martinous

Buying Rugs on eBay & Other Online Retailers: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

lr-clientservices@wehco.com (Master Account) — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 21:30:41 GMT

Thinking of buying an area rug from eBay or any other online retailers?

You may want to stop and read this first !

So, you have been browsing eBay for a new (or used) area rug from your home or office, but you aren't sure if you should go ahead and pull the tigger. You may want to stop and think a little longer before you make the move from buying such a big purchase from any online retailer, but especially from sellers on eBay. Keep reading to learn more about the good, the bad, and the ugly when purchasing rugs from eBay and other online retailers.

The Good:

One of the "good" reasons to shopping online is the fact that you don't have to put on pants to shop (ha). While you can shop in the comfort of your home, you cannot have your questions answered by trusted professionals. You do not know who you will be talking to behind the screen. That's why shopping the showroom here at Martinous Oriental Rugs is always a safe bet. Don't worry, you can come and shop with us in comfort, but we do ask for you to be fully dressed (ha).

Another "good" reason to shop for area rugs online is what appear to be HUGE discounts. Now while these "sales" look very appealing, they aren't the savings you think they are. Many online retailers will mark up prices for weeks before they plan on having their big "sale". Here at Martinous, we are different. When we have a sale, it's an actual sale. We also often can meet or beat most online retailers when it comes to our rugs.

One last "good" point of shopping for a rug online is the "fast shipping". Sure 7-10 business days sounds great, but that can come for a price. Then some companies will require you pay an insurance fee on top of the shipping fee. Oh, we forgot to mention those that offer "free shipping". What they don't tell you is that the "free" part is actually already built in to your price, taxes and mystery fees. Also, you don't really know where your rug is coming from on top of everything else, unless you are buying it straight from the manufactures website. This means that your order may not be correct or it could be damaged when you get it, if you get it at all. Here at Martinous Rugs, if we do not have your dream rug in stock, we order it straight from our trusted suppliers, so you know your dream rug will be to you in no time and will be correct.

The Bad:

One of the many bad reasons of purchasing a rug online is unless you are very familiar with a manufacturer or product line, you can be making a costly mistake ordering an area rug from any internet discount site. Many of these site are only third or even forth party sellers that do not manufacturer their own products. They just farm this out to cheaper manufacturers that use cheap resources and simply process orders. When you shop with us, you know what you are buy and where you are buying it from.

Another bad reason you will run in to when shopping online is the fact that you don't know the true color you will be getting. So, you are looking for a read rug for your dining room? Are you sure the rug you just bought from that random seller on eBay is a true red, or is it one of the 100's of shades of red that you did not want from your home. This is a common problem that we hear about from customers, and one of the many reasons to shop in a showroom. This way you can see the colors in the rug that you will be buy in real life and our team will even let you know how the colors will wear over time. Will your eBay seller do the same?

A pretty picture can be just that...a pretty picture. Yet another bad reason to buy online we hear about is that the rug looks nothing like the picture when they saw the rug online. From the pattern, to the thickness, to the construction, it can all be wrong. In our showroom you will be able to look at your new rug up close and feel the quality. Plus with 1000's of rug styles to choose from, you won't feel shorted on selection.

The Ugly:

So now the ugly reasons of buying a rug from an online retailer. We have heard time and time again that customers have bought a new area rug online, which is fine. Then, we hear that weeks have gone by, and they have yet to receive their new rug. This is becoming a bigger problem with more and more sites that have been copied by scammers. If you do not buy from a trusted site, you are taking the chances of throwing your money away.

One other ugly reason from buying rugs online is the fact you do not know if the rug is actually NEW. Some sellers may not tell you the whole truth behind the rug you are buying. There are also cases where sellers will put the defects of a rug in the description, but it can be so small that you could miss it. We can promise you the best in quality when you shop with us.

Another ugly reason to not purchase an area rug online is the fact that if something goes wrong with the rug, shipment, or order, do you know who you would call? How long will you wait on hold just to ask who is responsible for re-packaging and shipping your rug back? You can easily avoid making these mistakes by working with us here at Martinous Oriental Rugs.

Rug Cleaning Mistakes You Should Avoid

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 16:12:51 GMT

Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your home's rugs.

We all know that one of the hardest things to keep clean in your home, it's your rugs. That doesn't mean that you should avoid cleaning them, but there are things to consider that you should avoid doing! Here are some tips to help you out when cleaning your rugs:

1: Not trying to clean a spill right away

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is putting off a spill or stain on your rug until later. You have to remember that how long you wait to clean the spill will determine how swell you can remove the stain. Some spills like grape juice, wine and coffee can seep deep down into the materials and fibers of your rug. If you wait for too long to clean, you will have little hope of removing it completely on your own.

2: Cleaning your rugs too often

While having clean rugs in your home is a good thing, being obsessive with cleaning then can have very negative affects. If you handmade rug is cleaned to often with cleaning agents and using harsh scrubbing, it could fade the color and permanently damage your rug. Only clean your home's rugs when it is necessary.

3: Using the wrong cleaning solutions or tools

Some rug cleaning tools like steam cleaners, sometimes use detergents that are made to remove dirt and stains while not harming the rug's fibers. This is not always the case with ALL detergents. Certain detergents may be so harsh and strong that they could permanently damage the rugs fibers. So make sure to test out each solution when cleaning your rug on your own. Also, make sure to test out certain tools you are using (i.e. steam cleaners) to make sure they are in working order.

4: Not getting your rug cleaned by professionals

To keep your rug looking like new and to make sure it is cleaned properly, you should have it cleaned by professionals, like our team here at Martinous Oriental Rugs! Schedule your rug cleaning online today!

What is a Soumak Rug?

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 16:17:49 GMT

Rugs created for durability, functionality, and beauty.

Soumak weave area rugs are works of art for your floors and unlike most other rugs you usually see. The construction of Soumaks is different from that of the hand-knotted rugs. The ancient and complex construction technique used to make these rugs produces a flat-weave rug that is thick, strong and exceptionally durable. Another advantage of today's Soumak rugs is that they are double sided and can be reversible, if you choose, since they are finished on both sides. Each side in the modern take of these rugs are just a little different. One side of the design being a little more distinct on one side than the other side. The Soumak rug can be suited for situations where a thinner rug is needed, but where you need more durability. These rugs can offer vibrant colors combined with subtle abrash (variation in depth of color) or more natural tones that will create a look and feel that pleases the contemporary eye while honoring tradition.

Soumak is named for the village of Shemaka in the Caucasus where this technique was widely practiced, but it certainly was not invented there. Soumak has been practiced extensively across the world, from Central Asia to Iran. Today, Soumak rugs are primarily woven in the large weaving districts in India.

Rug Fibers

lr-clientservices@wehco.com (Master Account) — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 16:31:49 GMT

What's the Difference? Which One is Right for You?

Rug today are made up of so many different materials and fibers. Choosing the right one for you will depend on your style, the amount of foot traffic your rug will receive, placement of the rug, and the amount of comfort you want under foot.

WOOL

It is no surprise to us that wool is still the most popular rug choice for most buyers since it is one of the most durable rug options you can buy, This versatile fiber dyes easily and allows for an array of color options to fit anyones style.

Know for its durability and softness, wool holds its appearance for a long period of time. This fiber can stand up to almost all traffic, and it is very comfortable under your feet. It's the perfect choice for families with an active schedule or for a busy office lobby. Many people love this fiber for rugs because it's dense properties naturally repel liquids and most stains. Wool does typically create a thicker rug. This means that it is prone to piling and/or shedding. It is also available in a flat weave option as well.

COTTON

They are a softer choice than jute and are fairly durable. This fiber when used in rugs is easy to clean and is often machine-washable. Cotton rugs are less expensive than wool or silk rugs and offer a casual look. This could makes them a good choice for those on a budget, but they don't always stand the test of time.

JUTE & SISAL

Natural fibers like jute and sisal will create tough and durable rugs. The construction allows for unique textures and weaves that other fiber normally cannot achieve. They create earthy & neutral palettes with rich textures. These fibers are a good choice if you or someone in your home has wool allergies as well.

Rugs of these fibers tend to be more coarse under your feet compared to wool or cotton rugs. They are harder to clean and will absorb moisture, making it difficult to remove stains.

SILK, BAMBOO & VISCOSE

Silk, bamboo and viscose fibers are very soft and easy to dye. They are a more absorbent material as well. Yes, they are versatile, but they not very durable on when used on their own. These fibers work well with wool when combined. Their can fibers create more depth and detail than wool alone and give rugs a beautiful sheen and softness.

Maintenance Tips For Your Rugs

lr-clientservices@wehco.com (Master Account) — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 21:03:42 GMT

General Tips For Any Rug in Your Home!

We are here to help you preserve the beauty and longevity of any rug in your space.

You will need to vacuum your rug often. Use only the lowest level of suction when vacuuming. Do not use beater bar vacuums or powerhead attachments. Also, do not vacuum rug fringes.

Rotating your rug frequently will equalize any effects sunlight may have on your rug. If you use most standard window treatments, you can minimize sun exposure and help to protect your rugs.

You need to immediately blot any liquid spills with a white paper towel or a clean terry cloth. Blot ONLY! Do not rub! Doing so will only push liquids deeper into your rug fibers and cause a stain.

Rug pads are always a good idea to help reduce wear on your rug in high traffic areas. A rug pad will protect your investment, protect your floors, and make it more comfortable to walk on.

Why Should You Choose Professional Area Rug Cleaning?

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 21:06:12 GMT

Here at Martinous Oriental Rugs, we know you want your homes interior appearance to be the best that it can be! One of the easiest, and most popular ways to do this is by adding a new area rug (or 2) to your space, but like almost any design detail in your home, area rugs have to be maintained properly. Regular vacuuming and sweeping removes only the surface-level dirt and dust that you can see, but it cannot remove stains and deeply penetrated soil inside the rug. That’s where professional area rug cleaning from Martinous Oriental Rugs comes into action. Our experts can help you to bring your rug back to life and eliminate potentially harmful dust and dirt.

Risks With Cleaning Your Area Rugs Yourself

Cleaning techniques that you can do yourself take a lot of time and even more patience. These techniques may even cause damage to your area rugs if they are not done properly. There are some risks involved with cleaning your area rug yourself including:

*Fringing and fraying

*Fading of colors

*Curling and rippling of your rug

*Dyes could bleed together

*Shrinking and much more.

Rugs are made using different materials, dyes and fibers, so it is suggested to go with a professional when you need your area rug cleaned.

Your Area Rug Deserves Personalized Care

With Martinous Oriental Rugs you can assure that your area rugs are cleaned carefully and throughly. Our team of experts are well-trained and skilled enough to clean your area rugs, restoring it back to its true beauty. We have the knowledge when using advanced cleaning products and tools to reduce the risk of damage. Benefits you get from professional area rug cleaning includes:

*Eliminate stains and odors

*Decrease the effects of wear and tear

*Prolong the lifespan of your area rugs

*Improve the indoor air quality

*Protecting dyes and colors of your rugs

Using the high-quality area rug cleaning equipment and proving cleaning techniques that work, our professionals make sure that any type of rugs and size get the personalized cleaning they deserve.

To schedule your rug cleaning with our team, just click the button below!

Rug Trends

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 18:22:25 GMT

Here at Martinous Oriental Rugs, we like to keep up with the newest in rug trends and pass them on to you! Our showroom is filled with the latest in rug designs from some of the top manufactures, along with the classics that will never truly go out of style! You can be certain that you will find a piece that will suit your budget and sense of style here. Make plans to stop by our showroom to see our selection of rugs for yourself.

TREND 1: DISTRESSED RUGS

Add the perfect finishing touch to your living room, dining room, bedroom or any other area in your home with this look. The distressed appearance of these rugs will give a distinctive look to your home. Bring a bit of boho flair into your space with one of these modern rugs from Martinous!

TREND 2: GEOMETRIC PATTERNS

Bold geometric prints are so in right now. Captivate guests and make a statement with one of these rugs. Try this rug trend in entryways, dining rooms or dens to pack a punch without a lot of legwork.

TREND 3: QUATERFOIL PATTERNS

The quatrefoil design is everywhere including rugs! This pattern is sleek, stylish and comes in a variety of colors for you to choose from. It works well in almost any space since it doesn't add too many colors and its not too busy to go with almost every piece of decor.

Choosing the Right Rug for Your Pet

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:42:24 GMT

Learn the best types of rugs for pets of all shapes and sizes!

We all love our pets...We really, really do, but sometimes it can be heartbreaking when Bingo or Felix come in between you and your dream rug. No need to fret, over the years, we have learned that you can still have your dream rug AND keep your fur baby!

Choose the right materials & construction!

First off let's avoid hooked and looped rug constructions. This is due to the fact that claws, even trimmed ones, can get caught and snag the rug's material. Another type of rug you may want to avoid is any rug made with a viscose-blend. These rugs MUST be professionally cleaned. This means if your furry pal has an accident...Off to the cleaners the rug must go.

Now, what type of materials should you go with?

Tufted or woven wool and jute rugs are in fact durable. You do need to keep in mind they are not entirely scratch-proof though. You may want to keep this in mind if you have a pooch that feels the need to dig to China on your rug or you have a kitty that just has to use your rug a scratching post. This rugs are easy to vacuum, and for the most part they are easy to clean with enzymatic stain removers. Just remember if you have a stain that has set-in or you have repeat urine marking by your pet, your rug will require a professional rug cleaning .

Woven cotton rugs are another good choice when shopping for a pet friendly rug. They are lightweight and easy to move around (we recommend using a non-slip rug pad). The smaller sizes can even be hand washed and then hung to dry. They’re also very durable but they are chew-proof or scratch-proof.

Pets love lounging and playing on cotton chenille rugs since they are very soft and cozy. The problem with them is their naturally fuzziness makes them a magnet for your pet's fur. This means they will require more vacuuming than other types. They also are be a bit more delicate than other types of rugs, meaning they have been known not hold up as well to frequent washing or cleaning.

Rugs made for indoor/outdoor use are the cream of the crop in pet-friendly households. No, we are not kidding. They are virtually chew-proof and scratch-proof and can take a good amount of foot traffic, rough housing, and dirt that your pets may track in. They also wash up with just a little bit of detergent and some water and still look close to new.

How to Protect Your Rug

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 15:27:49 GMT

Learn how to protect your rug from moths, beetles & other textile insects.

It is important for you to remember that the most common of textile insects such as a variety of beetles and moths can digest fibers such as wool, silk, & specialty hair fibers. Most people do not know that they can also cause damage on synthetic fibers such as nylon, acrylic, polyester, & acetate if they contain protein substances.

Other textile insects that can be a nuisance to your rugs may include silverfish, that will feed on silks, and termites, yes we said termites, they love cotton & jute rugs. There are a host of other insects that can wreck havoc on your rug such as fleas, dust mites, spiders, etc. That is why it is important to take the steps to protect your home's rugs from these pests.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect your rugs and other textiles:

1. Keep it clean! Spills should be removed immediately from your rug. If the spill is liquid, make sure to check the under side of the rug while cleaning the spill.

2. You should regularly dry clean or wash any drapery or textile in your home. This will decrease the chances of an infestation since the dry cleaning solvent is toxic to most of these pests.

3. Regularly getting your carpet and rug professionally cleaned will remove the contaminants that can attract and support these textile insects.

To set up an appointment for your professional rug cleaning, you may call us at 501-224-0313 , or schedule your appointment online by clicking the button below.

Rug Cleaning: How Often Should You Really Have Your Rugs Cleaned?

Mon, 13 May 2019 18:17:16 GMT

A question that we are asked more times than not is "How often should I really have my rug professionally cleaned?"

First, you have to remember, the more you care for your rug at home, the less you will have to have it professionally cleaned. By vacuuming your rug often, you will preserve the life of any rug! Make sure to use a gentle touch when doing so! Even if you have a wool rug that may not appear to be dirty, you need to vacuum it more often! Wool rugs can actually hold up to a pound of dirt and grim per square foot. We bet you're thinking more about pulling out those vacuum cleaners now!

We recommend cleaning your rug every 1 to 3 years, depending on the traffic area, pets, soiling, etc. Our process will provide your rug with a deeper clean than those that will clean your rug in your home. We will come to your home to collect the rug that is needing to be cleaned. Then we bring your rug to our "Cleaning Room". Here your rug will be inspected, tested and "dusted". Learn more about our process and pricing on our RUG CLEANING page and SCHEDULE your cleaning today!