AREA RUGS

One of the most effective and easiest ways to finish off the look of a room is to add a rug. They are ideal for grouping or framing furniture or renewing your interior. Rugs also give scope for individual interpretation. A rug can make a “statement” and bring new life and atmosphere to your interior, regardless of whether you choose plain rugs or rugs with vibrant colours and innovative shapes. Look for colours in a rug that complement a favorite piece of artwork or blend in with your other soft furnishings.

Shopping for a new area rug for your office can be a daunting task. With so many options to choose from, how do you decide? When it comes to the workplace, there’s a lot more to take into consideration than basic aesthetics.

Figuring out what rug material is best for your space is essential. It’s important to consider how a space will be used, what kind of traffic it will receive, and how much coziness you desire.

MATERIAL

Wool

The most common material used for rugs, wool is prized for its durability and softness.
Pros: Strong; good stain and water repellency; excellent insulating properties; cozy underfoot
Cons: Not good for damp places as it absorbs humidity; subject to fading; some shedding may occur but will lessen with time
Best Suitable for: Living rooms, dining rooms, high-traffic areas

Cotton

It’s most frequently used to make flat-weave rugs such as dhurries and kilims.
Pros: Generally more affordable than wool or silk; easy to clean
Cons: Doesn’t always wear well over long periods of time
Best Suitable for: Kitchens, children’s rooms, casual spaces

Animal Skins

Available as complete hides, stitched panels, or woven strips of tanned leather.
Pros: Both soft and durable; unique pieces (especially hides); generally easy to clean
Cons: Not great for damp or humid areas
Best Suitable for: Bedrooms, offices, dens, low-traffic areas

Silk

Luxurious and lustrous, silk rugs are adored for their softness and subtle sheen.
Pros: Very soft and sumptuous feel; finer details than wool
Cons: Requires professional cleaning; can show footprints
Best Suitable for: Bedrooms, low-traffic areas

Sisal, Jute, Sea Grass

Durable, natural grasses and other fibers combine neutral, earthy palettes and rich textures, making them the ultimate design chameleons.
Pros: Very strong; renewable; typically free from chemical processing
Cons: Some varieties can be coarse and difficult to clean
Best Suitable for: Living rooms, high-traffic and sunny areas

Synthetics

Man-made fibers including viscose, nylon, and polypropylene. They have been improved over the years to mimic the characteristics of natural fibers.
Pros: Easy to clean; family-friendly; can be used in damp environments; many types can be used outdoors
Cons: Doesn’t always feel luxurious
Best Suitable for: Hallways, outdoors (note: not all synthetic rugs are suitable for outdoor use), high-traffic and sunny areas

SHAPE

Rugs come in a variety of shapes, including the following:

Rectangular rugs are the most common shape, and they can work in most any setting. These rugs also come in the widest range of sizes.
Round rugs are most commonly found in entryways, but can work well in other rooms when grouping furniture together.
Square rugs are less common than rectangular ones, but can be very effective in accenting end tables and other pieces of furniture.
Runner rugs are ideal for use in long entryways and can help visitors in your building find their way to your office.