How to Read an Area Rug Label

Buying a new rug, either for your bedroom or the living room, can sometimes become a challenging task. There are certain elements one should always take into consideration to make the most out of this purchase: size, color, rug pads, etc. But we often forget to read the label on the back of the rug where most of the information we need is explained.

Most of the labels are self-explanatory: collection, color, size (which can be found in feet or centimeters), fiber, or content and origin. But from this information the most important parts that might be of a concern to us when choosing a rug for our home are the size and content or fiber. Nowadays the most used pile fibers are synthetics like nylon, polypropylene (olefin), acrylic, and polyester but also the natural textiles like wool or cotton.

Synthetics are the most popular fibers since they deliver a look similar to high quality ones but with a more affordable price tag. Most of these rugs are stain resistant, easy to clean, and very durable.

As for the “content” on some of the rugs that I found, there were lots of fiber blends. This practice is used because it sometimes helps overcome the weaknesses of certain fiber types. Some of the most common fiber blends in the market today are: wool-nylon (wool being one of the most durable fibers), nylon-olefin, nylon-acrylic, wool-silk, jute-wool, sisal-wool, and cotton-rayon.

Another important thing you should always look for on an area rug label is the care instructions. These are established based on the fiber used in its construction. As a rule of thumb, the primary approach for cleaning area rugs is to clean for the primary fiber that is present. But if your area rug doesn’t include these instructions (and you are not sure of its primary fiber), always enlist the help of professional cleaners.

Other terms I encountered while searching for an area rug were power-loomed or machine made. Both of these types of rug are woven on power looms operated either by hand, machine or computer. Their designs tend to be very precise and these rugs are more affordable. If taken care of regularly, they can last up to 10 years.

You can also find handmade rugs, which, because of their laborious work, tend to be on the pricey side.

These are just some basics to help you in your quest when buying a rug. Don’t forget that the fiber also plays an important role on how the product will feel and how durable it will be.