With Old Man Winter within striking distance in many parts of the country, a few area rugs scattered around the house can certainly help to warm up cold floors.  I particularly like wool area rugs for two reasons:  they will last for years, and they’re made from a renewable resource. My husband’s grandmother has had the same wool are rugs for 40 years, and they still look great! Wool rugs are more expensive than some other materials, but since you should only have to buy them once, maybe that’s a savings in the long run.

The area rug above is a Fair Isle hooked wool rug from Garnet Hill.  It is available in 3 sizes:  3 feet, 5 feet, and 7 feet. They range in price from $98-$258.

If you’re worried about area rugs sliding around on hardwood or ceramic tile floors, you should check into purchasing organic rug pads. Rug pads will also protect your area rugs from signs of heavy wear, and help them last longer. The rug pad above is made from plant-based materials rather than petroleum-based plastics.

Even with all the popularity of hardwood flooring, I still think most rooms need area rugs to warm them up a little. Green area rugs are widely available in a variety of materials, including bamboo and hemp. If you like the traditional look of oriental rugs, take a look at the recycled plastic area rugs made by Mad Mats. They’re made from recycled polypropylene- the same plastic used to make packages for many common household items such as soda bottles, milk jugs, and juice bottles.

Since they’re made from 98% recycled plastic, these area rugs are water-resistant, which makes them a green home decorating option for both inside and outside. And, when they get dirty, you can wash them with soap and water. Mad Mats rugs are available in several sizes from 4′X6′ to 6′X9′, and several other styles including Pennsylvania Dutch area rugs, and garland rugs. I found them at The Garden Room.