Handmade vintage rugs in the kitchen, bath, & laundry room: Can a handmade rug survive the dampest & wettest areas of your home?
Given that handmade rugs are some of the most beautiful & luxurious home decor items, it’s easy to understand why some individuals hesitate to use them in the most functional but overlooked rooms in the house: The kitchen, laundry room, & bathrooms. One of the most common questions I get about the use of handmade rugs is whether or not they are a good fit for these & other wet areas in the home. Keep in mind that handmade rugs have been through a lot of washing before they even get to you; the wool is washed before it’s dyed, the dying process utilizes water, & the rugs are thoroughly washed with water before they’re sold. So, the simple answer to whether or not handmade rugs are a good idea in wet areas is a resounding yes!
You’ve heard me say it before, & here’s where I’ll say it again; handmade rugs are made from the most naturally durable materials on earth. There’s a bit of science behind the reason why wool is so absorbent & durable. Wool fibers are made up of cortical cells, which are wrapped in cuticles. This outer layer wool is covered with still another layer called the epicuticle & this layer actually repels moisture. You know how water can seem to “sit” on top of a rug before it’s absorbed? These layers are why it may seem as though the liquid is on top of a rug. It’s not recommended to use a handmade rug as the bathmat, but if it gets wet or even soaked from exuberant little bathers or your dish washers, it’s okay; hang it to dry & put it back down again! The fibers (including cotton, which many rugs also have in their foundation) can handle the use & continue to function over a long period of time.
Wool is naturally a moisture-wicking material. The construction of the wool allows for better air flow in comparison to other natural materials, which is why it can handle moisture without any issues. If you’re worried about mold, mildew, or “wet wool” smells, again, just be sure to hang up your rug when it’s wet.
Keep in mind too that many handmade rugs have been made with natural dyes; colors that have mellowed & settled in the fibers in a way that won’t color bleed. This is a great testament to using antique rugs made from natural fibers & dyes for daily use in your home. Do keep in mind that if your rug has synthetic dyes in it, it may be more susceptible to color bleed. Synthetic dyes have been utilized for many years; even some rugs from the 1920’s (which are considered to be antique due to their age) have synthetic dyes in the wool. These rugs are still great for the home, but because of the potential of color bleed they may not be the best for areas that get the most wet in the home.
What better way to create a functional & stylish area; using a handmade rug will add instant charm to an otherwise utilitarian and bland space. A little splash of color & intricate design will have a big impact in kitchens, bathrooms, & laundry rooms where you may not have a big mix of textiles, color, & pattern.
Handmade Kurdish bag-face repurposed as a mat rug. A great option for a bath to add some color & texture.
Durability allows for handmade rugs to withstand wear & tear; after all, antique rugs are referred to as antiques because they’ve made it 100 years & counting! Easy to keep clean, handmade rugs are a great option for wet areas. Functionality & beauty = a great investment!
Do you have a handmade rug in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room? If not, would you consider one now?