The Complete Guide to Purchasing a New Rug for your Home
When looking to buy a new rug for the home there is so much to consider, so here are some points that you may not have yet considered:
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Consider Indoor-Outdoor Options
If spills and stains from children and pets are a concern, an indoor-outdoor rug made of a synthetic material such as solution-dyed acrylic, polypropylene, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) may be a good choice. These materials are now often so soft and appealing that they can be difficult to distinguish from indoor-only materials.
Use One or a Few
There’s no rule that says you can only have one rug in your living room. In larger spaces, designers frequently employ many carpets to designate distinct sections. So how do you know if one or a few are the best?
A brightly patterned rug can be the focal point of a living room. Smaller spaces, as well as living rooms surrounded by walls and doorways, benefit from a single huge rug.
Multiple rugs assist different furniture groups and can be used to divide a living room from a dining or media area without walls. They are more likely to benefit sprawling, open-concept areas like lofts.
Colour/Pattern/Style
Think about how you intend to utilize your rug and its surroundings – do you want it to make a statement? A rug is an excellent way to add a splash of colour to a room. A patterned rug may bring character to a room without being overpowering.
Fibre
Different materials are ideal for different areas of the home, and factors such as the amount of time available for maintenance and whether you have children or pets should all be addressed.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a durable and easy-to-clean material that may be tufted and woven to look like wool. It is typically a less expensive alternative to wool, with the added benefit of reduced shedding (fluff) and easier upkeep.
Polypropylene
A synthetic fibre that is long-lasting, easy to maintain, and suitable for high-traffic areas. Flat weave or shaggy designs are available, and developed fibres may now be made to feel incredibly soft.
Viscose
A less durable fibre that is typically utilized to lend a luxe/sheen finish to the overall appearance of the rug. It is usually combined with wool for a high-quality outcome, but it is not advised for high-traffic areas because it is more sensitive.
Cotton
It is typically created in a flat weave design and is less durable than other flat weave fibres such as sisal, jute, or polypropylene, but it makes up for it in softness.
Wool
Wool is extremely soft underfoot and a very durable natural fibre that is easy to clean and heat resistant, making it the most popular rug fibre for use around fireplaces. Look for wool from high altitude places, as this can increase the durability of the fibres.
Jute
Jute, a natural fibre, is exceptionally resilient and well-suited for high-traffic locations. It has similar properties to sisal and comes in a range of weave patterns.
Sisal
Very durable (much more so than jute) and ideal for high usage areas that require a strong fibre. Sisal can be coarser underfoot than comparable flat weave fibres like jute, polypropylene, and cotton.
Although the fibre is durable, it should not be wet when cleaning because it can stain and extend the fibres – special dry-cleaning kits for cleaning sisal rugs and carpets can be obtained.