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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.

Everyone loves to decorate their home in a way that reflects their individual personality and style. Visitors and friends should be able to see the personal touch of the homeowner in each room. When one sets out to decorate, flooring should not be forgotten as it plays a prominent role in enhancing the beauty of the room. A well thought out floor covering can transform an otherwise plain area into a stylish and sophisticated room.

A Brief but Interesting History of Rugs

Weaving is traced back as far as 6000 B.C., to excavations, which took place in the area of the Caspian Sea. This was around the same time that people began to learn the art of weaving. A fact many people find amusing is that weaving was initially considered a man’s job, rather than a feminine art. The very first functional rugs were made of rather abrasive materials and were used as cave protection. By the 3rd millennium B.C., Egyptians were adept at making a wide variety of woven rugs and carpets, and may take credit for what we know today as a shag rugs; of course things such as non-slip backing came a bit later in time.

Choosing a Contemporary Rug

When choosing a modern rug one must consider the many styles and how they are classified. Many things factor in to this, including the material used, the manufacturing method, and the rug’s functional use. Rugs can be round, square, rectangle, oval or oblong. They are available in plain, solid colors, or can be purchased in bright patterns, which make a bold statement. Contemporary rugs work well with almost any type of modern decor, and a great place to begin the selection process is identifying the objective for the room in which the rug will be placed. Depending on the material choice, a contemporary rug to match any decor should not be hard to find.

Shaggy rugs work well in rooms with an artistic flair or in which modern art is featured. Flokati rugs are a good choice for sophisticated decor and can be found in synthetic or natural wool. Hand-woven flokati rugs make a valuable investment if one can acquire them.

Chinese Rugs

Chinese rugs have remained a favorite throughout the years and these trends will not likely change as time goes on. They can breathe new life and beauty into a previously bland room, and work well in living rooms, studies, or bedrooms. Intricate patterns and beautiful color combinations are featured with Chinese rugs, making it easy to find one that appropriately matches the other decor in the room.

Hardwearing Rugs

Hardwearing rugs such as wool, burlap, or jute can be found in a wide variety of styles and colors, as well. Many people, especially pet owners and those with small children, choose rugs of a hardwearing nature as they last longer and require less maintenance. These rugs usually feature a rough consistency. If the home is one where visitors or guests frequently sit or lie on the floor, one may wish to opt for softer blend rug, as wool and similar fabrics can be a bit rough on the skin.

Hard Flooring

Some people opt for hard flooring, as these types of floors do not require vacuuming, and spills can be easily cleaned up should they occur. A laminate floor or a wooden floor is a good option in this case since these floors have an appeal all their own, but can also lend themselves easily to a variety of rugs should the homeowner choose this option in the future.

Wooden floors look lovely when paired with oriental or other intricately patterned rugs, and rug runners are an excellent option for bare floor sections not covered by the primary rug. They also help with keeping the overall decor uniform throughout the house. Whatever shape, style, or design one is looking for, will not be hard to find if a few simple tips are followed. First, one should be sure to remember the decorating objective of the room in which the rug will be placed. A rug may look terrific on the sales floor of furniture a store, but once installed in one’s home, may be entirely wrong. Shopping around is essential, as well. It is never in a person’s best interest to buy the first rug he or she finds-even though the sales clerk may think this is a marvelous idea. Another excellent venue for rug shopping is web surfing. The variety of styles that can be found online far exceeds those available in most traditional stores. With a little patience and effort, the ideal rug for anyone can be found.