Are Handmade Rugs Worth It?

When it comes to home décor, accessories most definitely count and investing in quality pieces that will enhance your home is a must. This then begs the question: Are handmade rugs worth it?

Our interior design professionals will tell you that, despite their heavy price tag, they most certainly are! Read on to find out why.

The differences between a handmade and a machine-made rug

You’re probably wondering what the difference is between a handmade and a machine-made rug. It’s simple! One is crafted by experienced artisans who use time-honoured knotting techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation, while the other is produced mechanically.

Here are some other things that set them apart:

Handmade rugs:

• Handmade rugs are usually produced from silk or natural, locally sourced, unbleached wool which is spun into yarn manually. It is then dyed before being woven and knotted.
• Given the complexity of the designs, making a rug by hand takes a significant period of time, ranging from 8 months to several years.
• Most handmade rugs have historic origins in the Middle East and travel a fair distance from these faraway places to your home. This enriches them with history and culture.

Machine-made rugs:

• Machine rugs are made from bleached wool and synthetic fibres using high-powered industrial looms and specialised multi-needle sewing machines controlled by computers.
• The manufacturing process is incredibly speedy, allowing for efficient mass production.
• With factory-based origins, machine-made rugs simply have no personality.

Why should you choose a handmade rug?

From years of experience, we can tell you that spending a little extra on any type of furnishings will actually save you in the long run. Here’s what you can expect to get from a handmade (and yes, pricy) rug:

• It’s a unique piece of art:Unlike a machine which sews exactly as instructed, a handmade rug reflects the artistry of the individual who made it, telling a story that adds to its inherent charm. In addition, the craftsman will take the time to inspect it for flaws, ensuring that it is as perfect as possible.
• Optimal longevity:While machine-made rugs require glues and chemicals, their handmade counterparts are 100% natural. Untreated wool, especially, is dirt and stain resistant, holds colour well and repels water. This ensures that they will last for generations, even under extreme conditions that include lots of hard scrubbing.
• Eco-friendly:Handmade rugs are made from materials that are both renewable and biodegradable, so once retired, they will restore their plentiful nutrients to the earth. When synthetic rugs are discarded and eventually decompose, they emit toxic chemicals and contaminate their environment.
• Customisable:While a machine is programmed to produce one specific design, hand-knotted rugs are available in a variety of patterns, colours and sizes and can be custom-made to suit your home.

At FCI London, we work closely with high-end rug producer Knot & Loop and abstract expressionist, Anna Kosa, to bring you bespoke pieces that will transform your home. To find out more about this exciting offering, contact our design team today.

How to tell the difference between handmade and machine-made rugs

When shopping for a rug, you’ll want to know how to tell the difference between the two. After all, if you’re going to take the plunge and spend big, you’d better get what you bargained for.

And while handmade rugs are generally softer to the touch, without a direct comparison it might be hard to tell which is which.

Here are some determining factors:

• The back:If the rug is handmade, the knots will be slightly irregular in size and shape, and won’t be in perfectly straight rows. Machine-made rugs, on the other hand, are only made to look knotted, so the reverse side will be uniform and pristine.
• The fringe:If you look closely, you’ll notice that the fringe of a handmade rug is actually part of the rug whereas, on a manufactured product, it’s sewn onto the top.
• The edges:It’s all in the stitching. A mass-produced option will be 100% even all the way around and the edges will be slightly thinner as a result. But with hand-stitching, there will be obvious variances in thickness and regularity.

How do area rugs enhance a home?

There’s no better way to tie your décor together and brighten your room than with a gorgeous area rug. This is why we love them:

• If you have a busy lifestyle filled with children and pets, rugs will protect your floors from spills, stains and scratches. They will also reduce damage from heavy furniture.
• Rugs are soft, warm and comfortable, adding a sense of luxury and snugness to your home.
• You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference an area rug can make to the noise levels in your living areas and bedrooms, especially if you live in an apartment.

Find the right rug for you at FCI London

At FCI London, our extraordinary range of high-quality rugs is sure to please, so if you’re looking for something stylish and unique, get in touch today or pop into our showroom and we’ll walk you through all the possibilities.

You can also read our article on what kinds or rugs are popular right now or find inspiration by browsing through all our latest design projects.