Rugs

Go Green By Walking on Green: Choosing Gorgeous and Green Rugs

As a writer, educator, and parent, I'm all about the simple changes that you can make to live a gorgeous and green life.

As a writer, educator, and parent, I'm all about the simple changes that... More »

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Eco-friendly rugs. For many of us, the phrase equates to plain, beige, and rough -- not the kind of warm, plush, coordinated rugs that we can imagine in our homes.

Yet these days, some of the most stylish, high-quality, and durable rugs are also eco-friendly. Consumers are demanding top-quality, great-looking rugs that are easy on the wallet and easy on the planet....and manufacturers have responded. From Carpeteria to Pottery Barn to Restoration Hardware, it's easy to find a gorgeous and green rug for your home.

But what to look for? Here are some tips for choosing eco-friendly rugs to create warmth and definition in a room. And remember: Your eco-friendly rug choice is making a difference in the world.

by Susan Diana Harris Interior Design

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Because they don't need adhesives to install, modular carpet is one of the easiest ways to go green. You buy the squares, then configure them any way you like. They're held in place without toxic adhesives so they're easy to install, easy to clean, and easy on the environment. Look for modular carpet made from recycled material.

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Design options are endless with modular carpet. In this children's room, the assymetrical, mismatched squares create a fun and funky play area.

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Go green (or white)! This is a great example of a monochromatic modular rug, configured to fit perfectly under the dining and living area. Notice the dark hardwood floor peeking out on the left.

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For an area rug, think natural fibers. Sisal, seagrass, jute...these natural fibers are grown and harvested sustainably, and are easy to clean.

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by PBteen

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See how the pink border on the sisal area rug highlights the pink bed linens in this girls' bedroom? You can customize a natural fiber rug with a variety of colorful borders.

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by A Few Things From My Life

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Another bordered sisal rug. Not just for hardwood floors, this sisal rug helps to define a play space in this children's room. As always, use a mat underneath to prevent the rug from skidding and to protect the floor.

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by S.A.N Design Group, Inc.

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For a more elegant look, try a natural fiber blend, like jute/chenille or sisal/wool. The rug under this couch looks like a sisal/wool blend, which provides the durability of sisal with the warmth and softness of wool.

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by Gast Architects

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No article about eco-friendly rugs would be complete without a nod to antique rugs, which follow the cardinal principal of "reuse." The golds and reds in these antique runner rugs complement the dark wood floors and furnishings.

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by Frederick + Frederick Architects

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One final tip about rugs: recycle. When you recycle your old rugs, they can be used to make (you guessed it) new rugs. Check with your carpet manufacturer, or go to earth911.org to find a carpet recycling center in your neighborhood.

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Comments

Niche Interiors says:

Great tips! I'm also a fan of carpet tiles and sisal. But, in my experience sisal is not easy to clean: I always warn clients that a red wine spill could be the end. Do you have any tricks for cleaning sisal or jute?

2 years ago · Like

shawna says:

Thank you so much for this article. I too have wondered about how to clean natural fibre carpets since I was thinking of one in my dining room.

2 years ago · Like

InterDesign Studio says:

Reuse of a client's old family rug brought warmth and color to a newly redesigned space.

2 years ago · Like

Susan Jay Design says:

This wonderful shag carpet is made from corn! It feels luxurious and it's sustainable & biodegradable!
http://corncarpet.carpetcourt.net/

2 years ago · Like

Lori Meyers says:

Thanks for reminding me about cleaning tips for natural fibers! I've had good luck with Folex, available at Target and many grocery stores. The trick is to spritz on just a little (don't soak!), then massage gently with your fingertip. This allows the Folex enzymes to break up the stain. Next, blot with a paper towel, then let dry. If you're using Folex on upholstery, try blowdrying to fluff up the fabric's nap. Let me know what you think!

2 years ago · Like

Lori Meyers says:

Interdesign: Great pictures of reusing a family rug in a newly designed room! Love how the rug's colors pick up those in the upholstered chairs.

2 years ago · Like

Amara Premier Rug Resource says:

Great article....Now "Green" High-end rugs are also possible ! Sheep from around the world have about 12 different shades of wool, but are very rare to find. We at Amara Rugs have have combined all these shades with art of hand knotting and have recently laucnhed "Natural Organic Collection" and is avaiable for trade only!