Welcome to this magic carpet ride! We compiled our go-to rug rules of thumb. From size and material to care and maintenance, consider this your go-to source for rug wisdom.
MATERIAL, GIRL
Like any other textile, rugs come in various fibers and finishes. Understanding your different options and what to put where will help ensure your rug stands the test of time.
image credit: Lindsay Salazar
WOOL
Placement: High-traffic areas, such as entryways, living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms.
Quality: Extremely durable.
Avoid: Outdoor usage — wool is best for indoor use.
Pricing: Varies, depending on construction. Machine-made is the less expensive option, while hand tufted means a price increase.
Maintenance: Wool will shed but does so less and less with time. You can vacuum wool, making it easy to clean.
Note: Hand-knotted wool rugs will sprout. When this happens, simply trim the pulled areas with scissors.
Cotton
Placement: Great in high and low traffic areas.
Quality: Durable, lightweight, and soft.
Pricing: Pricing varies depending on construction, pattern, and blends. Cotton is typically less expensive than wool.
Maintenance: Hand wash or professional cleaning.
Note: This is typically a thinner rug, which makes it great for layering!
Jute
Placement: Great in high and low traffic areas, both inside and out (when under a covered porch).
Quality: Durable.
Maintenance: Jute can be “dusty” and frequently shed. Avoid spot cleaning.
Note: Jute rugs are dyed with vegetable oil, which means they’ll fade in the sun. Avoid putting them in direct sunlight.
Polyester
Placement: Best in high to low-traffic areas.
Quality: Durable, but not as durable as their wool counterparts.
Pricing: Inexpensive option when wool is out of your price range. Offer the look of a high-end traditional rug without the price tag.
Polypropylene
Placement: Great for indoor/outdoor use.
Quality: Durable.
Maintenance: Can be hosed off and cleaned with diluted bleach.
Viscose
Placement: Great in lower traffic areas, such as bedrooms
Quality: Durable and soft but does not tolerate spills well.
Avoid: Getting it wet.
Maintenance: Any liquid, including water, can discolor a viscose rug. Avoid damp forms of cleaning.
Note: This is the softest rug you can get your feet on. If you love the idea of walking on butter, you’ll love a viscose rug.
RUG SIZING
One of the most common questions we get is about size. What size rug should you get for your space. Here are a few helpful points of reference:
Beneath a Bed
Queen Bed: Minimum rug size is 6x9; ideal size is 8x10
King Bed: Minimum rug size is 8x10; ideal size is 9x12
Beneath Living Room Furniture
This one has many variables to consider (size of room, placement of furniture, etc.). With that, it’s best to look at your rug as an anchor. As long as the front legs of your furniture items are on the rug a minimum of 4-6 inches, you’re in good shape!
image credit: Lindsay Salazar
Beneath a Dining Table
A dining room rug should extend 24 inches past the edges of the table. Ideally, you want the legs of your dining chairs to be on the rug. Specifically, the side chairs, which can sometimes mean placing a custom rug order to get the perfect size. For tables extending longer than 8’, 9x12 rugs can come up short. We know not everyone can afford a custom rug. Don't fret. If your host chairs hang off the rug just a bit, we won’t tell.
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Dining Tip: Select a rug with a low pile to keep chairs from catching as they slide in and out. Ideally, one that cleans easily.
In the Entry
Go big! Avoid 2’x3’ rugs in this area to keep the rug from looking like a door mat. A larger rug in your entry will elevate the look and create a more inviting space. Since this is where people enter the home from outside, durable and cleanable are a must! If it can fit, 5x7 is a great size for this space.
RUG RULE OF THUMB
When rug shopping, the main thing to remember is that every space is different. With that, these rug “rules” can vary from space to space. If a typical rug size doesn't fit your space, we have custom rug options.
RUG WISDOM
We always recommend following the care instructions on your rug tag and having your rug professionally cleaned. We also recommend using a rug pad, which helps prevent slipping hazards, adds comfort, and creates added durability.
YOUR RUG HUB
We have hundreds of rug samples in store. Guess what?! You can even check them out to see how they look in your home before making a purchase. Stop by today and try a few on for size. Rugs are a wonderful way to update the home, create warmth, and make your surroundings all the more inviting. Rugs for the win!
Wednesday Apr 27 2022 by Stacey Beyer
Welcome to this magic carpet ride! We compiled our go-to rug rules of thumb. From size and material to care and maintenance, consider this your go-to source for rug wisdom.
MATERIAL, GIRL
Like any other textile, rugs come in various fibers and finishes. Understanding your different options and what to put where will help ensure your rug stands the test of time.
image credit: Lindsay Salazar
RUG SIZING
One of the most common questions we get is about size. What size rug should you get for your space. Here are a few helpful points of reference:
Beneath a Bed
Queen Bed: Minimum rug size is 6x9; ideal size is 8x10
King Bed: Minimum rug size is 8x10; ideal size is 9x12
Beneath Living Room Furniture
This one has many variables to consider (size of room, placement of furniture, etc.). With that, it’s best to look at your rug as an anchor. As long as the front legs of your furniture items are on the rug a minimum of 4-6 inches, you’re in good shape!
image credit: Lindsay Salazar
Beneath a Dining Table
A dining room rug should extend 24 inches past the edges of the table. Ideally, you want the legs of your dining chairs to be on the rug. Specifically, the side chairs, which can sometimes mean placing a custom rug order to get the perfect size. For tables extending longer than 8’, 9x12 rugs can come up short. We know not everyone can afford a custom rug. Don't fret. If your host chairs hang off the rug just a bit, we won’t tell.
Dining Tip: Select a rug with a low pile to keep chairs from catching as they slide in and out. Ideally, one that cleans easily.
In the Entry
Go big! Avoid 2’x3’ rugs in this area to keep the rug from looking like a door mat. A larger rug in your entry will elevate the look and create a more inviting space. Since this is where people enter the home from outside, durable and cleanable are a must! If it can fit, 5x7 is a great size for this space.
RUG RULE OF THUMB
When rug shopping, the main thing to remember is that every space is different. With that, these rug “rules” can vary from space to space. If a typical rug size doesn't fit your space, we have custom rug options.
RUG WISDOM
We always recommend following the care instructions on your rug tag and having your rug professionally cleaned. We also recommend using a rug pad, which helps prevent slipping hazards, adds comfort, and creates added durability.
YOUR RUG HUB
We have hundreds of rug samples in store. Guess what?! You can even check them out to see how they look in your home before making a purchase. Stop by today and try a few on for size. Rugs are a wonderful way to update the home, create warmth, and make your surroundings all the more inviting. Rugs for the win!