An area rug is often the literal and figurative foundation of a room’s design. Practical and statement-making, rugs call for careful consideration. “A rug covers a huge amount of surface space, so why not go the extra mile to ensure that your selection has a great presence and effect on a room?” says Greg Halbert of Halbert Rug Company (9999 Manchester, 314-361-9990). There are many factors to consider when looking at rugs, and buyers often find that they have plenty to learn to avoid making a costly mistake. Halbert walks us through the process of purchasing a rug to last a lifetime.
Step 1: Prioritize Quality
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There are rugs being made today, in such countries as Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, with the same traditional skills once applied to antique rugs. These rugs are “beautiful, high-quality, and tough as nails but a fraction of the cost of antiques,” says Halbert. He suggests visiting various rug stores, and looking for sellers who can speak about the importance of “hand carding, hand spinning, using quality wool and all-natural plant dyes.”
Step 2: Discuss Design
When shopping, be sure to take photos and the dimensions of your room to the rug dealer. Talk with the dealer about the room’s colors and the style of the furniture and whether you want a rug design that complements or contrasts with those elements. Designs range from traditional to modern, tribal to Tibetan.
Step 3: Determine the Size
In the living room, the front legs of the couch and chairs should sit on the rug; in the dining room, the rug should extend beyond the chairs when they’re pushed out from the table. In the bedroom, a rug should cover the floor under the bed. Following these guidelines “changes the dynamic in a room; everything is connected,” says Halbert. “Quirky features, such as an extended fireplace hearth, floor vents, or wooden inlay,” also will limit the size of a rug.
Step 4: Try It at Home
“A rug is going to have an enormous impact on a room,” says Halbert, who often takes three or four rugs to the home of a client to test them in the space. Once a choice is made, Halbert encourages customers to take the rug out on approval to live with it for a few days before purchasing. This allows the homeowner to see how the rug looks in different light throughout the day and to get input from family members.
Step 5: Clean with Care
Despite the intricacy and complexity of the process with which fine rugs are made, care and cleaning are surprisingly simple: Vacuuming not only cleans rugs but also brings their natural oils to the surface, creating a soft luster. “Never use chemical cleaning products,” says Halbert. “Vinegar, water, and sunlight cure almost all ills.” With proper care, he notes, “a good rug will last at least the duration of a customer’s life.”
