Antique Rugs Bring Beauty And Luxury To The Bath

When most people consider purchasing antique rugs or hand knotted wool rugs, they usually plan to show and use the rugs in large open areas of the home. Large antique rugs add warmth, style, and luxury to living areas, and also work to define smaller spaces within large rooms. However, the price of large, room size wool rugs is often too expensive for many people. Smaller wool rugs are available, and by downsizing, many people can afford the style of luxury of antique wool rugs.

But where to use smaller sized area rugs? Whether large or small, wool rugs are a great choice for use in the bathroom. True, children's bathrooms that are more prone to spills, water, and toilet related messes might not be best areas for hand knotted wool rugs, but master bathrooms, guest bathrooms, and half bathrooms are great places to show off these works of handmade art.

Wool is a wonderful natural fiber that lends itself well to many uses and is very strong. Just ask any knitter and chances are good that he or she will be happy to expound upon the many virtues of wool. Wool is great for felting into denser material, but can also be worked so that it will not felt and maintain the originally intended look and feel. Wool is a popular material of choice for hand knotted rugs because it is strong, as is also easily found on sheep throughout the world. The natural strength of the fibers allows wool rugs to stand up to heavy use and last even for hundreds of years.

Wool is absorbent but it can also handle a little bit of water as long as it allowed to dry properly every time. Wool rugs can be washed using special detergents and water. For small wool rugs, it is a good idea to hang them up to dry if they get very wet. It is also easy to absorb most of a water spill out of wool rugs using clean, dry towels. These area carpets also vacuum easily, and regular vacuuming will keep a wool rug used in the bathroom from collecting too much dirt. Of course, it is extra important to have these carpets professionally cleaned annually if they are used in bathrooms.

Used in bathrooms, small hand knotted mats provide a warm, soft place to stand when getting into or out of the bathtub. Placed in front of a vanity, a wool mat offers soft support while standing to wash hands or perform toiletries in front of the mirror. The rich array of colors available also make antique wool rugs wonderful for brightening and adding interest to an often neglected room. Just think how pampered guests will feel when standing on a antique wool mat while in the loo.