Area Rug Buying Guide

Filed Under: News & Blog › Knowledgebase

Here at Rugs HQ we offer a vast selection of all different types of Rugs. By taking a few minutes and reading over our Area Rug Buying Guide you will be one step closer to choosing your perfect Rug!

Construction

Most of the modern-day rugs are made with the same techniques used by master weavers for hundreds of years. The finest hand-woven rugs still require a substantial amount of time and an extensive amount of attention to detail. While machine-made rugs can be made much faster, they still use the same basic techniques. Usually the quality and price of your rug is determined by the construction time and the talent of the weaver.

There are many things to consider when choosing a rug, for example, texture and appearance. Here are a few examples of the different types of rugs there are.

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Hand-knotting requires the most labor. Master weavers tie individual knots to the warp yarns. These make up the length of a rug. Together, these knots form the actual surface, or pile, of the rug. Inevitably, the more knots there are, the more durable and valuable the rug. Another interesting aspect is that every hand-knotted rug is different. So, you are always getting something unique.

Tufted Rugs

Tufted rugs are created without knots so they are easier to manufacture. These rugs are made with loops of yarn that are simply pulled through a rug’s backing material. This can be done either by machine or hand-held tool. The loops are then trimmed to create a smooth, cut-pile surface. Even the highest-quality tufted rugs can be produced fairly quickly and inexpensively because less work is involved. Tufted rugs are inclined to shed more than other rugs, which may require vacuuming more frequently.

Hooked Rugs

Hooking is similar to tufting; the only difference is that the yarn loops stay intact. In a hooked rug, loops of yarn are pulled through the rug’s backing material by machine or with a hand-held hooking needle. Instead of being trimmed like the tufted rugs, the loops are left alone which creates a knobby, embroidered look.

Flat-Woven Rugs

Flat-woven rugs are different from the ones we just explained above. They do not have a pile but instead the rug's vertical yarns (warps) are simply woven through the horizontal yarns (wefts). Flat-woven rugs can also be produced by hand or machine like the others.

Braided Rugs

Braided rugs are like flat-weaves and do no not have a pile. These types of rugs are usually reversible. Yarns are braided into one continuous rope that is then sewn together in a spiral fashion. The result is a very strong and durable piece that can hold up in almost any environment.

Rug Materials

Every fiber or fabric has its own distinctive characteristics and advantages. When choosing a rug you should consider a few things first. Will your rug be in a room you use a lot or not so much? Will it be underneath furniture or on its own? The materials used in a rug change the look, feel and performance of a rug. Read over the different types of fibers there are, to decide what kinds of rugs would be perfect for you.

Wool Rugs

Wool is produced from the fleece of sheep. It is a natural fiber that is known for its strength, durability and luxurious softness. Higher-quality wools usually come from New Zealand or Tibet. This is because their sheep produce high levels of lanolin. This natural substance enhances the fiber's strength and texture. The benefits of wool are that it is soft, durable, and easy to clean. When looking into buying a wool rug you must consider that they are prone to early shedding and sometimes color fading.

Silk Rugs

Silk is a natural protein fiber and is usually mixed with other rug fabrics to produce a unique softness and shine. Silk’s distinctive structure refracts light at different angles which gives it a shimmering appearance. Silk is created from harvested larvae cocoons of silkworms and the production process can be difficult and very time-consuming. Because of this, even the smallest addition of silk can increase a rug's cost. The benefits of silk are that it is very soft, strong and has a beautiful shine. Things to consider when buying a silk rug is that it is more difficult to clean and can show footprints.

Cotton Rugs

Cotton is made right from the cotton plant. This natural fiber is very soft and strong. Cotton area rugs can come in many different colors and designs because it easily absorbs a mixture of dyes. The fabric also makes a great backing material and helps the rug keep its shape while lying flat against the floor. The benefits of cotton are that they are easy to clean and are machine-washable. They are also biodegradable. Some things to consider are that cotton rugs attract dust easily and wear quickly.

Grass Fibers Rugs

Some example of grass fibers used in rugs are Jute, Sisal and Coir. Grass fibers are extracted from different respective plants and these fibers are generally flat-woven to produce extremely durable and resilient rugs. Producing these rugs is environmentally friendly because the fibers are processed without adding harsh chemicals. The benefits of grass fiber rugs are that they are extremely durable, resilient, strong and highly textured. Some things to consider when looking into a grass fiber rug are that they have a coarse feel and are prone to stains.

Synthetic Rugs

Synthetic simply means man-made. These fibers are created from materials such as nylon, polypropylene, acrylic and viscose. These materials are often used to copy the characteristics of natural fibers in area rugs. For example, polypropylene is frequently used as an inexpensive, but comparably soft substitute for wool. Some benefits for a synthetic rug are that they are usually strong, stain-resistant and great for high-traffic areas. Some things to consider are that synthetic rugs crush easily under heavy furniture.

Rug Sizes

When shopping for a rug, you have to make sure to measure your space carefully and be absolutely sure of the size you need. It is important to have the rug fit the space well. Use a measuring tape to find out the exact dimensions you will need. Here are a few tips for rooms in your home.

Dining Room Rugs

An 8’ x 10’ rug is the most common size for a dining room. Before buying your perfect rug make sure to measure your space and the area around the table with all of the chairs pulled out. Sometimes people don’t take into consideration that to sit down you must pull the chair out first and if the rug is too big this causes the chairs to be wobbly and sit on an uneven surface.

Living & Family Room Rugs

In living and family rooms there is really no right or wrong way to place your rug. It all depends on your personal preference. Use the center of the room as the primary focal point and plan from there.

Bedroom Rugs

Adding a rug in your bedroom can give you that feeling of complete. It is a great way to add extra softness as well as soundproofing your bedroom. When looking into buying the right size it all depends on how big of a rug you want. You can either choose a rug that fits the width of your bed or you can cover the space beneath your nightstands as well.

Kitchen, Hallway & Foyer Rugs

It’s important to always use a tape measure before purchasing a rug. Runners and round area rugs are great for your kitchen, hallway and foyer. They can fill in those narrower spaces and nooks around your home.

Rug Care & Cleaning

After you've done your research and are ready to buy your perfect rugs, you should learn the right way to care for them. Here are some things to remember.

Spills, Spots & Sunlight

The best way to clean spills is to immediately blot the affected area. Make sure to never wipe or rub the spills because this could make the stain worse and fray the yarns. Sunlight can cause some rugs to fade so if it is possible try to position your rug away from the sun.

Regular Maintenance & Storage

By regularly taking care of your rug, you will prolong the life of the rug. Some things you can do to maintain your rug is to shake or vacuum both sides of your rug regularly. By rotating your rug about once every six months you can prevent uneven wear from foot traffic and furniture weight. When storing your rug, the best way is to roll it up with the pattern facing out and place it in a dry, well-ventilated space. Also, for extra protection you can wrap the rug in a breathable cloth which is better for the rug than an airtight bag.

Rug Pads

Rug pads are used not just for slippage but also to help preserve the life of your rug. Rug pads provide a soft and supportive foundation which helps protect the rug from everyday wear. Most rug pads can also be cut with scissors to match the exact size and shape of your rug.