Penny Rugs

Penny rugs are an intrinsic must have to show off your primitive country décor. These interesting rugs come from an art that homemakers instituted to dress up their own homes during the 1800′s. Penny rugs get their name from the fact that pennies were used to create the circular patterns for chair pads, mats, table runners and rugs.

Frugal homemakers of the day would gather what ever material scraps they had and create these visually interesting rugs. They are sometimes referred to today as “button rugs” because of their circular patterns within the pieces. These functional pieces were created to dress up what would have been an otherwise drab home.

 A host of materials were used by these pioneering artists including felt from old clothing, pieces of wool cut out from worn sweaters and socks and virtually any other material that had lived its life as something else that could still be salvaged.

 The material scraps were laid out and a penny was used to draw circles on the material which was then cut out and sewn together using blanket stitches. They were secured to backing and used through out the home.

Typically pieces of felt or wool were used as the backing for smaller pieces like table runners and burlap was used for larger pieces like rugs. Somewhere along the way an industrious homemaker started sewing pennies into the hem of the pieces to weigh them down and help them lie flat.

 Creating penny rugs became a family tradition in many families. They were stitched together to form “scatter mats” chair pads, pillows and other items. The penny was not the only thing that was used to pattern these pieces. Any small circular object that was handy was used although traditionally it was the large penny of the 1800′s that started the trend.

 These rugs were created with function in mind but wound up being unexpectedly beautiful as most folk art is.

 Penny Rugs For Your Home

 Adding a penny rug to any room will enhance your primitive décor. You can use them as area rugs, wall hangings, decorative bed covers, table runners (of course the smaller sizes) or in any way you choose. They are a great decorating tool and conversation starter!

These interesting pieces immediately become the focal point in any room. These simply crafted rugs provide your home with a warmth. These easy care rugs are a gateway to building your entire room around. The earth tone colors make it easy to fit these rugs into any room décor but of course really enhance primitive décor.

The simplistic beauty of these pieces is the perfect way to express your love of folk art and primitive creations. The penny rug designs have been duplicated for use in modern rooms as well. The concentric circular designs adds immediate interest to a room.

Take a step back in time and use one of these great rugs to add interest to your home and compliment your primitive décor.