How to Choose a Rug: Size, Material, & Style Explained
A carefully selected rug does more than protect your floors—it's the anchor that brings your entire room together, harmoniously blending color, texture, and design. While choosing the perfect rug might seem daunting, our comprehensive guide will walk you through every consideration to help you make the ideal choice for your space.
THE RIGHT SIZE: A FOUNDATION FOR BALANCE
The right rug size creates harmony in your space, while the wrong size can throw off your room's entire composition. Here's how to get it right:
Living Room
Choose at least an 8' x 10' rug to accommodate furniture placement. For a more formal look, ensure all furniture legs sit on the rug. Larger rooms may require 9' x 12' or 10' x 15' rugs.
Dining Room
Plan for 24" of extra space beyond your table's edges to allow chairs to move freely.
Bedroom
Leave 18-24" of rug exposed around your bed's perimeter to create a comfortable walking space.
Hallways
Maintain a 6-8" border between the rug and walls.
Kitchen
Install runners between islands and cabinetry, leaving 4-6" of clearance on each side.
WHEN TO GO ROUND
Round rugs can transform your space in unique ways:
Perfect for highlighting architectural curves like bay windows
Ideal under circular furniture to create visual harmony
Excellent for defining specific areas, such as reading nooks or conversation spaces
Creates natural focal points around statement pieces
MATERIAL MATTERS
The material of your rug affects its durability, maintenance, and overall feel. Here is our take on some popular options:
NATURAL FIBERS
Wool: The gold standard for durability and comfort. Naturally stain-resistant and easy to clean. Wool blends offer enhanced durability for high-traffic areas.
Jute: Adds organic texture but requires careful consideration. While visually striking, it can be rough underfoot and challenging to maintain. Not recommended for areas prone to moisture.
Synthetic Fibers
PET: Eco-friendly option made from recycled plastics. Excellent for indoor/outdoor use with superior resistance to fading and mildew.
Polyester & Synthetic Blends: Budget-friendly and durable, perfect for busy households. While stain-resistant, they may show wear more quickly than natural fibers.
Polypropylene: Lightweight yet strong, ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Excellent moisture and stain resistance make it perfect for high-traffic areas.
Viscose: Offers silk-like luxury at a lower price point. Best reserved for low-traffic areas due to its sensitivity to moisture. Be careful, this material is hard to clean, especially once wet!
Craftsmanship: THe Making of the rug
The way a rug is made affects its quality, price, durability, and suitability for different spaces. Here's a comprehensive overview of the main construction types:
Hand-knotted
These heirloom-quality rugs are meticulously crafted by master artisans. While they come with a higher price tag, their durability and intricate patterns make them a worthwhile investment for high-traffic areas.
Hand-tufted
While not fully handmade, these rugs are crafted using hand-operated tools. A sweet spot between quality and affordability. Typically hand-tufted rugs have a plush, high-pile construction and a solid backing, causing them to shed more than other types, especially initially.
Handwoven
Also known as flatweave, these rugs are woven directly on a loom. They're typically reversible, which extends their lifespan. While not as expensive as hand-knotted rugs, they still command a premium price and are ideal for medium-traffic areas.
Power-loomed
These machine-made rugs are the most affordable option. They're produced quickly using large automatic power looms, making them an excellent choice for following the latest trends in design and color. Despite their lower price point, they're still durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.
RUG care: Maintaining your investment
Protect your investment with these care guidelines:
Vacuum regularly, but carefully.
Light Traffic: Vacuum once a week.
Moderate Traffic: Vacuum one to three times a week.
Heavy/Pet Traffic: Vacuum daily.
Avoid using the vacuum's beater bar, as it will inevitably damage fibers.
Address spills immediately by blotting (never rubbing).
Address sprouting (when a loop pulls up from the pile) by carefully cutting the loop even with the surrounding pile. Never pull the loop.
Consider professional cleaning every 12-18 months, depending on traffic and use.
Proper maintenance not only preserves your rug's beauty but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment by trapping dust and allergens that can be removed through regular cleaning.
Pro tip: If you have an animal hide rug, make sure you sweep it, don’t vacuum it as this can pull out the hair fibers.
DON’T FORGET THE RUG PAD
Selecting the right rug pad is crucial for enhancing your rug's performance and longevity. Consider your rug's size and intended use when making your choice. Are you looking for extra cushioning, slip prevention, or noise reduction?
Small Rugs: Focus on non-slip properties.
Large Rugs: Prioritize cushioning and floor protection.
Material Options:
Felt/Rubber: Best for comfort and sound dampening.
PVC: Ideal for slip resistance.
Outdoor: Promotes airflow to prevent mildew.
By matching the pad to your specific needs, you'll ensure your rug stays in place, feels great, and maintains its beauty for years to come.
Pro tip: Choose a rug pad slightly smaller than your rug to keep it hidden and prevent tripping hazards.
Selecting the perfect rug involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and durability. By considering size, material, construction, and proper care, you'll find a rug that not only enhances your space but stands the test of time. Remember, a well-chosen rug isn't just a floor covering—it's an investment in your home's beauty and comfort.