Buying Rugs Online or From Rug Shops

When you are considering Buying Rugs Online or from Rug Shops, chances are you are feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the choices. There are many styles, colours and ways that Rugs Are made these days, like (How Rugs Are Made).

Types of Rug Fibers

Did you know that there is a significant difference between the types of fibers rugs are made from, the ones made from natural fibers in comparison to those made of synthetic materials vary a lot in performance and colours and the sizes available to choose from also vary somewhat? I will explain the difference / breakdown before you buy or make any decisions.

Natural Fiber Rugs

The meaning of Natural fibers; a natural fiber comes from plants or animals. Some examples are wool, hemp, sea grass, bamboo, sisal / jute as pictured here, and art silk (viscose or rayon), to name a few.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs are more expensive than their synthetic counter-parts but will last much longer and perform better apart from some moulting of the fibers. Wool is a lot warmer and has a quality classification that dictates the quality.  The T3 classification is the cheapest woolen machine woven rug.  T4 is better and T6 is the highest quality produced. There are also a lot of hand tufted woolen rugs on the market today which are generally thicker than the machine woven’s and are mostly modern type designs. One advantage of Wool Rugs is that they won't burn easily. Wool is considered the oldest natural fiber and has been used for centuries to make quality, long lasting wool rugs. Most Persian and Oriental rugs are made exclusively of wool.

Sea Grass/ Coir Rugs

Sea grass/ coir / jute are Anti static, Fire Retardant, durable and UV Protected and is recommended for high traffic areas like hallways, entries and family rooms, however; be careful with spills, as these rugs are not very easy to spot-clean, the use of Scattermats Rug Guard would be a good idea for peace of mind for these (Hand Spun Jute Rugs and Mats)

Silk Rugs

Silk of course is not as durable and best used in low traffic areas such as formal living rooms, they can also make excellent wall hangings. If you or a family member that has allergies or chemical sensitivities, you’ll want to choose a natural fiber rug, as opposed to synthetic fibers, as they are commonly made with synthetic dyes or chemicals. Natural area rugs are a good choice for those wanting a more Eco-friendly and green lifestyle.

Synthetic Fiber Rugs

Area Rugs that use synthetic fibers do not come from plants or animals they are man-made. These fibres have been manufactured by man; some of the materials used for synthetic rugs are nylon, polypropylene, acrylic and polyester. These fibers are strong and have a certain amount of water resistance, so they are made to last longer than some of their natural fiber counterparts. They can also be stain and fade resistant, depending how they were made. They can generally take a bit more of a beating, but only if they are of a good density that is at least 1 million points of fibre per square meter of more. Each type has its pros and cons; each comes in a vast array of sizes, colours and styles so you are sure to find one that fits your own personal tastes, and your overall home decor. Don’t choose on cost alone, as usually you get what you pay for. A rug that is low quality is not going to last you as long, you may pay less up front but you’ll pay more when you have to buy another one in only a relatively short time. Keep in mind what the rug will be used for and how much traffic it will be getting. In other words, don’t choose a silk rug for your entry way or your family room. It’s a good idea to think of the traffic areas where it has to fit with the type of fiber you choose.

Standard Polypropylene Fiber Rugs

The cheapest qualities are the standard polypropylene rugs known as BCF, meaning continuous fibre, these are really good for a limited time as the fibre tends to flatten easily and are hard to vacuum and maintain unless used for wall hangings like Animal Skin and Picture Rugs.

Heat Set Polypropylene Fiber Rugs 

Polypropylene rugs in a Heat Set Fibre which means that the yarn is twisted and then treated with heat to stay twisted, this acts like a shock absorber to prevent it from flattening.  Heat Set fibres are easy to vacuum as they are anti-static, so fluff and animal hairs don't adhere to them. There are many qualities of Heat Set Polypropylene Rugs in the market and the quality depends on the density of the weave and the thickness of the yarn. Here is a picture of a Persian fine heat set polypropylene plush pile rug. Generally the thicker the yarn the lesser the quality.  The finer the yarn is twisted and set, the more points or shots are required to cover the surface of the rug and therefore the rug has more density and is more stable and longer lasting, we do specify the densities of these in our descriptions of (Traditional Designs or Modern Designs) Rugs.

Polyester Fiber Rugs

Polyester fiber produces some of the most beautiful colour array available. It is extremely fade resistant and provides excellent resistance to stains. However it does have poor resilient properties and thus is susceptible to crushing. Avoid high pile heights with low-density construction. These products tend to flatten and out. Also look for high twist levels rather than "blown" yarns. Loose twists (blown yarn) tend to untwist and the yarn tips tend to fuse together creating a matted appearance. Most consumers like to dig their fingers into the pile and if it provides a luxurious feel (hand) they believe this is excellent quality. This is referred to as "perceived" quality. True quality exists when it is difficult to insert your fingers into the pile. This is a true test for all rug constructions, but it is a necessity for some (polyester shag Rugs). 

Acrylic Fiber Rugs

Acrylic rugs can also be of high quality and come as modern rugs, Persian rugs, shaggy rugs and kids rugs designs.  The acrylic yarn doesn't have the sheen that the polypropylene rugs produce.  Acrylic rugs feel and look like wool but don't wear as well and are generally cheaper. But beware of some acrylic shaggy rugs as they can shed / molt, you can rub your fingers back and forth quickly through the pile to test for this.

What Size Floor Rug do I Buy?

Floor Rugs Come in Many Sizes. Things you need to Consider.

Floor Rugs

Floor rugs are available in all sizes starting from a small entrance mat to the largest to suit an activity room or large family room. They are available in runners, fixed lengths or continuous, round, oval, oblong and even square. Certain ranges may be available in all sizes and shapes while others limited to 1 or 2 sizes. The smallest rug size is a 110 x 160cm which is suitable for near the sofa, under a coffee table or a small lounge room.

Hallway Runners

Hallway Runners are manufactured at finished lengths or continuous. The finished or set lengths vary generally 67cm-80cm wide and 230cm, 300cm, 330cm, 400cm and a few 500cm long. Continuous runner rugs or as some people know them as hallway runner by the meter, come on a roll of up to 30 metres long and have a width from 67cm up to 80cm. These carpet hall runners available on the roll can be cut to any length, over-locked or fringed and are available in many designs and colours, also available in rubber backed or the woven types. Some can also be matched with room size rugs.

Calculating the Size of a Area Rug Needed  

The size of a floor rug for a specific area is a very important factor to keep in mind when shopping for rugs. Here is why the size is important. It helps distinguish boundary and allows designation of certain areas of your home for certain functions; for example, dining room boundary can be easily defined by the size of the floor rug which is normally about 60cm/2ft larger than the table all the way around, this allows the chairs to remain on the rug when pulled back. What size should your floor rug be? Use this formula: Function+ Space + preference = size you need! The breakdown of the formula. Function – is the purpose in what we need the rug to do in the particular room, such as add warmth, aesthetics, protect carpet/ wood floor etc. Space - is the size of the room where the rug is to be used. Preference – is the individual taste and personal style/design. Let’s say for example you are looking for sisal rugs to put in your living area, depending on the function in which the rug will serve keeping your feet warm etc, first thing you need to do is measure your entire space in that room and decide how much of the floor space that needs to be covered. Choosing the quality of the rug becomes easier when you have worked out what properties you need the rug to be, whether it needs to be a Practical Rug for high traffic area’s or soft for the kids to lay on when watching TV, this will help when making your decision. Last but not least, the design and style of the floor rug according to your preference, of course now the variety of rugs to choose from will be narrowed down, this makes it easier to buy the right floor rug for you.  

Floor Rug Sizes

Floor Rugs come in a few different sizes. Here are the most common sizes (may vary slightly from manufacturer) and where they are used but not restricted to: 50x80cm (1ft8 x 2ft8) – They are usually called Scatter mats and commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens and as door mats. 80x150cm (2ft 8 x 5ft) – Larger than the scatter mat and commonly used in larger entrances or kitchens, these are some mats we recommend (Evalast Mats and Sunrise). 120x170cm (4ft x 5ft 7) – Used in wide entrances and under small coffee tables or under computer chairs. 160x230cm (5ft 3 x 7ft 7) – The most popular size, one used for the family area and this may vary slightly. This size is ideal to suit the setting of the family room with the seating around the rug; the rug can go right up to the couch but still show lots of floor.  You will also find the greatest selection of designs and colours in this size. 190x280cm (6ft 3 x 9ft 3) – Very similar to size above just slightly larger and used in larger living rooms and under dining tables. 240x330cm (7ft 11 x 10ft 10) – This isn’t as common, however there is a limited amount around but styles, colours are few to choose from.. This size is ideal for dining rooms, theater rooms larger than normal living rooms. 300x400cm (10 x 13ft 2) – Very uncommon size and many don’t stock them due to price and space required to display such a big rug, although can be ordered in as per customer orders. It is used under dining table which allows the chairs to remain on the rug when pulled back, also used in living rooms and theater rooms.

Round Rugs

 Round Rugs Are Also Available But Very Limited In The Following Sizes:

Round rugs sizes are generally, 60 x 60cm ( 2ft),90x90cm (3ft), 120x120cm (3ft11),160x160 (5ft3), 200x200(6ft7),240x240 (7ft 11). Or rectangle rugs can be cut into a circle at your request, some circles we sell, see here (Circle Rugs).

Square Shape Rugs

Square rugs are even more limited size’s include;

200x200(6ft7), 240x240 (7ft 11), 340x340cm (11ft 2). Most common to cut rectangular rugs into squares at customer’s request. I hope this has been helpful in some way.

Another Perspective with Colour Choices of Floor Rugs can be found below

Colour Choices of Floor Rugs

People tend to overestimate their sensory perception of colours, when indeed matching colours aren't exactly alluring in a visual sense. Colours seem to blend creating a blend taste of style. Whereas the option of a striking or different colour rug gives a new take on the old, providing colour contrast and depth in the visual spectra. A fine example, would be a room with furniture and curtains of a similar or like colour body, in which adding a Modern Rug of similar colour to the picture not only dulls the look but provides no contrast to the existing furniture. A colour contrasted rug would give a breath of new air technically, adding life to the existing palette of the room Audacious you might think but what's life without zest. Sometimes we are presented with a situation where let's say, we got a blue themed lounge with an earthen flooring. Adding a burgundy rug or one with a splash of blue coupled with burgundy cushions, provides a subtle contrast, while still maintaining the feel of the lounge. It adds character while not colliding with the present theme. This is a good example where picking the right colour not only creates a new dimension but still allows older themes to resonate with equal avocation. Rooms with dark overtones tend to be claustrophobic in nature. Adding a lighter coloured rug, picks up reflected light, livening up the room and adding space to it. It is a good example where, colour plays a simple but important role in re-vamping the entire look of a room, whilst still zest to appeal. These examples reflect how simple colour changes or additions could create a whole new atmosphere. Most people love the idea of a warm- coloured setting, to give a cosy and almost dug-out type look. In these cases, darker colours do the job perfectly. Chiefly colours like chocolate brown, burgundy excel in adding the touch of warmth. Ideally great for those cold winter days. You might ask what of lighter colours? Well that's as blue as it can be. They are great in creating a lively fresh jive look. Blue,greens,beige run adjacent to the darker colours bringing an opposite but equally great look to the environment. You could say, having darker coloured Traditional Design Rug for winter and lighter ones for summer are as peachy as ideas could come. Counter-arguments about finding the right colours would definitely ensue but be assured there is definitely a colour that works with your furniture and home. Looking is the hardest part but be patient as every blend of colour creates a completely different look from another. It would be appropriate to say that being colour-wise is half the job done in acquiring a rug and probably the hardest part at that. Colours are as endless as combinations, creating a wide array of possibilities. The key point here is adhering to the existing backdrop but still adding a tint of freshness that might be missing. Be creative not planar. So let colour guide the way to home - same old brand new. Author: "Neville Barnes"