Top 5 Questions (And Answers!) About Area Rugs

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed walking into your first area rug purchase.

You want something that will bring life to your space while standing up to the elements of your daily life. Meanwhile, you don’t want to waste your money by investing in a rug that you will only be replacing in a year.

Check out the top 5 questions that we’re asked so that you can avoid making common rug-buying mistakes.

What is the Best Type of Rug to Use in a High-Traffic Area?

For a high-traffic area, like an entryway, you will want to invest in a durable rug that will withstand dirt, stains, and excessive wear from boots and shoes.

The two most durable rug materials are wool and bamboo. Wool has the market cornered on durability and stain resistance, while bamboo is incredibly resilient, making it a great material to consider for a rug that you can count on to last for years.

How do I Keep my Area Rug Clean?

We’ve already touched base on organic rug cleaning, but the basic rules apply to all types of rugs.

Turn off the brush roll on your vacuum cleaner in order to eliminate unnecessary wear on your beautiful area rug, and invest in some good-quality, chemical-free cleaners. You can expect to clean your rug every three to six months, possibly more often for rugs in high-traffic areas.

When it comes time for a professional cleaning, which should be every three to five years, make sure to do your research and find a reputable cleaner. At the Saatchi Rug Gallery, we are well-informed on organic cleaning and restoring of both contemporary and fine antique rugs!

Why is my Wool Rug Shedding?

Shedding is natural for the first few months of use with a wool rug. A little bit of maintenance is required to keep the wool tufts from turning into a pilling rug.

Make sure to trim any tufts as they emerge and work the pile of the rug with a vacuum to keep the shedding under control. Make sure to keep the roller off though! The hardwood setting on your vacuum cleaner is more than enough to control your rug’s shedding while avoiding causing it any damage.

Something to keep in mind is that a lower quality rug will be more prone to shedding, so if you want a beautiful long-lasting piece for your home, you should consider looking at a higher-end brand.

Do I Need a Rug Pad?

You should always place your area rug over a rug pad. Not only will it add longer life to your rug, but it will keep it from sliding around while providing extra cushion underfoot.

As an added bonus, a rug pad will also protect your floor from nicks and scratches from debris that may otherwise get caught under your rug, as well as any dyes that may leach from the rich colors of the rug itself.

Can I Put an Area Rug on Top of Carpet?

Absolutely!

An area rug can definitely be layered over top of wall-to-wall carpet, and there are so many reasons to do so. If you are trying to bring new life to a carpeted room, an area rug can be used to add a pop of color or texture. A rug can also be used to cover a stubborn carpet stain, or simply used as protection against one.

A couple of simple rules you will want to keep in mind with layering an area rug over your carpet are to vary the texture and always use a rug pad to protect your carpeting and rug fibers from friction wear.

Do you have any other nagging rug questions that we can answer for you? Feel free to put our rug knowledge to work! Call the Saatchi Rug Gallery for answers to all of your rug, carpet, and tapestry-related questions, or to book a time to come see what we have to offer. 516-510-9188