Getting Started Consider these points before beginning the search for the perfect rug. |
| Which room will it be in? Will it be under furniture? Measure the size of the area. Knowing the size needed will allow you to shop for rugs that are available in the size to fit your space. Whether using texture as a visual element in your decor or for softness underfoot, you will want to determine your preference. Do you prefer a flat rug or a thick rug? Is handcrafted important to you or is machine made suitable? Rug shapes aren’t limited to rectangles. Round, oval, and octagon shapes can add a unique focal point to your room. Runners are perfect along counters and in hallways. | Will it be placed in a low-, medium-, or high-traffic area? Avoid hooked rugs in high-traffic areas. Many patterned rugs hide dirt well, suiting them for high-traffic areas. Do you prefer wool, polyester, etc.? Do you want a cloth-covered back for a tailored finish? If the rug will be the focal point, choose one with a central design. Rugs with a repetitive or overall design are better for areas with an existing focal point. Consider the design elements of nearby furnishings so the rug design doesn't compete with them. Choose colors that coordinate with your furnishings and decor. Lighter colors will make the area seem more spacious. Darker colors lend a cozy atmosphere. Choose a rug that will be easy for you to care for. Some rugs are machine washable, while others should be cleaned by a professional. How often a rug needs to be cleaned will depend on how much foot traffic there is in the area it will be placed. |
Know Your Weave The construction method and density of the weave, as well as the material, contribute to the texture of the rug. |
| Machine Made Mechanically woven by large machines. The stitches seen from the back of the rug are uniform and in a straight line.  | Hand Knotted Yarns are knotted by hand around the warp threads to create the pile. A good craftsman can tie 10,000 knots/day.  |
| Tufted Loops of yarn are pulled through a rug’s backing material, then sheared to create a smooth, cut-pile surface.  | Hooked Like tufting, except the yarn loops are left uncut to create a knobby, embroidered-looking surface.  |
| Braided Yarns are braided into one continuous rope that is then stitched together in a spiral. This rug type doesn’t have pile.  | Flat Woven The rug’s vertical yarns (warps) are simply woven through the horizontal yarns (wefts). This creates no pile.  |
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Hall & Foyer Rugs Use area rugs to create a welcoming space for your guests’ arrival. Use shaped rugs to add interest. |
 Choose a rug that is durable and easy to clean for halls and foyers. Entryway rugs are often slightly wider than the doorway in order to accommodate more than one person. Shaped rugs and runners are good choices for these areas. If the rug doesn’t have a non-skid backing, a rug pad is recommended to help keep the rug in place. |
Living Room Rugs In order to select the correct size area rug, be sure to measure furnishings as well as the room. |
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| Anchor the rug with at least the front legs positioned on it. A handy tip to consider is to use furniture coasters under the back legs of seating when the front legs are used to anchor an area rug. The coaster will help balance the height of the seating. |
Dining Room Rugs Choose a rug large enough to allow chairs to still be on the rug when seated at the table. |
 Choose a rug that is at least 24" larger than the table on all sides. For example, if the table measures 4'x6', select a rug that is at least 8'x10' to allow room for the chairs to remain on the rug when people are seated at the table. |
Bedroom Rugs Leave at least 18" of rug on either side of the bed. |
 Area rugs in bedrooms are perfect for keeping bare feet from touching cold floors and are a great way to showcase your bed. |
Shaped Rugs Show your flair for design with an intriguing shaped rug. |
 Floral shaped rugs allow you to bring the beautiful flowers you adore into your home year-round. Other shapes, such as shells, enhance themed decor. |
Outdoor/Patio Rugs Make your outdoor living space as comfortable and inviting as the inside of your home. |
 Choose an outdoor rug that is appropriate for your space. Many can be hosed off for easy cleaning. We recommend the use of an outdoor rug pad. |
Kitchen Rugs Choose a rug or mat that serves a function while making a design statement. |
 Kitchen-safe rugs and mats can cushion your feet while you prepare meals. Comfort mats are ideal for those who spend a lot of time on their feet in the kitchen. Be sure to choose an easy-to-clean rug or mat to protect your investment. Indoor/outdoor rugs are a good choice for kitchens as well since they are easy to clean. |
Bathroom Rugs Add safety to the bathroom with a rug that features a non-skid backing. |
 Most rugs designed especially for the bathroom have a non-skid rubber backing. This is especially helpful near the tub/shower. If the rug you choose does not have this safety feature, use a rug pad to help keep the rug in place. Comfort mats provide a soft cushion on which to stand. Indoor/outdoor rugs also work great in bathrooms. |
Caring for Your Rug Here are a few tips to help you protect your investment. |
Whether imported or made in the USA, your rug’s design and craftsmanship are superb. With proper care it will add beauty and charm to your home for years to come. Please take a few moments to read the following list of things you should know about your new rug and the care it needs:
- Handmade rugs may have slight differences in color and design from the image that you see in the catalog or online. Depending on the angle from which you view them, rugs may look darker or lighter. These characteristics simply enhance the uniqueness of the work.
- Hand-tufted or hand-knotted rugs may have clippings on them because the yarns have been hand cut.
- If it is a hand-hooked rug, you may see a piece of yarn sticking up on the surface. Do not pull on it or it may unravel. Simply slip the loose yarn down under another one of the loops using a crochet hook.
- Rugs made of wool that have been confined to their packaging may smell musty; similarly, chemicals used to set the dyes may cause an odor. Plan to allow ample time for your rug to air out before use.
- Rugs are rolled for shipment. Please allow time for the rug to relax.
- Vacuum regularly and rotate annually. When vacuuming, do not use a beater bar machine, as it will loosen the rug fibers over time. We recommend the use of a rug pad to protect the rug and the underlying surface and to prevent color transfer.
- For minor spills, clean immediately by blotting with a cloth or sponge. For rugs used over carpeting, remove the rug from the carpeting before cleaning and do not put back onto the carpet until the rug is completely dry. For major spills, professionally clean.
- Do not place the rug in damp areas or moisten the rug with liquids, as dampness may cause deterioration. To help prevent fading, do not place the rug in areas of direct sunlight.
- To help protect the backing, roll the rug when storing; do not fold.
Check care label for cleaning instructions. Many can be hosed off for easy cleaning.
| Shop Machine Washable Rugs Shop Outdoor Area Rugs Shop All Area Rugs |
Terms These common terms will help you navigate your way through purchasing a new rug. |
Backing Material that forms the back of the rug, regardless of type of construction. Used to stabilize the yarns. Binding A strip sewed over the edge to protect against unraveling. Border Bands of designs around the edge of a rug to frame the center field. Carving A decorative cutting process often utilizing hand tools to define or accentuate certain details of the design. Corner Design Pattern that is repeated in corners that frequently is one section of the center medallion. Density Closeness of pile; determined by yarn size and the number of tufts in a square yard. Field The central portion contained within the border(s). High-Low or Hi-Lo Pile Multi-level pile, sometimes combining cut and looped surface yarns. Knot Count The number of knots per square inch which determines the density or gauge of a rug. Higher counts are better quality. Luster Wash Chemical wash used to add softness and a luxurious sheen. Open Field Large amount of rug area without a design. Pile The part the consumer sees. The face, in which upright yarns, whether looped or cut, form the wearing surface on which people walk; sometimes called the nap. Polypropylene Synthetic textile fiber used as a wool-like yarn. Thickness The height of the rug including the pile and backing. Tuft Cut or uncut loops forming the face of a tufted or machine woven rug. Wilton Woven Constructed on jacquard looms which use punch cards to control the selection of yarn. Resembles a hand-knotted rug but is machine made. Woolmark® Meets international standards which include: 100% new wool pile, minimum total pile weight, and moth resistance. |