Wednesday 8 October 2008

A Room With No View: How Wall-To-Wall Carpeting Took The Place Of Oriental Rugs

WASHINGTON, October 10, 2008 -- One of the many things that makes rugs such a fascinating hobby is comparing the ways our ancestors regarded them with how we do.

It is well known, for example, that the late 19th century marked the peak of Western interest in oriental carpets. No other period comes close to it in viewing Eastern rugs as an integral part of Western interiors.

Just how much they were prized by our great-grandparents can be seen in a picture such as this. Titled 'Divan,' it is by the Croat artist Vlaho Bukovac in 1905 but could have been painted anywhere in America or Europe at the time.

By contrast, just about no-one would think of making such a picture today.

But why were people a century and-a-half ago such huge lovers of carpets? There are many answers to consider, including one that is as often overlooked as it is simple: the dreadful condition of their floors.

The story is told by Randall L. Patton of Kennesaw State University (U.S. state of Georgia) in a study entitled 'A History of the U.S. Carpet Industry.' He explains how American companies became hugely successful by developing inexpensive wall-to-wall carpeting to solve the country's flooring problems. And, along the way, the tale explains much about how oriental carpets were driven from Western homes.

To follow the argument, one has to remember that many of our ideas today about 19th century homes come from visiting manors that have been turned into museums. In these great houses, the floors are of hardwood that is as carefully laid down as a mosaic and as highly polished as the furniture.

But, in fact, most 19th century homes had floors that were hastily cobbled together by the builders from softwood boards of random sizes. The builders neither stained nor varnished these arrays of panels and they left the homeowners the task of figuring out what to do with them.

So how did people cope with such floors? One way was to leave them bare but "whiten them" by scrubbing them with a stiff brush and sand. Or they could be bleached with lye.

Still another possibility was to paint the flooring to resemble a carpet. That option took many forms that are detailed in wonderful detail on a blogsite named 'Victorian Interiors and More.' The subtitle of the blog is "Victorian life wasn't quite what you may have thought it was."

The site offers this description of using a stencil to paint a floor, as quoted from an 1859 short story that appeared in 'Godey's' magazine:

“Tomorrow, you must drive down to Dayton, Albert, purchase some pearl-colored paint, enough to put two coats on the floor, and some green, enough for a border. Take a sheet of tin, mark three large leaves in a group upon it, and take it to the tinman. Tell him to cut out the leaves like a stencil letter; you can, by putting it down and painting over it, make a handsome border of green leaves for your carpet.”

Beyond painting the floors directly, one could put down painted coverings. A cheap way to do that was to glue newspapers to the floor and paint and shellac them.

Another, more expensive, option was to put down a painted floor cloth. As the Victorian-expert website notes, "generally they were placed in hallways and parlors." In kitchens or any room where water was likely to be spilled, oilcloth was the better choice.

And then, of course, there was matting - the most often used floor covering of all. Inexpensive mats were woven from coconut fiber, straw, and corn husks, while expensive ones were made from wool.

As time went by, and the industrial age brought more wealth to the middle class, all these homemade solutions began to give way to what people really wanted: large and attractive woven carpets.

It was not an indulgence. As one observer at the time noted: "the general use of carpets was a necessity some few years ago from the fact that the floors of our houses were generally built of such poor material, and in such a shiftless manner, that the floor was too unsightly to be left exposed." That is Horace Greeley, writing in his 1872 book 'Great Industries of the United States.'

Carpet manufacturers -- domestic and foreign, hand loom and power loom -- fought hard to satisfy the demand for large rugs. The battle continued on a grand scale until the progressive introduction of hardwood floors through the century finally reduced the demand for wall-to-wall sized carpets and increased interest in smaller accent rugs.

Through these decades from the second half of the 19th century to the early 20th century, the most desired carpets of all were handwoven oriental ones. Their widespread appeal was heightened by their historical association with the rich and by the fad of "Orientalism" that accompanied the expanding colonial age.

Plus, they got a boost from the World Expositions like those in Paris and Chicago, which helped to familiarize millions of people with the artistic traditions of the Islamic world, China, and Japan and popularized them.

But it was also during this period that power loomed carpets began their steady progress into American homes, a progress that would eventually push out every competitor.

In his history of the U.S. carpet industry, Patton notes that by 1870 power loom technology had been refined sufficiently to produce "reasonable substitutes for higher quality hand loom woven goods." The American machine carpet makers published lavish catalogs, advertised directly to consumers, and sales ballooned to roughly 80 million square meters by 1923.

Then came the Great Depression and a fall-off in business of all kinds. But out the ashes emerged a far more formidable power loom industry. First, based in the northeastern United States and using wool, it struggled just to regain the heights of the turn-of-the-century. But in the 1950s, the industry relocated to the area around Dalton, Georgia, switched to cotton, and discovered a magic formula.

That formula was "tufting" a technique traditionally used by local women to produce bedspreads. The technique is to insert tufts of cotton yarn into a pre-woven grid of backing material and then boil the backing to shrink it and lock in the tufts.

Once mechanized, the tufting process reduced the cost of making carpets by half compared to weaving and opened the way for wall-to-wall carpeting to sweep the market. The tufting industry later overcame some final objections that its cotton carpets were less durable than woven wool ones by switching to synthetic fibers and then no more obstacles remained.

Patton says that by 1990 Americans were consuming over 12 square meters of carpet per family per year, compared to about 2 square meters in the early 1950s. "Tufted carpets achieved total dominance of not just the residential carpet market," he notes, "but the residential flooring market in general."

The omnipresence of tufted carpeting in American homes and businesses today has not entirely forced woven carpets -- power loomed or hand loomed -- from the scene. As the author notes, high-end consumers do still appreciate the special qualities of wool and woven carpets continue to dominate specialty commercial markets such as hotel lobbies.

But the triumph of cheap wall-to-wall carpeting does mean that many American housing contractors now simply lay down carpeting rather than hardwood floors as the first and least expensive choice. And that, ironically, creates a situation not so different from the one faced by our great-grandparents.

That is, when your flooring is highly affordable but monotonous, how do you liven it up?

For the past many years, that question has been waived as homeowners have continued to welcome wall-to-wall carpets in white and other single tones. The carpeting, just like white walls, complements today's minimalist interior designs and poses no color problems when choosing the rest of the furnishings.

Still, nothing remains the same and history has a way of repeating itself. Today, people argue over whether it is good taste to add an oriental accent rug to an already machine-carpeted room. Tomorrow, it may become the first thing they rush to do.

#

RETURN TO HOME PAGE

#

Related Links:

Randall L. Patton, A History of the U.S. Carpet Industry

Victorian Interiors and More

History of Carpet Tufting

Victoriana Magazine

World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, 1893

33 comments:

rugslinger said...

Fascinating post!

We referenced your article in our post lessons from oriental rug history which discusses the resilience of the rug-making industry during recessions and other times of strain.

Guy Fitzhenry said...

The trends in the carpet industry is truly fascinating. I really liked the historical background that you provided in your post. The time of wall to wall carpeting is the peak of carpet usage in the country.

My wife and I likes carpets. It is our choice of flooring because it seems so cozy. We regularly hire services for carpet cleaning. Bucks County and other towns have experts that can help maintain the luster and cleanliness of carpets. Carpet cleaning (Montgomery and other places) can prolong the 'life' of a certain carpet. That way, the owner would be able to get their money's worth.

Thanks for sharing!

shane said...

great post...very educational...its amazing how the times dictate the trends

www.carpetcleaningatlanta.com/

Ralph Lauren sale said...

WOW, IT NICE POST! As we all knows, Gucci type keeps correct to their conventional Italian roots like a horseback saddler and imitation leather works. we are able to say that Gucci Belt Bags may be the most preferred bags within our Gucci Outlet on the web store. The ralph lauren outlet materials is pretty gentle and good which you will really feel a awesome and relieve emotion within the season. each and every 1 who see it for that 1st sight will adore cheap Gucci Bags at once. as nicely as cost from our Gucci outlet store on the web is really aggressive for you, you totally can pay for to obtain it. So Gucci Shoes on buddy! by no means skip the chance.

viagra online said...

replacing the old carpet for a new one is a hell of a task, too much work in my opinion, I changed mine recently and it took me so much energy and time, that I will not change it ever again

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I was looking for some Wall to Wall Carpet Installation in NYC

Unknown said...

broncos jerseys
true religion jeans
nike outlet store
reebok outlet
air force 1 shoes
cheap oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses
oakley sunglasses
michael kors handbags
cheap oakley sunglasses

Unknown said...

Play the game once kinja.com/ more and also open official source up pause it once Download Game Killer App for Android, iOS / Windows Phones more as your counter Game Killer gets to one more value. State Game Killer Download I played till my coins reached 40.

Unknown said...

In addition, you have to keep certain things doattend.com/ in mind before you buy a best Read This Article running baby stroller.If you have twins as How We Picked The Best Jogging Stroller well as remain in the marketplace for a double.

raybanoutlet001 said...

nike huarache
michael kors handbags
michael kors outlet
coach outlet
jordan shoes
hugo boss sale
adidas nmd
49ers jersey
michael kors outlet
jordan 4

Unknown said...

zzzzz2018.5.25
adidas ultra boost
nhl jerseys wholesale
nba jerseys
fitflops shoes
canada goose jackets
supreme clothing
canada goose jackets
asics shoes
dolphins jerseys
ray ban eyeglasses

Anonymous said...

Therefore busy in gambling sites will be quite crowded because Agen SBOBET it can create a large profit in it. Except this busyness will actually be able to bring you to create significant and drastic profits if you have great promise and motivation in carrying out transactions in it
and it's very helping us this post is unique and interesting
Thanks for Fantasctic blog and its to much informatic which i never think ..Keep writing and grwoing your self
크레이지슬롯

릴게임사이트
온라인슬롯머신

하나라이브
경마사이트
https://ocn2001.com/

remmy said...

Great information to say the least. I really do appreciate everything so much from this great website.
mcafee.com/activate | www.mcafee.com/activate | mcafee download | mcafee activate

Roan said...

Download software – canon.com/ijsetup doesn’t provide the manual CD for driver installation any more. Therefore, it becomes vital to download your printer's correct model driver. Further ensure that you have downloaded driver as per your OS version compatibility (Windows or MAC). Canon ij setup | Canon ij printer setup | canon.com/ijsetup | ij.start.canon | canon ij setup | canon.comijsetup setup | Canon.Com/ijsetup will manual you to Install Canon printer brand new updated drivers, for Canon printer setup you could additionally visit ij.start canon. If we talk about printers the first name comes in our thoughts is ij.start.canon printer, on this internet site we will inform you of a way to setup & deploy your canon printer with little information about computers. ij.start canon | ij.start.canon | canon.com/ijsetup | ij.start.canon | canon.com/ijsetup



Roan said...

123.hp.com/setup Printers are one of the best printing machines available in the market which is Well compatible with PC. hp123.com/setup Printers are well known for its quality and their services provide for Home users, small office users and even for commercial purpose users. So, when you are buying a new Hp printer, You have to first unbox it and get connected with your PC. Then only we are able to print. Since you are a beginner you can set up a new printer with Computer. 123.hp.com/laserjet | 123.hp.com/setup | 123.hp.com/laserjet | 123.hp.com/setup

office.com/setup said...

when we construct a house. after the completion of construction. the phase of furnishing get started. we measure the rooms and according to the measurement, we buy the carpets and wall to walls for the rooms.
office.com/setup

www.webroot.com/safe said...

www.malwarebytes.com/install -With the development of the digital world, online protection is crucial. It is extremely important to protect your PCs, Mac, computers as well as mobile devices and tablets with malwarebytes.com.

www.malwarebytes.com/install- It will shield your computer from various threats by detecting and removing viruses in real time. This is done with the use of anti-malware, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit technology. The software’s auto-scan feature also offers a proactive way to clean up a system.

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

شركة تنظيف مسابح بالخبر
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالخبر
شركة مكافحة الحمام بالخبر
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالخبر
شركة شفط بيارات بالخبر
شركة تسليك مجاري بالخبر

shemomody0@gmail.com said...

شركة تنظيف مطابخ بالقطيف
شركة تسليك مجاري بالقطيف
شركة شفط بيارات بالقطيف
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالقطيف
شركة مكافحة الحمام بالقطيف
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالقطيف

printercanonn said...

Wow thanks we got what you want from your blog, thank you so much
If you want to take print then there is a very good chance for you that why our printer will get very good features and you will also get very good quality in it, http//ij.start.canon then you must try once so that you can get the right printer. And thanks for commenting us once.

https://ijstartcannonx.com/

xingxing said...

risparmiare batteria iphone ios 12
maglia termica nuoto bambina
shein camicie donna cameriera
maquina para coser zapatillas
venta de bicicletas para ejercicio
sujetador media copa abierto ético
nike academy16 knt tracksuit 2
bañador neopreno mujer oysho
camiseta escote redondo
adidas rock climbing
rompecabezas de obras de arte para arma
reloj con números romanos para niños
abrigo aviador mujer abdomen
gucci forocoches
sonic 3 and knuckles juego online
short de bain islamique
stihl klamotten
brabus rocket 900 amazon
new balance icarus
sonnenbrille herren mit seitenschutz
hoodie pepe jeans cyan
shorts fitness feminino
melhores marcas de mochilas masculinas
quadri da disegnare amazon
aharry potter x vans
culle e passeggini per neonati amazon
camisa da ferroviária
galocha rosa feminina
deichmann bolsos
bolso de mano de hombre guess entusiasta
tenda da sole spiaggia amazon
nike pegasus 94
Nike Air Force 270

Anonymous said...

If you are a newbie and do not know how to configure ij.start.canon, this article will walk you through the process of configuring the Canon printer wired and wirelessly on a Windows 10 or Mac device. It is needed to instal the latest drivers in order to set up the printer. It is very crucial, however, that you know the model number in order to find the latest IJ canon setup drivers.
Get More info: ij.start.cannon
You may download your favourite YouTube videos to MP3 with only a few clicks! In contrast to other converters on the Internet, our video converter operates in a fully asynchronous fashion. Your dowload is therefore much quicker! The quality of the file is not diminished since Clickmp3 maintains its original encoding rate, regardless of the final format you choose and the internet connectivity quality you have.
Get More info: Youtube to mp3

qwe said...

chaussure de basketball nike zoom kobe 12 femme
abrigos de pelo mujer lefties
nike air max blancas mujer baratas
panini fußball sticker 2016 amazon
nike air jordan sale deutschland
hoodie pepe jeans cyan
zapatillas bimba y lola outlet
chaqueta adidas trefoil delantero
Supeme Hoodie
sandalia rafaela melo
kimono long femme grande taille
skechers twinkle toes light up boots
chanel hosenträger kaufen
maillot de bain push up pour homme
shirt mit schnürung am ausschnitt
vestito da elsa disney
tabouret de bar vintage cuir
moleton nike preço
zalando nike zoom fly
carrinho com bebe conforto travel system

Fubotv Activate said...

It facilitates the streaming of compatible TV devices from any of the locations. FuboTV has over 119 TV channels, FuboTV connect enter code is the code that is present on your TV screen. Open the app store on your TV, look for Fubo TV. Now open the app, an activation code comes. Using this code, sign up for Fubo TV at FuboTV/activate code. fubo.tv/Activate code

Fubo.tv/Activate said...

It can be easily used via Fubo Tv Connect code. The channels also include news, movies, and network television shows. On January 1, 2015, Fubo TV started as a soccer streaming service, but in 2017, it became an all-sports service and then a virtual multichannel video programming global distributor. All first-time users have first to activate their account and preform Fubo Tv Account login. fubotv activate enter code

Anonymous said...

When the uninstallation is complete, log back on to www.office.com and select More installation options, choose the language and version you want (64 or 32 bit), and then select Install. If you want to buy Microsoft 365, you need to follow these simple steps: Go to Microsoft365.com. Choose For Home, For Business, For Business, and For Education. Select your plan and click Buy Now. Log in to your account or create a new one. Click on Next, once logged in.Microsoft 365 setup

Shrainy Fogat said...



We're so excited to open this new home for our Social submission community! Thank you all so much for coming. smile.This forum is open to everyone - clients, experts, trial clients and anyone else that wants to join and contribute. Please do take time to read our posting rules, terms and privacy policies.
We hope you all enjoy this new community! social bookmarking

casinositezone.com said...

스포츠토토
I will recommend your website to everyone. You have a very good gloss. Write more high-quality articles. I support you.

Anonymous said...

Watching TV the old fashioned way is great until you're stuck away from home and miss tonight's game or a new episode of your favorite show. With Fubo.tv/connect, you can watch live TV channels and live sports anywhere — even away from home — using a device like your smartphone or tablet Fubo tv connect.

James K. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
oncasino said...

oncasino

mchene said...

Your Domain Name read review a fantastic read check this read the full info here his explanation

merieila said...

Matchmaking services is also among the most popular ways to find your true love. Still views on this kind of “help” are absolutely different. Some people say that matchmaking service is a great idea and believe that it will help them find their true love.