Rugs have held places of honor in interiors throughout history, not only for conveying wealth and status, but also for making rooms feel comfortable and inviting – and by extension – making a house feel like a home. Did you know that the world’s oldest surviving rug dates to roughly 500 BC and was discovered in southern Russia? Excavated from the Pazyryk burial mounds in 1949, this rug features a pattern of flowers, figures on horseback, and animals both real and mythical. Today, the Pazyryk rug remains a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and durability of well-made rugs.
Linda Lindsey, a sales associate at Copenhagen San Antonio, is finely attuned to the impact of a well-chosen rug. “Rugs provide decorative interest and a sense of both physical and aesthetic warmth,” she explains. “They also offer a frame in which to place furniture and define your space.” Rugs can serve additional practical purposes, like preventing furniture from scratching floors or softening sounds in noisy areas.
If you’re ready to transform your space with a remarkable rug, keep reading to find out key features to consider when shopping for rugs – as well as Lindsey’s personal selection and design tips.
“Always consider high quality fibers when choosing rugs,” Lindsey advises. “Wool, in my opinion, is the best material.” Wool’s ability to hold in heat makes it great for warming up chilly floors and adding coziness. What’s more, wool rugs typically have a dense and substantial weave, making them long-lasting and reliable for any area of the home. Copenhagen offers the Kalaty Infinity Rug, hand-knotted from 100% wool with cheerful shades of orange and blue.
Synthetic fibers like polyester, polypropylene, or nylon are also a popular choice for rugs. Versatile and durable, rugs made of these materials tend to be easier to clean and more resistant to fading. Made by Citak of Canada, the Artisan Phase Rug is woven from polypropylene with a neutral color scheme that makes it suitable for a range of interiors.
If you’re looking for a soft, silky rug with a light shine, consider viscose. This semi-synthetic material derived from wood pulp is an elegant choice for adding sophistication to a room. Try the viscose Aimi Rug for a stunning statement piece that evokes the moody chill of a winter forest.
If you want to make a bold statement, you may enjoy a cowhide rug. With its raw look and natural texture, a cowhide rug creates a vibe that’s both rustic and modern. The Opal Rug is particularly unique for its triangular pattern of black and white cowhide strips that instantly catch the eye.
The height of your rug is another important factor to consider. Low pile rugs are generally defined as less than ¼” tall, with a flat, sleek look. “Low pile rugs are great because they are easier to clean and vacuum,” Lindsey says. “They’re also ideal for high traffic areas.” Practical for a multitude of environments, a rug with a low pile minimizes the risk of tripping and is also good for placing by a door so the door doesn’t catch on the rug. If you want a low pile rug that’s both pragmatic and stylish, try the Spectrum Waves Rug, with a jazzy pattern in turquoise and black.
On the other side of the spectrum are high pile rugs, defined as over ½” tall. This type of rug often has a fluffy and textured look, with a plush underfoot feel that lets you sink into it. “High pile rugs have a luxurious quality to them and can really soften a room’s atmosphere,” Lindsey says. “However, care needs to be considered when vacuuming – it’s best not to use a rotating brush that can catch the fibers.” The Aspen Alta Rug is a prime example of a high pile rug, with its thick-twist 30-mm surface that feels like walking on a cloud.
Medium pile rugs measure between ¼” and ½” tall and are popular for the way they combine the best qualities of both high and low pile rugs. “Personally, I prefer a medium pile,” Lindsey says. “It’s less worrisome than a high pile, but still warm and comfortable.” For a medium pile rug with a pleasing texture and pattern, try the Indigo Seaview Rug, with its variegated weave and cool color scheme.
Rugs are offered in a multitude of sizes, from petite accent pieces to dramatic “mansion-size” rugs that cover substantial ground. Choosing the right size rug depends largely on what room it will be placed in. For a living room, Lindsey says, “I recommend a rug that is at least 6-8 inches wider than your sofa on both sides, and preferably large enough for at least the front legs of sofas and chairs to rest on. 8’ x 10’ or 9’ x 12’ are sizes that work well in many living rooms. Typically, run the rug the length of the sofa and give 30-36” of walkway between large furniture pieces.”
If you’re placing a rug under your dining table, make sure the chairs can be fully pulled out and still fit on the rug. A smaller accent rug can be great next to a bed or in a reading nook, while a runner is ideal for narrow, elongated spaces like hallways or stairs. However, a rug in any room should not be so large that people cannot comfortably walk around it if they choose.
Did you know that many Copenhagen rugs can be special ordered in a variety of sizes? Talk to a sales associate about finding a rug that’s perfectly proportioned for your space.
“The shape and style of a rug can strongly influence the look of the room,” Lindsey says. Rugs come in every color of the rainbow and an almost endless range of patterns, allowing you to express your style and personality. If you’re having trouble narrowing down your choices, Lindsey suggests using the existing furnishings in a room as your guide.
“If your furniture, walls, and curtains have calmer shades, a rug with a bold pattern or expressive shapes will liven up the room wonderfully,” she says. On the other hand, a solid-colored rug can help ground and balance a room with a lot of patterned upholstery or intricate designs.
If you do go with a patterned rug for your living room, Lindsey suggests not getting one in the same color as your sofa – “It’s best if the color of your sofa is the secondary color in the rug. The third color in your rug can match throw cushions, an occasional chair, decorative accents, and/or artwork. And of course, the primary color should be one you feel comfortable with. Whatever colors you choose, have fun with the process!”
Copenhagen carries a variety of rugs in patterns that cater to nearly any aesthetic. For instance, the Colorworks Rug creates a bright, playful accent that’s like modern art for your floor. The Westlake Waterdrops Rug has a tranquil pattern that resembles trailing raindrops, while the Sedona Diamondback Rug has an edgy diamond design in shades of purple and brown. Or try Lindsey’s favorite, the Simone Rug – “I love the variegated shades of green, brown, orange, blue, and white in an abstract pattern – so many gorgeous colors to work with.”
Before buying a rug, it’s crucial to think about where it will be placed, how it will be used, and what other people or animals occupy your household. For instance, maybe you have kids and pets, and plan to place a rug in a high-traffic area like an entryway, living room, dining room, or kitchen. In this case, your best bet is a darker-colored, low-pile rug in a durable and easy-clean material like polyester or wool. Dark colors can stand up better to dirt, stains, and spills, while a lower pile traps less debris. In contrast, lower-traffic areas like a bedroom, home office, or quiet hallway are better places to display a rug that may be thicker, lighter-colored, or made of a more delicate material.
Make sure to keep manufacturer instructions on cleaning and maintaining your rug. For general cleaning, Lindsey says, “Vacuum your rugs regularly to keep dirt particles from getting imbedded in the fibers. Clean up spills right away and use the right cleaning methods for your rug. When in doubt, consider calling your salesperson for help before proceeding with treatment.”
You should also plan to rotate your rugs periodically, so they don’t develop asymmetrical areas of light exposure and wear. Last but not least, Lindsey advises all her clients to use rug mats under their rugs, especially on smooth floors. Rug mats are essential for preventing slippage and increasing safety.
If you’re on the fence or need additional help visualizing how a rug will work in your space, Copenhagen’s sales associates and designers have a handy tool just for this purpose – Floorplanner. This virtual room design software can create digital mockups of any room in your house to let you see how a new addition or renovation project will end up looking. Additionally, the Copenhagen website’s Augmented Reality feature works with eligible devices to show you how furniture and accessories – including rugs – will look in your own home.
If there’s an area in your house that feels cold and bare, or is otherwise missing an “it” factor, the answer might be right beneath your feet – consider adding a rug! Visit your local Copenhagen to explore just how much of a difference a well-chosen rug can make.