What to Look for in a Rug Brand

Material

The material of a rug determines its softness, durability, and ease of cleaning. The most common natural fibers for a rug are wool, silk, bamboo, cotton, jute, and hides. Wool, in particular, is known for being stain-resistant. Sarah points out that wool “is also naturally moisture-wicking, making it an ideal choice in areas where spills may occur.” However, it isn’t always the softest or most plush rug material.

Polyester and polypropylene are the most common synthetic materials used for rugs and offer very pile heights, from short but plush rugs to long, shaggy rugs. Rugs made of these materials are affordable, long-lasting, and also offer dirt- and stain-resistance.

Some rug brands specialize in rugs made of natural fibers, like Revival Rugs, which primarily sells long-lasting wool rugs. Other online rug retailers offer more budget-friendly rugs made from synthetic fibers. This is the case for many rug options at retailers like Rugs Direct and Wayfair.

Size

The size of a rug is determined by its length and width. You’ll want to choose a rug size that matches the space you have available in a room. A rug that is too large may not fit, while a rug that is too small can look out of place.

Area rugs come in common sizes like 5’ x 7’ or 6’ x 9’ and may be as large as 9’ x 12’ (or larger). If you have a space with specific dimensions, you may find that you need to find a rug retailer that offers custom rugs—like Pottery Barn or Cold Picnic. This option allows you to specify the shape, length, and width of the rug. Keep in mind that most custom-order rugs cannot be returned.

Type

The type of rug you choose depends on where and how you plan to use it. Area rugs are the most common type of rug purchased for the home. They usually cover the majority of the floor space in the room they are placed in, rather than covering just a limited portion of the floor—like you would see with a small kitchen rug or doormat. Runners are rugs for long, narrow spaces in the home, like a hallway. Smaller scatter or throw rugs are useful for layering or placing in small areas, like at the side of your bed.

Pile Height

The pile height of a rug refers to how long or short its fibers are. A high pile rug has longer fibers that feel more plush under your feet, but also tend to trap more debris and be harder to clean. A low pile rug can have short fibers, like you’ll see on many polyester area rugs, or no pile height to speak of. This is the case for flatweave rugs, like the Revival Hart Jute Rug. They can easily be shaken or swept clean, thanks to the flat surface.

Maintenance

All rugs need to be cleaned, but how you maintain the rug will depend on the type you choose. Some rugs, like the Tillie Reversible Indoor/Outdoor Rug from Urban Outfitters, can be hosed down for a quick and complete clean. Other rugs, like those with plush fibers made of wool or synthetic materials, should be vacuumed on a regular basis and spot-cleaned as necessary. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure that you are cleaning your area rug appropriately for the fiber material.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Erica Puisis has been following the latest trends for home decor, researching and testing products to find the best options for value, durability, and style. Having shopped rugs and rug pads from online retailers like World Market, Wayfair, Overstock, and Amazon, she has firsthand experience with the shopping and delivery process when investing in rugs both large and small.

For this article, Erica considered the range of products available from each retailer, including material, size, and style. She took into account the selection of products, shoppability of the site, and shipping and return policies to find the best online rug retailers. Erica also spoke with Sarah Barnard, an interior designer that creates personalized, sustainable spaces. Sarah discussed how rug materials affect durability and cleaning, along with sharing her expertise on choosing a high-quality rug and whether or not to use a rug pad.

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