Thursday 17 December 2009

Decorative and Functional Outdoor Floor Mats

Floor mats.Image by kakachu via Flickr

In the past outdoor mats were very plain, unattractive and mainly just functional. Today there are a multitude of designs, materials and sizes available. Outdoor mats can now be decorative and functional in many instances.

Modern technology has actually increased their ability to perform its functions. The main function of outdoor mats is to prevent the tracking of dirt and debris into indoor/other spaces. With today's manufacturing materials; the increased trapping ability of outdoor floor mats can reduce the amount of dirt that enters your door by as much as 90%.

The other main function is decorative. You can improve the curb appeal of your outdoor spaces by adding mats. You can use your outdoor mats to add accent color to your door stoop, outdoor patio, pool or business. Many floor mats come in different sizes, colors, textures, materials. Some even have geometric shapes and cut outs on them. When shopping for them remember, not all mats are created equal. Some things to look for in an floor mat are:

Durability

You want any floor mat to be durable, after all it will be exposed to the outside weather conditions. Some mats are more durable than others. Rubber (made from recycled tires) and virgin polypropylene are considered industrial quality and used in many commercial applications due to their durability. These mats are meant to handle heavy traffic and extreme temperature. Look for rubber or polypropylene outdoor floor mats that have been UV tested for sun exposure.

Drying Time

If your outdoor mat will be constantly (not just when it rains) exposed to water; then the amount of time it takes your outdoor floor mats to dry can be important to avoid mildew. Areas such as swimming polls and hot tubs require outdoor floor mats that will dry quickly. They also need to be very slip resistant. Synthetic grass or vinyl looped outdoor floor mats dry very quickly and are mildew resistant. Since the surface is textured and absorbent, they do not get slippery when wet and are ideal for safety.

Attractiveness

Some materials that these mats are made of do not offer as many design options as some of the others. Rubber and polypropylene mats generally come in a moderate array of colors but very few textures or designs on them. Outdoor mats such as those made with outdoor carpet offer the most design variety and color choices. They are not; however; as durable as rubber or polypropylene. You can get an outdoor floor mat that combines looped polypropylene carpet yarn with a rubber backing.

You get more durability and design freedom, but these outdoor floor mats take longer to dry. There are many loop style outdoor floor mats that have a lot of decorative choices. Keep the above considerations in mind when you are choosing the right outdoor floor mat to fit, function and decorate your outside space.

Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY, parenting advice and many more subjects.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pieter_West





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Thursday 19 November 2009

Bathroom of Our Dreams

Bathroom furnitureImage by b.frahm via Flickr

We usually didn't care much about the look of our bathroom. We only took care to make it clean, aesthetic and hygienic and that's it. Matters like color of the walls and floor is not important for us. But those times are gone - now we want to have beautiful bathroom!

We take care more about the look of our bathrooms cause they are usually a part of whole interior design that we have in our house. It's not only a place where the sink, bath, shower and toilet are situated. More often we can find there furniture and ornaments. All to create a feeling of comfort also in this room. And usually it doesn't concern only us. The owners want to make their guests feel comfortable not only in the living room.

That's why we are now so interested in materials used in the bathroom, details that make them look more beautiful. We all know that in all rooms doors are very important and the same thing is with bathroom. Like in example decorative glass doors with ornaments and designs that we are willing to have there. Thanks to that we will be able to change our bathroom into a tropical forest.

To make the effect even more powerful we should also choose the right tiles. Ornaments and colors that match our bathroom will make us feel like in another more beautiful world or wonderful place. Making a right match of tiles, doors and windows will guarantee that the look of the bathroom will totally change.

If we also choose the right furniture, in the right design that will match the whole room the bathroom will look really wonderful. In example if we match wooden furniture, light tiles and glass doors we will get the effect of wide space on one hand and a comfortable room on the other with modern touch.

To make look good we have a wide choice of shops with big offers.

Doormats and Bath Mats might also interest you if you are thinking about redesigning your bathroom or home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Sorrow

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Ever Lasting Fashion For Carpets

The new carpet, and sticky people...Image by themullett via Flickr

Nowadays carpets should not only be functional but also beautiful and be important part of home decor and interior design. It is as much important as the floor is. And the floor, the fact that we should remember, is the first thing we see when entering the room.

Of course, the first and most important purpose to have a carpet at home is the way it protects the floor. And modern design gives us opportunity to make it also look good and match all other elements that we have in our room or house.

It is worth to remember in this case that when someone says carpet it also might mean rugs, coverings or sometimes even panels and mats. This word is quite popular for using to all types of floor coverings. And we have a wide choice of them on the market.

The most popular right now are the one that are made of natural materials - like woollen carpets. Those carpets have seldom functions. They are warm, soft and that's why they help keeping the room more quiet and comfortable.

We have to also remember that choosing the right carpet might also help us to pay less for the heating. The floor will be warmer and we will also have feeling of being more relaxed and more in our home. This might be a source od saving money for doctors and different medicines.

Carpets are in fashion from many, many years and thanks to so many advantages there is nothing to be surprised about.

If you are interested in changing your floor even the entrance one please think about unique Cape Cod Doormat and when changing the floor in the bathroom choose excellent decorative cotton mats



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Thursday 12 February 2009

Tips Of Maintaining Traditional Rugs

LONDON - MAY 06:  Conservators carry out resto...Image by Getty Images via Daylife

First came the trend of traditional rugs in the initial stages when it was new for all people then slowly other types of rugs like modern rugs, shaggy rugs came into existence. Traditional rugs are easily available from any rugs shops or market. The traditional rugs are known for providing alleviates the stress of your body. Sitting on a hard floor may strain your back or leg but on rugs shows positive effects. Connoisseur people have long back recognized the magnificent work of art to décor their palace or home. While for those who are rich & healthy obsesses traditional rugs of ancient times considering as an elegant & luxury item for mark of status symbol.

The traditional oriental design rugs are readily available in the market made by hand craft work or use of machine. Traditional rugs come in Arts & Crafts, Persian, Floral and Aubusson patterns. Generally, traditional rugs are made of hand hooked, hand knotted, hand tufted, flat weave, braided and machine made. The hand knotted rugs in common terms is known as carpet. The genuine Oriental rug is a hand knotted carpet which in most of cases is either knotted with pile or hand woven without pile.

Traditional rugs refer to both Traditional Persian Rugs as well as Traditional Oriental Rugs. These rugs because of its age are known for its high value. Traditional Persian & Oriental rugs are very expensive for one to afford. The demand of traditional rugs lies in the artistry works which differentiate out every piece of rug because of its uniqueness which are dated back to biblical times. These rugs were hand crafted and hand knotted which lacks words of appreciation and admiration. The finest piece of traditional area rug does not include any noxious element. Rugs made with 100% cotton, wool or silk also add up some health benefit points in your body. If you want to compare between the traditional handmade rugs & machine made rugs then you clearly get the distinguish features of them. Traditional handmade rugs lasts for long time and its durability is much better. While machine made rugs show off their poor result within some limited period of time as they could stand by the wear & tear of the environment. Traditional handmade rugs give back to the weavers creating job and opportunity for the artists & weavers. While machine made rugs seize of hundreds of weavers job. As a result, a kick on their starving stomach to feed on.

Thus, it is your prime duty to take the utmost care of your traditional rug as it is highly valuable and unique too after knowing its importance. A little care with proper attention will serve you the best. Don’t forget a traditional rug is an integral part of your home and a finest piece of artistic work that decors your room, so better take care of it.

By: Bella Mclaine

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Bella Mclaine writes about Rugs at rugsinfo.com. Excellent resource website for Rugs.

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Monday 26 January 2009

The Stylish Rugs - Contemporary, Modern And Oriental

inspiration from mexican interior design, casa...Image by svanes via Flickr

Today, we have the option of decorating our place with the most wonderful of the rugs, cut out specifically to add new dimensions to the place. There are varieties of rugs available, which offer us the option of stylizing our home. They may be contemporary, modern, and oriental.

Contemporary rugs have a new concept of blending traditionalism with interior designing to create perfect rug for your place, and to define your place with its style. They blend various styles, like Mexican, Indian and Santa Fe style and then re-energize the style to fit your place. They have created a plethora of new designs, themes, and styles with their approach. Moreover, mostly, they end up creating masterpieces when looked in context with your place. This is because of the fact that the manufacturers of contemporary rugs use interior designers and design rugs specifically for a place and not in general.

Contemporary rugs are available in variety of shapes and sizes, though most common are 4 x 6 and 6 x 9. You may also get them in 8 x 11, which usually decorate large conference halls and rooms. Look out for durability and performance when you buy a contemporary rug.

The world is coming closes, and so the modern rugs are a new phenomenon. Their designers have to be up-to-date with the latest technology and trends. They also have to be sure of creating something novel or new. Modern rugs provide you with a place which you would want to flaunt. Moreover, they are available in variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. Therefore, you are more likely to find the right rugs for your place. You should first make sure whether you want wall hangings, dinner table, or floor rugs etcetera. You also need to know where you would want to place the rugs.

Once you have decided on the basic, when you buy rugs, make sure the stuff you buy gives your place a good feel and matches with the color of the walls, etcetera. Also, make sure, if the size of the place where you want to keep it matches with its size. You can then decide upon the material, the texture, and other things.

Another stylizing piece for your place could be oriental rugs. Oriental rugs may be available in the stores or at auctions. In addition, they may be available online. While purchasing online rugs, make sure of the texture, material and the pattern you buy. Also, make sure of the quality.

It is better to buy from a reputed dealer as they offer you option of 15-day trial or something which help you check the rugs you buy (if it suits your homes or not). Modern rugs, contemporary rugs, and oriental rugs are sure a style statement now.

By: michael russell56

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Michael Russell has contributed many articles on the purchase, and maintenance of costly items that enhance your home. He also owns a firm that repairs and refurbishes such items, including the Oriental rugs. In this article, he explains how to select the contemporary rugs. There is also a small discussion on places to buy the modern rugs so as to save on the overall costs.

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