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Rugs.com Presents: Rugs 101


Finding the perfect rug can be exciting. When you've found the rug that checks all your boxes, you need to know how to properly care for it. If you make a spill or your precious pup has an accident, there's no need to pay exorbitant fees to have your rugs professionally cleaned or even replaced. There are steps you can take to not only clean your rugs, but also prevent staining from happening in the first place. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to clean a rug at home.

Regular maintenance and upkeep

Of course, the best way to deal with stains is to keep them from happening in the first place. Regular maintenance of your carpets and rugs goes a long way toward keeping them looking great and your home feeling cozy.

Vacuum rugs often

At a minimum, rugs and carpets should be vacuumed once a week or every two weeks. For high traffic areas, consider vacuuming more frequently, up to twice a day. To keep your rug smelling fresh, try sprinkling a bit of baking soda on the surface before vacuuming to neutralize odors. Finally, make sure not to use the beater bar (this is especially important when cleaning shag rugs!) and lower the airflow setting to avoid damaging the fibers of the rug and prolong its life.

Rotate rugs to even out wear

Rugs don't always wear evenly. It's likely that there are parts of your rug that get more traffic than others, especially if it partially extends under furniture. It could also be that your window layout means sunlight beats down on one section more than another, leading to unsightly faded spots. To avoid these potential problems, simply get in the habit of rotating your rug 180 degrees about every 6 months or so to even wear.

Have a rug cleaner on hand

Since most stains are easiest to clean when you act quickly, having a good rug cleaner on hand pays off in a big way. While some people will want to have a whole collection of different formulas for every type of spill imaginable, most people will only need a reliable all-purpose cleaner. We recommend keeping a bottle of Uni-Cleaner on hand to deal with the majority of common spills and stains.

While regularly vacuuming your rug is an important part of keeping it looking great, there are some Rugs.com collections where you need to be mindful of the pile height of your rug and the machine being used to clean it.

The most important question is whether your vacuum has a "beater bar." The "beater bar" is used to beat, vibrate, or agitate the carpet to free debris for suction. Most modern vacuums have this agitation function built into the brush roll. To be clear, a "beater bar" is not technically the brush, but rather part of the roll itself. Not only can this agitation be harmful to your rug, but the brush can inflict damage as well.

Regardless of the rug design that you are cleaning with a vacuum, we recommend avoiding the use of a beater bar, or brush (especially with medium- and high-pile rugs). Some vacuums have the convenient ability to turn off or remove the brush/beater bar. If switching off the beater bar isn't an option, we suggest using a canister-style "Shop-Vac," or other vacuums that do not use abrasion as part of the cleaning technology. Of course, if you have a smaller rug, you may just give it a good old-fashioned beating outdoors with a broom handle or other blunt instrument.

The guidance above is aimed at extending the life of your rug. We understand that our customers spend their hard-earned money on our floor coverings, so it is important for us to ensure you get the most out of your investment. As always, if you have any other questions or concerns regarding the cleaning of your rugs, please contact customer service and we will be more than happy to help!

Regularly vacuuming your rug is an important part of keeping it looking great. How often you vacuum depends on largely on the material of your rug and how much traffic it sees. For most rugs, vacuuming every 1 to 2 weeks will be sufficient. In high-traffic areas, you may want to vacuum up to twice a day.

When vacuuming your rug (especially high-pile and shag rugs) you should turn the beater bar off to avoid damaging the pile. You can also keep your rug smelling fresh by sprinkling baking soda on the surface before vacuuming to neutralize odors.

With most basic stains on machine-made rugs, the key is to act quickly.

  1. Remove any physical debris from the area. Avoid using a paper towel or a rag at this point so you don't push the debris further into the pile. It's best to use a tool like a fork or a spoon to gently lift the dirt up and away.
  2. Dab the area gently with a damp paper towel and treat with a stain-removal solution. We recommend Uni-Cleaner as it safely cleans the toughest stains (such as fruit juice, oil, ketchup, wine, coffee, salsa) from upholstery, carpet, and other water-safe fabrics.
  3. Air dry. If available, using a fan can get the job done quicker!
  4. Repeat this process as necessary for stubborn spills.

Pet stains are among the most common and most dreaded stains people will have to deal with. Left untreated, urine stains will start to smell. That means these stains not only look bad but can pose potential health risks too.

The most important thing to know with pet stains is to never use a steam cleaner. The high heat involved will only amplify the smell and help set the stain. Instead, treat them like any other stain, but use a cleaner designed to deal with pet stains. These are specially formulated to counteract the foul-smelling and potentially dangerous chemicals found in urine.

Act quickly, avoid heat, and remember to lightly dab rather than scrub, and pet stains will be no problem.

Look for low-pile and/or flatweave rugs

No matter how hard you try to stop it, if you're living with a dog it's inevitable that muddy paws will eventually touch your rug. Low-pile and flatweave rugs ease the pain of this eventuality by being extremely easy to clean.

The short fibers of a low-pile rug have a hard time hanging on to dirt, while flatweave rugs have no pile to grab dirt with at all! With these rugs, a quick vacuum or shake is usually all you need to remove everyday messes.

Consider indoor/outdoor rugs

Typically flatweave rugs made of a synthetic material like polypropylene, these tough rugs are designed to stand up to the elements. They'll handle Fido with ease. And, thanks to a variety of patterns both modern and traditional, it's easy to find a great rug that fits just as well in a living room as it does on a patio.

Pet-Friendly Rug Patterns

Not only do patterned rugs look beautiful and emphasize your style, they also can go a long way toward hiding dirt and keeping your home looking clean. Generally, more intricate patterns will be better at this than simpler patterns. Traditional or abstract designs tend to be better for homes with pets, while simpler geometric designs or solid rugs should be avoided.

You should also consider the color of your pets when picking the color of your rug. Dark colors are usually better at hiding dirt and stains, but not if you have a light-colored pup! If your dog or cat sheds a lot, try to match the color of your rug to the color of their coat to keep your home looking clean.

Most rugs on the market today are made from synthetic materials like polypropylene, polyester and acrylic. These rugs do a good job of mimicking wool and cotton rugs for a fraction of their price and require no special care considerations. However, it is important to manage expectations with synthetic rugs. Unlike wool, cotton, and other porous natural fibers, synthetic fibers are very smooth. This means they will show dirt more readily, will not hold dye as well, and will tend to fade over time. Luckily, with regular maintenance, these issues can be mitigated.

We recommend using our Uni-Cleaner. Our Uni-Cleaner safely cleans the toughest stains (such as fruit juice, oil, ketchup, wine, coffee, salsa) from upholstery, carpet, and other water-safe fabrics. It protects from oily stains and soil by penetrating the fabric with proprietary soil & stain repellent. After using Unique Loom Fabric Cleaner, your fabric will resist re-soiling, become easier to clean, and stay soft. Uni-Cleaner is safe and approved for use on stain-resistant carpets.

As always, avoid using water to clean your rug and dry any spills as quickly as possible.

From small mats to medium and large area rugs, people enjoy the long soft fibers in shags but cleaning them presents a few challenges. Cleaning shag rugs the same way you clean shorter pile rugs can damage them. Methods you would usually use, an upright vacuum cleaner, for example, can lead to shedding, deterioration, and even shape distortion. Following recommended cleaning steps will ensure a longer life for your shag.

Shake & Beat!

We recommend using our Uni-Cleaner. Our Uni-Cleaner safely cleans the toughest stains (such as fruit juice, oil, ketchup, wine, coffee, salsa) from upholstery, carpet, and other water-safe fabrics. It protects from oily stains and soil by penetrating the fabric with proprietary soil & stain repellent. After using Unique Loom Fabric Cleaner, your fabric will resist re-soiling, become easier to clean, and stay soft. Uni-Cleaner is safe and approved for use on stain-resistant carpets.

Shake & Beat!

Like any small rug, spot shag rugs can be energetically shaken outside to remove dust and dirt. Hang them outside for an hour or so to let the sun deodorize them. For larger rugs that you can't shake out, you have to beat them. It may feel like you've gone back to the 1930s but get someone to help you and hang the rug over a clothesline, porch rail, or fence and start beating. You can use a broom, but, believe it or not, rug beaters are still available for purchase and work best. A good beating will remove debris, dust, and dirt. The sun is a natural deodorizer and will kill both bacteria and dust mites. Only leave a rug out for an hour or two. You don't want the sun's rays to fade the color. Make sure to shake or beat out the padding, too.

Vacuum

If you can't beat or shake it or those methods don't do enough, you can vacuum with a hand-held vacuum or the upholstery tools on your machine. If you use an upright on a shag rug, the long fibers can get caught and pulled, causing damage to the rug. To use an upright, make sure it's on its highest setting. There are machines on the market with setting specifically for long-fibered rugs. You can also turn the rug over and clean the back with an upright. You'd be surprised how much dust can get pulled through the backing and vacuuming from the back prevents fibers from catching. It's best not to use shag rugs in high-traffic areas, and you should vacuum or shake them regularly to keep dirt from getting ground in and the fibers from becoming matted.

Dry Shampoo

While you're vacuuming, using a dry shampoo designed for rugs is fine. It helps deodorize and neutralize odors from pets and smoke. Follow the directions for the product you choose, but generally, you sprinkle the powder on, wait a specified period of time, and vacuum it out. I like to use my rubber rake to pull the powder through the rug before using a hand tool to vacuum.

Rake

If you've never had a rubber rake, you're missing a great cleaning tool. Also sometimes called a rubber broom and originally designed for use in barns, indoor rakes are terrific for combing debris out of rugs. Besides cleaning them, the rake fluffs up the long, loose fibers and turns them all in the same direction. As for rubber rakes or brooms, you can use them to scrub time or cement floors to get up stuck-on food, etc., without damaging the surface. Great for pool cleaning, too.

Washing and Stain Removal

You can wash small rugs by hand but not in a washing machine (unless stated). Fill the bathtub with warm water and add detergent. Make sure the detergent is recommended for the rug's material. Submerge the rug and scrub softly with your hands or a very soft brush. Drain the tub and rinse the rug thoroughly. Squeegee out as much water as possible with your hands and hang (outside if possible) to dry.

For larger rugs, you can spot clean, especially for stains. If you spill something, blot it up as soon as possible with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Do not rub because it will push the substance further into the fibers and backing. Once you have removed as much as you can, you can clean the area. To clean, use equal amounts of white vinegar and water to blot with a microfiber cloth. Repeat the process with clean cloths until nothing more comes up.

Steam Cleaners and Professionals

If you are faced with an extremely dirty shag rug, do what you can first with the above methods. Beat, shake and vacuum to remove as much dirt as you can. Rent a steam cleaner (unless you have one) and follow the directions for a long-fibered carpet. If you decide to hire professionals, search your local rug cleaners for experts in cleaning shag rugs, but be prepared to pay more than you would for other rugs. Be sure to check your cleaner's license and read customer reviews before engaging them.

Enjoy your shag rugs. Clean them frequently and attack stains as soon as they happen. These steps can prevent the need for expensive professional cleaning.

For set-in stains, the best thing to do is give the whole rug a thorough deep cleaning. Keep reading before you run out to rent a machine or call an expensive professional service, though. While these options certainly can make things easier or more convenient, it's surprisingly easy to deep clean a rug yourself with household cleaners.

Check the label

If your rug has a care label, consult it before attempting any deep cleaning and follow any instructions it offers. This label will let you know if there are any special considerations you should take or even if you should avoid cleaning entirely. If your rug has a jute backing, for example, you should not attempt this kind of deep cleaning, as it will be very hard to dry the rug. It may end up developing foul-smelling mold or mildew.

Prepare your workstation and tools

Before you start, set up a space to work outside. Ideally, this will be somewhere sunny where you can let the rug dry for a while when you're done. This also means the best time to do a deep cleaning is in the spring or summer when you can take advantage of the sunlight. Good candidates are a sloped driveway or a deck with a railing you can drape the rug over. Avoid setting up on your lawn, as you don't want cleaners soaking into the grass. You'll also need the following materials:

  • Rug shampoo or mild dish detergent
  • Bucket
  • Soft-bristle brush or sponge
  • Water

Vacuum the rug

Your first step should be to give the rug a thorough vacuuming on both sides of the rug to loosen debris. If it still appears to be dusty, don't be afraid to whack it with a broom a few times to knock out any additional trapped debris.

Clean with rug shampoo or mild detergent

When using a rug shampoo, follow the mixing instructions provided. If you use dish detergent instead, a few capfuls in a bucket of warm water should be enough. Test on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for colorfastness. If all goes well, rinse the whole rug with a garden hose, then gently start working your cleaning solution into the rug with the soft brush. You shouldn't need to work too hard, just let the cleaner do its work. Let the rug sit for a few minutes or as directed by your shampoo, then rinse it again with the hose.

Dry fully

This might be the most important step: make sure your rug is completely dry before you bring it inside. Depending on the material and construction of your rug, this can take time—don't rush it! Failure to completely dry your rug before bringing it inside can lead to mold, mildew, bacteria, bad smells, and permanent damage to the rug or floor it ends up covering. You can help this process along by having the rug laid out on a sloped driveway or draped over a deck railing or clothesline. If you have access to one, you might consider setting up a box fan to speed things up. Flip the rug periodically to help it dry evenly on both sides.

Vacuum again

Finally, give the rug one more vacuum to remove any dirt loosened up by the deep cleaning that was not already rinsed away. Your rug should be looking good as new!

Cleaning Outdoor Rugs the Easy Way

Typically made with durable, stain-resistant polypropylene, indoor/outdoor rugs are made to get messy. Thanks to their tough materials and flatweave construction, it's very easy to clean outdoor rugs.

In cases of light dirt, you can freshen up your rug with a simple rinse from the garden hose.

To dry the rug, you can simply leave it where it is! Dry time will depend upon how sunny and warm the spot it's left in is. To speed up the drying process, you can try hanging the rug over a railing or sturdy chair. This will also promote airflow, which reduces the chance of mildew growth.

Any folds or creases left after drying will eventually settle out in the sun.

How to Clean Indoor/Outdoor Rugs with Tougher Stains

Sometimes, the mess is a little tougher. If your indoor/outdoor rug has gone some time between cleanings, chances are a simple hose-down won't cut it.

But even in the case of mildew, thoroughly ground-in dirt, and other difficult stains, the process is still easy.

  1. Mix a small amount of dish detergent or soap in a bucket with water.
  2. After you have rinsed the rug, apply the soap and water to the rug with a soft-bristled brush.
  3. Dry in the sun, as described above.

One of the more common questions that come up with our customers is, “Is this rug suitable for outdoor spaces”.

We have a large number of rugs that are perfect for outdoor areas and can handle just about anything short of a hurricane or tornado. Due to their pure, 100% polypropylene weave, they are built to handle rain, sun, and snow. That being said, you're probably asking, there are other rugs that are indoor only that are also made from 100% polypropylene... Why are they indoor only?

The reason for this lies in 3 factors:

  1. Our application of a ColorFast Solution to the outdoor products
  2. The rug's weave is (both pile and backing) are 100% polypropylene with no jute or cotton
  3. The outdoor rugs are woven differently, most often being a flatweave

The ColorFast Solution prevents the rug from fading, meaning that they are resistant to sun fading/bleaching, as well as color drain due to rainfall and regular exposure to water. Our indoor rugs do not have this treatment, and a good reason for this is that most of them have an actual pile, which does not handle water so well.

Jute, cotton, polyester, silk, wool, and just about any other fiber that we carry are not designed to handle getting coated in water. Polypropylene is a different story though, as it is a tough, durable, and easy to clean fiber. Since the outdoor rugs are purely Polypropylene, both front and back, means that it doesn't suffer from any degradation in water, especially since they have a weave unique to themselves.

Our outdoor rugs are unique in their weave, particularly in the fact that the bulk of them have no woven pile. Many of them are uniformly flat and feature an interlocking weave that allows airflow through the rug, aiding in its drying process.

While our outdoor rugs are mold and mildew resistant, it always helps to rinse them down every now and then to keep them clean and prevent any from forming.

First, it is important to note that while jute is very tough and durable, moisture and this natural fiber do not mix. These floor coverings should not be used in bathrooms, or outdoor conditions where they could be dampened. Mold, mildew, and potentially harmful bacteria may form once a jute rug has absorbed moisture.

A vacuum is typically the best option for cleaning a jute rug. With a vacuum, it would be best to reduce the suction power if possible. With the common upright vacuum, disengaging or removing the beater bar is necessary as brushing could damage natural fibers. A wet/dry vacuum (or a "shop-vac") may be the best option for this cleaning.

Here are some options that may be considered:

Quick towel drying: For liquid spills, it is best to react quickly and absorb as much moisture as you can with a cloth or disposable towel. Liquids can permanently discolor a natural fiber rug and may even become harmful due to the potential for mold & bacteria growth.

Give it a shake: Smaller natural fiber rugs can be shaken, or hung over a railing and beaten with a broom or other blunt object. For larger natural fiber rugs, it is best to find a partner to help with the shaking, or to help hang it over a railing or large post.

Dry shampoo or baking soda: Sprinkling on some dry shampoo or baking soda may help to remove stains. Always test a small spot on the rug to ensure effectiveness and that the cleaner will not cause discoloration. After letting the dry powder sit over 24 hours, vacuum the rug (preferably on both sides).

Wool is a wonder material. It's soft, durable, largely waterproof, and holds color better than most other materials. Unfortunately, the shape of the fibers also makes them very good at holding dirt. As a natural fiber, cotton shares most of these pros and cons.

Luckily, these rugs do not require too much additional maintenance beyond what you would expect. Be extra vigilant about vacuuming, especially during the first few months. Wool rugs tend to shed when they are brand new. Don't be alarmed! Your rug will not end up bare—once all the loose fibers have shaken out, your rug should look great for years to come!

Crease or wrinkles found in a rug after transit is common and not permanent. Whether you are the proud owner of a hand-knotted or machine-made rug, these simple methods will help remove unwanted wrinkles!

Method 1 - Reverse Roll

Reverse rolling is one of the easiest ways to get your rug back in proper shape. Starting with the binding, roll the rugs tightly in the opposite direction. As you do this, occasionally apply pressure along the roll. Leave it reverse rolled for at least 24 hours. Once unrolled, you can place a heavy object on the rug to get rid of any leftover ripples.

Method 2 - Heavy Objects

After you have tried the reverse roll method, unroll the rug, and strategically place heavy books, furniture and/or heavy plants where the creases are most noticeable. Allow another two to four days before removing the heavy objects off the rug.

Method 3 - Rug Tape

This is another easy and simple step you can take to remove the creases. You can affordably buy double-sided tape from any home improvement or furniture store. Apply it on the backside corners of your rug and peel off the sheet covering the bonding applicant. Smooth it over the ground in the intended space and press the rug hard on the floor to slowly flatten the creases. The tip works well on tile, concrete, hardwood, and wall-to-wall carpeting. If you have laminate flooring, we suggest purchasing a less adhesive double-sided tape to prevent the laminate from buckling or otherwise being damaged.

Method 4 - Steam

Steaming is a proven way to rejuvenate the creased fibers of your rug. We suggest using a high-quality steam iron to remove the stubborn waves, creases, and wrinkles that make it hard for the rug to lay flat. Use a damp towel or cloth over the creases and steam set it. Press it hard on the towel and remove it.

Method 5 - Heat

If your rug still won't lie flat, apply some heat to it. Spread the rug over a clean concrete or asphalt slab such as your driveway on a sunny day. It's best to do this in the afternoon on a warm day, giving the surface time to absorb the sun's heat all morning. Usually, one or two hours in the sun is enough to release wrinkles and creases. If you don't have a large enough patch of sun, flip the rug over and use a hairdryer to heat up the creases of the rug and release them. Always hold the hairdryer 6 to 9 inches away from the rug and use a sweeping motion. It's possible to melt rug fibers, so use a low or medium heat setting and keep the hairdryer moving back and forth at all times.

Even if you have a washable rug, throwing it in the machine shouldn't necessarily be your go-to tactic for cleaning. After dozens of washes, the stresses involved will eventually wear down your rug. Spot cleaning tactics should be used for small messes between washes. Throw it in the machine every few months when you need a bigger refresh.

Our Washable Rug Care Instructions:

  1. Take the Rug and put it in the washer with the colored side facing out.
  2. Machine-wash the Rug in cold water on a (delicate) light cycle using a detergent that has no bleach.
  3. Hang out to air-dry. Air-drying is preferred to machine drying. Synthetic materials can be damaged by high heat.

Note that you can achieve the best results by making sure your rug is small enough to fit comfortably in your machine and that the load is balanced before you turn it on. This will prevent shaking and potential damage to your washing machine.

We would like to recommend the following for removal of the odor from your rug:

  1. Lightly sprinkle baking soda throughout the surface of the rug.
  2. Roll the rug inward, similar to how you received the rug, so it can spread throughout the pile.
  3. Allow the baking soda to sit for a few hours.
  4. Vacuum the baking soda on a gentle suction setting. You may have to repeat the process a few times to remove the entire smell.

Click here to learn more about how to vacuum your rug.

Water-resistant: Rugs are able to resist the penetration of water to some degree but not entirely.

Water-repellent: Not easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating.

Waterproof: Impervious to water.

Stain-resistant

If you are looking for a rug that is stain-resistant, then our machine-made collections are your best bet. Polypropylene is naturally stain-resistant by design. Most of our items are made of this material to look exactly like wool, sisal, and other common rug fibers.

Note: adding Scotchguard or any other chemicals to your rug will void the manufacturer's warranty.

Fade Resistant

If lasting color is important, our outdoor (or indoor/outdoor) polypropylene rugs will be your top choice. Our outdoor rugs are manufactured to withstand 10,000 hours of UV protection.

Rug pads are an essential purchase no matter what style of rug you have or where you are placing it. Here are five of the major benefits you can expect.

1. Prevent slipping, buckling and wrinkling

The most obvious benefit of a rug pad is that they keep your rugs locked in place. If you've ever moved too quickly on a rug and had it move out from under you, you understand how dangerous a slipping rug can be.

Even if your rug is weighed down by heavy furniture, the loose ends of the rug can buckle and bunch up. A rug pad is important to prevent unsightly wrinkling and dangerous tripping hazard this creates.

2. Protect your floors

Another obvious benefit of a rug pad is the additional layer of protection it puts between your floor and your rug.

Many rugs have rough backing materials—it's the nature of the beast. Even if the rug is only sliding around a little bit, this can severely damage your floors over time. With a rug pad, you can make sure your rug never moves. Even if it does, the soft texture of the pad will protect your floor.

3. Rugs last longer with rug pads

Keeping the rug from slipping doesn't just extend the life of your floors—it extends the life of your rug too!

Friction can cause damage to the rug's backing which can lead to loosening pile. By keeping your rug still, you'll be able to avoid that possibility. Additionally, the extra cushion and support that a rug pad provides can help keep the pile from crushing, which helps keep the rug looking better, longer.

4. Easier cleaning and vacuuming

Rug pads promote airflow through the rug. This has two major benefits when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your rug.

First, the circulating air goes a long way toward preventing harmful and foul-smelling bacteria from growing. Second, that airflow minimizes friction when vacuuming, making that chore much easier.

5. More comfort and sound absorption

Finally, rug pads offer an additional level of comfort and sound absorption you just can't get with a rug alone.

The benefit you can expect will depend on the type of rug pad you get.

Standard, Non-Slip Pads are focused on keeping your rug in place and additional costs down. They will only provide a minimal amount of additional cushion and sound absorption. These are a great choice for plush rugs that don't need a lot more help in the comfort department.

Felt-and-rubber pads like the Uni-Luxe pads we sell on Rugs.com are a different story. These thick pads provide the ultimate in comfort, sound absorption, and insulation from the floor beneath the rug. Felt pads are a great choice for low-pile and flatweave rugs that might otherwise lack in these departments.

At Rugs.com, we get asked if our customers can use a rug pad on their floor regularly. We wish that the answer was simple, but due to the variety of flooring materials and rug pad materials, it is not.

Before you choose a rug pad to purchase, you need to figure out a few things:

  • Type of flooring material
  • Type of rug pad material you are considering
  • Flooring manufacturer recommendations

You cannot simply choose any rug pad and use it with any flooring type. Certain chemicals and materials found in some rug pads are not compatible with certain flooring types. Combine that with sunlight, heat, foot traffic, and other factors, choosing the wrong type of rug pad can leave you with an expensive mess. Always consult with the flooring manufacturer before choosing a rug pad.

The good news is there are many types of affordable rug pad options available to you. Once you figure out the correct type of rug pad for your floor, you can find one to fit your rug easily online.

Here are the steps you need to take to choose the best rug pad that is compatible with your flooring:

1. Consult with the manufacturer

Call the maker of your flooring or your contractor and ask them for rug pad recommendations. They will know which rug pad material to avoid and which you can use safely on your floor. If you do not know who made your flooring, call a flooring manufacturer and ask them about your flooring material. They should have a good idea even if they didn't make your exact floor.

2. Research online

Now that you know which rug pad materials are compatible with your floor, it is time to do some research. Search for that rug pad type and read some reviews online. Compare prices and options and then choose the best rug pad for you.

3. Contact Rugs.com customer service

Rugs.com has customer service agents available to answer any questions you may have about our available rug pads. Pair that with our free shipping and free returns and Rugs.com is your rug pad paradise.

Shop for our Non-Slip pads, our Everyday Rug Pads, or our Uni-Eco Indoor/Outdoor Rug Pads today!

Bath mats can arguably provide the essential feature of your bathroom. They are very functional. They provide safety, style to add ambiance, comfort, and floor protection.

Safety - Stepping on a wet floor is dangerous. Bath mats provide an anti-slip surface when stepping onto a tile or hardwood floor when stepping out of the shower. You don't want anyone in your family or a guest to be hurt while in your bathroom.

Comfort - Bathroom tile floors are cold and hard. A soft bath mat adds softness and absorbency when standing, brushing your teeth, or toweling off after taking a shower or bath.

Protection - Bath mats offer protection for your floor surfaces. Bath mats absorb excess water and protect excess water from soaking into your floor, especially that space just outside your shower/tub where the water can sit. Protecting your floors is a good practice to mitigate costly repairs or even replacement of your flooring.

Style - A bath mat is a rug, and, like a rug, it can add to the decor of your bathroom. You can select bath mats to tie into the room's color and match your tiles and other linens.

Bathroom mats take care of so much in a room that we use a lot. Keep reading and learn about our beautiful Bano Everyday and Luxe Mat Rugs.

Carpet is essentially a textured floor that is strictly functional. Wall-to-wall carpeting appears more often in rental homes and apartments that need a neutral floor to dampen sound and to be durable. But the color scheme and design options for a room with cream-colored carpet and white walls leave a lot to be desired.

Enter area rugs. Adding a rug to a carpeted room will add some much-needed character to your apartment. Rugs on carpet will also help protect the expensive carpet and is a clever way to hide wear and tear.

Here are a few additional reasons why you should consider putting a rug on carpet:

  • You need to hide damage to your carpet
  • You have limited decorating choices
  • You need to add some color and texture to a room
  • You need to spruce up industrial apartment carpet
  • You need to protect expensive carpeting in high-traffic areas

Congratulations on your rug purchase! Use these steps to make your new rug look fabulous. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1 - Open

Open and unroll your rug as soon as it arrives. Give the rug air and avoid unnecessary wrinkles or creases by unrolling your rug immediately after opening.

Step 2 - Flip

After unrolling your new rug, flip it over. Tightly roll your rug the opposite way so the top is now facing out. Keep your new rug rolled this way for a few minutes and unroll it before flipping it back over.

Reverse rolling your rug this way allows any bent fibers to lay flat and smooth.

Step 3 - Unroll your pad

Unroll your rug pad and place it where you want your new rug to lie on the floor. Next, place your rug over the rug pad so there is a ½ - 1” between the pad and the edge of the rug.

Your rug pad is intended to keep your rug in place. It helps prevent slipping, curling around the edges, or wrinkles in the rug.

Did you forget to buy a rug pad? No worries, we've got you covered! You can shop for them here.

Step 4 - Vacuum

Vacuum your freshly placed rug to remove excess fibers.

Step 5 - Position

Position furniture or heavy objects evenly and firmly on your rug to help it lay flat around the edges.

All finished!

Now, you're set to have your rug and space look great. Enjoy!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your new rug. It's our honor to serve you and we thank you for choosing Rugs.com.

The backing for a machine-made rug will be cotton, jute, or a blend of both.

We are sorry that the rug failed to measure up! There may be two possible causes for this situation. The most likely cause is "cotton shrink." With the cotton in the backing of most of our rugs, some may experience shrinkage during the manufacturing process.

Cotton Shrink

There are odd cases where the heat of the loom has been known to shrink the cotton in the backing during production. In this case, the larger the size of the rug, the more discrepancy in the exact size can occur. We have found that this happens most often when the hot, summer months which is why our climate controls in each facility are so vital!

Wrong Rug Delivered

There is a rare occurrence when one of our customers receives the wrong rug. In this case, we ask that you share photos with us as soon as possible (via email to info@rugs.com) so that we can address the error on our part. In this event, you can have confidence that we will send you a proper replacement right away.

Single-piece rugs are one of the best investments you can make for your home. However, many washable rugs available online or in stores are two-piece designs, made of layers similar to a bed sheet and mattress, with one stuck on top of the other.

On the other hand, a single-layer design is one solid piece that doesn't split into two, making it more durable than its counterparts and easier to clean because there's no gap in between like a traditional two-layer rug would have.

When looking at these factors alone, it becomes clear why single-layer rugs are better, and they're also higher quality than traditional rugs too. In addition, they last longer without breaking down due to their simple construction and ease of cleaning. In short, one-piece rugs are the best choice for serious buyers.

They're durable and simple in design which means that they last a long time with proper care while also being easy to clean. Ready to find the perfect single-layer washable rug for you? Available in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and patterns, Rugs.com has washable area rugs and runners ideal for any space.

Maybe you need to spruce up an entryway, perhaps you have lots of people running through your front door this summer, or perhaps you want to change up the decor in your home. No matter what your reason, foyer rugs can help you make a small or big difference.

Your entryway is a focal point. When guests come over for an evening barbeque, a swim, or dine al fresco, they come through your foyer. Use the opportunity to make your entryway a way to welcome them.

Shapes - It is natural to think that a rug in our foyer should be rectangular like the space. Don't let the form of your space dictate the shape of your rug. Consider a square, round or oval shape to go in the foyer and complement the area. A round or oval-shaped foyer rug can soften a rectangular space.

Colors and patterns - Choose a color or colors representing the season - pastels, gold, ocean, and berry colors, bright and bold. Consider patterned rugs because they are suitable for hiding stains, and dirt tends to fade to the background. At Rugs.com, we have many colors and patterns to choose from that scream, “Summer!” The color and pattern you choose can represent the season and don't have to dictate your home decor.

Pile - Consider a low to medium pile foyer rug. These are suitable for trafficked areas like your foyer with people coming and going.

Material - When selecting a rug for your entryway, pick a durable rug that is stain-resistant and fade-resistant. Synthetic fibers, polyester or polypropylene, are resilient because they are less likely to absorb water and other liquids, which means stains can't sink in, and you can clean them up quickly.

Choosing the best office rug for your space is one of the main elements in setting the tone and style for your home office.

Office rugs today come in many shapes, sizes, materials and styles to bring warmth, comfort and needed acoustic control to your office. There are many possibilities and options to consider when choosing an office rug so let's discuss the choices.

Benefits of an office rug include:

  • Easy option to update your décor
  • Minimize echo and absorb sound from wood and tile floors
  • Help insulate the office and stabilize heating and cooling

Size of Office Rug

One of the first considerations for choosing your office rug is what size it will be. Standard office rugs come in various sizes from the smallest to the largest office space, including:

Determining the size of your office rug begins by understanding your needs. If you want a rug purely for decorative reasons, the size should fit your décor idea.

If you want the office rug under the desk, ensure that it is large enough for the desk and all chairs to be comfortably on the rug even when pushed out.

  • The rug should entirely cover all seats with a minimum of three inches extra around the parameter for a seating area.
  • For a rug to fill the room, leave just three inches from the carpet and the walls or furniture it borders.

Material

An important consideration for an office rug is the material it's made from, especially if you plan to have it around your desk. An office rug around a desk should allow your chair to move freely. To do that, it needs to be a low or thin pile.

A low or short cut-pile rug is less plush and bulky than its counterparts. They're often seen in spaces with higher traffic, but that doesn't make them less luxurious or plain.

Carpet Pile Basics

Carpet piles can be short and sparse or thick and or long fibers. Low pile carpet is perfect for offices because it allows furniture to move freely, is low risk as a trip hazard, and doesn't show marks from furniture.

These rug types include tufted, looped or woven constructions. Tufted rugs are often machine-made of loops of fiber pulled through a backing material then cut to length to create a smooth, even look. If you decide on this type, you'll want it to be a short pile.

Looped or Berber-style office rugs are made with a looped construction versus a cut fiber. Loops can be of various designs and heights, but for an office rug, you'll want a low, level loop. This affordable rug is a good choice when you need a large area rug.

A woven office rug is often handmade and can even be a quality heirloom rug. It is the most expensive and durable option. Woven rugs are low pile rugs made with fibers that are hand-knotted into place one by one. These rugs look and feel more luxurious than other options and are also used as throw rugs.

Office Rug Design

Office rugs, like any area rug, are much more than a functional decision. It's also a style consideration. The rug you choose says something about the way you work or do business. Consider:

  • Color - blend in or stand out
  • Shape - square, rectangle, circle or other
  • Texture - plush, thin, soft, rough
  • Design - simple one color or a dramatic pattern

Placing a rug in your kitchen is a great way to add character and distinction to the heart of your home. Rugs can also compliment your kitchen space and protect your floors. Below, we will discuss a few factors that you should consider when choosing the best rug for your kitchen.

Take a good look at your kitchen and consider how much of the floor you want to cover with a rug. You should also think about where you want to put the rug and why. If all you need is a little cushioning for your feet while at the sink, then consider a hearth shaped rug that is thick and has a non-slip pad underneath it. If you need to protect a high-traffic area of your floor, then a Persian runner that can flow from the kitchen to an eating space or between an island and the stove is an excellent option.

The key to putting any type of rug in your kitchen is part utility and part aesthetic. Kitchen rugs should always have a rug pad underneath to protect floors and prevent slipping. If you place a runner in front of the stove or the sink, make sure to leave some floor exposed on either side. Not only does doing so add balance to the space, but it also makes moving the rug to mop or to clean up spills easier.

Create Looks with Shapes

Kitchen rugs can be round, hearth, square, rectangular, or many other shapes. The most important thing to consider when choosing the shape of your kitchen rug is, what is it going to add to the overall look of your kitchen?

Hearth shaped rugs are typically used in front of a sink or stove to provide cushion in areas where people stand. Square or rectangular rugs offer versatility because they neatly fit in many areas of your kitchen and are shaped similarly as countertops and tables.

Quality Matters

Kitchens get a lot of traffic and use in the home. It is important to choose a kitchen rug that is well manufactured so that it will stand up to the wear and tear it will receive in the kitchen. It is also important to choose a rug that can stand up to stains and spills, and that is easy to clean.

Rugs designed for use outdoors

can work well in the kitchen. They are made from stain-resistant materials that are easily cleaned and are durable. If you prefer more traditional rugs in your kitchen, such as a Persian runner like we mentioned earlier, make sure you understand how to care for the rug because it will be subject to wear and spills.

Adding a rug to your kitchen can give the space a nice upgrade that also protects your floors and your feet.

*Note- Safety is of most importance. Be sure to have an anti-slip pad under your rug to prevent it from moving and slipping.

The right rug can bring a dining room from drab to delightful. As one of the largest pieces of décor in the space, a rug has a dramatic effect on the overall look and feel of the room.

But what makes for a great dining room rug? Should it be sized to the room or to the table? What materials and styles work best? Read on to find the answers to all this and more!

Benefits of Dining Room Rugs

With the rise of urban industrial and modern farmhouse styles, there's been some debate about whether dining room rugs are a thing of the past.

In our opinion, dining room rugs are a classic décor item that will never go out of style.

If you're not convinced, consider this—rugs provide a lot of benefits beyond just dressing up the room.

Rugs dampen sound, protect floors from shuffling feet and sliding chairs, and will literally warm up the room. They're a godsend for busy, entertainment-focused spaces like the dining room.

Dining Room Rug Sizing

The general rule for dining rooms is to base the size of your rug on the size of your table.

Your rug should be big enough to accommodate the table and all your chairs when they are pulled out. Usually, this means adding 24 to 30 inches from each edge of the table when it is fully extended (don't forget to account for table leaves if you have them!)

This is a safety concern as much as it is a visual concern. Letting the back legs of a chair come off the rug when pulled out could mean a tripping hazard.

It also means you might get the legs caught on the edge of the rug when you push the chair in. This could lead to damage and unsightly curling.

You'll also want to make sure your rug does not get too close to the walls. The same advice for other rooms holds here—leave an 18- to 24-inch border around the edge of the room. This ensures your beautiful floors are still visible and has the added effect of making the room appear larger.

Before you buy your rug, use tape to mark the space you expect it to fill. That way you can make sure all your furniture fits long before your rug arrives.

Table and Rug Shapes

Traditionally, the shape of your rug will complement the shape of your table. That means your best bet will be to place a round rug under a round table, or a long, rectangular rug under a long, rectangular table. By matching the shape of your table, your rug will form a pleasant frame around the furniture and create a sense of visual cohesion in the room.

Some people will choose to contrast the shape of the rug with the table. For example, placing a square rug under a round table or vice-versa. This technique works best with smaller tables like you'd see in a kitchen or breakfast nook, and in more eclectic styles.

Dining Room Rug Styles and Material

When it comes to style, it's ultimately up to you. That said, dining rooms do have a few special needs you should consider.

Even if it's not a particularly high-traffic area most of the time, the dining room will often be a flurry of activity when you're entertaining. People will be moving, chairs will be sliding in and out from the table, and food and drinks will be moving around.

The best dining room rugs will have a low pile or flatweave and be made from durable synthetic materials like polypropylene. Not only will low-pile rugs make sliding chairs easier, these styles and materials also tend to be hardwearing and easy to clean. Both are important features in a dining room where spills will happen sooner or later!

You can also minimize the effect of spills by choosing a dark-colored or heavily patterned rug. While you'll still want to clean up any messes that do occur, busy patterns can help hide stains if they ever do occur. Of course, if the worst does happen, you'll likely want to read up on how to clean your rug. Search our help center for the cleaning guidance you need!

Don't Forget the Rug Pad

We think rug pads are essential in every room, but they are especially beneficial in dining rooms.

With all the movement and sliding chairs, it's common to see dining room rugs sliding, wrinkling, and buckling. Not only does this look bad, but it can also be a serious tripping hazard in a room that is already prone to spills and messes.

A quality, rubber-backed rug pad will essentially lock the rug in place, preventing these potential problems. Pads have the additional benefits of providing extra cushion and promoting airflow through the rug which will help keep it smelling fresh and easier to clean.

Outdoor rugs are a great way to liven up your deck or patio or extend the style of your home outside its walls. That being said, there are some special considerations you'll want to make when choosing an outdoor area rug as opposed to an indoor rug.

Outdoor Rug Materials

Outdoors, rugs and furniture contend with harsh conditions all year round. When choosing an outdoor rug, it is essential to find one that will stand up to these conditions.

Synthetic materials like acrylic and polypropylene are well known for their durability. Typically treated to be fade- and mold-resistant, they are perfect for outdoor spaces. They're easy to clean, too! If a synthetic outdoor rug does get dirty, rinsing it off with a garden hose is usually enough.

Natural Outdoor Rugs

Natural fibers like sisal and jute are also extremely popular materials for outdoor rugs. The coarse texture and neutral colors give natural rugs a beautiful, earthy feeling inside and outside the home. However, when buying a natural rug to use outside, you should expect a little more maintenance. If you do choose to put a natural rug outside, we strongly recommend having it in a covered area and roll it up when it rains.

Styling Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs extend your home's style onto your patio or deck. By choosing colors and patterns that complement the style of the adjoining room, you create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This is especially nice during warmer months when you want to open your patio doors wide and let the breeze in. Alternately, you might lean into the outdoor setting by choosing a more botanical style, as you'd find in Rugs.com's Outdoor Botanical collection. Trellises, vines, and floral patterns in earthy colors like browns and greens can emphasize the soothing quality of your garden.

No matter which you choose, you should consider choosing a flatweave rug as opposed to a rug with pile. Flatweave rugs tend to be very durable, show less wear, and are easy to clean—all important features for outdoor rugs.

Outdoor Rug Sizing and Placement

The normal rules around rug sizing and placement outside will be a little different than inside. Don't worry about filling a room. Instead, plan your rugs around your furniture, using them to define separate spaces on your patio or deck. An outdoor area rug creates visual boundaries you would usually get from walls and helps ground the layout and design. Within these spaces, you should place your rugs like you would in a room. For example, sitting and dining areas can be arranged like you would in an indoor space.

Material

Choosing the material is vital to selecting the right rug for you. The material used will determine its durability and softness, so when choosing the best material for a child's room, you may want to consider the following:

  • Functionality and comfort for playing on the floor.
  • Stain-resistant or easily cleanable after tea parties, afternoon playdates, having friends over after school, and all the other sorts of activities that will make the rug vulnerable to wear and tear.
  • Hypoallergenic, i.e., a rug that doesn't shed like one of our machine woven rugs.

Here are your best material options for a kid's room rug:

Our top choice, Polyester - Polyester is a solid choice because it's stain-resistant, does not fade, and it's perfect for spaces that receive ample sunlight and where spills and messes often occur.

Cotton - Cotton rugs are hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and are non-synthetic.

Pile Height

There are several different pile heights available on our website. For this purpose of a kid's room, we are going to suggest a shag pile for your child's room. Why? Here are a few reasons:

  • Shag rugs are non-shedding
  • They come in a variety of materials (polyester, polypropylene, and wool)
  • We offer a ton of different designs, even solid if you prefer something more neutral
  • They add variety in texture to help add character to the room
  • They are soft to touch, so they are lovely to walk on, sit on, and extra cozy when the weather gets cooler

Consider a Rug Pad

Consider adding a rug pad for extra cushioning for play and protection for your flooring.

Rugs come in all shapes and sizes, but not all of them will be useful to a college student. Since dorm rooms are multi-purpose, they have some unique considerations you wouldn't see in other rooms. The first step when choosing a rug size should be to look up the dorm or apartment floorplan online.

Size Considerations

  • 5' x 8' rugs are the most popular size for dorms. At this size, your rug likely will not reach under your bed, but you will cover most of your floorspace, where you are most likely to walk or sit.
  • If you don't know your roommate well or would rather keep your own style, consider a 4' x 6' rug. These will fit perfectly by your bedside without taking over the entirety of your shared floor space.
  • For something closer to wall-to-wall carpet, opt for a larger 6' x 9' area rug. 6' x 9' rugs will typically be big enough to cover the main floor space and extend under the beds.

Color Considerations

  • Dorms are rarely designed with fashion or comfort in mind. Concrete walls, linoleum or tile floors, white paint, and fluorescent lights are to be expected.
  • Since a rug will take up so much space, some people will opt for neutral colors and simpler patterns that position the rug as a backdrop to your other more interesting décor.
  • Opt for bright colors and louder patterns to make the rug the centerpiece of your design.

Keep It Clean!

Unlike a house where there are separate spaces for living, sleeping, and working, everything happens in the same space when you are in a dorm. All that traffic means dirt will inevitably find its way in, and rugs have the unfortunate habit of holding on to it.

A rug's pile height is directly related to how easy it is to maintain. Generally, low-pile rugs will show very little wear and won't hang on to dirt as much as high-pile rugs. An occasional once-over even with a low-cost stick vacuum or electric broom should be enough to keep it looking great all semester long.

If you can't afford to buy a vacuum or just don't want one, consider buying a smaller rug that can be taken outside and shaken when dirty instead.

The following materials are some of the best for carpets in heavily trafficked areas of your home or business:

Wool is a classic choice for a durable area rug. It was likely one of the first materials ever used for woven rugs. Lanolin, a wax secreted by wooly animals, coats the fibers, which makes it stain-resistant and easy to clean. It is also naturally water-resistant, and hypoallergenic.

Most natural fiber rugs are made from jute, sisal, or seagrass. Jute is a fiber made from a plant of the same name. It is the second most popular plant fiber after cotton. Like wool, these fibers are renewable and biodegradable. These are easy to clean, often just requiring a quick sweeping or light vacuuming. Many enjoy the natural color of this material—dark tan or light brown—as part of a coastal decorating style.

While not as long-lasting as wool, cotton rugs are a pleasant and durable alternative, especially for those who are allergic to wool. The colors tend to fade over time, but the material itself is durable. They are also easy to care for.

When used in low pile loop carpets, polypropylene is quite resilient. Polypropylene carpets may last longer because they are stain-resistant. The material does not absorb water or other liquids, meaning stains do not sink in as long as you clean them up quickly.

Here are other things to consider when choosing a high traffic area rug:

  • Low Pile Rugs - Low pile rugs are carpets made with small loops that are not very plush. They stand up better to foot traffic than higher pile rugs no matter what material they are made from. Low pile rugs have an added benefit for people with allergies. There is a smaller chance of allergens getting buried deep in the carpet fibers.
  • Dark Colored Rugs - Rugs with dark colors will hide dirt and stains better than lighter colored ones. They require fewer cleanings and less upkeep. Over time, they may hold up better than white or light-colored ones for this reason. When shopping for a dark-colored rug, keep in mind that some rug materials are more prone to fading, depending on the colors used. Polypropylene and wool are the best options for a fade-resistant rug with a strong color.
  • Patterned Rugs - Patterns also help stains and dirt to fade into the background on a rug. The best combination is a pattern with dark colors that helps to hide stains or dirt. Again, you won't have to clean a patterned rug as often as a plain bright or light one.

Machine Made Rugs

Machine Made rugs are the most common type of rug weave found in the American market. These are power loomed rugs that are highly durable and low cost. Because they are typically made with synthetic materials, power loomed rugs are perfect for high-traffic areas.

Machine woven rugs are excellent for:

These rugs are popular because they are very easy to clean and stain-resistant. With the proper maintenance, power loomed rugs can last for 5+ years, which is an ideal lifespan for high-use, low-cost area rugs.

Printed Rugs

Printed rugs are perfect for those looking for a stylish, low pile, low-cost rug option for their home. What sets printed rugs apart is that they are designed to look handmade, even though they are made by machine. From afar, printed rugs look like Persian or Oriental rugs. However, unlike handmade rugs, printed rugs are cheaper, more durable, and easier to clean.

Handmade Rugs

Handmade rugs are the most expensive rug type available because they are hand-knotted by a skilled artisan, making them very time consuming to manufacture. They can take weeks, months, or even years to produce depending on the size and knot density. This makes them rare and highly sought after.

Handmade rugs are wonderful additions to your home that can be inherited by future generations. But, in addition to their cost, you will be investing time and money in their upkeep. Since handmade rugs are made with natural materials like wool, jute, and silk, they require more effort to maintain.

Sustainability is an essential part of our product decisions and strategic planning for the floor coverings we sell.

Our commitment is to continue to reduce our company's carbon footprint by providing you with eco-friendly options that enable us to keep our promise and support you in living your life authentically, in harmony with your beliefs, and in good health.

By recycling textiles, we contribute to environmental benefits in the following ways:

  • Reduced consumption of energy and water
  • Lessened demand for dyes
  • Decreased landfill space requirements
  • Mitigating pollution

We have introduced four new recycled rug collections selected with the planet and your home in mind.

The Georgia Collection (Recycled Cotton)

Our Georgia collection offers beautiful rugs in sizes 2 x 3 - 8 x 11. We offer 7-8 ft. square, round, and octagon shapes, along with runners, 6 - 7 ft. and 8 - 9 ft.

Colors include taupe, dark gray, navy blue, ivory, black, and green, and our patterns will fulfill whatever eco-friendly rugs you want.

Recycled cotton is a great option. It's warm, easy to clean, and, as you can see, comes in many patterns and colors.

Sabrina Soto Casa Collection (Recycled Cotton)

Sabrina Soto is an Interior Designer and HGTV TV Personality. She is known for her eclectic way of mixing luxury and affordable pieces for a unique home aesthetic. The Casa Collection from Sabrina Soto is also recycled cotton. She uses pinks, blues, greens, and yellows and adds a pile height of 1” to show depth and contrast.

Eco Southwestern Collection (Recycled Space-Dyed Polyester)

The Southwestern style is typically characterized by rocky textured, earth tones, and brightly colored fabric. Our Eco Southwestern rugs won't disappoint.

Space dyeing is a process in which fabric is dyed along the entire strand length, which gives a marble effect on the fabric surface. For example, instead of one shade of gray applied to a strand, the manufacturer will dye the yarn in different areas, so when the rug is created, it will have 30+ shades of gray.

The space-dye effect gives these rugs a colorful, random, and unorganized design. If you're looking to add multi-color earth tones and a multi-depth feel to your room, a space-dyed rug may be just right for you.

Eco Traditional (Recycled Space-Dyed Polyester)

The traditional rug definition is essentially a rug that falls into the major categories of Persian, Oriental, or another classic style. Many traditional rugs are ornate and have great detail in the fabric.

Our fabulous collection of Eco Traditional takes the traditional look and feel and combines it with the eco-friendly process of space dyeing. If you appreciate the history of conventional rugs and want one while still supporting our planet, these Eco Traditional styles will ideally suit you.

The most common rug materials on the market today are wool, cotton, jute, and synthetic materials such as polyester or polypropylene. Continue reading to learn all you need to know to choose the best material for your rug!

Wool

A wool rug is an asset that will retain its value for a long time. Because of this, they are among the few often considered heirloom pieces and passed down generations.

These rugs are often handmade and loved for their diversity in being both luxuriously soft and highly durable, and long-lasting.

These large area rugs are often seen in dining and living rooms.

Pros: As a natural fiber, wool provides great insulation and comfort for your home. If handmade, wool rugs offer a great return on investment.

Cons: Wool, like any natural fiber, can also absorb moisture, so may not be best for damp areas. There could be some shedding, and the colors may fade over time, requiring thoughtful care. Wool is also among the most expensive options.

Cotton

Cotton is a natural, inexpensive alternative to wool. They are sturdy yet soft and some can even be put in the washing machine, making them very easy to clean.

Cotton rugs are commonly used in high-traffic areas such as doorways, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Pros: Soft, hypoallergenic, and super easy to clean.

Cons: Cotton, like your favorite T-Shirt, will wear down over time.

Synthetic

Synthetic rugs can mimic many of the benefits of luxury materials at a more affordable cost. These versatile machine-made rugs offer comfort and durability from a manufactured process.

When choosing between the materials of synthetic rugs, you should first consider the texture your want. Soft for a baby to play on, or durable to wipe boots on?

Standard synthetic human-made fibers most commonly include polyester and polypropylene materials.

  • Polypropylene: Vibrant, soft, and affordable, stain-resistant, easy to clean, and can withstand indoor and outdoor weathering.
  • Polyester: These rugs have the same benefits as polypropylene rugs, except they are slightly softer, lighter, more absorbent, and less durable.

These family-friendly synthetic materials are good affordable area rugs, as runners, bathmats, or any indoor location.

Pros: Synthetic fibers offer are low cost, easy to clean, non-fading, often stain-resistant and will be durable in high-traffic spaces.

Cons: A synthetic rug is not an heirloom item that can be passed down from one generation to another, all while holding or increasing in value with age.

Jute

Jute is a natural grass-like fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads for a highly tough and durable water-resistant rug. Since they're made from strong plant fiber materials, they hold up well against high use and harsh weather as outdoor rugs.

Jute rugs can be used indoors for a natural look and even outdoors on patios and porches.

Pros: Strong, eco-friendly, and outdoor safe.

Cons: Can be coarse and difficult to clean - especially if dyed, requiring a gentle touch.

With the proper maintenance, power-loomed rugs can last for 5+ years, which is an ideal lifespan for high-use, low-cost area rugs.

If you are looking for a rug with staying power, some of our hand-knotted collections are known to last for generations!

Correct! Many rug companies offer a machine-made quality rug which, at its core, is a polypropylene, polyester, or acrylic thread which are all derived from petroleum. Since this is essentially gas, there will always be a level of VOC (volatile organic compound) present.

What some companies do however is add additives to the thread for luster, increased flame resistance, etc. which does increase the levels of VOC.

Our rugs do not have any additives added to the polypropylene and polyester threads used to keep this in mind. Standard polypropylene is within compliance with fire codes as it melts so adding these chemicals is not necessary.

We do take home health, budget-friendliness, and a green mind in high priority before releasing new collections and designs on our website.

A difficulty our customers often face is choosing the right rug for their space. Rugs have an incredible ability to add cozy warmth, texture, and color to any room. But how do you know that a rug “fits” in a room until you see it in action? And what if you invest in an expensive rug only to find that it doesn't work in the room you bought it for?

Rugs.com understands how difficult choosing a rug for your home can be. That is why we have designed our website to be the most customer-friendly anywhere online! First, we have customer service agents available 24/7 to help you choose the right rug. Then, we offer a “view in my room” option for many of our rugs that lets you visualize the rug in any room you choose. And finally, we offer free shipping and free 30-day returns so there is no risk involved when you purchase a rug from Rugs.com!

Now, to help our customers further, we want to provide you with the following Rugs.com sizing guide that you can use to realize rug-buying perfection.

How should a rug fit in a room?

The answer to this question is actually easier to figure out than you think. You should begin any rug-buying mission by measuring the area where you want your rug to go. That way you'll have a rough idea of the size rug you are going to need. But as we tell all of our customers: Your house, your rules. You are the final judge of what looks good in your home. The following are simply suggestions from experts about how they believe rugs should fit.

Dining Room Rugs

A good rule of thumb when choosing a dining room rug is to pick a rug that matches the shape of your dining room table. The table is the centerpiece of this room and you want to choose a rug that is going to complement that focal point.

To figure out the correct size rug for your dining room, pull out the dining room chairs so that they are the same distance away from the table as if someone were about to sit down. You want your dining room rug to be large enough so that each chair is still on it when someone pulls it out to sit down. That way, chairs are not catching on the rug when people scoot them in after sitting down.

Entryway Rugs

Entryway rugs should invite your guests into your home with a “wow!” But they shouldn't completely cover your floor. Begin by measuring your entryway and then decide how much floor you want to leave exposed. The typical amount of exposed floor is between 18” and 24”. This is how you will choose the right size rug for your entryway.

Try this Natural 2' 6 x 6' Hand Woven chunky Jute Runner Rug for your entryway. It's texture and beauty will welcome guests to your home while also standing up to the high foot traffic.

Living Room Rugs

Today's living rooms vary from the traditional to the eclectic or bohemian. Some spaces are open and some spaces are more confined. The goal of a living room rug is to serve as an anchor for the designated sitting area of the room.

You will want to choose a living room rug that will be able to rest under the front legs of all of the furniture in the sitting area of your living room. This is a good general rule because the rug will literally be anchored as it serves as the anchor for the rest of the decor.

Kitchen Rugs

Choosing the right rug for your kitchen can be difficult because the space is often limited. If you are choosing a rug for a breakfast nook, use the same rules in the dining room rug section. If you are choosing a runner rug for the space in your kitchen between the island and the sink, make sure you leave a few inches of floor exposed between the two spaces.

It is also important to choose a washable rug for the kitchen due to inevitable soiling and spills. And definitely invest in a good rug pad to prevent slipping!

Bedroom Rugs

Bedroom rugs can have an enlarging effect on your bedroom and they also provide comfort for your feet. The important thing to remember when choosing the right size bedroom rug is that you want to include all of the furniture in the bedroom, similar to the living room arrangement. When you are measuring for your bedroom rug, make sure the area is big enough to cover the head and foot of your bed and your nightstands on either side.

Another option for bedroom rugs is to put them beside the bed. Think of this as a comfortable landing area for your feet. Click here to see more information on placing your bedroom rugs.

Outdoor Rugs

Your patio is your outdoor living room and should be decorated as such. Outdoor rugs will fit on your patio as area rugs fit in your living room. If you want to add an expansive look to your patio, choose an outdoor rug that only two legs of your patio furniture rest on. If you want to anchor your patio with an outdoor rug, choose a rug size that will cover all 4 legs of your patio furniture.

This Brown 10' x 14' Outdoor Lattice Rug will serve as the perfect outdoor rug to anchor your patio seating area.

“View in My Room” feature from Rugs.com

One of the coolest features we have on Rugs.com is the View in My Room feature that lets you see our rugs in action. After you find a rug that you are interested in, click the button that says “see this in my room.” You will be directed to the feature that lets you either upload a picture of your room or see the rug in similar spaces.

The living room is the most common area of the home accented with a rug. Typically, you want to select a larger rug that fills the area well. This could be a 5' x 8', 8' x 10', or 9' x 12' size rug. Make sure you leave some space between the edge of the rug and the wall - around 18-24 inches.

One of the most common ways to place a rug in your living room is to center it within your seating arrangement. As the focal point of the seating area, this creates a nice framework for your furniture. The front two legs of the sofa and chairs should sit on the rug, or all four legs if you have an extra-large rug. This placement builds a nice frame around the living area and creates unity.

If your living room has a more rectangular shape, you can use two different rugs to create separate focal areas. Use the large area rug to center up your seating arrangement. Then use a smaller rug to create a separate focal area. For example, you may create a smaller seating area with two wingback chairs and a small accent table.

There are many ways to place a rug in your bedroom, and there are many unique challenges in this space as well. In the bedroom, the bed, rather than the rug, is the focal point of the room. The rug's purpose is to complement the bed and pull the room together.

The most common placement in the bedroom is partially under the bed. The rug is placed perpendicular to the direction of the bed and extends out into the room beyond the foot. This is typically done by starting down one-third the length of the bed. Make sure that the rug is long enough to extend 18-24 inches on either side. This creates a warm, comfortable spot for your feet when they hit the ground in the morning.

An alternative arrangement involves placing long, runner-type rugs on each side of the bed. These runners extend from the nightstand to the foot of the bed.

Finally, if the master bedroom is large enough, you can create a separate focal point in the room using an additional rug. This could be an independent seating area or a small office space.

An area rug is more than an accessory. It brings a level of completeness to your room that cannot be achieved in any other way. Armed with these tips, you'll be well on your way to getting the most out of your new rug.

Now that you have the rugs chosen, you'll need to figure out how to position them on your floor. This will depend on the space you have and the sizes of the rugs.

Basic Layering: With this method, you place the larger carpet down and then the other in the middle of it. It's simple, easy, and the go-to method for first timers.

Diagonal: This method has you place one rug down and then place the other on it, rotating 45° so the top rug is lying diagonally on the other one. This is a great way to go if the rugs are the centerpiece and focal point of the room.

Overlapping: Have a larger space, but only two smaller rugs? No problem . . . just overlap the edges to make a larger rug. You don't have to put them side by side, either, you can turn them to have the rugs diagonally in the room. Another option is to place two smaller rugs on either side of a larger rug to expand it. Don't be afraid to overlap multiple rugs to cover a larger space. This also works well in the entrance or a hallway, where you can use two smaller, narrower rugs to create a runner.

Rug on Carpet: Finally, you can use area rugs on carpeted rooms. Just because you have wall-to-wall carpeting doesn't mean you can't use a beautiful rug in the same space. Just choose your rug and place it as you would with a hard floor.

While we do not have a "try it before you buy it" program, our free returns policy is in place because we want our customers to have peace of mind knowing that their options are still open!

One of the coolest features we have on Rugs.com is the View in My Room feature that lets you see our rugs in action. After you find a rug that you are interested in, click the button that says “see this in my room.” You will be directed to the feature that lets you either upload a picture of your room or see the rug in similar spaces.

You will be able to move the rug anywhere in the room and rotate it 360 degrees. Let your imagination run wild and try out different colors, styles, shapes, and brands. Give this Cloud Gray 5x8 Solid Shag Rug a test drive in any room in your home. See if it is a good fit in your dining room, living room, or anywhere else.

And when you finally find the perfect rug that fits, get it shipped to your house for free!

*This feature is only available for select rugs.

Within the first few weeks, it is perfectly normal for a new rug to shed, with some materials being more prone to shedding than others. If your rug is shedding, you may want to vacuum a little more often (with the beater bar off!) until the shedding stops or slows.

This phenomenon is called “sprouting” and is normal and not a defect. You'll usually start to see it happen as you walk on the rug and it begins to settle and stretch. If your rug starts sprouting, do not pull at the loose loops! Simply cutting the loop to be level with the surface of the pile should be enough to fix the problem.

Indentations develop when furniture sits on a rug for an extended time. This is especially true in high pile and shag rugs. In most cases, you can deal with these by rubbing the indented area with a coin or by gently moistening the area with a steamer. We also recommend rotating your rugs every 4 to 6 months to ensure even wear and limit the ability of indentations to form.

The dark areas you are seeing are known as “shading” or “watermarking.” They are caused by a slight change in direction of the pile that causes light to reflect differently than it does on the surrounding areas. This is an inherent characteristic of almost all pile rugs and is not considered a defect.

We're happy you're happy! If you want to show off your new rug with the world, share a picture of it on an Instagram post or story and tag our profile @rugsdotcom to be featured on our feed! We also have some really fun Rugs.com GIFs to dress up Instagram story if you feel like getting creative!

Machine-made or power-loomed rugs sometimes get a bad rap. While it's true that machine-made rugs rarely match the quality of handmade rugs, advances in technology have gotten to the point where high-quality machine-made rugs can be had at fractions of the price of handmade rugs.

Made with computer-controlled looms, machine-made rugs are available in a huge variety of styles and patterns which are often far more precise than is possible with hand-made rugs. If you are looking for more modern patterns or are on a budget, machine-made rugs are a great option.

Shop for machine-made rugs today!

The classic oval shape of a natural fiber braided rug is a common sight across America. These types of rug are often traced to the American colonial period, when early settlers lacking looms and wool would make them from straw or scraps of clothing. Today, they are still popular in “country” style homes for their rustic look, but they have also made their way into more “bohemian” style décor as well. More recently, braided chindi rugs have become popular. Chindi rugs are typically made from scraps of cotton, offering a bit more comfort and brighter colors than their natural fiber counterparts. In either case, materials will be braided into a long strand. That strand will then be wound in a spiral pattern into the desired shape.

Shop for braided rugs today!

Unlike hand-knotted rugs, where the structure of the rug is built as-you-go, hand-tufted rugs begin with a pre-made backing material of canvas or jute. Typically, the pattern of the rug is printed on this backing material. A worker is then able to use a hand-held tufting gun to push yarn through the backing material while following the pattern. These yarns are then held in place with another piece of fabric and glue. Because these yarns are not integrated into the structure of the rug like the knots of a hand-knotted rug, they are more likely to pull out. Compared to hand-knotted rugs, hand-tufted rugs can be made far more quickly and by less-skilled workers. While these types of rugs are more prone to wear than hand-knotted rugs, they can be had for far cheaper as well.

Shop for hand-tufted rugs today!

When you think of heirloom Persian or Oriental rugs, you are thinking of hand-knotted rugs. These rugs are painstakingly made by artisans using techniques that stretch back thousands of years. The process involves tying yarn, which will make up the pile of the rug, onto the warp, which makes up the structure of the rug.

The highest quality hand-knotted rugs will have hundreds of individual knots per square inch and can take months to complete. These rugs are truly works of art. However, this level of artistry does come at a cost, and hand-knotted rugs often have price tags of thousands of dollars. That isn't so bad when you think of them as investment pieces. Properly cared for, they can last decades and frequently become family heirlooms, many even increasing in value over time.

Shop hand-knotted rugs today!

Chindi means "torn cloth" and is made from leftover cloth cuttings making the product 100% recycled.

To make this product, manufacturers collect hundreds of different cloth cuttings colors and sort them based on color and shade. After sorting all the needed shades aside, they will cut them to size and make a rope out of the material to use as they start to braid the rug. As this is leftover cloth, there are other colors that can be in the mix. The percentage of foreign color inclusions is very low but still, there is a chance of other colors being braided.

Imperfections, different colors, or discoloration are actually not considered defects in Chindi Rugs because of the recycled and repurposed raw material.

Shop for Chindi rugs today!

“Oriental rug” is an umbrella term that covers a huge variety of handmade rugs from across the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. This technically includes Persian rugs as well. In practice, however, people talking about Oriental rugs typically are referring to handmade rugs from outside of Iran.

It's a common misconception that Persian rugs exclusively use Persian knots, or that Persian knots are only found in Persian rugs. Actually, both Turkish and Persian knots are used throughout the rug-making world.

Check the back

The easiest way to tell whether you have a real hand-knotted rug is to check the back. The back of a hand-knotted rug should be soft and flexible, with clearly visible knots in a pattern that mirrors the front of the rug. If some of those knots appear looser than others, that's a good sign! Even the most skilled artisans won't be capable of machine-like precision, so some unevenness is an indicator that your rug is handmade

Check the dye

Genuine Oriental and Persian rugs are made with natural vegetable dyes that over the centuries have been found to not run. Checking if the dye is colorfast is a surefire way to tell if your rug is authentic or a cheap imitation. An easy way to check is to leave a damp cloth on a small, inconspicuous spot of the rug overnight. If any dye transfers to the cloth, it is not colorfast and risks running should you ever spill liquid on it in the future.

Check the fringe

In a real hand-knotted rug, the fringe is made from the excess warp yarns on either end of the rug after it has been cut out of the loom. Machine-made rugs will often emulate this look with a fringe that is either glued or sewn on after the fact. If your rug has a sewn-on fringe, it is not authentic—the fringe on hand-knotted rugs is always structural.

Check the material

Authentic Persian and Oriental rugs are always made with 100% natural fibers. Usually, this means a cotton foundation and pile made from wool, silk, or a combination of the two. If your rug contains any synthetic materials like polyester or polypropylene, it can't be called a genuine Oriental rug.

Check the price

While this won't be as reliable as checking how the rug is built, you should still consider the price when searching for a hand-knotted rug. This is especially important when buying online.

For many people, hand-knotted rugs are investment pieces and family heirlooms. While we won't say it's impossible to get a good deal, you should expect to spend a little more on handmade rugs. Making a hand-knotted rug is a difficult and time-intensive process. It might take a team of skilled weavers a year or more to complete a room-sized rug, assuming they are working full-time. Price tags of several thousand dollars are justified when considering the cost of premium materials and, in the case of Persian Rugs, the price increase that comes with their scarcity. If you find a room-sized rug presenting itself as a genuine Persian or Oriental rug for only a few hundred dollars, there is a very good chance it is a fake.

If you've spent any time researching Persian and Oriental rugs, you've most likely come across the term “hand-knotted” already. Compared to machine-made rugs, hand-knotted rugs tend to be stronger and longer-lasting. The term “hand-knotted” might sound a bit self-explanatory, it doesn't tell the whole story of these amazing rugs! There are many types of rug knot. The knots your rug uses can tell a lot about where it's from.

How Are Hand-Knotted Rugs are Made?

The techniques used to make hand-knotted rugs go back thousands of years. How the rug is made can vary widely based on where the rug is being made. Despite this variation, the basic ideas remain the same.

The basic construction of a hand-knotted rug has three parts. Cotton yarns are stretched across a vertical loom, forming the “warp” of the rug. Wool yarns are then knotted onto the warp to form the pile of the rug. Finally, the pile is secured in place with cotton yarns woven horizontally through the warp to form the “weft” of the rug.

Persian Knots vs. Turkish Knots

The type of rug knot is the main variation you'll see in how hand-knotted rugs are made. There are two main types of knots you'll see: the Turkish knot (also called a Ghiordes knot) and the Persian knot (also called a Senneh knot).

Turkish knots are most common in rugs made in northwestern Iran, Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, and of course, Turkey. This strong, symmetrical knot makes for a very consistent pile and is typically used in thicker carpets.

Persian knots, on the other hand, are used more often in rugs from eastern Iran, Pakistan, and India. In a Persian knot, one half is tied tightly around a warp while the other half is left loose. The resulting asymmetric knot can be packed together more tightly than Turkish knots, making the Persian knot ideal for high knot density rugs with extremely detailed patterns.

Is One Type of Knot Better Than the Other?

Neither Turkish knots nor Persian knots are necessarily better than the other. Both types of rug knots have pros and cons, with each being better suited for the style of rug that they are used to make.

Turkish knots are particularly strong and results in a consistent pile. However, the shape of the knot makes it hard to pack them too closely together. This makes Turkish knots best suited for thicker rugs with more geometric designs like those found in the Kazak rugs of the south Caucuses.

Persian knots, on the other hand, tend to be more delicate but can be packed much closer together than is possible with a Turkish knot. This makes them perfect for very fine rugs with high knot counts and fluent or curvilinear designs.

Do All Persian Rugs Use Persian Knots?

The idea that Persian rugs must use Persian knots is a common misconception. In fact, the “Persian rug” moniker is applied to any hand-knotted rug made in Iran, regardless of the knot that was used to make it.

Both Persian and Turkish knots are used in areas inside and outside of Iran. So, while it can give some clue as to where the rug was made, knowing the type of knot alone is not enough to determine whether a rug is a genuine Persian rug or an Oriental rug made in another country.

It's Knot a Hard Choice!

The types of rug knot shouldn't weigh too heavily on your choice of rug, but that doesn't mean it's not important to know! The type of knot a rug uses is part of the story of that rug and the people who made it. It can also be a good thing to ask a rug dealer to make sure they really know their stuff!

No matter if it was made with Persian or Turkish knots, when you buy a genuine hand-knotted rug from Rugs.com you can be sure you're getting a quality piece that will last for years to come.

While originally from the south Caucuses in the region now known as Armenia, Kazak-style hand-knotted rugs are now made all over the world including in Turkey and Pakistan.

Modern weavers of Kazak rugs go to great lengths to preserve the traditions that these rugs came from. Kazak rugs are distinguished by their use of Turkish knots, natural dyes, hand-spun wool, and the stone washing process they go through. The result is a strong, short-pile rug with a beautiful antique finish.

Kazak rugs typically have geometric designs in deep indigo blues, creamy ivories, and rusty reds. Though the colors and techniques used are quite different from those found in native North American rugs and blankets, the designs in Kazak rugs are still popular with people looking to bring a southwestern to their homes.

Originating in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan, Bokhara-style rugs are made across the rug-weaving world today. They are most easily recognized by their distinctive patterns and thick, lush wool pile made with Persian knots.

The traditional Bokhara rug design is rows of stylized octagonal flowers called “guls” surrounded by a wide border of geometric patterns. While the colors used can vary widely from rug to rug, each individual rug uses a relatively limited palette. The classic colors for Bokhara rugs are deep, rich reds, but they can be found in ivories, blues, and greens as well.

Kilims are flatweave rugs. This means the designs are made with colored weft yarns woven into the warp of the rug rather than by knotting in pile yarns. This results in a rug that is flat, pileless, extremely durable, and often fully reversible.

One of the biggest advantages of Kilims is the price. Because their construction technique is relatively simple, Kilims can be made very quickly and cheaply when compared to other styles of Oriental rug. That makes Kilims a great choice for almost any budget.

The “classic” and most recognizable style of Moroccan rug is the Beni-Ourain.

Beni-Ourain rugs are characterized by their ivory hues—a result of using undyed wool—simple, often asymmetric lattice patterns, and shaggy pile meant to ward off the cold of the High Atlas Mountains where they are made.

Further down in the Middle Atlas Mountains, you'll find Azilal rugs being made.

These rugs are usually slightly thinner than their Beni-Ourain cousins and much more densely decorated. Azilal rugs will often have complicated asymmetric designs that reflect the life of the weaver rendered in brightly dyed colors against an ivory background.

Boucherouite rugs are a relatively new phenomenon that has quickly gained popularity around the world.

These “rag rugs” are made from recycled fabrics from a variety of sources and materials, including clothing, other rugs, and shipping bags. Their free-form designs are incredibly colorful and visually interesting thanks to the varied materials used in their construction.

Persian rugs are hand-knotted rugs from Iran. Persian rugs have long been prized for their beautiful patterns and unmatched quality, but today, they carry even more prestige due to their relative scarcity in the West. Because of various embargoes over the years, the supply of Persian rugs is limited, encouraging many collectors to keep them as investment pieces.

Persian rug styles are usually named for the city, region, or ethnic group that makes them. There are dozens of variations, including but not limited to:

In the far northwest corner of Iran is the ancient city of Tabriz. As one of the historical capitals of Iran, and thanks to its proximity to Turkey and Azerbaijan, Tabriz has long been a center of trade and rug manufacturing in the region.

There are no defining patterns for Tabriz rugs, with medallions and all-over designs being just as common. Their most distinguishing feature is a dense construction and fine quality, with many rugs having a density of well over 100 knots per square inch. Tabriz rugs typically use Turkish knots but will occasionally use Persian knots or even a combination of the two for more intricate patterns.

Only 50 miles east of Tabriz is the village of Heriz, home to some of the most popular village and tribal rugs made in Iran.

It's sometimes speculated that Heriz rugs as they currently are were the result of enterprising merchants from Tabriz seeking a way to produce affordable room-sized Persian rugs for export. Weavers from the Heriz region then adapted the ornate patterns of Tabriz rugs to the more geometric designs they were familiar with.

Today, Heriz rugs are easy to spot by their large, diamond-shaped medallions, oversized corner ornamentation, and occasional Tree of Life motifs. Heriz designs have a lot in common with Kazak rugs, which shouldn't be surprising given the proximity of Heriz to the Caucus mountains where Kazak rugs are made.

Like other rugs made in the western parts of Iran, they are typically made with Turkish knots, but are typically have a lower knot density (less than 100 knots per square inch) that lends to their rustic charm.

Located in east-central Iran, the city of Kerman and its nearby villages has long been an important center of both rug trading and weaving.

Kerman rugs are especially notable for their colors. In Kerman, wool is dyed before it is spun, allowing for a more consistent color throughout. Also unlike other styles of Persian rug, a single Kerman rug can use a huge variety of colors, with many having 15-30 different hues. The dazzling colors and curvilinear designs made possible by using Persian knots makes Kerman rugs highly prized around the world.

Even if it wasn't a historic center for rug weaving, today the city of Nain in central Iran is known around the world for crafting some of the finest rugs available.

Nain rugs are especially notable for the high percentage of silk they use, giving the rugs a characteristic shimmer. Patterns and designs are heavily influenced by rugs made in nearby Isfahan, with beautiful and elaborate floral patterns made possible by using Persian knots.

Among the most popular and revered tribal Persian rugs are Gabbehs. The simple designs and thick, plush texture has earned Gabbeh rugs die-hard fans around the world.

The word “Gabbeh” comes from Farsi and means “uncut,” “natural,” or “raw.” Despite the connotations of those words, Gabbeh rugs are anything but rough.

The first Gabbeh rugs were made in similar conditions to Moroccan Beni-Ourain rugs, to ward against the cold in the Zagros mountains of Iran. Made with hand-spun wool and natural dyes, these rugs are far thicker than most other Persian rugs, with some even being close to having a shag pile. Their designs are typically very simple, relying on large fields of solid colors and occasional agricultural symbols. This simplicity lends to their rustic charm and makes them very popular in modern homes.



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