Nature Rugs(43 items)
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The Village Council
Your answers straight from the village experts


Rug pads are great because they prevent slippage, prolong wear, protect the floor underneath, and provide additional comfort and quiet. That being said, most of our rugs do not actually require a pad underneath. Many, like those from the Andes, crafted with sheep wool and cotton, are durable and sturdy enough to be placed directly on the floor. But for enhanced protection and longevity, a rug pad is always a welcome addition.


Area rugs are a design-friendly way to absorb sound and insulate a room. They are a wonderful way to reduce noise, as footsteps on a rug are more muted than on hardwood floors or tile, and they also dull ambient sounds. Additionally, they provide warmth and a general sense of well-being. Who doesnt love a good area rug!


Most area rugs are easy to maintain with a few simple steps. For small stains and spills, you can spot clean with warm, soapy water. Never rub the affected area, always blot! You should vacuum your rugs to remove dirt and debris. And to ensure that rugs wear evenly, it is recommended to place a pad beneath them, and rotate them regularly. As with most vibrant works of art, direct sunlight may dull the colors. For more substantive cleaning, it is recommended that you dry clean your area rug.


Were huge fans of eco-friendly everything! When it comes to area rugs, you can look for certain indicators that it is produced in a sustainable way that reduces our carbon footprint. Some artisans, like a handful of weavers from India, use recycled fabrics: cotton, rayon, and polyester. Others stress the use of natural dyes and ethically-sourced wool. (Wool is particularly celebrated for being recyclable, abundant, and naturally stain-resistant.)


Handmade, or footmade! Many of the weavers who produce area rugs use a pedal, or foot, loom. While they technically have the assistance of a machine--a treadle or handloom--its operation requires the dexterity, strength, coordination, and patience of the artisan. Additionally, most area rugs are finished by hand.


Traditional area rugs are mostly woven on looms. Treadle, or foot, looms make use of pedals to lift and lower the looms harness. This raises the threads of the warp, so that the weft can pass through the opening in the threads. This type of loom is common in the Andes, Central America, as well as Mexico, and traces back to Mayan weavers in the period after the Spanish arrived. Elsewhere, such as India, handlooms are still used. The designs are mapped out in advance, and it takes about four to five days to complete a dhurrie, or traditional Indian floor covering. While the work to craft each of these rugs may be labor intensive, the beauty of the finished product makes it well worth the wait.


While area rugs are handcrafted by artisans from all over the world, they share certain features in spite of their vastly different regions. From the Andes to Central America, Mexico to India, most artisans use some combination of sheep wool, cotton, and natural and industrial dyes. Some artisans, like those from India, may incorporate other materials, like jute, or recycled cotton, polyester, and rayon, into their works. Some of the Zapotec weavers in Mexico use dyes made from natural materials like walnut shell, cochineal, and flowers. With these materials, artisans create vibrant colors and authentic patterns, ideal for adding dimension and warmth to any home.
Featured Reviews on Nature Rugs
Zapotec wool rug, 'Reflections' (2x3.5)





By Peter
Zapotec beauty
It most probably is, like all others I bought from you, a joy to see and to own. It was a gift for a dear friend in Italy. Unfortunately DHL screwed up the shipping early on sending it around all over Europe and the US. By the time it arrived in Italy a week later Covid-19 had caught up with Italy and it now sits in a DHL warehouse in Bergamo, unattended.. If my friend will ever get it is a good question..
Wool rug, 'Maya Bird at Sunset'





By Barbara
Exquisite
The colors of this rug are indescribably vivid, rich, and beautiful. I would like to have several of these rugs, scattered around my house like rose petals! Simply gorgeous. Yes, it would make a fabulous wall-hanging, but I do have mine in a small guest bathroom and its stunning. Truly great craftsmanship and well worth the price.
Wool rug, 'Fish and Flight' (3x5)





By Karen
Wonderful addition
This rug is beautifully made and conceived, almost too nice to walk on. Very Escher like. Can be mixed with a variety of styles. I am very happy with this purchase. Thank you Delphina!!
Featured Artist



Delfina Ruiz Zapotec wool rugs
"This is the art my parents dedicated their lives to, and it's what I know best."
"We have worked with you for some time now, which has taught me in a very special way to listen to my heart. Thank you for the confidence and perseverance in being part of our growth process. Thanks to you, we are creating more and more handwoven rugs and... read more
Popular Nature Rugs
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Handcrafted Zapotec Red and Blue Area Rug (2x3.5), "Reflections"
$99.99Filled with the spirit of Oaxaca, this rug is inspired by the Sierra Madre embracing ancestral diamond motifs. Delfina Ruiz demonstrates Mexico's Zapotec artistry and her own weaving skills with this dramatic design. Created of virgin wool on a traditional handloom, the accent rug takes its vivid red, green, amber and navy blue from natural dyes. in Spanish.
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Chain-Stitched Animal-Themed Wool Area Rug from India, "The Jungle World III"
$259.99Says Indian artisan Amit Moza, "Kashmir is famous for beautiful and creative works of art. I want to spread Kashmir’s art and craft." He creates this stunning wool area rug, featuring chain-stitched patterns performed by hand to depict birds, deer, and other animals that live in their vibrant jungle home. Using a specialized hook known as an Amit carefully embroiders each animal for a winning composition that brings the beauty of India to your home.
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100% Wool Area Rug in Red Black and Tan with Diamonds (2x3), "Desert Diamonds"
$149.99Closeness to the earth inspires this Zapotec area rug's colors and design from Marco Bautista of Mexico. Woven by hand of 100% wool, earth tones including tan, black, and deep red form a large diamond pattern at the center of this design.
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