Braided Accents

1. You love the look of braided rugs, but there is only so much floor space in your home. Braided accents give you more opportunities to enjoy the homespun look of these old-fashioned rugs. Baskets, chair pads, stair treads, and slice rugs fit in places that traditional rugs won't and add rustic cheer to any room.

2. Braided baskets have been used for centuries for storing or toting items. Strong, flexible, and easy-to-clean, these versatile baskets often have handles and are available in any color or pattern to suit your style.

3. Add country charm to your dining room by adding colorful braided chair pads. Available in square or round designs, these pads usually fasten to the back spindles of your dining chairs with ties to prevent slipping. If you prefer a cleaner look, tie-less versions are also available with non-slip bottoms.

4. Braided chair pads soften the look and feel of hard wooden dining chairs so diners can be more comfortable. Get two sets of chair pads in different materials to suit the changing seasons: lightweight cotton pads are great for balmy months, while heavier wool pads keep tushies toasty warm in the winter.

5. Make sure your braided chair pads are machine-washable. You won't have to fret if spills occur; simply toss the pads into the washing machine, knowing that your dining chairs have been protected and the pads haven't been ruined.

6. Braided slice rugs have a semi-circular shape and are designed to cushion your feet while you stand at the kitchen or bathroom sink. They can also be used as entryway rugs and are often made from heavy-duty synthetics or wool. Durable and resilient, braided slice rugs stand up to heavy use and moisture, and so are perfect for these high-traffic, heavy-use areas.

7. Make your wooden stairs safer or perk up carpeted stairs by adding braided stair treads. Available in oval or rectangular shapes, braided rugs can bring color to your home and can be changed with your mood, unlike wall-to-wall carpeting.

8. Braided stair treads provide traction on slick hardwood staircases, a feature people as well as dogs will certainly appreciate. You can still see the beauty of your wood floors while protecting the finish from scratches.

9. Never use tape or adhesive glue to anchor braided stair treads, as this can damage both the floor and the rug. Instead, install stair treads with a double-faced, tacky, self-adhesive, non-slip pad and/or with carpet tacks for maximum safety and ease in vacuuming.

10. Choose reversible stair treads and chair pads to prolong the life of your braided rug product. Flip and rotate them periodically so they wear evenly.