The two most important considerations when purchasing a sheepskin rug should be comfort and durability. Is the plush deep and is the backing supple? Will it last and retain its good shape and quality over the long term? Take your time when purchasing a sheepskin rug and do some research. Ensure the sheepskin rug you decide to purchase is all-natural and not a synthetic duplication. There is nothing like the feel, look, and touch of real sheepskin.
History and Heritage
Obviously, it would make good sense for the sheepskin rug to come from an area of the world that had a great deal of expertise in raising sheep and sheep-shearing. Such countries include the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. That isn't meant to imply that sheepskin rugs from other countries aren't also full of quality; it's just a start. You can place your trust in countries that have dealt with sheep for centuries as they have learned much from their history. Many times, ancient traditions have been passed down from generation to generation with regard to the treating of the sheep's wool so that it will prove long-lasting over time. Traditional methods of washing and a long process of numerous dryings and combings can give sheepskin rugs a premium quality not to be found elsewhere. As well, it is said that many established sheep-shearers have a special technique they use to sheer the wool from the sheep.
Sizes and Colours
Sheepskin rugs are available in a variety of sizes and colours that will coordinate easily with any room in your home in which you are trying to create a particular design or theme. The traditional luxuriant effect is that of contrasting colours, such as a white, plush sheepskin rug against a darker room colour or backdrop. The combination can be striking and irresistible.
However, modern fashion can dictate the use of purples and pinks to complement the rest of your home furnishings as well. Some manufacturers will also allow customized rugs, designed to more accurately match room décor with a personalization like no other. The possibilities appear limitless, with mosaic structure on some sheepskin rugs to even a checkered pattern.
Texture
The texture of the sheepskin rug is obviously a high priority. It should be soft, neatly combed, pliable, and produce little or no shedding. The material used for backing should not feel artificial or rubber-like. A wire brush and an occasional shaking should keep the rug in good shape. When looking to purchase a sheepskin rug, it should bounce back resiliently from the use of a good wire brush, using a gentle motion to reshape the fibres.
Care
Sheepskin rugs, it should be noted, ought to be completely safe to clean in a washing machine, on a gentle cycle, using a non-biological shampoo. They can also be dry cleaned, if that method is preferred.
After consideration of all these factors, the prime end-all decision-making point should be how the sheepskin rug looks and feels to you. You should want to run your fingers through it, lay on it and absorb the nuances of its feel, or simply observe it in a special corner of your room.
Colin Chadwick is the marketing manager of Rug House a leading supplier of Modern Wool Rugs. Rug House have a wonderful selection of superior quality Sheepskin Rugs all delivered free.
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