Rug Guide

Guide to Choosing the Right Rug

When selecting the perfect rug, these key questions can guide your decision-making process:

Where Will It Be Used?

• Room Traffic: High-traffic areas require more durable rugs.

• Indoor or Outdoor: Some rugs are specifically designed to withstand the elements.

Why Do I Need It?

• Create a Focal Point: Brighter colors and intricate designs draw attention.

• Protect the Floor: Hard-wearing fibers offer greater protection.

• Insulate & Muffle Sound: Certain fibers provide better insulation.

• Add Comfort: Softer fibers offer more comfort underfoot compared to coarser ones.

What Is My Budget?

• Entry-level to Luxury: Hand-knotted rugs tend to be more expensive, while flatweaves are more affordable.

What Is My Current Décor Like?

• Style: Does the room’s décor call for a specific rug style?

• Color Palette: What colors already exist in the room, and how will the rug complement them?

Hand-Made vs. Machine-Made Rugs

Ever wonder why handmade rugs are more expensive than machine-made ones? Handmade rugs are unique works of art, with their value increasing over time. Natural fibers and dyes contribute to slight variations in color, and each rug tells a story of craftsmanship and culture. Machine-made rugs, produced in mass, lack this uniqueness and personal touch, offering consistency but without the care and emotion poured into handmade creations.

The Regal Hand-Knotted Rugs

The tradition of luxury hand-knotted rugs in India dates back to the Mughal era. Emperor Akbar established the carpet-weaving tradition in 1580 AD, blending Persian influences with Indian artistry. Mughal rugs, renowned for their detailed court scenes, animal motifs, and floral designs, evolved over time into uniquely Indian masterpieces.

These hand-knotted rugs were woven for royal palaces and also gifted abroad, continuing a legacy of luxury. Today, this centuries-old tradition is still alive, where each knot is meticulously tied by hand, creating rugs that are both functional and works of art.

Lighting Conditions

Rug fibers reflect light differently. A rug may appear lighter or darker in photos compared to real life. Similarly, the lighting in the room can affect how the rug’s colors look once placed.

On-Screen vs. Real Life

Colors can vary between screens, print images, and actual rugs. For accurate color representation, it's best to view rug samples before making a final decision.

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Rug

• Choosing a Rug That’s Too Small: A rug that’s too small can make the room appear smaller. It should be large enough to anchor the furniture.

• Leaving Wall-to-Wall Carpeting Bare: Layering an area rug over carpeting is a great way to pull the room together.

• Choosing the Rug Last: Rugs are art for your floor. Choose the rug first to establish the room’s theme, and then coordinate furnishings accordingly.

• Skipping the Rug Pad: A rug pad not only adds comfort but also prevents slipping, ensuring safety.

Quick Facts About Handcrafted Rugs

• One rug passes through 186 hands and 86 processes before it becomes the finished piece of art that beautifies your home.

• Depending on the size, a 6x9-foot rug can take 6-9 months to complete, with weavers spending hours on the loom each day.

• A single automated machine can replace 300 yarn spinners, but choosing a hand-knotted rug supports rural artisans and their communities.

• A skilled weaver can tie up to 196 knots in just one square inch. The rug in your living room likely contains close to a million knots!

• Handmade rugs are not mass-produced; each one is a one-of-a-kind piece crafted with care, culture, and history woven into every thread.

• When properly cared for, handmade rugs don’t wear out with age; they improve over time, much like any fine piece of art.