HE'S GOT YOU COVERED

Rug expert and Designers’ Rug Center owner Chris Smith shared these insider tips for purchasing and maintaining the perfect rug.

TIPS FOR RUG BUYING

Window Shop: Visit stores and look at everything out there. “Many times people will think they know what they want, but then they will see something else and change their minds,” says Smith. Trust the Source: Be comfortable with the store you are buying from. Buy from an established business that’s been around a long time and will stand behind the rug. Try rug Before for a “test You run” Buy: before Take your you purchase. Smith offers free in-home rug trials. “We’ll even leave the rug and let the customer live with it for a few days,” he says. “If the rug grows on you and you like it more and more, then buy it.”

TIPS FOR RUG CARE

Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind: When leaving home, run a humidifier for your rug. When leaving home for an extended time, hire a home service to check in and ensure there aren’t any leaks or other problems that could damage your rug. Consider Climate: Wool does well in tropical climates. “It’s a natural product that repels moisture,” says Smith. Rotate: It’s necessary to rotate the rug every few years. Smith provides rug rotation as a free service for his clients. Don’t Scrimp on a Rubber Pad: Invest in a good rubber pad. Cheap pads can deteriorate and stick to the rug or floor.