The core of Rush Matters’ work is traditional rush floor matting, also known as medieval matting or apple matting. The rush is plaited by hand, using a 9 end flat weave, where 9 ends, each end containing at least 5 rushes are plaited into a 3” wide strip.

Rush Matting

The strips are then hand sewn with jute twine and a sacking needle on the reverse side of the plait. It gives the distinctive striped appearance of the rush matting which contrasts to wholly woven matting products in this respect. All mats are individually made to measure from clients requirements and can be used as an area rug, runner, or fully fitted as a carpet, wall to wall. A fine 11 end flat weave is used for edging and binding the cut ends in most instances, although a linen binding can be used if a more modern look is required.

The rush floor matting is suitable for almost all interior spaces, the natural tones, texture and scent is hugely eective in a modern interior, and it of course has great historical and traditional uses in older properties. It’s harvesting, drying, and working up into the various products have not changed for centuries and except perhaps for the necessary drive to the river the process remains the same and equally environmentally friendly.

The matting once laid benefits from regular watering with an atomiser which keeps the rushes within the weave pliant and better able to resist foot traffic, the frequency of the watering depends on how dry the atmosphere but as a rule of thumb once or twice a month during summer should be suffcient. The amount of water used should be enough to just start to show droplets forming on the matting and will also seem to rejuvenate the rushes and prompt the scent to be released. All rushwork has a distinct scent somewhere between hay and spice which fades over time and yet is often apparent after a change in relative humidity and if a room has been closed up for a while.

Please ring or email for a sample and quotation.

Another feature of the rushes is the variation in colour, as shown by the photos the palette travels from a dark blue green through to honey and light straw browns. On the river and before cutting the rush is always dark green, though some beds have a distinct blueness in the sheen, the colour following the drying process depends entirely on the weather during the three or four days that the rush bundles/bolts are outside. The drying of the rush is entirely natural. Full sun will bleach out much of the green and overcast skies retain the colour. Similarly a mat or carpet will bleach from the ultraviolet far more quickly behind large south facing windows than in a shaded position.

Fully Fitted Rush Matting

We regularly make the rush matting as a carpet to fit wall to wall, and can arrange a site visit to measure and discuss your requirements. Alternatively, we require a floor plan drawn to scale, to give an estimate of costs. The edges are bound in either a narrow rush plait or linen tape binding. All our plaiting is interwoven with herbs; lavender, southernwood, wormwood and camomile.

Price £210.00 per sqm + VAT
Binding £25.00 per metre + VAT
Fitting Fee £300.00 per person, per day

Area Rugs

Area rugs or hall runners can be made to any size requirements. The edges of the rugs are bound in either a narrow rush plait or linen tape binding. All our plaiting is interwoven with herbs; lavender, southernwood, wormwood and camomile. Underlay is sewn to the rugs at an extra cost.

Price £210.00 per sqm + VAT
Binding £25.00 per metre + VAT
Underlay £13.00 per sqm + VAT

Linen Binding

We offer linen as an alternative binding. It gives a clean finish to the rugs or carpets. The linen is sewn around the edge of the plaiting acting as a sort of sleeve.

Price £25.00 per metre + VAT

Spiral and oval rugs

The spiral and oval matting is made from one continuing length of weaving. The plait, starting from the centre is very narrow and then we build up the weave to a larger plait width as the diameter increases. They look spectacular.

Price £275.00 per sqm + VAT

Bathmat

Our rush mats are ideal as a bath or shower mat as it enjoys the moisture.

Size 80cm long x 50cm wide
Price £85.00 + VAT

Made to measure also available.

Doormat

Made from a 3 end plait, which is very strong and suitable for front and back doors which get a lot of traffic.

Price £175.00 + VAT

Size 60cm W x 45cm D
Made to measure also available.

InstaRush