The Complete Rug Buying Guide

Why the Right Rug Matters

A rug is one of the most transformative pieces you can bring into a room. It anchors your furniture, defines your space, softens hard floors, and sets the entire mood of your decor. Whether you are furnishing your first apartment or refreshing a room you have lived in for years, choosing the right rug is one of the best investments you can make in your home.

But with thousands of options — different sizes, materials, constructions, and styles — the process can feel overwhelming. That is exactly why we created this guide.

At Willow & Dove, we believe every Canadian home deserves a rug that is not only beautiful but practical. Our climate demands it. From salt-tracked entryways in January to sun-drenched living rooms in July, your rug needs to perform as well as it looks.

Think of your rug as the foundation of your room's design. It influences which colours you paint your walls, which throw pillows you choose, and how your furniture is arranged. A well-chosen rug ties everything together. A poorly chosen one — too small, too delicate for the space, or clashing with your style — can make even expensive furniture look off.

Let us help you get it right the first time.

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Rug Size Guide

Size is the single most important decision you will make when buying a rug. A beautiful rug in the wrong size will always look like a mistake. The good news: once you know the rules, sizing becomes straightforward.

How to Measure Your Space

Before you shop, grab a measuring tape and follow these steps:

1. Measure the room dimensions — length and width of the full room, wall to wall.
2. Measure your furniture grouping — the area your sofa, chairs, and coffee table occupy, including the space between them.
3. Leave a border — plan for 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) of exposed floor between the rug edge and the walls. This frames the rug and makes the room feel intentional.
4. Use painter's tape — tape out the rug dimensions on your floor before you buy. Live with it for a day. This simple trick prevents expensive mistakes.

Living Room Sizing

The living room rug is typically the largest rug in your home and the one that gets the most attention. There are three standard approaches:

Layout 1: All Furniture On the Rug

All four legs of every piece of seating sit on the rug. This creates a unified, pulled-together look that works beautifully in open-concept spaces.

• Recommended sizes: 9' x 12' or larger
• The rug should extend at least 15 cm (6 inches) past each piece of furniture
• Leave 30–45 cm (12–18") of bare floor on all sides
• Best for: large living rooms, open-concept layouts

Layout 2: Front Legs On the Rug

The front legs of the sofa and chairs rest on the rug while the back legs sit on the floor. This is the most popular arrangement and works in almost any room.

• Recommended sizes: 8' x 10' or 6' x 9'
• Tuck the rug under the front third of your sofa
• Accent chairs should have at least their front legs on the rug
• Best for: medium rooms, sofa-against-the-wall layouts

Layout 3: All Furniture Off the Rug (Floating Rug)

The rug floats in the centre of your seating area as an accent piece. This works for smaller spaces or tighter budgets.

• Recommended sizes: 5' x 7' or 5' x 8'
• The rug should be at least as long as your sofa
• If you have a coffee table, all four legs of the table should sit on the rug
• Best for: small rooms, budget-conscious shoppers, accent rugs

Dining Room Sizing

A dining room rug needs to be large enough that chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out. There is nothing worse than a chair leg catching the rug edge every time someone sits down.

Rectangular or Oval Tables

Round Tables

Bedroom Sizing

In the bedroom, a rug adds warmth underfoot — especially important during Canadian winters when hardwood floors feel like ice at 6 AM. There are three popular layouts:

Layout 1: Large Rug Under the Bed

The rug extends from under the bed to well past the nightstands, covering most of the floor around the sleeping area.

• King bed: 9' x 12' rug (the rug should extend at least 60 cm beyond each side of the bed)
• Queen bed: 8' x 10' rug
• Position the rug so that roughly two-thirds sits beyond the foot of the bed

Layout 2: Rug at the Foot of the Bed

A smaller rug placed at the foot end, with the top edge tucked under the lower third of the bed.

• Recommended size: 6' x 9' or 5' x 8'
• Works well in smaller bedrooms or when you want to add colour and texture without covering the entire floor

Layout 3: Bedside Runners

Runners or small accent rugs placed on each side of the bed.

• Recommended size: 2.5' x 8' runners or 3' x 5' accent rugs
• The most budget-friendly option
• Runner length should match or exceed the length of the bed

Kitchen Sizing

• In front of the sink: 3' x 5' accent rug or a 2.5' x 6' runner
• Between island and counters: 2.5' x 8' to 2.5' x 12' runner
• Galley kitchens: A single long runner down the centre works best
• Choose flat-weave or low-pile rugs — they are easier to clean and will not trip you while you cook
• Outdoor-rated rugs are an excellent kitchen choice: stain-resistant, washable, and very durable

Entryway & Hallway Sizing

• Front entryway: 3' x 5' or 4' x 6' inside the door (leave enough clearance for the door to swing open)
• Hallway runners: Standard widths are 2.5' to 3'; length should cover roughly 75% of the hallway length
• Mudrooms: Choose rugs rated for high traffic and easy cleaning — polypropylene or recycled PET are ideal
• In Canadian homes, the entryway rug takes the worst beating: road salt, snow melt, muddy boots. Choose accordingly.

Home Office Sizing

• Under the desk: 5' x 8' minimum — the rug should extend enough that your chair rolls freely without catching an edge
• Full room: 8' x 10' if you want to cover the work area plus a reading nook or bookshelf zone
• Flat-weave or low-pile rugs work best with desk chairs

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Rug Materials Guide

The material your rug is made from determines how it feels, how long it lasts, how easy it is to clean, and how much it costs. There is no single "best" material — the right choice depends entirely on where the rug will live and how it will be used.

Natural Fibres

Wool

Wool is the gold standard of rug materials and has been for centuries. It is naturally durable, resilient, soft, and beautiful. Wool rugs resist crushing, bounce back from foot traffic, and develop a gorgeous patina over time. The natural lanolin in wool provides some stain resistance, and wool is naturally flame-retardant.

• Durability: Excellent — wool rugs can last decades with proper care
• Softness: High — luxurious underfoot, especially New Zealand wool
• Price range: $$$ to $$$$
• Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, formal dining rooms, home offices
• Care level: Medium — vacuum regularly (no beater bar), professional cleaning recommended annually
• Good to know: All wool rugs shed when new. This is normal and diminishes significantly after 20–25 vacuums. Wool fades in direct sunlight — rotate your rug every 3–6 months.

Jute, Sisal & Seagrass

These plant-based fibres create beautifully textured rugs with a warm, earthy aesthetic. They are affordable, sustainable, and bring natural warmth to any space. However, they feel coarse underfoot and are not ideal for bare-feet rooms like bedrooms.

• Durability: High — excellent for heavy traffic when used as a flat-weave
• Softness: Low — textured and somewhat rough
• Price range: $$
• Best for: Dining rooms, entryways, layering under other rugs, coastal or farmhouse styles
• Care level: Low — vacuum regularly; spot clean with a dry or barely damp cloth
• Good to know: Not ideal for humid areas or rooms prone to spills. Jute absorbs moisture and can develop mould. In Canadian homes, keep these away from mudroom areas where snow melt is common.

Cotton

Cotton rugs are lightweight, affordable, and often machine-washable — making them a favourite for kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, and casual spaces.

• Durability: Medium — not as resilient as wool under heavy traffic
• Softness: Medium to high — comfortable underfoot
• Price range: $$
• Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, kids' rooms, nurseries, laundry rooms
• Care level: Easy — many cotton rugs are machine-washable
• Good to know: Cotton rugs tend to flatten over time and may wrinkle. They work best as accent rugs or in low-traffic areas.

Silk & Viscose

Silk produces the most luxurious rugs in the world — luminous, incredibly soft, with an unmistakable sheen. Viscose and Tencel are more affordable alternatives that imitate silk's look and feel.

• Durability: Low — these are delicate fibres meant for low-traffic areas
• Softness: Very high — the softest rug materials available
• Price range: $$$$ to $$$$$
• Best for: Master bedrooms, formal living rooms, display areas
• Care level: High — viscose and Tencel cannot be cleaned with water at all. Professional dry cleaning only.
• Good to know: Not recommended for homes with children or pets. Viscose fibres mat and crush easily and cannot recover. Beautiful but impractical for everyday use.

Synthetic Fibres

Polypropylene (Olefin)

Polypropylene is the workhorse of the rug world. It is durable, stain-resistant, fade-resistant, and affordable. Most indoor-outdoor rugs are made from polypropylene. It is solution-dyed, meaning the colour is built into the fibre itself rather than applied after — which gives it exceptional fade resistance.

• Durability: Very high — handles heavy traffic, spills, pets, and kids
• Softness: Low to medium — newer polypropylene rugs have improved significantly in feel
• Price range: $
• Best for: High-traffic areas, kitchens, entryways, outdoor spaces, kids' rooms, pet-friendly homes
• Care level: Very easy — hose off outdoor rugs, spot clean with dish soap and water
• Good to know: The best value-for-money rug material. May have a slight chemical odour when new that fades within a week.

Polyester

Polyester rugs are soft, colourful, and budget-friendly. They are stain-resistant and available in an enormous range of designs.

• Durability: Medium — less resilient than polypropylene under sustained heavy traffic
• Softness: Medium to high — often softer than polypropylene
• Price range: $
• Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, budget-friendly decorating
• Care level: Easy — spot clean with mild detergent and water
• Good to know: Polyester crushes more easily than polypropylene and does not bounce back as well. Better for medium-traffic areas.

Recycled PET (rPET)

Made from recycled plastic bottles, rPET rugs are an eco-friendly synthetic option. They perform similarly to polypropylene while giving plastic waste a second life.

• Durability: High — suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Softness: Medium
• Price range: $ to $$
• Best for: Outdoor spaces, kitchens, environmentally conscious buyers
• Care level: Very easy — easy to clean, resists stains and moisture
• Good to know: An excellent choice if sustainability matters to you. Fade-resistant and safe for high-moisture areas.

Material Comparison at a Glance

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Rug Construction Methods

How a rug is made affects its durability, texture, price, and character. Understanding construction helps you know exactly what you are paying for — and whether it is the right fit for your space.

Hand-Knotted

Hand-knotted rugs are the pinnacle of rug craftsmanship. Each knot is tied individually by hand, and a single rug can take months or even years to complete. The result is an heirloom-quality piece with extraordinary detail and durability.

• How it is made: Artisans tie individual knots — row by row — onto a loom. High-quality pieces have 100+ knots per square inch.
• Durability: Exceptional. Hand-knotted rugs can last 50–100+ years with proper care.
• Price range: $$$$ to $$$$$ — the highest price point, reflecting the extraordinary labour involved
• Best for: Living rooms, formal spaces, collectors, heirloom pieces
• Character: Slight variations in colour and pattern are normal and desirable — they are evidence of the human hand

Hand-Tufted

Hand-tufted rugs offer an excellent balance of quality and price. Instead of tying individual knots, artisans use a handheld tool to punch yarn through a canvas backing. The result is a dense, plush rug with good detail and texture.

• How it is made: A hand-operated tufting gun punches yarn through a pre-marked canvas. A secondary backing is applied with adhesive.
• Durability: Good — typically 10–20 years of life depending on traffic and care
• Price range: $$ to $$$
• Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms — the best-selling construction for everyday use
• Good to know: Hand-tufted rugs shed more than other constructions when new. This is normal and subsides over time. The adhesive backing means they are not reversible.

Hand-Woven / Flatweave

Flatweave rugs — including dhurries and kilims — are woven on a loom without any pile. They are thin, lightweight, often reversible, and incredibly versatile.

• How it is made: Yarns are interwoven on a loom (no tufting, no knotting). The design comes entirely from the weave pattern.
• Durability: High — the tight weave makes flatweaves very resistant to wear
• Price range: $$ to $$$
• Best for: Dining rooms (chairs slide easily), layering, kitchens, high-traffic hallways
• Character: Often reversible. Great for layering over larger rugs. Typically limited to geometric or simple patterns.
• Good to know: No pile means less shedding, but the flat surface can feel less plush underfoot. Pair with a quality rug pad for added comfort.

Hand-Loomed

Hand-loomed rugs are woven on a large, manually operated loom. They tend to have simpler designs — often solid colours or subtle border patterns — with beautiful textural variation.

• How it is made: Yarn is woven on a large hand-operated loom. Some are hand-carved after weaving for subtle textural designs.
• Durability: Good — similar to hand-tufted
• Price range: $$ to $$$
• Best for: Minimalist interiors, solid-colour foundations, textured accent rugs

Machine-Woven (Power-Loomed)

Machine-woven rugs are produced on industrial looms and represent the most affordable and widely available construction. Modern machine-woven rugs have come a remarkably long way — many are nearly indistinguishable from handmade rugs at a fraction of the cost.

• How it is made: Mechanically woven on a large power loom at high speed. Computer-controlled for precision.
• Durability: Good for the price — excellent for high-traffic areas
• Price range: $ to $$
• Best for: High-traffic areas, budget-conscious buyers, rental properties, kids' rooms, anywhere you need durability without a large investment
• Good to know: Minimal shedding, consistent piece-to-piece quality, and easy maintenance. The trade-off is that machine-woven rugs generally do not last as long as handmade constructions.

Construction Comparison

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Rug Style Guide

Your rug's pattern, colour palette, and aesthetic set the tone for the entire room. Here is a guide to the most popular rug styles and what spaces they complement best.

Modern & Contemporary

Clean lines, abstract patterns, and restrained colour palettes define modern rugs. Think geometric shapes, colour-blocked designs, and minimalist compositions. These rugs work beautifully in open-concept spaces, condos, and homes with sleek furniture.

• Common patterns: Abstract, geometric, colour-block, linear
• Colour palette: Neutrals, greys, black and white, muted tones with occasional bold accents
• Pairs well with: Mid-century modern furniture, minimalist decor, clean-lined sofas

Traditional & Oriental

Inspired by centuries-old Persian, Turkish, and Indian designs, traditional rugs feature intricate medallions, floral motifs, and ornate borders. They bring warmth and timeless elegance to formal spaces.

• Common patterns: Medallion, all-over floral, border-and-field, palmette
• Colour palette: Rich reds, deep blues, ivory, gold, burgundy
• Pairs well with: Classic furniture, dark wood, formal dining rooms, libraries

Transitional

Transitional rugs bridge the gap between traditional and modern. They take classic motifs and reinterpret them with updated colours, softer lines, and simplified patterns. If you like the warmth of traditional design but want a more current feel, transitional is your style.

• Common patterns: Updated florals, faded medallions, abstracted traditional motifs
• Colour palette: Soft neutrals, blush, sage, muted blue, taupe
• Pairs well with: Mixed-era furniture, layered interiors, homes that blend old and new

Bohemian

Bohemian rugs celebrate pattern, colour, and texture. They are eclectic, layered, and full of personality. Boho style embraces imperfection and hand-crafted charm — vintage-look rugs, kilims, and Moroccan styles all fit here.

• Common patterns: Tribal, diamond, zigzag, mixed motifs, distressed patterns
• Colour palette: Warm tones — terracotta, mustard, rust, deep teal, layered neutrals
• Pairs well with: Rattan furniture, macrame, lots of plants, collected and curated interiors

Farmhouse & Rustic

Farmhouse style celebrates warmth, simplicity, and natural materials. Think jute, braided cotton, and muted plaids. These rugs create a grounded, welcoming feel that works especially well in Canadian country homes and cottages.

• Common patterns: Braided, striped, solid with texture, subtle plaid, simple borders
• Colour palette: Cream, grey, sage green, navy, natural jute tones
• Pairs well with: Shiplap, barn doors, rustic wood tables, white kitchens, mudrooms

Coastal

Coastal rugs bring the calm of the seaside indoors. Light colours, natural fibres, and breezy textures define this relaxed style. Perfect for lake houses and cottages across Ontario, the Maritimes, and British Columbia.

• Common patterns: Stripes, solid textures, subtle wave patterns, nautical motifs
• Colour palette: Soft blues, sandy neutrals, seafoam, white, natural jute tones
• Pairs well with: Light wood furniture, linen upholstery, white and blue colour schemes

Moroccan

Moroccan rugs are among the most popular styles in modern interiors. Characterised by bold geometric patterns — diamonds, chevrons, and tribal symbols — on a creamy or neutral background, they add texture and personality without overwhelming a space.

• Common patterns: Diamond lattice, zigzag, trellis, abstract geometric, Beni Ourain-inspired
• Colour palette: Ivory with black or brown motifs, muted earth tones
• Pairs well with: Scandinavian interiors, boho spaces, modern living rooms, nurseries

Scandinavian & Minimalist

Scandinavian-inspired rugs prioritise texture over pattern. Solid colours, subtle tone-on-tone designs, and natural materials create a clean, calm foundation for minimalist interiors.

• Common patterns: Solid, tone-on-tone texture, very subtle geometric
• Colour palette: White, cream, light grey, soft blush, pale sage
• Pairs well with: Light wood furniture, clean-lined sofas, uncluttered rooms, hygge-inspired spaces

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Room-by-Room Guide

Every room in your home has different demands. Here is what to prioritise when choosing a rug for each space.

Living Room

The living room rug is your statement piece. It anchors the seating area, ties together your colour palette, and sets the mood for the most-used room in your home.

• Priority: Size first, then style, then material
• Best materials: Wool (durability + beauty), polypropylene (families + pets), hand-tufted blends (value)
• Recommended sizes: 8' x 10' or 9' x 12' for most Canadian living rooms
• Style tip: In an open-concept space, use the rug to define your living area as separate from the dining or kitchen zone. The rug creates invisible walls.
• Canadian consideration: If your living room gets direct afternoon sun, choose fade-resistant materials (polypropylene, recycled PET) or rotate your wool rug every 3–6 months.

Bedroom

The bedroom rug is all about comfort. You step onto it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Softness matters here more than anywhere else.

• Priority: Softness first, then size, then colour
• Best materials: Wool, polyester (budget-friendly softness), cotton (washable options)
• Avoid: Jute and sisal — too rough for bare feet. Polypropylene — not soft enough for a bedroom.
• Style tip: Light-coloured rugs open up a bedroom. A cream or pale grey rug under a dark wood bed creates beautiful contrast.
• Canadian consideration: If you have hardwood floors, a plush bedroom rug with a thick rug pad transforms cold winter mornings.

Dining Room

The dining room rug needs to be practical above all else. It will face spills, chair legs, and constant movement. Choose a rug that can handle it.

• Priority: Size first (the 60 cm rule), then durability, then style
• Best materials: Polypropylene (easiest to clean), flatweave wool (durable and elegant), jute (casual dining rooms)
• Avoid: Shag or high-pile rugs — chairs will not slide properly and food will get trapped in the pile
• Construction: Flatweave or low-pile rugs are strongly recommended. Chairs need to slide easily.
• Style tip: The rug should complement, not compete with, your table. If you have a bold wood table, choose a simple rug. If your table is plain, the rug can be the star.

Entryway & Mudroom

Your entryway is the hardest-working rug zone in the house — especially in Canada. It faces road salt, snow melt, mud, gravel, wet boots, and constant foot traffic. This is where durability trumps everything.

• Priority: Durability and cleanability above all else
• Best materials: Polypropylene, recycled PET, outdoor-rated rugs
• Avoid: Wool (salt stains are difficult to remove), viscose (will be ruined), jute (absorbs moisture and can develop mould)
• Style tip: Layer a decorative runner over a durable, washable base rug for style and function.
• Canadian consideration: Have two entryway rugs — a heavy-duty one for October through April (salt and slush season), and a lighter, more decorative one for summer.

Kitchen

Kitchen rugs add comfort and style to a room where you spend a lot of time standing. They also protect your floors from the inevitable spills and splashes.

• Priority: Cleanability and safety (non-slip)
• Best materials: Polypropylene, cotton (machine-washable), outdoor-rated rugs
• Construction: Flatweave or low-pile only — high-pile rugs trap food and are tripping hazards near stoves
• Style tip: A colourful runner between the island and counters adds personality to an all-white kitchen
• Always use a non-slip rug pad — kitchen floors get wet and a sliding rug is dangerous

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor rugs define your patio, deck, or porch the same way indoor rugs define a living room. They make outdoor spaces feel furnished and intentional — not just functional.

• Priority: Weather resistance and UV stability
• Best materials: Polypropylene, recycled PET — both resist moisture, mould, and UV fading
• Care: Hose off regularly, shake out debris, and store during winter to prevent freeze-thaw damage
• Canadian consideration: Our outdoor season is shorter than most — bring outdoor rugs inside or store them in a dry place by late October. Leaving them out through a Canadian winter will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
• Style tip: Bold patterns work beautifully outdoors where they complement greenery and open sky

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Rug Care & Maintenance

A well-maintained rug lasts years — even decades — longer than a neglected one. Here is everything you need to know about keeping your rugs looking beautiful, with specific tips for Canadian homes.

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuuming is the single most important thing you can do for your rug. Dirt and grit that settle into the fibres act like sandpaper, gradually wearing down the pile from underneath.

• Frequency: At least once a week for rugs in living areas; twice a week for high-traffic zones
• Best tool: A canister vacuum with a suction-only attachment (no beater bar)
• If using an upright vacuum: Turn off the beater bar or set it to the highest position. Beater bars can damage rug fibres, pull out tufts, and fray edges.
• For flatweaves and reversible rugs: Vacuum both sides regularly to remove grit that accelerates wear
• For shag and high-pile rugs: Use the suction-only attachment or shake the rug outdoors
• Edges and fringe: Use a handheld attachment on rug edges — never run the vacuum directly over fringe

Spill & Stain Treatment

The golden rule: act immediately. A spill that sits becomes a stain.

1. Scrape off any solid matter with a dull knife or spoon
2. Blot (never rub) with a dry, clean white cloth or paper towel. Rubbing pushes the spill deeper into the fibres and can spread the stain.
3. Work from the outside in — blot from the outer edges toward the centre to prevent the stain from spreading
4. Dampen a cloth with cold water and gently blot. For most materials, a small amount of mild dish soap in cold water is safe.
5. Absorb all moisture immediately after cleaning — place dry towels on the area and weight them down

Professional Cleaning

• Handmade rugs: Professional cleaning every 1–2 years, depending on traffic. Choose a rug cleaning specialist — not a carpet cleaner. Rug cleaning requires different techniques.
• Machine-woven rugs: Professional cleaning every 2–3 years, or as needed
• Before hiring: Inspect the rug together with the cleaner. Get a signed receipt and guarantee of work before cleaning begins.
• Machine-washable rugs: Follow manufacturer instructions. Generally, wash cold with mild non-bleach detergent and lay flat to dry.

Preventive Care

• Rotate your rug 180 degrees every 3–6 months. This ensures even wear and even fading from sunlight.
• Use a rug pad. Always. A quality rug pad extends rug life, prevents slippage, adds cushion, protects your floors, and improves air circulation under the rug.
• Trim sprouts, never pull them. Loose yarns that poke above the surface are normal, especially in hand-tufted rugs. Trim them with scissors flush with the pile. Pulling a sprout causes more damage.
• Manage sunlight. Direct sunlight fades all rug materials over time. Use curtains or blinds during peak sun hours, or choose fade-resistant materials (polypropylene, recycled PET) for sun-drenched rooms.

Canadian-Specific Rug Care

Canadian homes face unique challenges that rug owners in milder climates do not. Here is how to protect your rugs through our seasons.

Road Salt & De-Icer Stains

Road salt is one of the most common rug stains in Canadian homes from November through April. It leaves a white, crusty residue that can damage fibres if left untreated.

• Immediate action: Vacuum up loose salt crystals first
• Treatment: Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Dampen a cloth and blot the affected area. The vinegar dissolves the mineral deposits.
• Prevention: Place a heavy-duty, washable rug or boot tray at every entrance. Your indoor rugs will last much longer.
• Best materials for entryways: Polypropylene or recycled PET — these resist salt damage and are easy to clean

Snow Melt & Moisture

Boots, jackets, and winter gear bring a lot of moisture indoors. Excess moisture trapped under a rug can cause mould, mildew, and damage to hardwood floors.

• Use a rug pad with good airflow — this is essential in winter. A ventilated rug pad allows moisture to evaporate rather than getting trapped.
• Lift and check under your entryway rugs monthly during winter to ensure no moisture buildup
• Avoid jute in high-moisture areas — jute absorbs water, dries slowly, and can develop mould

Indoor Heating & Low Humidity

Canadian winters mean months of forced-air heating, which drops indoor humidity dramatically. This can dry out natural fibres and cause them to become brittle.

• A humidifier in rooms with wool or jute rugs helps maintain fibre health during winter
• Avoid placing rugs directly over heating vents — this accelerates drying and can cause fibres to degrade

Seasonal Rug Storage

If you swap rugs seasonally (heavier wool in winter, lighter cotton or jute in summer), proper storage matters.

• Clean the rug professionally before storing — moths and insects are attracted to food residue, pet hair, and dirt
• Roll, never fold. Folding causes permanent creases and cracked foundations.
• Roll with the pile facing inward to protect the decorative surface
• Wrap in breathable fabric — a cotton sheet or muslin. Never use plastic, which traps moisture and prevents airflow.
• Store off the ground in a cool, dry space. A basement is fine if it is dry; a damp basement will ruin a stored rug.
• Check monthly for signs of insect damage or mildew, especially during humid summer months

Rug Pads — Why You Need One

A rug pad is not optional. It is one of the best small investments you can make for your rug and your floors.

• Safety: Prevents the rug from sliding on hard floors — essential for preventing falls
• Protection: Shields your hardwood, tile, or laminate floors from scratching and dye transfer
• Comfort: Adds cushioning underfoot, making even thin flatweave rugs feel plush
• Longevity: Reduces friction between the rug and floor, extending rug life by years
• Airflow: Allows air circulation under the rug, preventing moisture buildup

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Glossary of Rug Terms

The world of rugs has its own vocabulary. Here is a quick reference for the terms you will encounter while shopping.