Blog

Wool Carpet Pros and Cons

There is a lot that goes into choosing the right carpet for your home. There is a lot to consider when selecting the proper flooring options, things that extend beyond price. It’s important to educate yourself about different carpet materials, styles, and quality so you can make the right decision for your needs.

Choosing the Right Type of Carpet

If you’re on the hunt for new rugs for your home, you need to make a few considerations. First things first--choose your budget. Your budget will determine the type of carpeting you’ll get. After you have a budget in place, start comparing materials.

Find the right carpet fiber to best match your needs. Looking for something more durable for your high traffic area? Nylon may be the right choice for you. Nylon carpeting is highly durable, ideal for areas that receive high traffic like entryways. You’ll find it resilient and easy to maintain. Homes with kids/pets will benefit from nylon carpet fibers. This is an affordable flooring option to help you stay within your budget.

Polyester is an excellent flooring choice, stain resistant and very soft. It is harder to clean, however, and better suited for areas that receive lower traffic such as bedrooms. Polyester is an extremely cost-effective option.

Olefin is an attractive, durable fiber that resists fading. This inexpensive carpet choice resists stains and mildew. It is best suited for high-traffic “clean” areas like your child’s playroom.

If none of these options are what you’re looking for, wool carpet might be for you. Often times we get asked from customers from all over: “What are the benefits of wool?”

Advantages of Wool Carpet

Wool carpet is a natural, environmentally-friendly rug option for every room in your home. Wool possesses an elasticity that other carpet materials simply do not have, and can withstand crushing. The fibers can’t be crushed down by foot traffic or heavy furniture like what happens with other materials. This means that wool carpet will remain springy and soft, and can withstand decades of wear.

Another advantage of wool carpeting is color retention. If you’re wondering if wool carpet will fade in sunlight, the answer is no. Wool fibers hold color extremely well and retain that color intensity for years to come.

Need carpet that cleans easily? Wool again holds the advantage. Wool fibers have a natural, water-resistant coating. This is part of the reason why sheep stay dry outside, even during the heaviest rainstorms! Wool is remarkably stain resistant, making it an ideal choice for households with children or animals.

Lastly, and probably most importantly, wool is naturally flame-resistant. This makes it an attractive safety option for crowded public facilities who use it for its flame-resistance.

At Giant Rugs, we offer a large selection of Karastan persian rugs, constructed from the finest New Zealand wool. These eye-catching wool rugs will be the perfect focal point to tie your entire room together. Your investment in one wool rug will be one that lasts for many years and one you will feel good about.

New Zealand wool is the finest and most luxurious wool. It is the purest, whitest wool in the world, offering excellent dyeing characteristics that create long-lasting colors. It is raised with little impact on the natural landscape as well as it being a renewable and biodegradable fiber that is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly products. It is produced on land, mostly unsuitable for other agricultural purposes and does not compete with food production. No internationally banned pesticides are used on New Zealand farms, making New Zealand’s sheep industry one of the world’s greenest animal production systems. New Zealand wool is a superb natural product derived in an environmentally responsible way through sustainable land use!

Some Caveats

You should know, however, that while wool carpeting is durable and holds its color, it is a more expensive alternative, often costing double what polyester or nylon carpeting does. However, it is highly durable and will last far longer than other carpets, making it an economical option in the long-run.

Wool can resist water-based stains but will not be as resistant to oil or grease based spills. These may result in permanent staining.

Due to its natural fibers, wool is an attractive food source for various types of insects, including moths and carpet beetles. To stave off insect damage, wool rugs and carpeting are often frequently treated with a mild insecticide called Permethrin. This may be a turnoff for those who prefer to live chemical-free, although exposure through carpeting poses no health risks, according to the World Health Organization.

The benefits of putting down wool carpeting far exceed any disadvantages. Wool offers durability, holds color well and provides exceptional water and stain resistance. Your money will be well spent when you invest in a high-quality wool rug for any room in your home or apartment.

If you’re considering outfitting your home with new carpet, choose wool carpeting from Giant Rugs. You’ll be glad you did.

If your home has hardwood floors, you understand what a critical role area rugs play. Not only do throw rugs protect your home’s beautiful hardwood floors, but they also offer comfort and warmth, and add a touch of color to any room.

Hardwood floors are not cheap, it’s important to protect your investment. The process of finding the right rug can seem like a chore, so when you do finally find it, you want it to be perfect. Protecting your floor does not just end with the area rug. That’s where your rug pad comes in. Choosing the wrong rug pad, or just not using one at all, can result in scratched, damaged floors. So how do you know you’re choosing the right one?

The Right Rug Pad Makes All the Difference

Certain rug pads are made from materials high in what’s known as VOC’s, or Volatile Organic Compounds. These can leach out residue and chemicals that are damaging to flooring. Some cheaper rug padding made of foam or latex will disintegrate over time, potentially damaging the rug on top of it or the floor beneath it. Rug pads have a few jobs, including:

• Floor protection
• Safety
• Comfort
• Rug preservation

With such an important job, you’ll want to put as much effort into selecting your rug pad as you would into choosing the rug itself. There are more rug pads available than people realize, in every size, shape, and price range imaginable. The average rug supplier carriers a few types.

Synthetic latex: These are typically made from clay fillers which can dry out over time, leaving flakes behind. This is a good short term choice until you can get a better rug pad.

100% natural rubber: This delivers an eco-friendly option at a medium price tag. Rubber pads will grip the floors but are non-stick, so you don’t have to worry about damage. Since rubber is a natural material, it does not give off the same fumes as other materials, resulting in better air quality.

100% felt: Felt adds both cushion and floor protection, though felt lacks the natural grip that rubber has. Due to their lack of grip, felt rug pads are better suited for larger area rugs.

PVC: Lower cost pads are typically constructed from PVC or similar materials, which have not been tested for VOC emissions or overall toxicity. These budget pads can interact with your floors finish, leading to discoloration throughout time.

Felt/rubber hybrid: This premium pad will offer maximum comfort with the gripping power of rubber.

The idea is to match the quality of the rug to the quality of the pad. If you’ve invested the money into a high-quality wool rug, you’ll want to put down a higher quality rug pad. Look for a better quality pad that will preserve the life of your carpet as well as the quality of your hardwood floor.

At Giant Rugs, we stock a variety of Karastan and Nourison pads in various sizes. Shop for rug pads now to protect your wood flooring.

When it comes to interiors, each person has their own personal preference and design aesthetic. The key is to strike a balance between art and function. If you’re a fan of mixing and matching patterns but afraid of going over board, then have no fear, we share some easy to follow guidelines on how to play with patterns and win!

Neutral Start: The best way to start off with using a mix of patterns is to first introduce the most key element – a neutral base. This can be one of the main elements in the room around which patterns can build. Try opting for a neutral furniture item such as a sofa or bed or a sectional and make sure that the upholstery is of a neutral fabric. It doesn’t have to be plain, it can be textured and have any of the latest neutrals that are in vogue.

Use Color Intelligently: Once you have your neutral centerpiece in place, you can start to introduce color as you work towards achieving a mix and match of complementary patterns. Lighter, softer colors will tie in with the neutral item you already have chosen, while bolder or darker colors will give a more dramatic look. If you prefer to keep things subtle, then choose your curtains in a soft shade but use accent pillows in a bolder color with a strong patter. Enhance this look by introducing another interesting pattern through a fine rug but in complementary colors. In this way you can use different patterns but use a color tone that creates harmony.

Limit the Number of Patterns: The way to ensure you create a look that says good décor, and not overly done or too loud, is to limit the number of patterns used. Often in most designer circles, the number three is the rule of thumb, and this means you can use around three good patterns and still keep it classy. Try to go for a large pattern fabric as you first or strongest choice; a second different pattern with a smaller size than the first; and for your third choose something entirely different. Just remember to remain within the color palettes to maintain consistency throughout the décor.

Function: Always keep in mind the purpose the room is going to serve – if it’s a bedroom, your choice of pattern may be a more subtle or small one, while for areas that require more energy and a lively vibe, you can utilize bold, loud patterns with ease. So function is key when you start decorating with patterns.

Always Remember Your Focal Point: Remember, your area rugs should serve as the focal point of your room. Whether you're decorating with area rugs on a hardwood floor or over another carpet, your rug will serve as a focal point to most of your design. Even if you are purchasing a rug to compliment a furniture set or purchasing furniture to complement your area rug, remember to design in accordance with other patterns, but also with the knowledge that your rug will be the first thing that people notice - even subconsciously.

Shape: When choosing an area rug to add to your interior design, you must keep the shape in mind. As a rule of thumb, you want to subtract 3 feet from the length and width of the room to perfectly cover the center of your room. The same goes for rug runners, that require at least 4 inches of length between the sides of a hallway or staircase to fit neatly.

Experiment: Finally, when decorating with an area rug, you can afford to be experimental in terms of your design and placement. We’ve seen people use area rugs to lay on top of furniture, including beds and sofas. We’ve even seen people experiment with multiple area rug shapes and designs in the same room for different functions that have added that much more to their design.

Contact the experts at Giant Rugs or visit our store for help finding the best rug for any design.

Carpet Cleaning Tips

Your carpeting can be a showcase for any room in your house. Rugs protect your floors and your feet, adding softness and color to virtually any room. Did you know that properly cleaned and maintained carpet will last almost twice as long? Learn what the experts do to keep your carpet looking clean and new for years to come.

Caring for an area rug in your home isn’t difficult, but you do need to put the effort in. Use these carpet cleaning tips for long-lasting, beautiful rugs in every room of your house.

How to Clean a Carpet Rug By Hand

• Vacuuming

  While you cannot completely eliminate dirt, it’s easy to stay on top of it. Regular vacuuming is the best way to keep your carpets clean and free of dirt. No matter how affordable or expensive your rug can cost, regular vacuuming is a must to keep the rug in top condition. In addition, vacuuming your rug at least once a week is manageable depending on what area of the house it resides, but twice a week is optimal.

  Before you run your vacuum, set it at the right height. If you set your vacuum rollers too low, you risk damaging the carpet. Start with the vacuum rollers at their top height, then gradually lower it until you feel the vacuum begin to tug at the carpet fibers.

  Always start with a clean bag or filter. A dirty one can reduce the suction power of your vacuum by upwards of half. Be sure to vacuum at the right speed, making sure not to go too fast. Go slow enough to pick up the dirt, but not so slow that you can’t pick up the dirt.

• Clean stains properly

  Before you start to clean your rug, always check for rips or tears. Check again once you have finished. You can generally tumble dry any woven or braided rug on low and lay it out on a blanket or a towel to complete the process. If the rug cannot be put in the machine, using approved carpet cleaner foam, wiping the area clean and vacuuming it up is an acceptable method. If you can get to the stain immediately, there is a good chance that you can remove it. The longer a stain sits, and reacts chemically with the carpeting, the greater the likelihood is that it will become permanent.

  A handful of stains and spills are pretty easy to get out of most fabrics. For stubborn ones, a deep clean may be necessary and a professional clean is a good option to keep your rugs in optimum condition. For some rug materials you can buy a steam carpet cleaner, but always make sure that it is safe enough for use on your specific type of rug.

  Never scoop or dig wet food spills. Doing this can work the stain deeper into the carpet. Use a shop vacuum on wet spills. Keep vacuuming until no more liquid comes up. Use water first--eighty percent of stains can be cleaned using plain tap water. Tougher stains may require you to use vinegar or club soda. Try these before using harsh chemical products. Blot, never scrub the stain.

  For a deeper clean, use a carpet shampooer. Carpet shampooers or steam cleaners use a process that involves injecting a cleaning solution deep within the carpet fibers. The machine then extracts the solution, along with dirt and debris. Experts recommend doing this once every 6 months.

• Carpet shampooing tips

  Use carpet shampooing machines carefully, using less soap than directed. Hurrying to get the job done can result in soap residue being left on the rug. If the carpet pad gets wet, it can mold or mildew. After you’re done, use a mild acid rinse to neutralize any soap residue left behind. Some rental machines come with their own. If yours does not, you can easily make your own at home using a cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water.

  You can rent a steam cleaner at most grocery or home improvement stores, which tend to be on the larger side. Or, if you prefer, you can buy machines ranging in size and capacity, depending on your needs.

• Clean the carpet before it gets really dirty

  The frequency at which you need to clean your carpet depends on the kind of traffic it gets. If you have kids or pets, you’ll need to clean it more often than if you don’t. If you wait until your carpet gets really dirty, cleaning it will be harder and take longer. You’ll even run the risk of permanent staining.

• Pre-treat stains in high traffic areas

  Mix a drop of detergent with hot water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the dirtiest areas. Let sit 5 to 10 minutes before starting the general cleaning.

Whether you clean your rugs by hand, or shampoo your carpets, taking care of your rugs will make you feel good. Keeping up with preemptive maintenance such as vacuuming, rotating and spot cleaning will ensure the life and beauty of your area rug will last for a long time.

How to Choose an Area Rug

Area rugs are great for so many reasons. Not only are they a great way to enhance a room, they also provide a grounding aspect. By this, we mean, when a rug is placed properly, it helps to anchor the furniture in the room. This creates a homey, cozy feel.

Throw rugs also add a degree of warmth-- most people would rather step on a rug than a bare floor. This means the kids can play or sit on the rug and be comfortable. Area rugs protect your floors as well, reducing the wear and tear that pets and everyday life have on your surfaces.

Do you stand a lot at home? Putting down a throw rug helps to reduce fatigue on your back and knees since you’re standing on a padded surface. That padding makes housework or standing in general more supportive of your body.

How to Pick an Area Rug

If you’re ready to purchase an area rug, learn the art of choosing an area rug, and find the right one for any space. Are you not sure how to choose an area rug color? You’ll want to pick an area rug that is stylish, as well as functional. The style of rug you choose can impact the entire feel of your room.

Choosing a rug is a big decision, and finding the right area rug for your living room (or any other area of your home) can leave you feeling frustrated. You’ll want something designed to last that matches your decor, and that just feels right for whichever space it’s being used for.

The first and most critical consideration when selecting an area rug is of course quality. A high-quality rug will look better and wear more evenly over time. Look for good quality natural materials such as wool and silk. A high-quality wool rug will wear well and even look better over time. Wool has the capacity to develop its own patina through exposure to light and air and feet walking on it.

If the room is neutral and uses solid colors, a patterned rug can add some personality. If your room is more colorful, however, a plain rug would be ideal. Don’t just buy a rug because it’s cheap or a certain size. If you don’t love it, and it doesn’t match the room, don’t be afraid to pass. It doesn’t hurt to go traditional, either.

If you look through books and websites that feature pictures of mid-century modern living rooms, you will find a good number of them that are furnished with classic antique and vintage oriental and Persian rugs. These designs have persisted because they are so versatile. A classically designed rug will always work in your home, no matter what style you are into this year and in years to come. Before you spend a penny on accessories or furnishings, invest a bit of time in research, and seek out photos of the many expressions of mid-century modern style. You’ll be surprised by how fresh living rooms from decades ago look today.

If you’d like a rug that makes a little bit of a statement, without getting too wacky, a transition rug is a good choice. Transition rugs combine traditional oriental rugs designs with more contemporary colors, resulting in an eclectic design that feels a bit more modern. Sometimes a complementary look that brings in eclectic influences is just the accent you need to complete your living space.

As with any room, you will likely want to avoid having too many colors. Use the 60-30-10 rule, in which the room colors should be 60% dominant base color, 30% secondary color, and 10% accent color. Avoid picking more than 3 to 4 colors, especially with modern-style living rooms, which are meant to be calming and easy on the eye, rather than frenetic. Your rug will be one of the largest elements in your room.

Whether you choose the rug first and let that drive your color choices or buy your other furnishings first and choose the rug last, make sure that you give careful consideration to the overall palette and combination of colors. Choosing the right area rug color makes all the difference in the flow of the room.

Pay attention to the design of the room before you place your rug. You’ll want to be mindful of the size and shape of your area rug. You can design virtually any layout, choosing to keep all furniture legs on the rug, or just front legs. Maybe you’d prefer to leave the furniture off the rug and just put the coffee table on it instead. You can create a round, open layout, with the carpet in the center, or place runners on the sides of the room. The layout you choose will affect the type of area rug you go with.

To coordinate gracefully, make sure that a secondary color in the rug matches key furniture pieces, such as a sofa. In modern-style living rooms, where clean lines are de rigueur, the rug may be a neutral backdrop to dramatic furnishings or it may be the star while the modern-style furnishings are more neutral. Finally, always get a rug pad, to ensure that your rug stays where you put it.

Area rugs come in a number of shapes and sizes. Choose rectangular rugs, round ones, or runners, and select your ideal material. You know best what your tastes are and we know you’ll choose the right rug for your space. At Giant Rugs, you’ll never have to settle for ordinary. Your rug should be unique, as unique as your tastes. When you’re ready to make your purchase, don’t go with the safe choice--go out on a limb and find an area rug that really speaks to your heart. You won’t regret it.

Find the right size, shape, and color. Don’t forget to pay attention to your other needs as well, like budget, traffic of the room and the like. The perfect area rug awaits here at Giant Rugs.