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.
RUG BUYING GUIDE
RUG BUYING GUIDE
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.
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.
Choosing the Right Materials
Wool Rugs
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 Rugs
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 Fiber Rugs
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 Rugs
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 Rugs
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
Unsurpassed in quality, each yarn is hand-cut and hand-tamped for tightly constructed knots that stand the test of time.
FEEL
thick & texturedPERFECT FOR
high-traffic areasTufted
A relatively modern technique, tufting uses loops instead of knots and was developed to create a plush, textural pile.
FEEL
soft & plushPERFECT FOR
high-traffic areasPower-Loomed
Entirely flat-woven with a lower pile, power-loomed rugs are machine-woven using cutting-edge technology.
FEEL
smooth & lowPERFECT FOR
high-traffic areasZero-Pile Tufted
A low pile gives the look of hand-knotted yarn for a supremely strong, shed-resistant rug with lasting beauty.
FEEL
plush & lowPERFECT FOR
high-traffic areasPrinted
Printed with digital and screen-printing techniques, these rugs deliver cheerful, detailed patternwork.
FEEL
smooth & lowPERFECT FOR
low-traffic areasFlatwoven
Yarns are braided or woven directly onto a loom for a tight, long-wearing weave with a flat, low profile.
FEEL
smooth & lowPERFECT FOR
high-traffic areasChoosing the Right Size
LIVING ROOM
Most living rooms work well with 8'x10' or 9'x12' rugs. At minimum, you should be able to place the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug. Alternately, a larger 10'x14' rug can anchor the entire seating area.
Most living rooms work well with 8'x10' or 9'x12' rugs. At minimum, you should be able to place the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug. Alternately, a larger 10'x14' rug can anchor the entire seating area.
DINING ROOM
In the dining room, you want your rug to extend at least 3' from the table on all sides, allowing chairs to remain fully on the rug when pulled out. As a rule of thumb, you'll want the shape of your rug to mirror the shape of your table.
In the dining room, you want your rug to extend at least 3' from the table on all sides, allowing chairs to remain fully on the rug when pulled out. As a rule of thumb, you'll want the shape of your rug to mirror the shape of your table.
BEDROOM
In general, a bedroom rug should extend 18"-24" beyond the sides and foot of the bed, with the rug placed under the bottom two-thirds of the bed. Another option is to choose a larger rug that can anchor the entire bed and nightstands. Runners along each side of the bed can also provide a comfy landing spot.
In general, a bedroom rug should extend 18"-24" beyond the sides and foot of the bed, with the rug placed under the bottom two-thirds of the bed. Another option is to choose a larger rug that can anchor the entire bed and nightstands. Runners along each side of the bed can also provide a comfy landing spot.
KITCHEN AND HALLWAY
Runner rugs are perfect for hallways, kitchens, entryways, and narrow spaces. For a balanced look, leave 4"-6" of space between the runner and the walls. Runners should extend the entire length of the hallway.
Runner rugs are perfect for hallways, kitchens, entryways, and narrow spaces. For a balanced look, leave 4"-6" of space between the runner and the walls. Runners should extend the entire length of the hallway.
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.
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.