Rug Selection—Where to Begin

If you’re in the market for a rug, you may have noticed that the choices are somewhat overwhelming! There are literally millions of options, from style to size to color to material. Where does a home decorator begin?

Serious rug shoppers usually have a specific location in mind. Perhaps they need a rug to define a play area in a child’s room. Maybe they’d like to add interest in a living or dining area. Even outdoor spaces can benefit from area rugs! Once the location of the rug is determined, it is easier to make decisions about other factors, particularly the size and material that are needed. Measure the location that will receive the rug. Most online retailers can offer a wide selection of rugs, but few can provide every rug in every size. If the area rug needs to be 5 by 8 feet, do an online search by that size and see what’s offered. (Custom rug web stores are one exception to this rule—allowing shoppers to select their ideal rug first and purchase it in any size needed.)

Next, consider the ideal material for the rug. Basically, rug shoppers have a choice between natural materials or synthetic materials. Popular natural rug materials include: wool, sisal, and grass. Popular synthetic materials include: nylon, polypropylene, and olefin. Some consumers may be interested in renewable, petroleum-free, environmentally-conscious materials, while some rug shoppers may prefer the benefits of technological advances in texture, stain-resistance, and durability.

In general, man-made materials are excellent choices for outdoor rugs, children’s play areas, and spaces that have heavy traffic or moisture issues. Natural materials, such as grass and sisal, are durable and add a casual elegance to a room. Designers and rug manufacturers both agree that wool is one of the best materials possible for rugs; not only is it naturally stain-resistant and long-wearing, but its quality is clearly visible—an enhancement for any space.

The Perfect Rug is a custom rugs and custom area rug company that specializes in rugs fully customizable to any size, shape or material.