Rug Guide
Not sure which rug to get? We're here to help!
Check out our rug guide below for commonly asked questions and more.
FAQ
My rug is shedding like crazy, what's going on?
Shedding is when small pieces of fiber come loose from the rug. Sometimes it might seem like a lot of fiber is coming out of the rug. In fact, this is normal for a new rug and should subside within a couple of months.
Should I rotate my rug?
Rotating the rug 180 degrees every 6 months will ensure that the rug wears evenly.
My rug smells. Is that normal?
In some cases, your rug might have a distinct smell. This smell is non-toxic and will subside after you keep the rug out in the air for a period of time. In some cases, the rug has been wrapped up for a while and has not had a chance to “air out”. The smell will dissipate in a matter of days or weeks.
Do I really need a rug pad?
We recommend a pad under every rug. It will keep your rug in place and help it lay flat.
Which fiber is best for an area rug: natural or synthetic?
Natural and synthetic fibers each possess unique characteristics. Synthetic fibers offer a high degree of abrasion and stain resistance, meaning it is difficult to wear them out. Natural fibers like wool and cotton have been around for centuries and offer vivid colors, excellent wearability and great appearance retention.
How do I store my area rug?
If you are going to store your rug for any length of time it is recommended that you ROLL the rug (do not fold because this can cause creases), wrap it in plastic with moth flakes, then seal the package with tape. Poke a couple of holes in the plastic to allow the rug to breathe.
Should I have my area rug professionally cleaned?
We recommend having your rugs cleaned only when it is needed. If your rug gets heavy use, cleaning once a year is fine. Average wear and tear necessitates a professional cleaning only once every 2-3 years. Regular vacuuming is recommended to keep your rug in the best shape possible.
Why is my area rug fading?
All textiles will fade when exposed to sunlight as well as natural ozone in the air. If your rug is in direct contact with sunlight, its color may become more muted over time. If the rug is partially covered by furniture, you may notice that the exposed portions of the rug have changed color. This is a normal occurrence. We recommend that you keep the shades drawn during the time of day when the rug is exposed to direct sunlight.
Can I use different area rugs in the same room?
Of course! As long as the colors complement one another, it’s perfectly acceptable to have different rugs in the same room. If you prefer a more cohesive feel, you can use similarly patterned and colored rugs in different sizes. We love the on-trend look of layered rugs. Use one of our vibrant kilims and place it over a larger, natural rug!
Construction
Hand-Knotted
What we love most about hand-knotted rugs is the bespoke touch—each rug takes months to make by skilled weavers who are masters at their craft. Every knot in these rugs is intricately tied by hand, making the rugs incredibly durable. This time-intensive construction results in an heirloom-quality rug made of wool, natural fibers, or synthetic materials.
Shag
Shag rugs may be hand-knotted, handmade, or machine-made, and are typically wool, but can also be of synthetic construction. They are crafted from longer yarns to provide a plush pile, perfect for bedrooms and nurseries. Shag area rugs are available in Moroccan, geometric, and neutral styles to blend into any design aesthetic.
Flatweave
Flatweave rugs are crafted on a loom by hand. This loom technique lends these rugs their low-pile texture and also makes them reversible and easy-to-clean. Handwoven construction offers a durable rug that will last for years. Flatweave area rugs are well-suited for under furniture because of their low pile or in a kitchen for durability.
Machine Made
Machine-made rugs offer a consistent pile, pattern, color and design. The machine construction allows for a large range of styles, from flatweaves to shags in a variety of colors and patterns. Machine-made rugs are typically made of synthetic materials, making them easy-to-clean and durable, as well as affordable.
Materials
Cotton
Cotton is a soft natural fiber that is easy to clean. Consider cotton fiber rugs as an alternative to wool rugs as they still offer a natural texture but generally come in at a lower price point and do not shed. While cotton rugs are less durable in high-traffic areas, they still offer a resilient layer that stands up great to spills and everyday use. We recommend cotton rugs for any room, especially a kitchen or casual living space.
Viscose
Viscose is a synthetic fiber made to mimic the look and feel of silk. That means viscose rugs are ultrasoft and have a beautiful sheen that will play to the light in your space. It is important to note that rugs made of viscose or containing viscose need a little extra care. Avoid contact with liquid or moisture as the fibers can crush and stain. Because of this, we do not advise them for a space with pets. Although we usually recommend synthetic rugs for any space, viscose rugs are more suited for low-traffic areas like bedrooms or formal living rooms.
Wool
Wool is a natural fiber that is both durable and resilient. Depending on construction, wool rugs can be quite soft and even plush. Wool rugs have a reputation for shedding, but this shedding will subside over time with regular vacuuming. Use a vacuum cleaner with the beater bar off to avoid tugging at the fibers. In the case of spills, blot with a damp cloth. We recommend wool rugs for any room.
Jute
Natural plant fibers make for strong rugs that hold up well to wear. While these natural fiber rugs are an excellent fit for heavily traveled walkways, avoid exposing these pieces to liquids. They are less resilient to moisture than other natural fiber rugs. For this reason, they may not be the best option for a home with pets or in spaces where spills are a concern. We recommend jute rugs for high-traffic areas like an entryway or living room.
Polypropylene and PET
Polypropylene and recycled polyester (PET) fibers are synthetic threads that are durable and easy to clean. These rugs shed little to none and clean up easily. For spills, use a damp cloth to blot. We recommend synthetic rugs for any space, inside or outside your home, especially in high-traffic areas like an entryway, hallway, and mudroom or areas prone to spills.
Care
Unpacking
Unroll your rug and allow it to air out. Lay flat and the wrinkles will disappear in a few days
Cleaning
- Regular vacuuming is recommended, especially for rugs prone to shedding. Be sure to vacuum with the beater bar off to avoid tugging at the fibers.
- Blot spills with water and a clean towel
Rug Pad
- Prolong your rug's life by using one of rug pads
Occasionally you may need to have your rug cleaned by a professional. Make sure your rug cleaning professional knows the construction of your rug and its fiber content.