Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Green Underfoot

Perhaps you are looking to cover up an unsightly area of a hardwood floor, update a room or bring a little warmth to an area. Rugs are the perfect accessory and are available in a variety of natural materials. Area rugs are also the perfect accent when staging your home for sale.

The best part: You can take them with you when you move!

Bamboo is a sustainable option and is naturally resistant to water, mold, mildew and insects. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.


Coir, fibers from the outer shell of coconuts, contains natural oils that make it naturally insect- and water-resistant. Brown coir, due to its durability, is often found in welcome mats and outdoor rugs. Spun into yarn, white coir is used to make woven mats.


Organic wool offers a water-proofing agent due to naturally occurring lanolin in its fibers. Wool wears well and accepts color easily, allowing for interesting patterns and designs. Look for organic rugs dyed with natural vegetable- and soy-based dyes.


Seagrass, another natural option, is the most stain-resistant and durable. Generally, seagrass is not dyed, and the grass has a slight green hue that fades over time as the fibers age.


Sisal rugs stand up in high-traffic areas with their strength and dura-bility. Sisal is naturally resistant to dust and static, but be aware that the fibers expand when wet and are not a good choice for entryways and other wet areas, unless a sealant is used.

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