AREA RUGS 101

Selecting an Area Rug

Before getting into the technical details of Area Rugs, visualize the desired total look of the room and select the style and design that matches the décor you desire.

Do you want a room that is uncluttered and monotone?  Or a room that is rich with colors and textures?

What are the existing furnishings in the room?  A rug with a bold, overall design can be the focal point of a room with a chair and sofa in solid or subdued patterns.  

What size do you want to be covered?  The most common area rug sizes are 4-by-6 and 6-by-9 feet. They work well under a coffee table. An 8-by-11-foot rug or larger can cover an entire room. Smaller area and scatter rugs can be ideal for adorning smaller spaces—a hearth, a bedside, the area in front of a kitchen sink—with a splash of color and warmth.    Don’t be boxed in by the idea of getting a rectangular rug. A circular or octagonal-shaped floor covering can add flair.

Area Rug Construction

Area Rug quality is typically differentiated based on construction technique employed, and the combination of density, twist, and fiber.

Hand made rugs have a handcrafted design, are made with natural yarns such as wood and silk giving them a unique texture, and woven with great strength.  The result is a true piece of art ranging from expensive in price to a collector’s item.  Machine made rugs are made through the use of tufting machines and can be manufactured in many textures, styles, and size in mass quantities.

Density refers to the closeness of the tufts or knots. The denser the pile, the better your rug will wear.

Twist refers to the winding of yarn around itself. A tighter yarn twist will provide added durability.

The type of fiber used in your rug also will help determine its appearance and performance. Synthetic fibers provide brilliant colors, easy maintenance, softness and outstanding value. Natural fibers provide soft, low luster colors, long term performance and other aesthetic qualities.   Here is quick list of common Area Rug fibers:

Nylon – The most popular carpet fiber used today.  It offers excellent value, performance, and ease of maintenance.  It comes in brilliant colors and hides traffic well.  Click here to learn about the best branded nylon carpets.

Olefin/Polypropylene – Highly stain, static, mold, and mildew resistant.  Commonly found in Berber and level-loop carpets.

Polyester – Similar to nylon, it offers great color and feel however its performance is generally not as strong as nylon.

Wool – The most luxurious fiber type around with an elegant look, soft wool feel, and great performance with a relatively expensive price point.