Eight things you should know about rugs
If we had to name one investment piece you should always make in any interior, it’s a rug. This humble decor item is loved by many, and with good reason: It steals the show.
1. Ditch harsh cleansers The worst mistake people make when cleaning rugs is using store-bought stain removers. They ruin the rug, eat up the natural fibres and discolour the area where the stain was. Try natural cleansers and blot — do not rub in — then douse with water and blot again until all of the liquid has been removed. If the stain persists, have the rug professionally cleaned. 2. Think small Layer a small accent rug over inexpensive sisal. Use small rugs in bedrooms on either side of the bed like you often see in Europe. You can also drape flatweave and some low pile antiques over coffee tables, chairs, and sometimes on the end of the bed. It adds a great, unexpected detail and bit of colour. 3. Don’t treat them differently Antique and vintage rugs, if they have been properly cared for, are the most durable because of the fabrics used, mostly wool, and the nature of how the rugs wear. They are easier to clean and also hide dirt easily.
4. Styling mistakes
The most common mistake is using a rug that’s too small for the space. In a living room, chose a rug that will lie at least under the front legs of your sofa, and be large enough for the coffee table and accent chairs to sit on the rug as well. In a dining room, all of the dining chairs should sit on the rug and have at least a foot of space behind the chair when pushed in. 5. Know your fibres Wool is the most durable fibre and has natural lanolin, which makes it naturally stain resistant. It’s best to vacuum with a suctiononly setting on your vacuum cleaner to keep fibre from being pulled and damaged. This is especially true with high-pile Moroccan rugs and shags. A hand-knotted rug that is 100 knots a square inch or higher takes about four months to make and can last for more than 100 years. 6. Layering success Have fun with it, and play. Try layering rugs on the floor, especially for parties. A series of Moroccan rugs works nicely in creating a soft, inviting area. Kilims are also a great choice because of the nature of the flatweave. 7. Is padding necessary? The light nature of flatweaves and low-pile rugs can cause them to move underfoot, even when placed under heavy furniture. It’s always best to err on the side of using a rug pad for safety reasons. 8. They can be storytellers Many antique rugs had iconography woven in to tell us something about the person who commissioned the piece. You should not be afraid to live with your rugs; they can be surprisingly easy to care for and, if treated properly, can last you more than one lifetime.