GAUGE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Consider the time and expense of caring for your rug. In addition to everyday cleanup and stain removal, many require professional cleaning. This cost can quickly equal that of the rug. For spill- prone rooms or areas with heavy use, make easy-to- clean a priority. One option is washable rugs. Look at companies such as Tumble or Ruggable to find rugs in any size that you can load directly into your washing machine. While they aren’t as thick and cozy as traditional area rugs, the ease of maintenance can’t be beat.
TEXTURE
FOUNDATIONAL UNITS
Texture contributes to durability and ease of maintenance. It’s also the central characteristic of interior design that pulls the look together. For example, tightly woven jute and other natural fibers present clean lines and neutral colors. In contrast, a plush brings a soft finish and cozy feel. If your furniture is sleek and modern, texture adds warmth. If your furniture is already textured, a simpler rug keeps the room balanced. Texture is also important when it comes to function. That flatweave rug is best used over an existing carpet since it lacks cushion. However, a rug with a thick pile may keep doors from opening. Rough textures can hold debris, making them harder to clean. A high-low weave offers a combination of function and visual appeal while hiding wear and keeping maintenance low.
What’s under your area rug is just as important as the rug itself. The right pad adds softness underfoot, extends the life of your rug, and provides anti- slip grip. A carpeted room doesn’t typically need additional padding for most types of rugs. The exception is washable rugs, which attach to pads that prevent slipping and hold corners down to avoid curling. For rugs on hard surfaces, invest in a quality slip pad. Dannett told us, “People tend to slip up by neglecting to put a rug pad down for heavily used rooms, or they just opt for the cheapest non-slip pad they find. In fact, a good-quality pad is the very foundation a rug needs - literally. A good, dense, non-curling pad with the right anti-slip properties acts as a barrier that prevents dirt, natural oils, and moisture from seeping through your rug and accumulating under it. It effectively protects your floors and your rug in the long run.” “It also keeps things from shifting around,” he continued, “which is essential if you have little ones or pets running around. If you're dealing with high- foot traffic, having a washable rug over a dense no- curling pad will mean less shifts and trip-overs and easier cleanups, no matter what messes your kids and pets make.”
14
HOME SWEET HOME Magazine
Powered by FlippingBook