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What Are The Different Types Of Pillow Fillings

March 04, 2019

People are sometimes very choosy in their pillows. Various people like various types of pillows; soft, supportive, low, high or firm. This uniqueness in pillows is achieved through the stuffing or filling, if you would, of the pillows. There are many types of fillings and every filling has different characteristics and appeal which is preferred by different people. Some types of fillings are described below:

1. Down Pillow Filling
A down is the lower side or underside of a bird’s feather. In simple words, the fluffy side of the feather is the down. Down filled pillows are very soft and light. These pillows are the ones that you can cuddle with. They are also very durable and lasts long. They are easy to shape, cool and airy and everything in between. Sometimes feathers are added to add volume to them. The flipside of them are that they do not provide a lot of height. They absorb some heat from your head which can be a little uncomfortable. They need to be fluffed occasionally to maintain shape and isn’t ideal for a person who has chronic allergies. Moreover, they look great in rectangular throw pillow covers.

2. Feather Pillow Filling
Feather filled pillows are exactly what the name suggests. They are filled with feathers and are cheaper versions of the down pillow. Over time, these pillows will become flat. They are moldable but require constant fluffing to retain its shape. The feather quills poke through the covers which are spiky and can ruin your whole experience. Again, not ideal for people with chronic allergies.

3. Polyester Pillow Filling
Polyester pillows are very lightweight pillows with synthetic fiber stuffed in them. They are durable for up to two years and with rectangular throw pillow covers, they can last up to more. They are easy to clean and very cheap. Although they don’t have much ventilation which can make your pillow warm. They can get flat very quickly due to the clumping issue. They can absorb dirt and sweat but they are easy to clean.

4. Memory Foam Pillow Filling
Memory foam pillows are one of the better pillows available. These pillows are filled with foam that forms its shape to the shape of your neck a and returns to its original shape. The memory foam pillows have holes on the inside which allows the air to circulate and doesn’t let germs to accommodate. Due to the different chemicals used in memory foam, there is a strange smell that emits from the pillow which many people will debate on being toxic. The upside to these pillows are that they don’t clump. However, they can become soft or too thin due the absorption of heat. Use of rectangular throw pillow covers is recommended.

5. Latex Pillow Filling
Latex is an extract from a rubber tree. This material is than cast into a pillow filling. Latex pillows are getting popular by the day. They offer the soft feeling of a natural, organic pillow. These pillows are also good for the support that your head needs. They have long lasting materials, are eco-friendly, cooler in comparison with memory foam. However, these pillows are quite expensive and also nonadjustable and usually quite heavy.



These are few of the many types of pillow fillings and something for you to choose from.

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8 Facts About Rugs And Carpets You Should Know

March 04, 2019
Rugs and carpets are a form of traditional artifacts that is traced back thousands of years. They have been used in a wide variety of ways, ultimately becoming a decorative flooring option. In fact, carpets like hand woven kilim rugs are considered a luxury item because a lot of work is put into the making of these carpets.


Here are some facts about rugs and carpets to know.

1. World’s Largest Handmade Carpet

The world’s largest carpet which was handmade was originated from Iran. It is called Qasr-al-Alam designed by Ali Khaliqi. The size of this carpet is approximately the size of a football pitch. It is exactly 5,625 square feet in size. This carpet was assembled in 9 different pieces before being installed in a mosque in Abu Dhabi.

2. Rugs vs Carpets

Many of you may not know but there is a distinction between rugs and carpets which was based on a theory. According to America, a carpet is the one which has a size of at least 40 square feet. Anything which is smaller than this is classified as a rug.

3. Hand Woven Kilim Rugs

Hand woven kilim rugs are the kind of rugs that are produced in Persian Empires like Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan. These rugs have a symbolic meaning. They are mainly flat hand woven rugs that are often hung on walls and also used as prayer rugs. These prayer rugs have a design of Makkah niched in them.

4. Most Expensive Rug

The world’s most expensive carpet to be sold is a 17th century Kerman carpet measuring about 8’x6’. In an auction in 2013, it was sold for $33.8 million. This carpet was initially expected to have a bid of around $15 million but to everyone’s surprise, it blew everyone away as this broke the record of the previous record holder of a carpet being sold at $9.6 million.

5. The Red Carpet

The red carpet which is a privilege given to celebrities at a major event like Oscars, have a history. The red carpet was used to indicate the route used by politicians. The very first known use of red carpet was in 458 BC in a play called Agamemnon written by Aeschylus. The red color used in Persian or Turkish carpets like hand woven kilim rugs symbolizes courage and beauty.

6. Camel Hair

Camel hair was used as threads in handmade carpets, using them throughout the weaving process. However, this process has been revoked and these carpets have become scarce due to their nasty smell that is given off in moist and warm environments.

7. The Pazyryk Carpet

The oldest carpet was found in 1949 in mountains of Siberia. The origins of this carpet dates back to 5th century BC. This carpet has its original red dye still visible due to its preservation in ice. This carpet was extracted from a grave of a Siberian prince.

8. Symbolism of Carpets

Every Persian or Turkish carpet are rich in symbolism. The symbols and colors symbolize different factors. Yellow symbolizes royalty, red symbolizes happiness, beauty and courage, green represents renewal. Similarly, every symbol has different meaning as well.
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How To Buy Turkish Rugs

March 04, 2019

Turkey is a beautiful country. From its all alluring beauty to the busy streets of the Grand Bazaar is a sight to behold. Visiting Turkey can be once in a lifetime experience for many people. One thing that stands out the most are the handknotted Turkish rugs. Rugs are being made in Turkey for centuries. You can find rugs and carpets of many ages, sizes and extravagant colors.

The knowledge about these hand knotted Turkish rugs is not much for someone who is inexperienced in buying rugs. Here is a guide for buying a Turkish rug.



1. Spotting a Good Quality Rug

The best carpets are the ones that are made of wool or silk or sometimes a blend of both. They are the genuine rugs that are being made from centuries. The cheaper ones are mostly made up of cotton and you can tell the difference by touching them. Pure silk carpets are very thin and smooth and the most expensive material. The blend of wool and cotton is not worth it. Check for the thickness of the vertical threads which needs to be thicker than the horizontal ones. The color is also a key factor. If the underside of the rug is richer in color it means that the carpet is old, and the color has faded with time. Older carpets are more valuable.

2. Get Aware of the Price

Although, the Turkish salesmen are very engaging and friendly who will make you buying experience fun, there are still some of them who aren’t as honest as others. Be aware of the prices and keep your bargaining game strong. Never tell them the budget because they will try to get as much money as they can get out of you. Istanbul has more expensive carpets than Cappadocia. A difference of up to 20% in price is out there.

3. Type of Carpet You Want

Decide what type of rug you want to get. Essentially there are four types of hand knotted Turkish rugs namely hah, cicim or jeejim, kilim and sumac. The hah carpets are the generic, thick carpets due to their double knotted origins. The kilim are the ones that have basic flat weaving throughout. Cicim are like kilim but their flat weaving is wrapped. The sumac is a blend if cicim and kilim, but it is backed up with embroidery. These carpets can range from prayer rugs to the carpets to fit inside your living rooms.

4. The Style and Motif

This is probably the most important one. The reason to buy a carpet. Hand knotted Turkish rugs are ladened with vibrant colors and shapes/symbols. Most people don’t know what they mean. Truth is; every shape has a story embedded with each weave of the thread. The story or message can be of peace and liberty, life or death, love, beauty or elegance. Your knowledge of these shapes can impact heavily on the preference of these carpets.

The hand knotted Turkish rugs are one of the most beautiful pieces of artifacts that have been gifted to us by history. These precautions can guarantee you buying the best carpet from Turkey you desire.

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Your Guide On Buying Outdoor Throw Pillows

February 06, 2019

The littlest additions in your décor can add a touch of elegance as well as comfort. You should feel relaxed and refreshed when you sit out on your patio chairs with a cup of tea. However, the comfort is hindered if you do not have the proper rectangular outdoor pillows.

Whether in your room, living room dining table or your patio, the outdoor throw pillows instantly add a touch of class and color and give a comfortable sitting and resting position. You will be surprised to know that the selection of outdoor throw pillows is equally vast as for your bedroom. Below are tips to help in choosing the best outdoor throw pillows.

Material

The outdoor throw pillows should be of a material that can sustain harsh weather, wind and sunlight as the patio will be obstructed by all sorts of weather condition. Materials such as leather and cotton would do well for different weathers and materials such as linen, silk, satin will surely not suffice. If you love in an area where there is a lot of rainfall then you should go for a waterproof material.

Filling

The filling is the most important factor when considering outdoor throw pillows as the filling will be responsible of comfort and sustainability. Different types of pillows have different fillings such as square pillows will have one kind of filling, and rectangular outdoor pillows will have a different filling. You can choose from foam filling, feather filling, and cotton filling and down filing considering the pros and cons for each type of filling considering it is for outdoors. You can have a mix of 2 fillings.

Style

There are many types of outdoor throw pillows that you can choose from. Generally, you should choose a style that offer comfort as well as aesthetic appeal in regard with your patio furniture. The most common styles of pillows are square pillows which look classy and simple. Next come rectangular outdoor pillows which will instantly add versatility to your patio providing complete back comfort. Rectangular throw pillows look good in any type of furniture, whether you are putting in chairs, sofa or couches. Round pillows also add elegance but are not good for everyday use as they are very comfortable. Bolster pillows are usually placed on the sides of the sofas or big couches are used for plopping your elbows. Lastly comes the box pillows which can be circular or rectangular but immediately add a touch of dimension as they have more depth and height.

Color

Colorful throw pillows will instantly lighten the mood and atmosphere of the patio but make sure to not use light colors as they can show stains and spots easily. As the outdoors are more prone to dust and dirt, go for dark colors and patterns in contrasting shades to add a pop of excitement without getting them dirty and dusty. Dark colors will retain and look new for a longer period of time.

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Basic Things About Kilim Rugs You Should Know

February 06, 2019

You use different types of rugs for different purposes such as; a floor covering, sofa covers, wall décor, table cloths etc. in your house. Nonetheless, kilim rugs have gained so much fame due to its unique, artistic and pulchritudinous look. Many people think that it is similar to oriental rugs but if you search about it, kilim rugs have a whole different story.



Types of Kilim Rugs

There are three types of kilim rugs depending upon the place where they are made.

1.      Regional kilims – These rugs are produced by a specific weaving technique by a specific group. Kilim woven rugs of exceptional quality are made using the technique in the workshops.

2.      Tribal kilims – These kilim woven rugs are made by the tribes who use all natural materials to make the rugs.

3.      Contemporary workshop kilims – Traditional weaving methods are used to create modern designs, contemporary workshop kilims are most popular in the Balkans, North Africa, China and Afghanistan.

How Are Kilim Rugs Made?

Kilim rugs are produced by weaving and that’s what make it different from traditional and other types of rugs. They don’t have any piles because of the flat woven technique done by hand which makes it one of its kind and very gorgeous that you can’t take your eyes off it. Kilim woven rugs are really light is weight but have a heavy cultural correspondence with cultural designs and values of its origin.
Two sets of ropes (one placed vertically and other horizontally) made of wool are used for flat weaving. The horizontal ones are proceeded through the vertical ropes and are turned back to the same path where they started to come from. Different designs and pictures called “motifs” are made on the rugs by using this repetition of same path technique by using ropes of various colors.

Materials Used

Different materials are used to make kilim rugs such as cotton, animal hair, silk etc. mostly goat hair is used in combination with wool to produce greater quality product. However, the primary tools required are beating comb, scissors or a knife and a loom. Some other decorative materials for detailing are also used such as silver or gold thread, small baubles, beads etc.

Cost

The creation process of kilim rugs adds a lot to its value. Handmade products have greater worth than machine made products. Therefore, kilim rugs are a bit expensive than other traditional rugs. However, kilim woven rugs are worth their price as they give an exceptional and aesthetic look to your room.

Durability

You wouldn’t want to keep on changing your rugs every month, it is a serious and a one-time investment so you would like to have strong and durable one. Because kilim rugs are hand woven, they are much more durable than machine made rugs and you won’t be bothered with its quality.
Kilims are the perfect choice if you are in search of excellent wall hangings, light weight decorative pieces or durable rugs. Kilim rugs serves various purposes and look graceful wherever you use it.

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5 Tips For Buying Oriental Rugs

February 06, 2019

The rugs found in your houses have a lot of work put into them to make them look the way they do. Hand knotted oriental rugs are one of the finest carpets around the world. They are pieces of art that you can literally walk on. These rugs and carpets have been around for generations. These pieces of art are homemade and hand knotted. It takes a lot of effort to make even one of the pieces.

There are many ways to make oriental rugs:

  •         Hand tufted
  •         Hand knotted
  •         Shearing
  •         Knot count


Buying an Oriental Rug

There are some tips to buy these carpets. There are many types of oriental rugs and most people often get confused with Persian and oriental rugs. Here is the thing, all Persian rugs are oriental rugs, but all oriental rugs aren’t Persian. These hand knotted oriental rugs are of many types:

  •         Ikat rugs
  •         Persian rugs
  •         Modern and vogue rugs
  •         Bokhara rugs
  •         Flat weave kilims
  •         Silk rugs


Since the hand knotted oriental rugs are demanded and admired by many, its natural that the authentic pieces are very expensive. Unfortunately, there are lot of counterfeit carpets being sold in the name oriental hand knotted rugs. Here are some tips on how to buy oriental rugs:



1. Traveling to the Far East

It is impossible to assess something before seeing it physically. If you are eager to buy an authentic hand knotted oriental rug, consider traveling to Far East and have a look for yourself. There you can see the actual magnificence of the art of weaving a rug.

2. Have an Expert Opinion

If you have no experience in buying or recognizing the authentic rugs then consider taking an expert with you to the market. He will not only help you buy the right thing but will also suggest his own opinions on whether if the rug is overpriced or not.

3. Buying the Right Sized Rug

The rug should be the right size for your room. Too big or too small will not suffice. Be sure to measure the dimensions of your room.

4. Do Not Buy Until You Find the Perfect Piece

The perfect piece of carpet is not easy to find. Roam the market carefully and finalize the one that you really fall in love with. Examine it carefully for the right color blending, right shearing and the right color combination. Don’t get carried away with the first best piece you see. Browse the market and then come to a conclusion.

5. Look for an Antique Piece

The oriental rugs have been around for ages and passed on from generations. An antique piece of rug is not only look beautiful but are also considered as a heavy investment. As time passes by, these rugs get older. Make sure if the dealer is trustworthy because many new rugs are being made to look old.
Some bonus tips to avoid counterfeit are to buy these hand knotted oriental rugs from a reputable vendor who have positive reviews and if someone is desperately trying to sell a good carpet in very low price, it’s probably not authentic.

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Best Rug Materials To Choose From

January 01, 2019

Every type of rug material does its job perfectly. From woven cotton rugs to luxury silk rugs, each type looks great in the specific location where they are usually placed. Knowing the best rug material is really important if you want to create a great look for your room. Here are some of the best rug materials;

1. Woolen Rugs

The most common type of material is wool which comes from the sheep. These wools work great if you want one for your living room or bedroom as they are very warm, and you would definitely love to walk on these rugs barefooted. Moreover, these are easy to clean as they store all the dust and dirt on the pile.

2. Woven Cotton Rugs

Flat weaved rugs made out of cotton plant are very soft and easy to clean, they can be even washed in a washing machine. These woven cotton rugs are ideal for the places with lesser traffic such as kitchen, kids play room or dressing areas.

3. Silk Rugs

Silk rugs are the most luxuries type of rugs and are made out of natural fibers which are produced by the silkworms. If you want a rug for decorative purpose and for an area with low traffic then silk would be the best choice as they give an enthralling, delicate and luxuries look to the room where they are placed.  Best place to put silk rugs are usually drawing rooms.

4. Jute and Sisal Rugs

Rugs made out of natural fibers i.e. jute and sisal give a unique texture to the rugs which are perfect for casual places. Combination of natural fibers and grasses gives the rug strength and durability. Rugs of these materials are really strong and can also be placed outdoor in sunny areas or in heavy traffic areas.

5. Nylon Rugs

A great quality of nylon rugs is that they can mimic other material’s look. They are available in many different colors and designs and are soft (not as much as the natural fibers), water and stain resistant which makes them much more durable and you can count them as low maintenance rugs.

6. Polyester Rugs

An alternative to natural fibers or wool rugs can be a polyester rug which is soft enough for your barefoot to enjoy. Polyester rugs are also available in lesser price than other types. These are manmade rugs and hence are durable, the fiber used is stain as well as fade resistant.

7. Viscose Rugs

An alternative to silk rugs can be viscose rugs as they are made from the cellulose of wood pulp and have sheen like silk. However, they are less expensive than the silk, but they need same treatment as the silk rugs i.e. low traffic, lighter use and careful and soft cleaning in order to maintain the quality.
Above are mentioned the best types of rugs materials. Now on the basis of your usage and desire, choose the best one for your house.



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