Picking your Rug
Only you know your own style but in this section we point out the questions you should be asking yourself in contemplation of buying a new rug.
Would you like to use your rug to make a bold statement? Use a variety of patterns and colours in your space, tying them together around a few colours.
Would you prefer to let your rug serve as an unobtrusive but important fill element in your space? Use a solid or neutral coloured rug.
Want a spacious look? Choose a lighter coloured rug.
Want a cozy look? Choose a darker coloured rug.
What size space are you trying to fill? See the guide below to help determine what size your rug should be.
Is luxurious comfort a high priority? If so, take the time to look through our deeper shag-pile rugs.
Will your rug be destined for an area of high traffic? Using a rug containing colour and pattern is a good trick for camouflaging traffic patterns and dirt (also see below for our cleaning guide).
Rug Size Guide
Perplexed by what size a rug should be for a given room? Don't be, there is no right or wrong answer but the diagrams below will give an idea of the different sizes that may work for your space and the different styles that can be achieved with varying rug sizes. One thing is for certain though, ALWAYS MEASURE YOUR SPACE before purchasing a rug and double check your measurements!
Would you like to unify an area or define multiple spaces? The guide below looks at both small rugs that cover individual elements of furniture and large rugs that tie elements together. These days, many modern interior designers are swaying toward having the rug cover the floor under all furniture in main living quarters.
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Unpacking your Rug
Is your new rug creased, wrinkled or turned up at the corners? Do not fear! To best protect your rug in storage and during transit, it is rolled and packed tightly. This will cause wrinkles, creases or curls and can be a cause for concern when the rug is first opened and laid out.
This curling occurs in every packed rug. Wrinkles and creases will naturally relax and straighten out by simply lying the rug out flat. This might take from a few days to a few weeks depending on room temperature, humidity, rug fabric, length of packed time, etc.
If you would like to speed up the straightening process you can try a few things - How to remove creases from rug:
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Back-roll / Reverse-roll your rug. Apart from letting time work its wonders, this is the easiest way to deal with a rug that initially doesn't sit flat. Roll up the rug in the opposite direction that it was packed, or opposite direction of curls.
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Weigh the rug down. Place heavy items such as large books on the rug in particular areas that seem wavy or curly.
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Lay rug out near a heat source. Placing the rug beside a radiator or in view of the sun, for example, will soften the fibers and help it relax.
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Apply Steam. It is recommended that steaming be performed by a professional, however, with due care it can also be carried out at home with a steam iron set to a medium-low setting. Place a towel over the creased area of rug (folding towel in half if not thick enough) and with a steam iron go back and forth over the towel a number of times. Repeat this wherever you see creases throughout the rug. Always use a towel as a barrier between iron and rug.
Cleaning your Rug
You can help to preserve your investment with regular vacuuming, removal of dust and quick treatment of spills. This type of rug care can be carried out at home. However, for further damage, a professional may be required.
Vacuum your rug regularly. To maintain the life of your rug and prevent dirt becoming embedded deep in your rug give it a good vacuum once or twice a week. Also, once a month flip it upside down and vacuum the back of the rug. Try not to vacuum tassels as these are more delicate and can be more easily damaged.
Cleaning Spills & Stains. The most important factor in removing a stain from your rug is to work quickly! The more time you allow the stain to seep into the fabric of the rug, the more chance the stain has to embed deep into the fibres of the rug. With clean, warm water, washing up liquid and a sponge rub the area multiple times, rinsing the sponge in the soapy water and repeating as many times as necessary. Once clean, rinse any soapy residue from rug using the sponge with fresh clean water. Dry excess moisture by then blotting area with a dry towel. Do not rub but blot – rubbing action with a towel can be abrasive to the fibres. Allow the rug a chance to fully dry in a warm, well ventilated area.