Rugs are one of the most essential elements in decorating any space, be it a home or an office. They are available in various sizes, colors, patterns, and materials, which makes it difficult for buyers to choose the right one for their needs. Therefore, it is essential to know what to look for when buying a rug. This guide will provide you with some useful information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a rug:

 

Understanding Rug Types

There are several types of rugs available in the market, and each has its unique characteristics.

A few common types of rugs are:

Persian Rugs: These rugs are hand-woven and come from Iran. They are known for their intricate designs, high quality, and durability. Persian rugs are made from natural fibers such as wool or silk, and they are available in a range of colors.

Oriental Rugs: These rugs come from Asia, and they are known for their intricate designs and vivid colors. They are usually made from wool or silk, and they are available in various sizes.

Kilim Rugs: Kilim rugs are made from flat-woven wool or cotton, and they are usually thin and lightweight. They come in various patterns and colors, and they are perfect for use as a decorative piece on the floor or as a wall hanging.

Shag Rugs: These rugs are made from long, thick fibers that give them a shaggy appearance. They are perfect for use in living rooms, bedrooms, or any space where you want a comfortable and cozy feel.

Tufted Rugs: Tufted rugs are made from machine-tufted synthetic fibers or wool. They are less expensive than hand-woven rugs and are perfect for use in high-traffic areas such as hallways or entryways.

 

Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the right size rug is essential to make your space look balanced and well-proportioned. Here are some tips to help you choose the right size rug:

Measure the room: Measure the room’s dimensions where you want to place the rug. You should leave a minimum of 12-18 inches of floor space around the rug.

Furniture Placement: Consider the placement of furniture in the room. In a living room, for example, a rug should be large enough to accommodate all the furniture pieces. Ideally, all the front legs of the furniture should be on the rug.

Runner Rugs: Runner rugs are perfect for hallways and entryways. They should be long enough to cover the entire length of the hallway or entryway.

 

Understanding Rug Materials

Rug materials play a vital role in its durability, texture, and appearance. Here are some of the most common rug materials:

Wool: Wool is the most popular rug material because it is durable, soft, and easy to clean. It is naturally stain-resistant and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Wool rugs are available in various colors and patterns.

Silk: Silk is a luxurious rug material that is soft and lustrous. It is perfect for use in formal living rooms or bedrooms. Silk rugs are more expensive and require special care.

Cotton: Cotton rugs are lightweight, easy to clean, and perfect for use in casual spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Jute: Jute rugs are made from natural plant fibers and are perfect for use in coastal or beach-inspired spaces. They are durable and easy to clean.

 

Choosing the Right Color and Pattern

Choosing the right color and pattern is essential to create the desired look and feel of the space. Here are some tips to help you choose the right color and pattern:

Consider the existing decor: Choose a rug color and pattern that complements the existing decor in the room. If the room has bold colors, choose a rug with a neutral color palette. If the room has a neutral color palette, choose a rug with a bold color or pattern to add interest.

Size of the room: Choose a rug color and pattern that is proportionate to the size of the room. In a small room, choose a rug with a smaller pattern and lighter color to make the room appear larger.

Functionality: Consider the purpose of the room when choosing a rug color and pattern. For example, in a high-traffic area such as a hallway, choose a rug with a darker color and a simple pattern to hide dirt and stains.

 

Understanding Rug Quality

Rug quality is determined by several factors, including the materials used, the weaving technique, and the rug’s density. Here are some things to consider when evaluating rug quality:

Materials: The quality of the materials used to make the rug will affect its durability and texture. High-quality materials such as wool and silk will last longer and feel softer than synthetic materials.

Weaving technique: Hand-woven rugs are generally of higher quality than machine-made rugs. Hand-woven rugs have more intricate designs and are made with better quality materials.

Density: A rug’s density refers to the number of knots per square inch. The higher the density, the more durable the rug will be. A rug with a higher density will also feel softer and more luxurious.

Popular Rug Types & Their Attributes

 

Rug Type	Construction	Materials	Features	Size	Style	Price Range
Persian	Hand-knotted	Wool	Intricate patterns, fringes	3’x5′ to 10’x14′	Traditional	$300 – $30,000
Moroccan	Handmade	Wool	Shaggy texture, geometric patterns	3’x5′ to 9’x12′	Bohemian, Mid-century Modern	$150 – $5,000
Kilim	Flatweave	Wool or cotton	Geometric patterns, reversible	2’x3′ to 9’x12′	Rustic, Southwestern	$50 – $5,000
Flokati	Hand-tufted	Wool	Soft, fluffy texture	2’x3′ to 9’x12′	Shaggy, Scandinavian	$50 – $2,000
Shag	Machine-made	Synthetic fibers or wool	Long pile, plush texture	3’x5′ to 9’x12′	Contemporary	$50 – $2,000
Oriental	Hand-knotted	Wool or silk	Intricate patterns, fringes	3’x5′ to 10’x14′	Traditional	$300 – $30,000
Braided	Handmade	Cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers	Durable, reversible	2’x3′ to 9’x12′	Country, Rustic	$50 – $1,500
Jute	Handwoven	Jute	Textured, eco-friendly	2’x3′ to 9’x12′	Coastal, Bohemian	$50 – $1,000
Sisal	Machine-made	Sisal or other natural fibers	Durable, textured	3’x5′ to 9’x12′	Coastal, Modern	$50 – $2,000
Berber	Handmade	Wool	Thick pile, textured	3’x5′ to 9’x12′	Moroccan, Bohemian	$150 – $2,000
Turkish	Hand-knotted	Wool or silk	Floral or geometric patterns, fringes	3’x5′ to 10’x14′	Traditional	$300 – $30,000
Overdyed	Handmade	Wool or silk	Distressed look, vibrant colors	3’x5′ to 10’x14′	Contemporary, Vintage	$500 – $10,000

 

 

If you’re looking for a stunning and versatile rug to add character and comfort to your home, then look no further than Rugs.com!