How Do You Pick a Good Rug?

This question is asked so often I thought it would be fun to do a post going over types, quality and pricing.   Rugs can be a big investment so a little knowledge on what to look for to make sure you are getting exactly what you want is always a good thing.  It can absolutely be overwhelming, let’s start with some basics.

Here are a few of the most common; machine made, hand knotted, hand tufted.

1. Machine made uses just that, machines that create the rug with an electronically controlled loom.

2.  Hand knotted means the rug is knotted on a loom by hand creating very small rows of knots on a base of vertical and horizontal threads.

3, Hand tufted are rugs created by an individual using a tufting gun.

This rug is a hand tufted wool rug.  I’ve had it for many years and it’s held up with some serious abuse.

All 3 can vary in pile height (cushiness), materials and pricing.  Hand tufted and hand knotted are more expensive due to the individual craftsmanship.

Which type you should choose also depends on the traffic the space will get.

Below is a highly trafficked space so I opted for a machine made in a very thin pile for 2 reasons.  It was much cheaper so I wouldn’t be devastated if something happened to it.  And the very thin make up means it’s really easy to vacuum and keep looking clean.

A cushy rug would feel nicer on the feet but my kids and their friends are the primary users of this room.  That equals food spills and dirty shoes.

Contrast that space with our bedroom where I don’t worry about high traffic or children spilling food everywhere. This one is a hand knotted wool and silk rug, a big splurge but one I plan to have forever.  The quality is superior from the material to the craftsmanship.  It does have a shorter pile so not as cushy as a wool given the silk is thin in comparison.

Peep more of this space here!

This is a handmade jute flatweave.  Perfect for adding texture and a grounding base to the space.

No extra cushion but a great braided design.  See more of this space here!

Then there are the vintage moroccan rugs, hand knotted with a shag like texture.

Shaggy, well made and last forever with some basic care.  Expensive due to the one of a kind and hand made nature but hold their value.  See more of this space here!

Other vintage styles include this antique chinese art deco rug.  Very thin pile, hand knotted circa 1920’s.  It’s a good example of how quality materials and craftsmanship can last forever.

This was an antique mall road trip find!  See more finds from that trip here.

This is another rug I’ve had for years and it still looks good but has sustained some wear over time.  This is a tufted wool and viscose rug.  The entire blue base is actually loops which if you have pets with nails is a bad idea.  I’ve had more than a few of those loops pull up.  Something to keep in mind if you have pets!

There are so many types and styles each with their own pros and cons.  Yet once you figure out traffic of the space, pets, desired pile height, cleanability, and budget, it makes the search for the perfect rug so much easier!

Next up we’ll talk sources for each of the rugs above as well as where I like to shop for rugs.

Do you have any favorite types or styles of rugs?  I always love to hear from you so hit me up in the commments!

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