Choose the Perfect Rug for Your Design Clients

In a previous post, Interior Design Tips – Helping Clients Focus on High-value Improvements, we offered advice on how to help your design clients choose the perfect rug for any room in their home. Here is the advice we offered:“As we all know, it can take “forever” to find the perfect rug and, when you do, it usually isn't cheap. It’s always helpful to remember that your client may not have the knowledge to make a good decision and that you are the expert here. Take the time to explain that the cost of a rug will vary depending on the age, weaving technique, fiber content, and dye method. Also, hand-loomed rugs wear well and have added character and charm while minor repairs do not affect the value of the rug as long as they have been done well.”(Is it OK to quote ourselves? 😉)Of course, when choosing a rug, the overriding factor will be the figuring out what is best for a specific installation. The rug you choose for a toddler’s room will be very different than the rug you choose for a formal dining or living room.With a bit of help from our friends at Wayfair.com, we offer some guidance on how to choose the perfect rug:Wool rugs – Wool rugs offer the best combination of durability and softness. The fibers are incredibly resilient and stand up well to high traffic, especially soft, tufted or hooked styles. They naturally repel stains and water but will absorb moisture and can fade in sunlight. With a mid-range cost to a serious investment, they are most cost-effective when used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.Silk & Viscose rugs – Silk is unrivaled for softness, making it the ultimate choice for a luxurious rug. Viscose provides the softness and sheen of Silk at a substantially lower price point. Because silk and viscose are sensitive to wear and moisture, it is best used in low-traffic areas. Silk and Viscose may also be woven with another material to create a blended rug that's more durable or has a varied texture. The incredible softness and luster of silk and viscose rugs make them ideal for bedrooms, especially the master suite.Cotton rugs – Cotton is commonly used to make flat or woven style rugs and are durable and easy to clean. While not designed as “heirloom” pieces, cotton rugs are affordable, stand up well to high traffic, soft without feeling too plush, and are often machine washable. Best use for cotton rugs would be in family rooms and children’s rooms, bath mats, and hallway runners.Natural fiber rugs – Jute, sisal, and other renewable fiber rugs are remarkably versatile in use and style. While the fibers are very strong and durable, they do stain easily, making them most appropriate for use in dry areas and living rooms. They may also feel somewhat coarse but can be beautifully textured with a woven or braided construction. The cost of natural fiber rugs can run from affordable to mid-range and they are definitely the go-to base when layering rugs.Synthetic Rugs – Synthetics are extremely durable and affordable, often being used to make indoor/outdoor rugs. Flatweaves are great in high traffic areas but can have an artificial feel. They can easily be treated to repel stains and water and will stand up well to moisture and sun exposure. Best use would be in entryways, hallways, mudrooms, and patios.In future posts designed to help you choose the perfect rug for your design clients, we will share our insights into choosing the best size rug for a room, and whether you should design the space around the rug or use it to accent the choices you’ve made.Looking for more new design trends, tips, and ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.