The Complete Rug Guide: How to choose the perfect rug

Incorporating rugs is one of our favorite ways to elevate a room. Rugs bring color and personality while adding a foundational layer that ties everything together. With so many options to choose from, it’s always wise to do a little bit of research beforehand. In this rug guide, we’ve compiled all the things to keep in mind so you can find the perfect rug.

#1 Material Matters

One of the first things to consider is what type of materials you prefer, synthetic or natural fibers. With each kind having its own benefits, looking at the general characteristics can help you narrow down your options.

Natural Rugs

Natural Rugs are made from natural materials derived from either plants or animals, including silk, cotton, wool, hides, jute, and seagrass. Because they are usually handwoven and require a more detailed process, they are more durable and higher quality. While this craftsmanship comes with a higher price tag, this is a good choice if you are looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly rug. If you are going for a specific style, natural material rugs often look more traditional due to their deep colors and heavy textures.

The most durable natural fiber materials are wool and cotton rugs. Rugs using jute and seagrass are a little less durable but more budget-friendly and are a good option if you want a neutral-colored rug.

Some of our favorites are wool and hides; both materials bring an organic feel and unique character. They are also practical as the fibers naturally wick away moisture and are easily cleanable.

Synthetic Rugs

Synthetic rugs are made from non-natural materials such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene. They are often more budget-friendly because they can be factory-made. Synthetic rugs aren’t as durable as natural rugs; however, they are usually easier to clean due to the fabric construction. Rugs with synthetic materials can also use brighter and bolder colors, providing more options with abstract designs and modern looks.

#2 Construction of the Rug

Just as we can appreciate the hours and skills required to create beautiful art, the craftsmanship of rug making is just as inspiring. We will cover the most prominent methods, as there are many different rug construction types.

Hand Knotted is the most expensive and ranks as the highest durability construction type. Hand knotted rugs are so intricately woven that some can last well more than 100 years! Hand Tufted and Hand Hooked rugs are made with a hand-operated tool and are still highly durable, with rugs lasting 10 years or more. Handwoven or loomed rugs are woven by hand and can be produced much quicker, making them more budget friendly. Lastly, machine woven is the most affordable rug construction; however, it usually doesn’t last as long as handmade constructions and has little variation from piece to piece.

#3 Consider the Size

Deciding on what size of rug to buy greatly depends on the function and dimensions of the room. We first recommend measuring the room and then referring to the drawings below for rug size and placement suggestions. Typically, the rug should mimic the room layout and primary furniture. Going bigger is typically the better choice if you are debating between two sizes. A common mistake is going too small for the space, making it feel unbalanced. You can also use painter’s tape to outline rug measurements for better visualization. 

#4 Look at the Price

The last factor to consider is how much you want to invest in a rug. As we’ve discovered, higher quality and durability rugs typically come at a higher cost. As a design studio that values heirloom quality, we usually lean towards higher quality rugs as they will be something you admire and love for many years. We will cover our favorite vendors in a variety of price ranges so you can browse according to your preference.

One of our favorite budget-friendly vendors is Safavieh, an online retail store that provides a variety of options in materials and style. Another budget friendly shop is Loloi Rugs; even though they are wholesale, you can easily find a retailer through their website if you find a rug you like. Another option is visiting TJMax. Not all their rugs are good purchases, but by looking at the materials and construction, you are much more equipped to find a good quality rug.

When working with clients, we often purchase from Surya Rugs and Jaipur Living. On their websites, you can easily find information on each rug, how to care for it, its materials, construction, and pile. Both Jaipur Living and Surya Rugs can be purchased through an interior designer or retailer. Another perk of ordering through a designer is they can order completely customizable rugs, where you can select the color, pattern, size, fiber content, and weave. Custom rugs are a fun way to create a statement piece unique to you. 

Congratulations, you are now a rug expert and are ready to find the perfect rug! While there are so many attributes to consider, remember to have fun in the process. If you find a rug you love through one of our vendors or would like help exploring options, talk with one of our designers. We would love to share our rug obsession with you.