Fundamentals of Art and Design 3(1+2)

Lesson 08 :Furnishings in interiors

Carpets and rugs in relation to furniture placements

Modern rugs are usually' made in more or less standard sizes that are com­patible with standard-sized rooms. The placement of rugs is more important to a design concept than their fine­ness. Color, texture, and pattern are always considered, but their proper placement in an interior is often overlooked. Two problems in placement of rugs must be considered: (I) their relationship to furniture components and to architectural components; and (2) their placement must always fulfill aesthetic and functional requirements.

When rugs are used in direct connection with furniture, there are three accept­able position-relationships (see Figure8.8): (A) the entire dimension of the furniture component is placed within the boundary of the carpet or rug; (B) the entire dimension of furniture is placed outside the boundary of the carpet or rug; c) the front legs of furniture are placed on the carpet or rug in relationship to its edge.

Points to be considered in selection of carpets and rugs:

Consumer selection of rugs and carpets needs to be based on quality, texture, color, pattern and shape. Fiber content, construction techniques and texture are to be considered. The points to be considered in selection of carpets and rugs are listed below: The range of carpets and rugs is very vast, few salient points are as follows.

The subject of rug and carpet is very vast. Hence some of the salient points are considered in brief.

Weaving: Many are woven, some by hand, but presently a larger percentage is by machine. Technological modifications of looms make machine-made rugs appear similar to some of the finest handmade rugs. Technology also enables the producer to do much more with color, texture, pattern and size, using traditional velvet, wool and a blend of cotton and synthetic fibers.

The traditional rug weaves today closely resemble tufted carpets or rugs in surface design and texture. The woven rug generally does not have a jute backing attached, so one can see the woven structure at the back of carpet. Durability of carpet depends on density, fiber content and intended use.

Texture: A rough or bulky-textured rug can be used on top of a flat-weave or smooth-textured rug or carpet. When using a rug on top of carpet, the surface textures needs to be considered. Textures can be identical when combining a solid color and a pattern. Two solid colors, one on top of the other, require different textures for the most effective result.

Color: Color varies with each individual and each style. The following points about color should be considered:

• Light colors make spaces appear larger. Dark designs and patterns show up best on light backgrounds.
• Light designs and patterns show up best on dark backgrounds.
• To emphasize a particular segment of a pattern or design, use the color of that segment as the background color. Lighting alters color, so colors needs to be viewed under all light sources i.e., daylight and artificial light.
• Colors and patterns may limit other design development in a given space. Hence color and pattern to be selected holistically.
• Pattern and color blends do not show soiling and footprints as much as solid colors do.
• Neutral colors show the least fading when exposed to sunlight. Solution-dyed synthetic fibers or vat-dyed natural fibers resist fading.

wiSoiling: Color and design influence to a certain extent, as to how rapidly the rug will show soiling. Soiling appears most readily on white or light yellow floor coverings. Dark colors show lint and accumulated dust. Color blends and patterns are best for hiding soiling.

Pattern use: Patterned rugs and carpets needs carefully chosen in view of availability of space and the various furnishings/ decorations around. Several patterned rugs can be used in a space very effectively. Careful planning and arrangement is essential, so that each rug maintains its identity, beauty and the space does not look cluttered.

Padding : Rugs and carpets last longer with a pad under them. A pad for a rug should be approximately one inch less in length and width than the rug size so that the pad does not show. Flat weaves should have flat pads (1/4 inch) rather than bulky pads.

Labeling: Buying carpets and rugs with labels is always suggested. As labels contain additional information like fabric finishes; dyes, resistance to moisture, care for effects of mildew and insects, care and maintenance, warranty of manufacturer; pile density; fiber type(s) and type of traffic for which the rug was constructed.

Rugs range in price from about Rs.5000/- to Rs.50,000/- or Rs.1,00,000/-more, depending on size, weave, fibre, quality, manufacture type and various other points. Original handmade rugs of good quality are the highest-priced.

While purchasing, the best quality affordable needs to be selected, keeping in mind its purpose, durability and the space where it will be used. Select a rug that works well with the furnishings and is easy to care for and safe to use.

Installation of carpets:

A quality installation provides long lasting value, performance, and satisfaction. There are three principal methods of commercial carpet installation: stretch-in, direct glue down (including attached cushion), and double glue down. Carpet with attached cushion, or woven backing may be used for glue down installations. Separate cushion stretch-in installations are usually limited to woven carpets or tufted carpets with secondary backings.
The following issues should be considered when installing carpet:
Pattern Match - Extra carpet must be allowed when estimating quantities of patterned carpet needed. Even cut and loop effects, such as sculptured carpet, require matching.
Seaming - Care should be taken to avoid seams in high traffic areas such as doorways, hallways, and pivot points. In all cases, cut edges should be buttered with the appropriate sealer prior to seaming
Maintenance of carpets and rugs:
A good maintenance program is essential to the performance, life, and beauty of carpet. Good carpet maintenance also contributes to good indoor air quality. An effective maintenance program involves four elements viz., prevention of soiling, daily cleaning, periodic cleaning and repair. Effective care will preserve and extends the life of the carpets and rugs.
Nature of soils:
Soil gets into the carpet in three ways: i.e., tracked in dirt, dust deposited from the air and spillage directly on the carpet. Tracked in soil particles are usually oily and small in size. If the dirt is not removed as it is deposited, it builds up in the carpet and causes scratches and abrasion damage. This accumulated dirt flattens the fibers and tufts, resulting in a crushed and matted carpet.
Airborne soil is made up of very small dust particles, volatilized oils, industrial wastes, auto emissions, tobacco smoke and other air pollutants such as pollens, human skin flakes and hair
Spills usually create the most noticeable contrasts in carpets. They consist of localized high concentrations of soiling matter.
Cleaning of carpets and Rugs:

The first step should be to scrape, blot, or absorb the excess spillage immediately. This quick action may remove the substance before it penetrates into the pile of the carpet. If the spot is liquid, absorb it with tissue or paper towels until the absorbent material no longer picks up the liquid. Semi solids should be scraped up gently with a smooth, round object and removed. Powder from soils and dust can be removed better by regular vacuum cleaning, which also helps to improve the indoor air quality. Occasionally dry cleaning and shampooing may be done as the need. Good care extends the life of the floor furnishings