Natural fiber floor coverings

Made from fibers extracted from grasses and leaves spun into a yarn and woven, most of these types of floor coverings are finished with a latex backing. They can be fully fitted or used as mats.

Coir: matting woven using the thick rough fiber from the cuter husks of coconuts. It is bulky and can be rough depending on the weave pattern. It can be natural, dyed or bleached.

Jute: softest of the fibers, it is made from the stems of sub tropical plant. It is not very hard wearing, but it is porous so dyes well although consequently stains easily too. Both coir and jute need adhesive to fit.

Rush: hard wearing rush matting is made from plaited strips of rush. Sewn together to give the required width and finished with a fine plaited border. It can be fitted or laid as loose mats.

Sea grass: a smooth, relatively impermeable fiber that repels dirt. The stems are twisted before weaving. It is warm underfoot but can be slippery. Dying is difficult but the natural color of the grass greens; beige and yellow randomly appear in the weave.

Carpets have been the first choice for soft flooring in most houses. However, there are also other types of soft flooring which are no less excellent than carpets. There are various natural fiber materials which are made into excellent floor coverings. In addition to the fact that they retain their appearance well, are hard wearing, anti static and easy to maintain but need careful fitting, these alternative materials are also inexpensive. Rugs too are a great way of introducing variety to a large expanse of flooring.

Rugs

There is a choice to suit all price ranges whether you want a cheaper machine made rug or more traditional Oriental style. Use anti slip backing to stop them moving. Choose between;

- Afghan: bright reds and dark blues, geometric repeating patterns.

- Chinese: standard designs of flowers, birds and dragons, in pastel colors with a sculpted pile.

- Dhurries: Indian, hand woven, cotton.

- Kelims: Turkish or North African tapestry woven with no pile and featuring geometric patterns.

- Persian: predominantly reds and blues with busy rounded, floral design. Rugs are referred to by their region.

- Turkish: soft earth color and bold geometric designs.