The Complete Guide to Rugs
Rug Materials
A rug's fibre influences everything from its texture and appearance to its durability and care requirements. Understanding the material is one of the easiest ways to determine whether a rug is right for your space.
Wool
A favourite for good reason, wool is a natural fibre known for its softness, durability and resilience. Wool fibres have a natural ability to bounce back after being compressed, helping rugs maintain their appearance over time. Wool also has natural soil- and stain-resistant properties. Wool rugs work beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms and can stand up well to everyday use when properly cared for. Some initial shedding is normal, particularly with hand-tufted wool rugs.
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and frequently used spaces.
Jute & Sisal
Jute is a plant-based fibre prized for its warm colour, organic texture and casual character. Its naturally varied fibres create visual depth and make it an excellent way to introduce texture into a neutral space. Natural-fibre rugs generally perform best in dry indoor areas. Because jute readily absorbs moisture, it is not ideal for bathrooms or other damp environments.
Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and layering beneath other rugs.
Cotton & Viscose
Cotton and viscose rugs are valued for their soft feel and relaxed look. Cotton is typically lightweight and casual, while viscose has a smoother finish with a subtle sheen that can give a rug a more refined appearance.
Both fibres are generally better suited to lower-traffic areas, and less resilient than wool or synthetic options.
Best For: Bedrooms, formal living spaces and lower-traffic areas.
Polyester
Polyester is a synthetic fibre valued for its softness, colour clarity and resistance to many everyday stains. It can recreate the appearance of more expensive fibres at an accessible price point and is available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. Its practical nature makes polyester a popular choice for family rooms, children's spaces and other frequently used areas.
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms and busy households.
PET / Recycled Polyester
PET rugs are typically made from polyester, often produced using recycled plastic bottles. The resulting fibre can be surprisingly soft while offering excellent durability and resistance to moisture. PET is commonly used for indoor/outdoor rugs because of its hard-wearing nature and suitability for spaces where easy maintenance is important.
Best For: Patios, covered porches, entryways, mudrooms and busy family spaces.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a durable synthetic fibre frequently used in performance and indoor/outdoor rugs. It has low moisture absorption and good resistance to staining, making it particularly practical for high-use spaces. Many polypropylene rugs can be used outdoors, but always check the individual product specifications before exposing a rug to the elements.
Best For: High-traffic areas, entryways and outdoor living.
Rug Construction
A rug's fibre influences everything from its texture and appearance to its durability and care requirements. Understanding the material is one of the easiest ways to determine whether a rug is right for your space.
Power-Loomed
Power-loomed rugs are woven using computer-controlled machinery. The process allows complex patterns, consistent construction and a wide variety of colours and textures to be produced efficiently. These rugs are often made from durable synthetic fibres, although wool and blended constructions are also available. Their combination of design, performance and approachable pricing makes them a practical choice for everyday spaces.
Pile: Varies
Known For: Consistency, detailed patterns, durability and value.
Handwoven / Flatweave
Handwoven rugs are produced on a loom by weaving yarns together rather than tying individual knots. Many have little or no pile, creating a thinner and more streamlined profile. Flatweave rugs are generally lightweight and durable. Some constructions are reversible, although this should always be confirmed for the individual rug.
Pile: Flat or low
Known For: Durability, versatility and a relaxed appearance.
Shag/High Pile
Shag refers primarily to the rug's pile rather than one specific manufacturing method. Long fibres create a deep, plush surface with a soft and cozy feel underfoot. The longer pile requires more careful maintenance and can trap more dirt and debris than a low-pile rug, making shag rugs particularly well suited to comfortable, lower-traffic spaces.
Pile: High
Known For: Softness, warmth and cozy texture.
Hand-Hooked
Hand-hooked rugs are made by pulling loops of yarn through a woven foundation. Rather than cutting the loops to create a smooth pile, they are typically left intact, producing a dimensional, textured surface. The technique is particularly well suited to designs with strong patterns, curves and decorative motifs.
Pile: Low to medium loop pile
Known For: Texture, dimensional patterns and decorative designs.
Hand-Knotted
Hand-knotted rugs are among the most labour-intensive rugs to produce. Skilled artisans individually tie yarn around the rug's foundation to gradually create the design. Because every knot is tied individually, this technique can produce exceptional detail and durability. High-quality hand-knotted rugs can last for generations when properly maintained, and slight variations are part of their handmade character.
Pile: Typically low to medium
Known For: Exceptional craftsmanship, longevity and intricate detail.
Hand-Tufted
Hand-tufted rugs are created by pushing yarn through a fabric foundation using a handheld tufting tool. The surface is then finished and a backing is typically applied to secure the yarn. This technique creates a plush, substantial rug in considerably less time than hand-knotting, making hand-tufted rugs a popular balance between craftsmanship and price.
Pile: Low to high
Known For: Softness, plush texture and excellent pattern definition.
Care Guide & FAQ
Rug Care
Regular Care
Vacuum regularly using an appropriate low-suction setting and turn off the beater bar when possible. Rotate the rug periodically to promote even wear and help reduce uneven fading in rooms that receive significant sunlight.
Spills & Stains
Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Use only cleaning products suitable for synthetic rug fibres and test cleaners in an inconspicuous area before applying them more broadly. Professional cleaning is recommended for stubborn stains or a deeper overall clean.
Regular Care
Vacuum regularly on a low-power setting to remove dirt and debris. Although PET rugs are designed to be durable and moisture-resistant, avoid allowing them to sit in standing water for extended periods. Outdoor rugs should be stored in a dry, protected location during prolonged periods of severe weather or over the winter when appropriate.
Spills & Stains
Blot spills promptly with a clean cloth. When additional cleaning is required, use a mild cleaner that is appropriate for synthetic fibres and follow the individual rug's care instructions.
If Your Rug Gets Wet
Allow the rug to dry completely before placing it back in position. Dry both the front and back to prevent moisture from becoming trapped underneath.
Regular Care
Vacuum regularly using a low-suction setting with the beater bar turned off to avoid pulling or damaging the fibres. Rotate your rug periodically to encourage even wear and help minimize uneven fading from sunlight. Some shedding is natural, especially with new wool rugs. If loose fibres appear, carefully trim them with scissors rather than pulling them.
Spills & Stains
Blot spills immediately using a clean, dry, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can push the spill deeper into the fibres. For stains, use a cleaner specifically approved for wool and test it on an inconspicuous area first. For significant stains or deep cleaning, professional rug cleaning is recommended.
Regular Care
Vacuum regularly using suction only to remove surface dirt and debris. Keep natural-fibre rugs away from consistently damp or humid areas, as fibres such as jute readily absorb moisture.
Spills & Stains
Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid saturating the rug with water or cleaning solution, as excess moisture can cause staining, discolouration or changes to the fibres. Professional cleaning is recommended for larger or difficult stains.
Regular Care
Vacuum gently using a low-suction setting without a beater bar. These softer fibres can be more delicate than wool or performance synthetics, so avoid aggressive vacuuming or scrubbing.
Spills & Stains
Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth without rubbing. Avoid oversaturating the rug, particularly when caring for viscose, which can be sensitive to moisture.
Some cotton rugs may be washable, but only when specifically indicated on the product's care instructions. For viscose rugs or significant staining, professional cleaning is the safest option.
Using a properly sized rug pad can help extend the life of your rug by reducing movement and friction against the floor. A rug pad also provides additional cushioning, helps prevent slipping and creates a protective layer between your rug and flooring.
Choose a rug pad appropriate for your flooring type and slightly smaller than the rug so that it remains concealed beneath the edges.
FAQ
The right rug size depends on the room and your furniture layout. As a general rule, choose a rug large enough to visually anchor the main furniture rather than one that sits independently in the centre of the room. In a living room, aim to have at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs resting on the rug. For a dining room, the rug should extend approximately 24 inches or more beyond the edge of the table so chairs remain on the rug when pulled out. In a bedroom, a larger rug can sit beneath the bed and extend beyond the sides and foot to create a soft, balanced look.
There isn't one material that's best for every home. Wool is an excellent all-around option because of its durability, softness and natural resilience. Synthetic rugs are practical for busy households and high-traffic spaces, while natural fibres such as jute offer beautiful organic texture. Consider where the rug will be placed, how much foot traffic it will receive and how easy you need it to be to maintain.
Look for durable fibres and a relatively low pile. Wool, polypropylene, polyester and other performance fibres can all work well depending on the rug. Flatweave and low-pile constructions are particularly practical in entryways, hallways, dining areas and other frequently used spaces.
We recommend using a rug pad whenever appropriate for the rug and flooring type. A quality rug pad can help keep your rug securely in place, add cushioning, protect the flooring underneath and reduce friction that can contribute to premature wear.
Some shedding is completely normal, particularly with new wool rugs. Loose fibres will generally diminish with regular use and gentle vacuuming. Avoid aggressive vacuum settings or a rotating beater bar, which can pull at the rug fibres.
Yes. Small variations in colour, weave, texture, dimensions or pattern are a natural part of many handmade rugs and aren't considered defects. These subtle differences are part of what gives an artisan-made rug its individual character.
Absolutely. Indoor/outdoor rugs can be an excellent choice for busy indoor spaces. Their durable, easy-care fibres make them particularly useful for entryways, mudrooms, kitchens and homes with children or pets.
Low-pile rugs and durable performance fibres are generally the easiest options for homes with pets. A lower pile is easier to vacuum and is less likely to catch claws than a loose or highly textured construction. Performance and indoor/outdoor rugs can also be helpful in areas where spills and accidents are more likely.
Rotating your rug approximately every 3-6 months can help encourage more even wear. Rotation is especially helpful in areas with heavy foot traffic, uneven furniture placement or significant natural light.
If an individual fibre or yarn works its way above the surface, carefully trim it level with the rug using sharp scissors. Never pull a loose yarn, as this can damage the construction of the rug.
Professional cleaning is recommended when a rug requires a deep clean or has a stain that cannot be safely treated at home. How frequently this is needed depends on the rug's material, colour, traffic and household. Always choose a cleaner experienced with the specific fibre and construction of your rug.