How to Choose Rugs - Durability, Weight and Style
If you are planning to purchase a new rug for your home, there are several things to consider. Rugs with long piles offer maximum underfoot comfort, but they also tend to be more expensive. Rugs made of natural fibers are also more durable. You should also consider the weight of a rug, as this will affect its overall feel. And you should also consider the materials that go into the design.
Long pile rugs offer maximum underfoot comfort
If you're looking for a beautiful rug that offers maximum underfoot comfort, you should consider a long-pile rug. These carpets have a long pile and are generally made of wool or synthetic material. Wool is naturally stain and allergy resistant, making them the ideal choice for homes with young children and active families. While wool is the most durable and allergen-free material, synthetic materials may be better suited for bathrooms and outdoor settings.
While many people prefer loop-pile carpets, long-pile rugs offer the most underfoot comfort. Although the fibers are longer, they may not be as dense as flat-weaves. Additionally, long-pile carpets may shrink after washing, resulting in a few inches of additional length. For these reasons, it is important to consider the amount of shrinkage in your chosen area rug before ordering one. Also, long-pile rugs are typically harder to clean deeply, which makes professional rug cleaning an excellent choice.
High-pile rugs are ideal for big families with multiple members. They provide more warmth and are very inviting in shared rooms. They also look elegant and welcoming in living rooms with children. The only downside to these rugs is that they require more maintenance than their low-pile cousins. High-pile rugs are also better suited for luxurious settings and rooms with minimal traffic. However, they do require frequent vacuuming, and may be difficult to clean.
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When choosing a carpet, remember that the pile height should suit the needs of your home. It is vital to take into account how often the room will receive foot traffic, if you have children or pets, and whether you plan to entertain guests. Another factor to consider is the location of the carpet. Depending on the amount of foot traffic, long-pile rugs are likely to receive more traffic than short-pile rugs.
Natural fibres are more durable
When choosing rugs, look for natural fibres. They're softer and more durable than synthetic fibres, and are eco-friendly. Plus, they look stylish, too. Natural fibre rugs can enhance the aesthetic value of any room in your home. Whether you're shopping for a living room or bedroom rug, natural fibre rugs are an excellent choice. Listed below are several reasons to choose a natural fibre rug for your home.
The obvious advantage of natural fibre rugs over synthetic ones is their long-lasting durability. Unlike synthetic rugs, natural fibres can hold a great deal of moisture and don't attract static, which can lead to unpleasant shocks. Plus, natural fibres are naturally non-toxic, which is important in homes with children. Synthetic area rugs may contain harmful VOCs, which can cause respiratory issues in babies and young children.
If your home has pets, children, or a lot of traffic, natural fibre rugs are a better choice. Natural fibre rugs are also safer to own than synthetic ones, as they're made with organic materials. However, you should take into account the maintenance of your rugs, as these rugs may need replacing after a few years. Naturally-coloured fibre rugs should be cleaned regularly to extend their lifespan.
As for stain-resistance, both natural and synthetic materials are better options for rugs. Natural fibre rugs are durable and can be used anywhere in your home, but wool, cotton, and silk rugs are aesthetically more appropriate for larger rooms. Their intricate designs and high quality make them a better choice for a living room. To make the right choice, make sure to buy samples of natural and synthetic fibre rugs and place them in different rooms to see which one works best for you.
While wool rugs are generally more expensive than other materials, they are also more durable. Wool rugs are made from a natural fibre called sheep's wool. This fibre is soft and holds dye well. Many wool rugs are hand knotted. Wool rugs are also the most expensive types of rugs, but they can last a decade or more. Moreover, wool rugs are more versatile and are perfect for almost any room.
Weight of a rug affects its feel
The weight of a rug has many influences on its feel and appearance. Typically, rugs with higher densities have better durability and are less likely to fade. You can also check the density by folding the rug backwards to see how tight the yarns are. It's important to choose the right density for your room and lifestyle. If you're looking for a beautiful area rug, consider investing in a high-quality rug made of the right material.
The weight of a carpet is the total weight of the carpet fibres and backing. This number is called the "face weight" and helps you compare a seemingly identical rug. The higher the face weight, the more yarns are used to make it, but a higher face weight doesn't necessarily mean better quality or longer life. The face weight doesn't necessarily correlate with durability, as some materials are light but durable.
Materials used in rugs
When choosing a rug, there are several factors to consider. Your room's size, traffic pattern, and cosiness should all be considered. Wool is the most common material used in rugs, and is coveted for its durability and softness. Silk rugs are also popular, due to their slinky sheen and softness. They are often flat-weaved. Other options include natural fibres, which offer a neutral palette and rich textures.
Flat-weave rugs are woven with three to four plies of wool yarn. They have a low-profile, yet thick enough to be durable and comfortable for the room. Wool rugs are suitable for rooms with frequent cleaning. While cut pile rugs tend to shed more than other styles, they are affordable and durable. They come in different weights and textures. Those with high traffic areas should avoid flat-weave rugs.
Besides fibre, rugs are made with various types of woven materials. Whether you prefer a natural or synthetic material, rugs are generally made of natural fibres. This natural fibres cause irregularities in the weaving process. This can affect the look of rugs and affect their edges. Some materials have a greater tendency to bow, and may require jumping ribs in order to create the right shape.
Wool rugs tend to be more expensive than other materials, but are also highly durable and will last for many years. The natural resilience of wool fibres makes them the ideal choice for common areas. A wool rug can also recover from indentation due to the combing process. Moreover, the natural resilience of wool makes it an ideal choice for areas with high moisture. The material is also equally flexible, and will often return to its natural shape if stretched to 35 percent.
Polypropylene, a synthetic material, is also a popular choice for rugs. Polypropylene rugs are affordable, and don't fade or become stained easily. Unlike natural wool, polypropylene is also durable and stain-resistant. However, these types of rugs are generally made by machine, and are not as sturdy as wool rugs. However, they are best suited for lower-traffic areas.