. In the United States, Erastus Bigelow’s inventions further propelled the industry.
Machine-made rugs saw significant growth in the 19th century, aided by advancements in technology and the introduction of Jacquard looms. As the 20th century dawned, synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester enriched the diversity of machine-made rugs, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Final words
The history of rugs and carpets unfolds as a tapestry of human creativity and innovation, interwoven with fascinating stories and cultural influences. From the enigmatic beginnings of the first rug to the whimsical idioms surrounding rugs, this journey showcases the enduring appeal and significance of these timeless floor coverings. Whether woven by hand or crafted by machines, rugs and carpets continue to adorn our homes and stories with their warmth and beauty.
Hope you enjoyed this quick read engrossed with various facts about area rugs to help you buy carpet online that align perfectly with your temptations. Additionally, these intriguing facts can serve as engaging conversation starters when guests visit your home.
