The Ultimate Guide To Floor Rugs

When it comes to floor rugs, there are so many different types to choose from. Not only do you have to take the style into consideration, but how they’re made and what they’re made of. A rug’s construction can make the finished product differ in quality, look, and durability. So, which is best? We’ve put together this complete guide to help you understand all the different rug types and what that means for your bedroom.

How To Choose A Floor Rug

When selecting a rug, consider the following factors:

• Style: Pick a design that complements your existing decor and personal taste.
• Purpose: Determine the primary function of the rug in the space.
• Material: Choose a material that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
• Size: Ensure the rug is the right size for the room and complements your bed size.

What Are The Different Rug Materials?

Rugs come in a wide variety of different materials including natural fibres, synthetic fibres, and a blend of both. Each material has its own unique set of qualities and features.

Natural Fibres

A rug made from natural fibres adds an organic look and feel to your space. The value of using natural fibres in rugs is their softness and ability to hold dye, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities.

Cotton

Cotton rugs are often lightweight and easy to clean. They take colour well and are loved for their low-maintenance characteristics. Cotton is renowned for its soft and comfortable texture and plush feel underfoot, making cotton rugs ideal for areas where comfort is a priority.

• Soft and strong fibre
• Holds dye well for bright colouration
• Easy care, low maintenance
• Light construction

Wool

Wool is a premium natural fibre prized in rug-making for its exceptional qualities and timeless appeal. Wool’s durability makes it ideal for high-traffic areas. It takes dye well and has a natural look and soft feel.

• Naturally flame retardant and durable
• Warm in winter, cool in summer
• Wool has excellent insulative properties
• Holds colour well while maintaining a natural look
• Initial shedding renews the fibre

Jute

Jute is a long, shiny fibre that can be spun into durable threads. Jute rugs add a rustic feel to your home and are often used in high-traffic areas. Jute is eco-friendly, durable and absorbent.

• Eco-friendly and cost-effective
• Gives an organic look
• Moderately soft, less durable than wool

Hemp

Hemp fibres are strong and resilient, making rugs that can withstand heavy foot traffic. The rustic and earthy appearance of hemp adds a natural charm to any room, and despite its strength, hemp tends to soften with use, providing a comfortable and inviting texture underfoot.

• Eco-friendly, durable, and stylish
• Coarse or soft depending on treatment, softens over time

Synthetic Fibres

Made from materials like polyester and polypropylene, synthetic rugs are typically affordable and easy to maintain. They come in a variety of designs and can mimic the look of natural fibres. These rugs are stain-resistant and durable, making them ideal for busy households.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene rugs combine practicality with style, offering an excellent balance of durability, comfort, and affordability. Despite being a synthetic material, polypropylene offers a soft and comfortable texture underfoot. 

• A good choice for people who sensitive to wool but want a similar look
• Heat-set process for greater design flexibility and appearance
• Durable, suitable for high-traffic areas
• Stain and spill-resistant, non-shed, easy to clean

Polyester

Polyester is a man-made fibre that is soft, affordable, and resistant to fading. It is also durable and suitable for high-traffic areas. 

• Soft finish and affordable
• Resistant to fading
• Soft and shiny fibre
• Low shed material
• Some polyester can be made from recycled materials for sustainability

Viscose

Viscose fibre is a regenerated fibre that is technically not a natural fibre but has a significant component of natural wood pulp in its make up. For this reason viscose offers the best of both worlds. It’s also biodegradable, exceptionally soft and smooth, and provides a plush feel underfoot. This makes rugs crafted with viscose an inviting choice for living areas and bedrooms where comfort is paramount.

• Soft and shiny fibre derived from natural wood pulp
• Used on its own or to add shimmering touches to natural fibre rugs
• Slight shedding
• Avoid cleaning with water, use dry, colourless cloth for spills, and seek professional cleaning advice

Acrylic

Rugs made with acrylic have a soft and plush feel, providing comfort underfoot. The texture is often compared to wool, offering a cosy and inviting surface.

• Super soft fibre, holds dye well for various colours
• Slight shedding in the first three to six months, reduces over time
• Best for low-traffic areas like bedrooms
  

What are the different ways rugs can be woven?

Each rug tells a story, not just through its design, but through the meticulous process by which it is made. Whether you're a home décor enthusiast or simply curious about the artistry behind rugs, understanding the various weaving techniques will deepen your appreciation for these timeless pieces.

Hand Loomed Rugs

Created using a manually operated loom, hand-loomed rugs are known for their durability and high quality.

• Made using a manual loom.
• Often crafted from wool, cotton, or jute.
• Can be either flat-woven or have a pile.
• Known for their unique, artisanal patterns and textures.

Power Loomed Rugs

Woven by a mechanically or electrically operated loom, power-loomed rugs offer the beauty of traditional design with the impeccable consistency of modern engineering.

• Made using a machine loom, allowing for more complex designs and patterns.
• Typically more affordable than hand-loomed rugs.
• Made from various materials like wool, nylon, polyester, or polypropylene.
• Consistent quality and durability.

Hand Knotted Rugs

Made purely by hand on a vertical loom, this ancient practice requires precision, skill, and patience. These types of rugs are often seen as heirloom pieces and are often made with 100% wool, giving them both artistic beauty and durability.

• Each hand-knotted rug is unique, with slight variations in design and colour, making them one-of-a-kind pieces
• Typically made from natural fibres like wool, giving a luxurious feel and quality.
• Hand-knotted rugs are considered valuable investments due to their craftsmanship, quality, and longevity, often appreciating in value over time.

Hand Tufted Rugs

Hand-tufted rugs are made by pushing strands of yarn through a backing canvas. This method yields thick, plush rugs, ideal for high-traffic areas. They're typically made from wool or similar fibres.

• Typically has a thick and plush pile, providing a soft and comfortable surface underfoot
• Generally less expensive than hand-knotted rugs due to the faster production process and lower labour intensity.

Handwoven Rugs

Hand-woven rugs are made on a loom, where fibres are interlaced to create a flat, durable textile. They're often made from cotton and/or wool, which gives the finished rug a soft-touch finish. 

• Generally lighter and more flexible than knotted or tufted rugs, making them easy to move and handle.
• Often made from natural fibres like wool, cotton, jute, or a blend of these materials, contributing to their eco-friendly appeal.
• Available in a wide range of patterns and colours, 
• Typically, more affordable than hand-knotted rugs, due to the simpler and faster weaving process.

How To Maintain A Rug

Rotate:

To help extend the life of your rug it’s a good idea to rotate it every six months to prevent uneven wear and tear. Additionally, using a rug underlay like Total Grip will keep your rug in place, prevent slippage and protect your floors. Every three to six years aim to have your rug professionally cleaned depending on usage.

Vacuum:

Lightly vacuum your rug once or twice a week. It’s best to select a hard floor attachment on the lightest setting to avoid too much suction. It’s best not to use powerful vacuums or high settings that can pull fibres loose from the base of the rug. Every so often vacuum the base of the rug to keep your room dust-free and hygienic.

Stains and spills:

Always check the care instructions on the back of your rug first. For spills, it’s often best to start by blotting the affected area with a paper towel or colourless cloth rather than wiping or scrubbing your rug. If you’re concerned about potential stains, you could use a small amount of mild soap and warm water (avoid this on viscose, sisal, jute, or seagrass rugs.

Whether you want to define your space, create a more cohesive look, diffuse sound, or add warmth, incorporating a rug into your bedroom can make it feel more cosy and inviting. Available in a range of materials, designs, and sizes to create an array of different looks, we have a rug to suit every bedroom space.