Addressing FAQs About Rugs

Rugs are an essential part of home decor, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. 

However, we know people often have numerous questions about rugs, ranging from how to choose rug size to how to match rug styles to decor. We also often get questions about the different types of rugs, the best rug material, and rug maintenance.

Today’s guide deals with those. Here, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about rugs, providing comprehensive answers and valuable insights to help you make informed decisions on all of your rug-related concerns.

Rugmaker_Blog-Piece_texture material of a rug

What materials are rugs made of?

Rugs can be made from various materials, including natural fibers like wool, silk, cotton, and jute, as well as synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. 

Each material has its own unique characteristics and advantages, such as durability, softness, or stain-resistance. Different materials can also have different costs, as some are harder to make or source than others.

Ultimately, the choice of material depends on your preferences and the specific use of the rug. Those seeking a hard-wearing rug capable of standing up to foot traffic, for instance, wouldn’t be advised to choose costly materials like silk.

Rugmaker_Blog-Piece_Different sizes of rug

What size rug do I need?

Determining the right rug size depends on the room and its purpose. A larger rug that accommodates all the furniture is often recommended for living rooms and dining rooms, for example. Meanwhile, you may opt for a smaller rug under the bed or a runner rug in your bedroom.

If you need help determining the appropriate rug size for different rooms and considerations for rug placement and furniture arrangement in various spaces, check out our article on choosing rug sizes.

Rugmaker_Blog-Piece_Person cleaning an outdoor rug with soapy water weaqring rubber glove

How do I clean rugs?

Regular vacuuming is essential for removing dirt and dust. For spills and stains, act quickly by blotting (not rubbing) the area with a clean cloth. 

That being said, specific cleaning methods depend on the rug material, so always refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions. And when in doubt, consult a professional.

In fact, for more intensive cleaning – especially for wool or delicate rugs – it’s often best to hire a professional rug cleaner. They’re less likely to damage the rug since they know what common rug cleaning mistakes to avoid

Note that professional cleaning is also recommended every 1-2 years if you want to keep your rug looking its best! Some intensive cleaning can even breathe new life into a rug sometimes.

Rugmaker_Blog-Piece_Young woman uses cordless vacuum cleaner to clean home carpet

How often should I vacuum my rug?

The ideal frequency of vacuuming depends on the level of foot traffic and the rug’s location For regular maintenance, vacuum your rug at least once a week to remove dust and loose dirt. 

High-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways may require vacuuming two to three times a week to prevent dirt and debris from embedding deep into the fibers. In less frequently used spaces, such as guest bedrooms, weekly or bi-weekly vacuuming may suffice. 

For rugs in bedrooms or decorative areas with minimal traffic, monthly vacuuming may be enough to maintain cleanliness.

Rugmaker_Blog-Piece_modern rugs with different types of texture

What’s the difference between different types of rugs?

There are various types of rugs and the types can even be differentiated from each other in various ways, e.g. from materials to type of construction. For example, one may talk about handmade rugs vs machine-made rugs, or synthetic-material rugs vs natural-fibre rugs. 

You can also classify rugs by style. For instance, we can talk about area rugs, which are usually the rugs you see at the centre of a living room, or runner rugs, which are the very narrow and often long rugs used in hallways. 

It can get even more confusing when you consider that the types can be further broken down into subtypes. For example, some designers will talk about the types of area rugs too! 

Can I use an outdoor rug indoors or vice versa?

You can use an outdoor rug indoors, but it may not be as comfortable as indoor rugs. Indoor area rugs are designed for comfort and aesthetics, while outdoor rugs are built to withstand weather and moisture. 

However, if you find an outdoor rug with a design you love, it can work indoors in certain spaces like kitchens or mudrooms. Check out our guide to getting indoor rugs for more!

Rugmaker_Blog-Piece_Strait Collection rug

How often should I replace rugs?

The lifespan of a rug depends on factors like material quality, traffic, and care. On average, decent rugs are pretty durable and can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more.

Still, you don’t need to wait for a specific time to elapse before replacing a rug, as there may be signs indicating the need for a change. Excessive wear, fraying edges, irreparable stains, or a change in your decor style are all valid reasons for rug replacement.

Rugmaker_Blog-Piece_Rugmaker rugs

What is the difference between a bespoke and custom rug and which is better?  

Usually, a custom rug and a bespoke rug are the same thing. They’re rugs that are made to order and according to specific requirements for a particular customer, as opposed to mass-market rugs that are made for sale to multiple customers. 

This means that with custom or bespoke rugs, you can choose the size, shape, material, colours, patterns, and design details to suit your preferences and the needs of your space. It usually implies a higher degree of craftsmanship and artistry. You may even collaborate closely with a designer or artisan to create a one-of-a-kind piece.

If you want to learn more about why you may want to get a custom rug, check out our article on the topic!

Get more answers to all of your rug questions

That covers most of the top questions we get asked about when it comes to rugs. If you have more questions that we didn’t answer here, reach out to us and we’ll try to answer as soon as possible.

Of course, if you just want to get your own rug, you can reach out to us too. Whether it’s from one of our collections or a custom piece, we can provide what you need. We can even give you more decor tips along the way, so reach out to us today!