Rules of the Rug

It is true! Picking the perfect rug is one of our favorite sourcing tasks. The color, size and texture can really make or break a space. It is a grounding element that can really tie the room together.

When selecting a rug, consider the following:

Size - how big is your room? what sizes are your furniture?

Content - what material is a rug made out of and how will it wear overtime with my intented use?

Cost - is this a rug I want to have longterm, or do I intend to only use it for a limited amount of time/ is it for a time specific space (like a nursery)?

Rug sizing, like most furnishing decisions, comes down to function and form. Here are some beginner guidelines to help you find a rug that best suits your space. 

General Tips

  • Scale your rug to the room size. Big rooms need big rugs.

  • Natural materials like wool, jute, and sisal are great content fibers. Silk is a luxury that is worth the investment if one can afford it.

  • Consider Sustainability - Of course, vintage is always the most low-impact on the environment! When buying new - again, look to natural materials. Often the cheaper rugs are made from synthetics which are just various names for plastic. Yuck.

  • Invest in a rug pad to prolong your rug’s lifespan and prevent slipping. It also lends an extra cushy feeling underfoot.

  • Furniture legs rest should usually rest entirely on, or partially off of a rug. This connects to the visual “grounding” of the room.

Resources

Can’t Go Wrong : Revival Rugs - great curated collections of vintage and new. EXCELLENT sizing guide.

Hunt and Peck : ESaleRugs.com - easy to become overwhelmed but the secret is to use the filters extensively. Can often find great deals for stupid cheap prices.

Customer Service and Quality Extraordinaire : Christiane Millinger - locally owned Portland, OR handmade rug shop . High quality selections in a wide range of styles. Christiane and her staff are welcoming and knowledgeable.

Staff Picks

Amy’s : Nordic Knots

Anna’s : craigslist or goodwill bins or travel

Shannon’s : ABC Carpet & Home and of course, Christiane Millinger