How to Put Furniture on a Persian Rug

How to Put Furniture on a Persian Rug

Persian rugs are resilient, last for generations and require little care -- if you know how to treat them. Made of wool or silk fibers, each responds differently to weight atop the fibers. Place your furniture so it enhances and draws attention to the pattern of your rug, and use rug protectors under the legs of your furnishings to avoid serious damage to the pile.

1 Place padding underneath a wool carpet to help absorb the compression heavy furniture causes. Use thick, rubber padding under wool rugs. Select a firm pad to prevent the rug from sliding on the floor, bunching or stretching from foot traffic. Put a silk Persian rug over a thin, rubber pad, as thick cushioning causes the rug’s foundation to stretch and puts tension onto the delicate weave. Buy padding made of wool fibers only if you don’t have pets or children and don't have to worry about spills or accidents.

2 Use casters under heavy furniture, especially if the legs are metal and could rust. Shift the furniture regularly to prevent excessive compression of the fibers. Don’t drag as you shift. Pick up each piece and move it before placing it on top of the carpet. Rearrange your furniture yearly to prevent “tracking,” or footpaths, which cause excessive, repetitive wear on your carpet. Rotate the carpet yearly.

3 Gently work compressed pile with your fingers to restore it in spots where furniture has flattened it. Don’t be forceful as you may damage the fibers. Work the pile in the direction of the other fibers. Use a clothing steamer if the compression seems solid, keeping in mind that intense heat may damage the delicate pile. Allow compression in a silk carpet to restore itself by repositioning the furniture and walking on the rug. It will return to its natural state in a matter of weeks. Do not use a steamer on a silk rug as the fibers are more delicate and absorb dyes differently than a wool rug.