What to Look For
Here is a hot list from the experts of important things to look for when you are out hunting for this big ticket item.
The most common sizes are 4’x 6’ and 6’x 9’ – these both work well under a coffee table. There is also an 8’x11’ or larger rug can cover an entire room.
Some companies make to order if you need a size other than the standards. Usually these are slightly more expensive than the stock sizes and cannot be returned. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least one foot around perimeter of room to create contrast between the floor and rug.
Some experts think all furniture has to either be on or off rug, but many now accept that furniture can have two legs on and two legs off, for example.
Underlay or Cushion
This feature keeps rugs from slipping and creeping, which can be a matter of safety. There are different types for hardwood floor, tile, marble and other carpet. This absorbs the impact of feet and noise and reduces wear and tear on rug. It makes vacuuming much easier and helps protect the floor underneath.
Construction
Handmade rugs range from a person using a tool to tuft the rug to someone actually spinning the yarn and knotting each rug. Hand knotted rugs are more labour intensive.
Machine Made rugs are made in massive quantities using power tufting machines and looms using almost any type of yarn. Today the computerized looms can mimic more intricate and labour intensive handmade rugs at greatly reduced costs.
Fibre
The type of fibre will aid in determining the appearance and performance of the rug. Here is a list of the most common fibers found in rugs.
Acrylic fibre has the appearance of wool at a much lower cost.
It is sometimes blended with other fibres.
Cotton is noted for softness and performance.
Nylon is wear and soil resistant and easily cleaned. It withstands heavy traffic and weight and movement of furniture and offers an unlimited variety of brilliant colors.
Olefin (Polypropylene) is a predominant machine-woven synthetic fiber.
The material is strong and colorfast with a soft wool-like feel at a more affordable price.
It resists wear and stains.
Silk is often used as an accent color on high-end wool rugs. It has a very soft and luxurious feel.
Wool is noted for durability along with its luxury and softness.
It is available in many colors.
Colour
Your rug should complement paint and furniture colors.
Take a swatch of fabric from furniture or drapes or paint chip with you if trying to match colors.
Remember that light coloured rugs make a room look more spacious, but tend to show off dirt more.
Deeper colours tend to make a room smaller and cosier.
Shape
Do not be limited by rectangular shape. Rugs come in all shapes and sizes!
What's Out There
Aubussons Rugs
These rugs are of French origin and feature hand stitched tapestry weaves. The identifying characteristic is the center medallion and most are made of formal designs in soft pastel colours.
Braided Rugs
These are very simple coiled rugs made by braiding cloth strips and then stitching them together. This creates a casual look – good for kitchen, family room or country style house. The rugs are also reversible and hide stains well.
Dhurrie Rugs
These are one of least expensive decorative area rugs. They are thick flat-woven wool and are reversible. The rugs contain geometric designs with animals, flowers and people in muted colours. They are made predominantly in India.
Kilims Rugs
These rugs originate in Turkey and other parts of the Middle East and they tend to be more vibrant and geometric. These tend to be flat-woven and are well imitated by today’s machine-made rugs.
Oriental Rugs
These are quite expensive but usually a good investment, as value can increase over time. They are characterized by large-scale patterns, medallions, and corner motifs. The decorations are meaningful, symbols of good health and prosperity. Children are often used to make these as their smaller hands can produce smaller details. Some countries, such as the United States, have moved to restrict the import of goods made by exploitative child labour.
Persian Rugs
These are a type of Oriental carpet from central Asia.
Sisal Rugs
These are made of braided leaves of the agave plant. This tightly woven rug is characterized by herringbone or geometric pattern. The rug can stain easily and can be scratchy underfoot.
Tibetan Rugs
Tibetan rugs are known for their thick pile and muted colors. The designs are often less crisply defined than classic Orientals. These can be very expensive.
Our Tests
We tested the stain resistance of some different kinds of area rugs. Using rug samples, we set out to soil some carpets in the name of market research.
We stained four kinds of carpets:
1. sisel
2. wool
3. nylon
4. polypropylene
We stained the samples with ketchup, mustard, coffee, and coyote urine.
We used soda water to remove the stains. The sisal was the worst for getting stains out, while the polypropylene was the best – there were no traces left. The nylon still showed traces of mustard and ketchup stains, and with the wool, the stains went away, but the carpet looked worn.
In the end, wool was still our favourite, but polypropylene may be best for homes with kids and pets.
Buying It
If you are decorating from scratch, better to buy the rug first and then pick other furnishings to complement it. Think about the room you are buying the rug for. How often is it used, by whom and how much furniture will cover it?
Secondly, try to find a reputable dealer, someone who has a long history in the business and references from friends or designers. Many rug dealers with bring several selections to your house so that you can actually see how they will look in the room.
Finally consider how much you want to spend before you step out the door.
Rugs range from very inexpensive to phenomenally expensive depending on what materials are used, how well it is made, and the degree of artistry or intricacy in their design. A rug that is handmade will be more expensive than one machine made. Wool and silk rugs dominate the high end of the market. Beware of liquidation or going out of business sales, regular prices usually over inflated to make it appear as though you are getting a good deal.
After You Buy
Here are a few quick tips from the experts on how to ensure your rug lasts for life.
Vacuum rug regularly to remove loose soil – be sure to vacuum edges and avoid fringe.
Always follow manufacturers recommended cleaning methods to prevent damage and warranty invalidation. Some throw rugs can be machine washed but most need to be professionally deep cleaned. Spot clean certain stains, such as coffee, immediately for best results.
Many companies, such as DuPont, offering stain resistant rugs. This is a great idea for young families.
In order to ensure even wear on a rug you should flip or rotate it every six months or year.
You lie on it, you walk on it, your kids play on it and hopefully your pet just sleeps on it.
The right area rug does more than just pull a room together. It has to be comfortable, durable and stain resistant.
The Shopping Bags went shopping for the best area rugs. They talked to the experts about which rugs are best when it comes to withstanding the wear and tear of every day life.