What Are Flokati Rugs?

A Flokati rug adds a touch of comfort and warmth to any room. They are the original shag rug, though the fibers used in these rugs is leagues above the common synthetic materials that many people associate to shag.  These rugs are generally made from all-natural sheep’s wool.  These lush and elegant floor pieces are available in any style, color and come in a range of fabric weights.  The necessary touch to any room, true style and taste emulate from these rugs.

Flokati has a long history, dating back to the fifth century A.D.  Originating in the Greece village of Samarina, these rugs have more history and tradition than many westerners would believe possible.  The shepherds of Samarina were known for their goats and sheep, originally owning them for dairy and meat.  Their sheep and goats were the village’s main commodity, long before the invention of Flokati. The winters in the high Pindus Mountains were Samarina is located can be very cold, with some temperatures falling below zero.  The resourceful shepherds began experimenting with different ways to protect themselves from the cold using their sheep’s wool, and the ancestor of Flokati was born. 

Flokati is not just a typical woven wool fabric though.  The Flokati that is cherished today was actually devised by mistake.  A shepherd had actually left his blanket in a cold mountain stream and forgot about it for two days.  Upon remembering his property, he rushed back to retrieve it. Pulling it out of the stream, he realized that one side of his blanket had become felted.  When a fabric is felted, it literally means that the fabric loses its loose weave and has bound more tightly together through pressure and water, becoming felt.  The other side of the blanket, that had been on the opposite side of the stream’s current had come raveled and unwoven.  Years of tweaking and perfecting, this accidental process has cultivated the modern and now world-famous rug style loved by many.

These shaggy rugs are not only comfortable they are visibly interesting.  Differing from most other styles of contemporary rug, especially the popular and much shorter Chinese style of rug, these rugs are unique and extravagant.  The shag rug that gained so much popularity in the seventies fell out of favor due to cheap imitations flooding the market.  True Flokati has never lost its touch of class or its appeal. 

Because of its fine hand-made qualities, Flokati should not be treated like a common rug.  These rugs do require special treatment for them to maintain their lush appearance.  First of all, these rugs should never be vacuumed.  Instead of being vacuumed, there is an easy three step process in caring for Flokati rugs.  First, they should be carried outside and beaten to release any excess dirt and debris.  When carrying these rugs, owners should take care as they can be very heavy.  After beating the rug, let it air out for a while.  The natural fibers of the rug need to be refreshed and brisk, outdoor air is best for them.  Do not place the rug in direct sunlight though, as the color of the rug may fade.  The third step is to wash the rug.  Smaller rugs may be placed in the washing machine, on the gentle cycle.  Larger rugs need to be hand washed.  To hand wash, hang the rug up for easier access.  Once hung, spritz cold water over it and then brush it.  To brush it, a dog brush may be best, as they generally have a wider area between bristles.  While brushing, begin in the center of the rug and work towards the outsides.  Brushing the rug will rejuvenate its texture and quality.  Let the rug dry before moving it back to its place, remembering again that the rug will be heavy.  While this seems like an extensive process for a rug, owners of Flokati know that it is worth it.  Items of true quality often take a little more care than a similar item made of cheaper materials and Flokati is no different.  Maintaining the rug’s luscious feel is worth going through this process a couple of times a year. 

If considering a Flokati rug, owners probably do not want to put these rugs in high traffic areas such as hallways where rug runners are far more practical.  These rugs are as much of a part of the interior decorating as any expensive vase or lamp are, and they are not make for continual treading.  Pet owners with animals who shed a lot may also want to think about this rug choice, as they will attract pet hair.  However, these rugs are more of an investment than a typical rug, their style and texture are an immediate improvement to any room.  While they may not be practical for some owners, they are beautiful and long lasting for those who spend the right amount of care in their upkeep.