The right rug can work wonders. When sized correctly and chosen carefully, it lays the groundwork for a thoughtful space, acting as the room’s gracious host.
So how do you choose a magic carpet? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The ideal rug depends on a number of factors, including the type of room and your lifestyle.
There’s quite a bit to keep in mind, so we asked our resident rug experts to walk us through the selection process. From materials to construction to size, here’s what to consider.
Ground Rules:
Choosing the Right Rug
Choosing the Right Materials
Wool
Delightfully textured and incredibly durable, wool is a classic choice for any space.
- Great for high-traffic areas
- Commonly found in tufted, flatwoven, and shag rugs
- Shedding is a normal process that occurs with wool, and will subside over time
Viscose
Expect a lush shine and an oh-so-plush feel. While viscose is a bit more delicate, it's a great choice for many rooms in the home.
- Ideal for low-traffic areas
- Commonly found in tufted or hand-knotted rugs
- Colors will appear soft and saturated, and may vary depending on viewpoint
Grass Fibers
Strong and durable, grass fiber rugs (think jute, sisal, or coir) lend a touch of natural texture and effortless style.
- Best suited for high-traffic areas
- Commonly found in flatwoven or hand-knotted rugs
- If you love to layer your rugs, grass fiber rugs are an ideal choice
Eco-friendly PET
A UV-resistant option suitable for indoors or out, PET is crafted from recycled plastic and lends a welcoming layer to your sun room or outdoor oasis.
- Great for higher-traffic areas, indoors or outdoors
- Commonly found in flatwoven rugs
Nylon
Strong and shed-resistant, nylon lays down a durable, low-maintenance foundation that feels exceptionally soft underfoot.
- Ideal for busy spaces
- Superior stain-resistance
- Lightweight, spun yarns lend softness and warmth
Choosing the Right Construction
Hand-Knotted
The weft yarn is wrapped and knotted by hand around each warp thread. Then, each yarn is hand-cut and hand-tamped for tightly constructed knots that stand the test of time. The quality of hand-knotted rugs is unsurpassed.
Tufted
Using a tufting tool, yarn is passed through a frame-stretched fabric backing onto a drawn pattern. A relatively modern technique, tufting uses loops instead of knots and was developed to create a plush, textural pile.
Power-Loomed
Entirely flat-woven with a lower pile, power-loomed rugs are machine-woven using cutting-edge technology.
Zero-Pile Tufted
A low pile gives the look of hand-knotted yarn for a supremely strong, shed-resistant rug with lasting beauty.
Flatwoven
Yarns are braided or woven directly onto a loom for a tight, long-wearing weave with a flat, low profile.
Printed
Printed with digital and screen-printing techniques, these rugs deliver cheerful, detailed patternwork.
Choosing the Right Size
Living Room
Measure your living room’s seating area, and select a rug that’s slightly larger than your space. Ideally, all the furniture in the seating area should fit on the rug with at least six inches to spare on every side. If that’s not possible, take a “two legs on, two legs off” approach and stay consistent will all furniture pieces.
Dining Room
Your rug should be large enough to accommodate your table and all the chairs when they’re pushed out – anything smaller will create a tripping hazard. We suggest choosing a rug made from stain-resistant materials such as wool for dining rooms.
Bedroom
Ideally, the bed and nightstands should fit on the rug with at least a foot to spare on all sides. If that’s not possible, start the rug at your nightstand so it extends beyond the foot of the bed. Another idea? Consider using two runners to frame your bed instead! For the coziest feel, we recommend a high-pile rug.
Kitchen and Hallway
Place a small 2” X 3” rug by the kitchen sink for a colorful, cozy accent. A runner rug is perfect for long, narrow kitchens and entryways. For hallways, leave about six inches of floor between the walls and the rug. We suggest choosing a rug that will resist high-traffic wear for these busy spaces.
Caring for Your Rug
We highly recommend using a rug pad to prevent slippage and to protect your floor. Consider rotating your rug every six months for even wear. Shedding is a normal process that occurs with natural fiber rugs and should subside after 6-8 weeks with regular vacuuming.
To avoid damaging your rug, vacuum with the beater bar off, using a high-pile setting. Blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent, light-colored cloth. Professional cleaning is recommended for best results.
To avoid damaging your rug, vacuum with the beater bar off, using a high-pile setting. Blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent, light-colored cloth. Professional cleaning is recommended for best results.