06/18/2026
Where to begin? 💭 Start with the basics: pile, durability and size.
Types of Pile:
Pile are the little fibers that stick up from area rugs. The pile length affects how much cushion you get from a rug, as well as how easy it is to clean.
Flatweaves (no pile) and low pile (¼ inch long) rugs are easy to clean and good for high-traffic areas. Flatweaves don’t offer any cushioning, while low pile offers a bit. Indoor/outdoor rugs are typically flatweaves, while natural fibers, like jute or wool, are low pile.
If you want a soft rug that looks luxurious and cushions your feet, medium to high pile (over ½ inch long) or s**g rugs (longer than ¾ of an inch) fit the bill. These rugs are harder to clean than low pile or flatweaves, so you may need to have them professionally cleaned.
Durability Tip:
For high-traffic areas with kids or pets, choose flatweave or low-pile wool rugs. They're easier to clean, trap less dirt, and wool’s natural fibers resist stains and last for years with proper care.
Sizing Rugs by Room:
Sizing rugs for a particular room can be tricky. If you have no idea where to start, the following ground rules can help you lay a good foundation.
(A helpful hint: use painter’s tape to outline the area that you’re considering for your rug, so you can see how the sizing will work with your furniture.)
In the living room, the front legs of sofas and chairs should sit on the rug; also make sure that end tables or floor lamps are completely on or off the rug. Allow at least a foot of bare floor around the perimeter of the room.
Of course, if you have the space, all of the furniture legs can sit on the rug. If you do have a large room, you might want to consider a less-expensive “base” rug in a fiber like jute, layered on top with a smaller statement rug.
A dining room rug should extend 24 to 30 inches beyond the edge of the table, so that the chairs fit on it, even when they’re pulled out. For a look that complements your dining room, choose a rug shape that matches the shape of your table.
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