Our Materials Explained

WOOL

The main material used in all our rugs is wool; in India, it is from New Zealand, and in Nepal Tibet. We are huge advocates of wool; we believe it is hands down the hardest wearing of all the carpet-making materials, and as fibres go, it is one of the most resilient. Not only is it renewable, but being naturally sourced from sheep, and not under-going any chemical procedures to make it into yarn that is weavable, it is also completely organic. As such it is also 100% bio-degradable. All in all, we think it is the most environmentally friendly yarn you can use.

Other plus points of wool:

• Natural soil resistance
• Soft and luxurious to the touch
• Naturally flame retardant
• Non-allergenic
• Resists furniture crush
• Unlike synthetic fibres (such as PET) it naturally resists static
• Easily cleaned; the fibres naturally repel moisture
• Doesn’t attract dirt and dust so hoovering keeps it clean
• Provides sound insulation due to its dense fibres
• An insulator; providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer

ART SILK

For our patterns and accent colours we use Silk or Art Silk. Art silk is the umbrella term for a range of silk-like fibres made from natural plant materials, which are processed to create a soft lustrous yarn. It is also commonly referred to as bamboo silk, banana silk, botanical silk and others. They're all slightly different, but ultimately the same in that they're all essentially made from cellulose. We use Tencel, which is considered one of the higher quality art silks available today.

Art silk is very popular and has many positive qualities; it is renewable, vegan, beautifully soft and has a subtle sheen that catches the light and adds depth to a rug design. It is incredibly similar to real silk, but at a more accessible price point, and we have used it in our rugs for 20 years to wonderful reviews.

It is important to remember that neither art silk nor real silk responds well to water. Both can watermark, particularly in lighter colours, so we would avoid using them in high spillage areas, or recommend choosing colours over neutrals. The fibres should also be treated to help strengthen and protect them. We offer Micro-seal protection, which we recommend for all our rugs , but particularly those containing art silk or silk.

All our pricing on our ‘Our Designs’ page is based on rugs made in wool and Art Silk.

SILK

Although real Silk (from silkworms) is often thought of as delicate, the fibre itself is incredibly strong - in fact it is one of the world's strongest natural fibres. This is why it has been used in the finest rugs for centuries. Like Art Silk, it is sensitive to liquids and can watermark, particularly on lighter colours. However, because the fibre itself is stronger, real silk is generally more durable and easier to clean and maintain than art silk.

We can incorporate real silk into any of our bespoke designs, with the proportion of silk tailored to suit both the design and your budget. Our Nepal team works with beautiful Chinese silk, while our Indian makers use silk cultivated in Bangalore. Whether used as subtle highlights or throughout the design, real silk brings an unmistakable richness and elegance to a rug.

Real silk is an excellent choice for rugs that combine luxury with longevity.

END OF USE

Our rugs are made to last for years and years, but if you have come to the end of the road with yours please think twice before simply throwing it away. There are various options you can do instead to avoid landfill.

Refurbish: if you simply need to change the rug you have to suit another interior, this could be possible. Our team at Classic Rug Care are wonders at amending rugs by either cutting them down or changing their shape.

Re-home: Nothing pleases us more than one of our rugs popping up on Ebay or Lots Road Auctions. Many auction houses, as well as online platforms like Vinterior, will take second-hand rugs. Otherwise, there are lots of charities that you can donate to (Women’s refuges, Furnishing Futures, British Heart Foundation to name a few)

Re-cycle (preferably the last option): If you do decide your rug is in such bad condition the only option is to throw it away, please find somewhere that will re-cycle it properly. Anglo Recycling ensures that it would be broken down and re-used to its full potential.

If you would like advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.