Natural Fiber Rugs

Weaving is a centuries-old tradition in Nepal and Tibet, where rugs served as important protection and warmth against the harsh cold in the Himalayas. Weavers from Tibet and Nepal have long used animals' wool and some plants for fibers to make their beautiful natural rugs.

At EcoFiber Custom Rugs, we offer beautiful custom made rugs that are woven using 100% natural fibers. Natural fiber rugs have superior quality and are eco-friendly. Natural rugs are made with anything from wool to hemp to cactus, and each fiber has it’s own benefits for certain purposes.

• Tibetan Wool Rugs— "Domar" is the local name for a common, light/medium color Tibetan wool. It resists bacteria and fire, while being springy and elastic. This is the most water repellant of all fibers.

• Mohair Rugs— Hollow fibers are very elastic and are valued for natural flame resistance and high sound absorbency. It will not crush or pill and is oil resistant.

• Cashmere Rugs— Cashmere goats have a "double fleece": The "guard hair" (coarser of the two hairs) is combed (de-haired) to obtain the more down-y cashmere hairs. which are gathered during molting season. Cashmere has hollow fibers that are very elastic. It’s valued for natural flame resistance and high sound absorbency. It will not crush or pill and is soil resistant.

• Hemp Rugs— Indigenous to Himalaya region, Hemp is naturally "retted" with water to release bast fibers. It requires no cultivation, irrigation or use of pesticides. Hemp grows wild and is harvested after growing season.

• Cactus Rugs— Indigenous to the Himalayas, and related to yucca, Cactus requires no cultivation, irrigation or use of pesticides. It grows wild and is harvested after growing season. Cactus is not to be confused with sisal.

• Linen Rugs— Linen is a bast fiber. It has long fibers that are naturally "retted" to remove bast fibers. It does not pill.

• Nettle Rugs— Indigenous to Himalaya region, the Nepalese also call this fiber "allow" or "allo". Not to be confused with "aloe".

• Silk Rugs— Unless noted otherwise, we use Chinese silk. Indian silk is also called "matka" silk.

Choosing the natural fiber rug that is right for you will depend on what purpose the rug will serve. Wool rugs serve different purposes than say a nettle rug. Whichever fiber you chose from EcoFiber Custom Rugs, however, you’ll know you are getting quality, eco-friendly Nepalese/Tibetan rugs crafted by artisans.

>>Visit the EcoFiber Custom Rug website for more information

Photo by ShimmerGreen on flickr