Area Rug FAQs

The answers to your questions, all in one place

1. What type of rug best matches my lifestyle?

The appearance and performance of an area rug is determined by the way it’s constructed. If you’re living on a budget, you may opt for a more affordable machine-made rug over a hand-crafted rug.

2. Should I use a rug pad?

We recommend a rug pad, not only to provide additional cushion, but to protect the flooring beneath the rug from wear. Rug pads will also give your rug additional traction to prevent slipping, making your rug safer.

3. How do I clean my rug?

We recommend a professional cleaning every 2-5 years in order to keep your rug looking and feeling great for many years. For routine cleaning and care tips, consult our guide on how to clean area rugs.

4. Where should I put my rug?

For an in-depth look at how to choose and arrange your rug to match your room’s size and décor, check out our Area Rug Tips.

5. How can I fix a snag in my rug?

Never pull on a snagged rug fiber. Instead, lift the fiber and clip it right at the source. If you’re not sure what to do, contact us for assistance.

6. What is rug pile?

Pile refers to the surface yarn of a rug. This yarn makes up the rug’s face. From this measurement you can see how thick your new rug will be.

7. What size rug should I choose for my room?

There is no one rule for choosing an area rug. For detailed tips on choosing the right size rug for any room type, check out our Area Rug Tips.

8. How many rugs can I put in one room?

There is no limit to the number or rugs you can use in a design. However, you should choose rugs with a similar color scheme so that they do not clash visually.

9. How long should my rug last?

The durability of your rug will depend on its construction, your lifestyle, and the materials from which it’s made. Carefully consider where you place your rug to maximize its longevity. Consult our Area Rug Tips for more info.

10. How do I store my rug?

Be sure to clean your rug first, then roll it and wrap it in heavy-duty plastic with moth balls before sealing the whole thing with tape.

11. What is the difference between each type of rug fiber?

Wool rugs are the most popular type, being that they are able to hold up to lots of foot traffic. You should also expect a wool rug to shed.

Nylon is a synthetic fiber that is also the most durable and easy to maintain, ideal for active families with children or pets.

Use polypropylene rugs next to windows, as they are incredibly resistant to fading, as well as staining, static and mold.

12. What is a woven rug?

Woven rugs are made using mechanical looms, with interwoven yarns that can form either a flat or raised pile. Machine-woven rugs are often made using synthetic fibers like nylon, and are more durable than hand-woven styles. In general, woven rugs are noted for their high quality and durability, making them an invest for years to come.

13. What is a tufted rug?

Tufted rugs are usually soft and plush, like shag. They are produced by hand or using a tufting gun, and are easier to produce than woven rugs. Fibers are pulled through the backing in loops, and a nonslip rubber backing is applied to lock the tufts in. This type of rug shows texture or pattern in varying pile areas, and last longer in low-traffic areas.

14. What is a printed rug?

Printed rugs are sprayed with a combination of many colored dyes, set with steam and heat. They are generally more affordable, offering flexibility for those who wish to refresh their décor often to match changing trends.

15. What is a flat weave rug?

Flat weave rugs are created on a loom using a process that is not as labor-intensive. They are typically made from wool or cotton, and their looped construction results in a flat, thin pile. This type of rug is reversible making it very a versatile piece to use with any design.