Rugs
What is Polypropylene? Polypropylene is a synthetic material designed with multiple advantages. It combines the softness of silk and wool, offering a luxurious feel while being highly “stain resistant.” This means spills can be easily cleaned if addressed quickly, making it perfect for households with children or pets.
Do Wool Rugs Shed? Yes, wool rugs naturally shed due to the wool fibers, but this is not a defect. The shedding usually decreases over time with regular use. Vacuuming 1-2 times per week will help maintain your rug’s cleanliness and prevent dirt from settling in the pile. Be sure to vacuum gently without using a power head to avoid damaging the wool fibers.
How to Choose a Rug Size When selecting a rug size, consider the dimensions of your space and layout. If you’re unsure, it’s often better to choose a larger size to create a more cohesive and intentional look.
Common rug sizes:
– Small: 120 x 170cm (4′ x 6′)
– Medium: 160 x 230cm (5′ x 7′)
– Large: 200 x 300cm (7′ x 10′)
– Extra Large: 240 x 330cm (9′ x 11′)
– Oversized: Over 300 x 400cm
– Runners: 80x 300-400cm
1. Covering the Whole Living Space In smaller rooms, using a rug that covers most of the floor can act as an alternative to carpeting, creating the illusion of more space. Leave a 20-30cm border between the rug and walls.
2. Expanding a Large Living Room Opt for a large rug that accommodates all your living room furniture. This approach works well in open-plan areas by defining specific spaces.
3. Creating a Cosy Living Area If your rug or budget is limited, placing only the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug will help ground the room.
4. Floating Rugs A floating rug can also work if it’s proportional to your furniture, such as beneath a coffee table or sofa.
Choosing a Rug for the Bedroom
1. Classic Bedroom Style Place a large rug under the bed, with the rug extending 45-60cm beyond each side. This creates a cohesive and balanced look, with only the outer edges of the rug’s design visible.
2. Layered Bedroom Style For an eclectic feel, use smaller rugs on either side or at the foot of the bed. Combine natural hides with plush wool for added comfort.
Choosing a Rug for the Dining Space When placing a rug under a dining table, ensure it is large enough to accommodate all chairs, even when they’re pulled out. Typically, add 60cm to the length and width of your table, or the diameter if the table is round.
What Rug Qualities Matter to You?
Ideal for Dining Spaces – Low pile, heat-set polypropylene is stain and moisture-resistant, and retains vibrant color after spills. – Cotton rugs are often machine washable, making cleaning easier. – Wool is naturally stain-resistant and low-pile weaves are the easiest to clean.
Avoid in Dining Spaces – Jute and sisal can be difficult to clean and may stain irreversibly.
For an Organic Look
Ideal – Jute and sisal rugs are perfect for low-traffic areas, offering a natural, understated aesthetic. – Flat-weave wool, especially kilims, suits bohemian styles.
Avoid – Heat-set polypropylene, as its synthetic appearance may clash with a natural look.
Luxurious Underfoot
Ideal – Animal hides offer unbeatable softness. – Sheepskin is perfect for a plush feel, especially near the bed or fireplace. – Wool and silk strike a balance between softness and durability for any room.
Avoid – Synthetic materials may feel soft but lack the luxurious touch of natural fibers. – Jute and sisal can feel rough underfoot.
How to Choose a Rug Style Select a rug style that fits both your home and lifestyle. Consider the traffic in the room, whether you’ll be eating on the rug, and if you have kids or pets. Decide between bold patterns or a neutral palette based on your personal aesthetic.
1. Flatweave Rugs Flatweave rugs, such as kilims or dhurries, have no pile, making them an affordable option for adding style. However, they aren’t as durable as pile rugs, so they’re better suited for low-traffic areas. A rug pad or underlay can help keep them in place.
2. Natural Fiber Rugs These rugs, made from materials like jute, sisal, coir, or seagrass, provide a casual, durable feel. They require frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning, as they don’t handle moisture well.
3. Heat-set Polypropylene Rugs For a durable and soft option, high-quality heat-set polypropylene is a great choice. It’s non-shedding and non-static, making it easy to clean and suitable for high-traffic areas.
4. Pile Rugs Pile rugs can be handmade or machine-made, with materials ranging from wool and silk to synthetic fibers like acrylic and polypropylene. High-quality handmade rugs can last for generations if properly maintained.
5. Wool Rugs Wool rugs are known for their softness, rich texture, and natural water and stain resistance. They’re a great choice for adding warmth and color to living rooms or bedrooms.
6. Indoor/Outdoor Rugs These durable rugs, made from polypropylene or other synthetics, can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are easy to clean and can handle heavy use from kids and pets.
7. Hide Rugs & Sheepskins Hide rugs bring a contemporary, tactile element to a room. They can be natural, dyed, or printed, and are perfect for layering over larger rugs or as standalone pieces.
Rug Shapes
Rectangular Rugs The most common and versatile rug shape, ideal for most room layouts.
Round Rugs Perfect for bedrooms, under round dining tables, or to define a small seating area. Round jute rugs offer an affordable option.
Runners Hallway runners add visual interest and make a great first impression.
Quick Rug Care Guide Care for your rug properly to extend its life.
– Your rug may arrive folded or rolled, and will take a few days to flatten. Some shedding is normal. – Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust. – Address spills immediately by blotting, not rubbing. Use a mild soap and water to treat stains. – Rotate rugs in sunny or high-traffic areas to ensure even wear. – Use rug underlays to keep your rug in place and protect both the floor and rug from friction.
Rugs
What is Polypropylene? Polypropylene is a synthetic material designed with multiple advantages. It combines the softness of silk and wool, offering a luxurious feel while being highly “stain resistant.” This means spills can be easily cleaned if addressed quickly, making it perfect for households with children or pets.
Do Wool Rugs Shed? Yes, wool rugs naturally shed due to the wool fibers, but this is not a defect. The shedding usually decreases over time with regular use. Vacuuming 1-2 times per week will help maintain your rug’s cleanliness and prevent dirt from settling in the pile. Be sure to vacuum gently without using a power head to avoid damaging the wool fibers.
How to Choose a Rug Size When selecting a rug size, consider the dimensions of your space and layout. If you’re unsure, it’s often better to choose a larger size to create a more cohesive and intentional look.
Common rug sizes:
– Small: 120 x 170cm (4′ x 6′)
– Medium: 160 x 230cm (5′ x 7′)
– Large: 200 x 300cm (7′ x 10′)
– Extra Large: 240 x 330cm (9′ x 11′)
– Oversized: Over 300 x 400cm
– Runners: 80x 300-400cm
1. Covering the Whole Living Space In smaller rooms, using a rug that covers most of the floor can act as an alternative to carpeting, creating the illusion of more space. Leave a 20-30cm border between the rug and walls.
2. Expanding a Large Living Room Opt for a large rug that accommodates all your living room furniture. This approach works well in open-plan areas by defining specific spaces.
3. Creating a Cosy Living Area If your rug or budget is limited, placing only the front legs of your sofa and chairs on the rug will help ground the room.
4. Floating Rugs A floating rug can also work if it’s proportional to your furniture, such as beneath a coffee table or sofa.
Choosing a Rug for the Bedroom
1. Classic Bedroom Style Place a large rug under the bed, with the rug extending 45-60cm beyond each side. This creates a cohesive and balanced look, with only the outer edges of the rug’s design visible.
2. Layered Bedroom Style For an eclectic feel, use smaller rugs on either side or at the foot of the bed. Combine natural hides with plush wool for added comfort.
Choosing a Rug for the Dining Space When placing a rug under a dining table, ensure it is large enough to accommodate all chairs, even when they’re pulled out. Typically, add 60cm to the length and width of your table, or the diameter if the table is round.
What Rug Qualities Matter to You?
Ideal for Dining Spaces – Low pile, heat-set polypropylene is stain and moisture-resistant, and retains vibrant color after spills. – Cotton rugs are often machine washable, making cleaning easier. – Wool is naturally stain-resistant and low-pile weaves are the easiest to clean.
Avoid in Dining Spaces – Jute and sisal can be difficult to clean and may stain irreversibly.
For an Organic Look
Ideal – Jute and sisal rugs are perfect for low-traffic areas, offering a natural, understated aesthetic. – Flat-weave wool, especially kilims, suits bohemian styles.
Avoid – Heat-set polypropylene, as its synthetic appearance may clash with a natural look.
Luxurious Underfoot
Ideal – Animal hides offer unbeatable softness. – Sheepskin is perfect for a plush feel, especially near the bed or fireplace. – Wool and silk strike a balance between softness and durability for any room.
Avoid – Synthetic materials may feel soft but lack the luxurious touch of natural fibers. – Jute and sisal can feel rough underfoot.
How to Choose a Rug Style Select a rug style that fits both your home and lifestyle. Consider the traffic in the room, whether you’ll be eating on the rug, and if you have kids or pets. Decide between bold patterns or a neutral palette based on your personal aesthetic.
1. Flatweave Rugs Flatweave rugs, such as kilims or dhurries, have no pile, making them an affordable option for adding style. However, they aren’t as durable as pile rugs, so they’re better suited for low-traffic areas. A rug pad or underlay can help keep them in place.
2. Natural Fiber Rugs These rugs, made from materials like jute, sisal, coir, or seagrass, provide a casual, durable feel. They require frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning, as they don’t handle moisture well.
3. Heat-set Polypropylene Rugs For a durable and soft option, high-quality heat-set polypropylene is a great choice. It’s non-shedding and non-static, making it easy to clean and suitable for high-traffic areas.
4. Pile Rugs Pile rugs can be handmade or machine-made, with materials ranging from wool and silk to synthetic fibers like acrylic and polypropylene. High-quality handmade rugs can last for generations if properly maintained.
5. Wool Rugs Wool rugs are known for their softness, rich texture, and natural water and stain resistance. They’re a great choice for adding warmth and color to living rooms or bedrooms.
6. Indoor/Outdoor Rugs These durable rugs, made from polypropylene or other synthetics, can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are easy to clean and can handle heavy use from kids and pets.
7. Hide Rugs & Sheepskins Hide rugs bring a contemporary, tactile element to a room. They can be natural, dyed, or printed, and are perfect for layering over larger rugs or as standalone pieces.
Rug Shapes
Rectangular Rugs The most common and versatile rug shape, ideal for most room layouts.
Round Rugs Perfect for bedrooms, under round dining tables, or to define a small seating area. Round jute rugs offer an affordable option.
Runners Hallway runners add visual interest and make a great first impression.
Quick Rug Care Guide Care for your rug properly to extend its life.
– Your rug may arrive folded or rolled, and will take a few days to flatten. Some shedding is normal. – Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and dust. – Address spills immediately by blotting, not rubbing. Use a mild soap and water to treat stains. – Rotate rugs in sunny or high-traffic areas to ensure even wear. – Use rug underlays to keep your rug in place and protect both the floor and rug from friction.