The Ultimate Rug Guide
Choosing a rug for home can be a tantalising task: they come in so many designs, materials and sizes. Worry no more: we have broken down everything you need to know before you make the purchasing decision. For over 60 years, we’ve woven, sourced and sold all kinds of rugs and finally, we think we’ve found the recipe for the perfect rug.
Here, we’ll break down the process in the following steps:
1. Designing the rug – why good design matters
Making the perfect rug should always start with an exceptional design. One should look for rugs that are designed by a person who 1) understands the possibilities with different fabrics 2) has experience in and passion for the interior landscape and 3) strives to create products with timeless appeal. If these conditions are met, one will find a rug that is almost unique by nature, will blend in a variety of spaces and never loses its value. Most likely, it will also be a sustainable and ethical product.
Great design can be hard to put into words, but it’s instantly recognizable when you experience it. That’s the result of someone putting their expertise and heart into making products that are not only good looking, but actually make the world a better place.
2. Choosing the right material – why wool is the king
There are basically two main categories of materials: synthetic and natural.
Synthetic materials are all oil-based plastics: polyester, polypropylene and polyamide (nylon) being the most common ones. While they offer high performance in terms of stain resistance and dust avoidance, they are synthetic fibres that shed microplastics and release VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
The most common natural materials for rugs are lamb wool, jute and cotton. Wool is nature’s wonder material:
- Wool fibers can bend and recover from pressure, making wool rugs long-lasting and less prone to wear and tear, even in high-traffic areas. Synthetic rugs, on the other hand, may flatten or wear out more quickly over time.
- Wool contains natural lanolin, which acts as a protective barrier against dirt and stains.
- Wool is naturally flame-retardant, making it a safer choice for households. It does not ignite easily, and when exposed to flames, it burns slowly and self-extinguishes. Synthetic fibers can often melt or release harmful chemicals when burned, posing a higher fire risk.
- Wool is a natural insulator and it also helps in noise cancellation, improving home acoustics.
3. Making the perfect rug
Weaving is one of humanity’s oldest forms of mechanised craftsmanship, and remarkably, not much has changed since the industrial revolution. Broadly, rugs are made using three main techniques: weaving, tufting, and knotting.
Weaving involves interlacing vertical warp yarns and horizontal weft yarns to create a dense textile. Today, most woven rugs are produced by machines using synthetic yarns.
Tufting, on the other hand, is achieved either through large-scale production lines or hand-held machines. Tufted rugs typically feature a dense pile made from natural or synthetic fibers. However, a drawback of tufting is the need for adhesives to bond the yarn to the rug’s backing. This not only adds weight to the rug but also means that over time, the adhesive can degrade, causing it to peel. Moreover, the use of chemical adhesives is a concern for many environmentally-conscious consumers.
The most refined and time-honored rug-making method is hand knotting, where each individual yarn is meticulously tied onto the warp. Although this process is the most labor-intensive, it produces the highest quality rugs. In thousands of years, nothing has rivaled the artisanal skill of hand knotting.
While there is no definitive “right” production method, we believe the key lies in making thoughtful, informed choices. By selecting a rug made from natural materials, free from adhesives and synthetic fibers, you’re investing in a product with an almost infinite lifespan—one that can be repurposed into new textile products at the end of its life.
4. Selecting the right size
When selecting a rug, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, some general principles can help, especially in living rooms:
- Think Bigger: One common mistake is choosing rugs that are too small for the space.
- Centralize the Rug: Ideally, the rug should be the focal point of the room or define a specific area in an open floor plan.
- Create Connection: Ensure the rug visually connects with surrounding furniture to create harmony in the space.
On the left, a 170x240cm RIBBON rug is paired with a typical 3-seater sofa. While it works, the balance isn’t ideal—the rug doesn’t anchor the living area, and the furniture feels cramped. On the right, a larger 200x300cm RIBBON rug creates a more cohesive and balanced look.
But not everyone can place a 200x300cm or even a bigger rug in the living room. Is there a way to overcome the limits of physical space?
A rectangular rug can be replaced by a round one, a true decor cheat code! One added bonus with a round rug, such as ARC black & white in size D200cm in the picture, is that you can rotate it to create different layouts, bringing a playful vibe to the room.
If space and budget permit, opting for an even larger rug, such as a 250x350cm rug, elevates the living area’s overall aesthetic. This size frames the space, offering a luxurious feel straight out of Architectural Digest.
In open floor plans, rugs serve as visual separators, defining the living and dining areas. In the example below, the living and dining spaces are distinct yet cohesive thanks to strategically placed rugs.
A frequent challenge in dining areas is finding a rug large enough to accommodate chairs without having their back legs fall off the edge. One solution is to place two standard rugs side-by-side, as shown with two IKI rugs (170x240cm each). Alternatively, custom-sized rugs are a great option for achieving the perfect fit.
Now that the perfect rug has been selected and placed on the floor, it’s all about maintaining it.
5. Taking care of the rug
After 60 years in the rug business, we know that wool is the best material. Yet, even the best of the materials is nothing without good care and maintenance.
Vacuuming: Routine Care
Vacuuming is essential for maintaining your wool rug. However, it’s important to use a vacuum with the right settings to prevent damage:
- Use a gentle setting: Avoid high-powered suction and be sure to turn off any beater bar or rotating brush attachments, as these can pull on the fibers, causing unnecessary wear and tear.
- Vacuum with care: For robot vacuums, ensure they are set to gentle mode (if available) or avoid their use on delicate wool rugs, as rotating parts can cause friction and fraying.
- Frequency: For high-traffic areas, vacuum your rug once or twice a week. For low-traffic areas, a bi-weekly vacuum should suffice.
- Handheld vacuums: These are great for spot-cleaning or for more delicate areas of the rug where manual control is preferable.
Shedding: A Natural Process
Shedding is an inherent feature of wool rugs, especially in the first few months of use:
- Initial shedding: It’s normal for your wool rug to shed fibers during the first few months, particularly in areas of heavy foot traffic. This is not a sign of poor quality; it’s part of the rug’s natural settling process.
- Ongoing maintenance: Regular vacuuming (as outlined above) is the most effective way to manage shedding. Over time, the shedding will reduce but may never stop completely.
- Tip: Using a vacuum without a beater bar or rotating brushes will minimize shedding and prevent fibers from loosening prematurely.
Spot Cleaning: Stains and Spills
Addressing spills and stains promptly is crucial to keeping your wool rug looking its best:
- Blot, don’t rub: As soon as a spill occurs, blot it with a clean, white cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Rubbing can drive the stain deeper into the fibers and spread it further.
- Use mild detergents: For light stains, mix a small amount of mild detergent (like wool-safe soap or dishwashing liquid) with lukewarm water. Test the solution on a small, hidden area of the rug first to ensure colorfastness. Blot the stain gently with this solution, then blot again with clean water to remove any detergent residue.
- Professional cleaning: For stubborn stains or deep cleaning, it’s best to consult a professional rug cleaner with experience in wool.
Rotating the Rug
To prevent uneven wear and fading:
- Rotate your rug every 6-12 months. This ensures that the rug wears evenly, especially in high-traffic areas or where sunlight exposure is uneven, which can cause discoloration or fading over time.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors of your wool rug to fade. Use curtains or blinds to limit exposure, or rotate the rug regularly to minimize this effect.
Storage
If you need to store your wool rug for any period of time:
- Clean before storing: Always clean your rug before storing it to prevent dust or moths from damaging the fibers.
- Roll, don’t fold: Roll the rug tightly with the pile side facing inwards. Avoid folding, as this can create permanent creases.
- Use breathable covers: Store the rug in a breathable cotton sheet or cloth, rather than plastic, to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold or mildew.
- Store in a dry, cool place: Humidity can damage wool, so ensure that the storage area is cool, dry, and well-ventilated.