Wilton Rugs

Plain Wilton rugs are also very satisfactory. They may always be relied upon for appearance and service. The warp is closer than the Axminster, and the pile is deeper in the less expensive grades. Plain rugs, and plain rugs with two-toned borders, may be had in the Wiltons in several grades, ranging from twenty-four dollars up to sixty dollars for the ones of large size.

The One Objection To Plain Rugs

There is only one objection to these solid-color rugs, and that is that they do show dust and footmarks all too plainly. For this reason, in halls and in rooms directly entered from the street, it is well to plan a color scheme permitting of the use of rather light rugs in a brownish tone. Footprints are not thus so noticeable as they are on a darker rug in a different color.

Figured Rugs

In many homes figured rugs are preferred, and here there is a greater variety to choose from. The American rug manufacturers long ago realized the appeal which the beauty and practicability of the oriental rug makes to the average home maker, and they have constantly endeavored to give to the public a rug just as well made, just as beautiful, and with the same wearing qualities as the antique, but at one tenth the price of a good oriental. Each year there are more perfect and beautiful reproductions made, and it is astonishing how closely they conform to the traditions of eastern art.

Distinction In Quality Of Various Kinds

Productions ranging in price from twenty dollars to one hundred dollars for a nine by twelve rug are in the first rank. The wool used is imported from the Orient, is strong, tough, and resilient, and gives great wear. Both Wilton and Body Brussels are made, being woven on Jacquard looms. In the weaving the yarn is thrown over long, slender steel wires so as to form a loop. In the Brussels fabric, the wire is merely pulled out, leaving the loop intact. In the Wilton, there is a sharp knife at the end of the wire which cuts the loops as they are drawn out and makes each loop a tuft. All rugs of this class are made in this way, and so, in judging the relative value of rugs, before purchasing it is well to look at the back of the rugs and select the firm fabric which is very closely tufted. The closeness of the tufts can also be told on the upper side by bending the rug sharply. The more closely tufted the rug, the greater is its value. The finest Wilton rugs have 600 knots to the square inch. Axminsters in good oriental designs may be found at reasonable prices, while tapestry rugs are even cheaper. Tapestry fabric is made of printed wool, and may always be distinguished by the blurred appearance of the figures.

Smyrna Rugs

Very few people whose taste leads them to desire genuine orientals can resist the Smyrna rug, a rug with two wearing surfaces and a price which figures a very great saving. The Smyrna rug is reversible. The colorings and designs are exact reproductions of orientals in many cases.