Choose a Material for Durability & Comfort

Material determines how a rug feels underfoot, how it holds up to daily life, and where it belongs in the
home. Which material to choose really depends on your lifestyle needs and preference.

wool rugs

Naturally soft, durable and stain-resistant, wool is the workhorse of the rug world. Its dense pile holds up
to years of foot traffic, and it's naturally hypoallergenic. Best for: living rooms and family rooms,
especially in homes with kids or pets. Look for low pile wool rugs in the dining room, as it better resists
crumbs and trapped debris.

performance rugs

Made from synthetic fibers, performance rugs are built for spills, sun and heavy foot traffic. Our premium
performance rugs resist stains because they repel liquid and can handle the busyness of daily life without
matting. Best for: high-traffic living rooms, playrooms, home offices and outdoor spaces. Plus, our
indoor-outdoor styles use the same performance fibers to stand up to the elements.

jute & sisal rugs

These natural plant fibers bring texture and an organic, grounded look to a room, and they're highly
durable underfoot. They're more absorbent than wool, though, and best kept away from moisture and
heavy spills. Best for: living rooms, entryways and layering underneath a smaller patterned or vintage-
style rug.

viscose rugs

Silky and luxurious, viscose is one of the softest materials you can put underfoot. It's a lower-traffic
material, though, so it's best reserved for spaces with lighter use. Best for: bedrooms and formal living
rooms where comfort and softness matter more than heavy-duty durability.

Your living room rug works harder than any other rug in the house. Choose a rug that’s big enough for at
least the front legs of your sofa and any chairs on the rug, and leave 12–18" of bare floor between the
rug's edge and the wall.

Extend the rug at least 12–18" beyond the sides and foot of the bed for a soft landing. For a king, cal
king, or a more grounded, hotel-suite feel, size up to a 12’x15’ or 12’x18’. Centering the rug under the
bed, with nightstands anchored on it, too, creates the most balanced look.

Focus on your table and chairs first, considering how much space you need when the chairs are pulled
out. Don’t forget to choose a low-pile rug for better functionality. A hand-knotted, low-pile wool rug is
great for durability and resisting crumbs and spills.

Since you’ll probably be moving around your chair while in your office, you’ll want to make sure to
consider functionality when choosing the best rug. Look for a low-pile, durable material that won’t shift
around if you have a rolling chair. A good rule of thumb is leaving at least 18” space for your chair to be
able to pull back without hitting bare floor.

Outdoor rugs define a zone the same way indoor rugs do, with the added job of standing up to sun and
rain. Choose a synthetic, weather-resistant material and size it the way you would the equivalent indoor
room, with at least the front legs of seating on the rug, or large enough so that it goes 24–30" past an
outdoor dining table.

A Rug Pad Is Recommended

A good rug pad helps your rug perform the way it’s supposed to. They keep rugs from sliding or
bunching underfoot, and add proper cushioning to protect the rug and flooring. Choose a rug pad made
from breathable materials to further protect your floors from discoloration.

Types of Rug Pads

The right one depends on your floor type and how much cushioning you want:

• Felt pads: add soft cushioning and work well on hard floors, but offer less grip on their own.
• Rubber or felt-and-rubber pads: the best choice for hardwood and hard-surface floors.
• Thickness options: thinner pads work best where doors need to clear the rug; thicker pads add the most cushioning underfoot.

General rule of thumb: Your rug pad should measure about 1 inch smaller than your rug on all four sides. You can trim to fit if needed.

Shop Rug Pads

Daily Rug Care

• Vacuum regularly.
• Blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent white cloth; avoid scrubbing or harsh cleaning solvents, which can damage fibers.
• Rotate your rug every 6–12 months so foot traffic and sunlight wear it evenly.
• For natural fiber rugs, spot clean and schedule professional cleaning for deeper stains—natural fibers are for indoor use only.
• Machine-washable rugs can go straight into the wash for everyday spills; check the care label for guidance.