Area rugs 101

A rug is a wonderfully multi-purpose piece for any room in your home – it wears many coats and fulfills a bevy of functions, all while looking stylish as can be.  A rug forms the foundation of a room, anchoring the furniture in position and setting the tone for the whole space.  It protects your floors, enhances the warmth of your room, and adds a delightful level of under-foot comfort.  On top of all that, the right rug can make that succinct, expressive design statement that tells everyone what the aesthetic of your room really is – and tells them a little more about you.  From a minimalist modern to a resplendent Persian-style, a rug can be a defining piece for your whole room, which is why it’s important to make your rug choices as informed and intentional as possible.

At Woodside Home, of course, we’ll help you with all of that, and make sure you get the perfect rug for your space.  And in the interest of helping you get to know what rug might be right for you, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about four fiber types for rugs, and what each can offer you.

Wool – Wool is one of the most common – and most durable – fibers used for rugs.  It’s resilient, while still remaining soft and comfy, which makes it perfect for high-traffic spots like living rooms or dining rooms.  Plus, wool rugs are naturally dirt- and water-repellent, and their elastic fibers help them bounce back to shape quickly.  Wool rugs are actually one of the oldest types of rugs around, dating back to antiquity!  Heirloom Persian and Oriental rugs are typically woll, as are Kilim rugs, which originated in Turkey and the Middle East.

Natural Fibers – Natural fiber rugs have a great organic feel that can add unique, earthy textures to your space.  These rugs make for perfect layering rugs underneath other rugs!  The most common natural fibers rugs are jute, sisal, and seagrass rugs.  These are classics that work with interior styles from coastal to farmhouse, and they’re great for hallway runners.

Cotton – Cotton rugs are not only soft and comfy – they’re also typically super affordable.  Cotton is a perfect rug type for places where you’ll get a lot of use and might have to replace or clean the rug more often, places like entryways, kitchens, or bathrooms.  A lot of cotton rugs are machine-washable, too!  Kitchen runner rugs and entryway runners are usually made from cotton.

Synthetic Fiber – Synthetic rugs are usually made from polyester or a blend of polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers.  These machine-woven rugs are affordable and plush, and made to look like their more expensive cotton or wool counterparts.  Synthetic rugs are durable and stain-resistant, so they work well in high-traffic spots like living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens.  Wall-to-wall carpeting is usually synthetic, since that kind of carpeting needs to be tough for all seasons. Synthetic fibers have evolved into being as beautiful as heirloom rugs, while equally functional.

Your home is thoroughly unique, as are your needs, which vary from room to room.  Maybe you’ll decide on the investment of a beautiful wool rug for your living room, and a synthetic fibers rug for your kitchen table – or maybe you crave the comfort of cotton, or the texture of a natural fiber.  On top of the fiber options, rugs come in myriad shapes, styles, colors, and sizes.  There are really limitless possibilities for the kind of rugs out there, which means that no matter how crisp or eclectic your style, there’s a rug for you.

Looking to secure that perfect new area rug?  Send me an email – I’d love to talk about your space, from rugs to sofas to window treatments.  The rug is just the beginning!

A rug can say it all – let us help you find the words.