Rugs

Rugs: Materials, Designs, and Uses

Rugs are versatile and practical home additions that can add style and cohesion to your furniture and décor. There is a wide range of materials, designs, shapes, and sizes to choose from, and they can serve different purposes depending on your needs. When shopping for rugs, consider the following questions:

• What room will the rug be placed in?
• What is the size of the room?
• What colors, designs, and styles will complement the room?
• What is the primary use of the rug in the room – decorative or functional?
• How do you want your rug to feel underfoot?
• How durable would you like the rug to be – do you have children or pets?
• What is your budget?

Materials

When choosing a rug, one of the most important considerations is the material used to construct it. Materials affect a rug's durability, feel, visual texture, and maintenance requirements. Some popular rug materials include:

• Wool: Sheep's wool is a natural fiber that is durable, soft, easy to maintain, and naturally stain-resistant and flame-retardant. Mixed-material area rugs often blend natural wool with jute, cotton, or polyester.
• Cotton: Woven cotton rugs are soft, resilient, easy to clean, and less expensive than wool rugs. They hold dyes well and come in a wide range of neutral tones or multicolor designs.
• Plant-based natural fiber: Seagrass, jute, and other natural fiber rugs are durable and crafted with renewable plant materials. Jute rugs are prized for their woven texture and chunky feel. Coir is the material of choice for long-lasting doormats.
• Synthetic materials: Nylon, polyester, and polypropylene are durable and inherently stain-resistant. They are less expensive than natural fibers and a functional choice for high-traffic rooms or homes with children or pets. Some polyester rugs are machine washable.

Designs

Rugs come in a variety of designs, from traditional to contemporary, and can add color, texture, and style to any room. Some popular designs include:

• Floral: Add a touch of whimsy and femininity to a room with a lush palette of romantic hues.
• Geometric: Modern and minimalist, with bold shapes and lines. They are a good choice for rooms with a lot of patterned furniture or accessories.
• Shag: Plush and cozy, with a long pile that feels soft underfoot. A popular choice for bedrooms or living rooms where comfort is a priority.

Uses

Rugs can serve many purposes in a home, such as adding warmth, texture, and on-trend design to a room or protecting floors with the help of a nonslip rug pad. Some common uses for rugs include:

• Decorative: The materials from which rugs are woven and their traditional or modern patterns can add color, texture, and style to a room. They can blend seamlessly with your aesthetic or create a unique focal point in a room.
• Functional: Rugs can protect hardwood, tiled, and stone floors from wear and tear, and floor coverings with a rug pad underneath are a reliable method of softening foot traffic to reduce noise levels in a room. High-pile rugs also provide cushioning underfoot.

As you shop for rugs, consider your room's purpose, size, and style, your desired material and design, and your budget.