Discovering Bamboo Area Rugs
When you shop for rugs, much of your money goes not into the design or the craftsmanship, but into the raw materials used to make the rug itself. That’s why prices vary a good deal from one rug to another. People pay a premium for high-quality fibers like wool, sisal or cotton, which are as durable as they are stylish and comfortable. But while you usually get what you pay for, there are some materials that give you all that, but at half the price or even less. One such material is bamboo.
Most people associate bamboo with Asian or tropical décor, but there’s a lot more to it than that. These days, bamboo can be found in just about any décor theme, from classic and country to oriental and even contemporary. Designers have even called it one of the most versatile materials for decorating. And thanks to advances in manufacturing, rugs now come in virtually every color and design. Whether you’re going for a rustic country home or contemporary chic, you can’t go wrong with a stylish bamboo rug. Here’s a quick buying guide to help you find the right piece.
Why bamboo?
Unlike most people believe, bamboo isn’t a wood—it’s actually a type of grass. Bamboo area rugs are made from the soft fibers of this grass and woven into flat, solid pieces. It may sound flimsy, but the treatments and craftsmanship actually make it one of the strongest rug materials around. Bamboo rugs can be used in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and sometimes even in outdoor areas. With proper maintenance, they can last just as long as other rugs.
Bamboo is also favored for its eco-friendly nature. Because it’s fast-growing, bamboo is not in any harm of extinction, unlike more expensive woods. Many manufacturers get their bamboo from uninhabited areas, so there’s also no threat to the animals’ natural habitat. They’re also completely recyclable, which means when the rug has run its course, it can be made into another rug so that no part of it is wasted. If you’re conscious about your environmental footprint, you can’t go wrong with a bamboo rug.
Bamboo rug colors
If you think brown is your only choice when it comes to bamboo rugs, think again. You can now find bamboo rugs in pretty much any color, from natural earth tones to vibrant reds and blues. Green rugs are especially popular these days, because they offer a fresh change from the usual brown shade yet still have that cool, refreshing look. It also looks more natural than dyed rugs, especially since some bamboo varieties already have a light green tinge.
When buying colored bamboo rugs, make sure it has the right treatments to hold the colors in place. Lower-quality rugs will easily fade with regular traffic. A good rug will have a urethane coating on top, which not only maintains the colors but also prevents scratches and stains. Try not to get the rug wet—if you’re using it outdoors, make sure to take it in when it starts to rain. If it does get wet, wipe it dry and let the backing dry completely before putting it back out.
Design choices
Bamboo rugs have also come a long way from the plain, solid-colored pieces we’re all used to. Besides adding color, manufacturers are also able to add patterns and details to each rug that really set it apart. Tropical rugs are especially popular these days, with summer coming up and everyone looking for a light, low-maintenance rug to carry around. Look for cheerful themes like trees, oceans or sunsets, or intricate details that really catch the eye.
For patterned rugs, look for pieces that are printed before finishing (rather than printed last) so that the designs last longer. Some companies apply a silk screen to the rug after printing the design, so that it’s completely sealed in and won’t rub off even with everyday use. Make sure to air dry the backing when you clean it, so that the water doesn’t leak onto the design.
Comfortable fibers
Most people are familiar with the slatted-style bamboo rugs, which are made with bamboo strips woven together in a horizontal pattern. But there are also bamboo shag rugs—those made with actual fibers that look and feel just like cotton or wool. Bamboo shags are great for those who want the warmth and comfort of traditional carpeting, but don’t want to compromise price or eco-friendly value.
Anji Mountain makes some of the best bamboo shags in the market, both in terms of style and quality. The Anji Mountain Bamboo Co Coffee Bean Bamboo Shag Rug, for example, offers a lush, luxurious feel that’s almost like genuine wool. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and cotton pile, which makes it completely natural. The dense, thick pile makes it ideal as a living room or bedroom rug, and the warm brown shade offers a relaxing tone that instantly warms up your room.
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