When The Rug Company opened up it’s Dallas showroom in 2011 I quickly became smitten with their gorgeous collection of heirloom quality rugs, especially the pieces by fabulous designers like Kelly Wearstler, Dian Von Furstenburg, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Alexander McQueen to name a few. Prices point range from high dollar to super affordable and everything in between depending on the construction of the rug.
I thought it would be fun to get a little more insight on flat weave rugs from one of my local showroom reps here in Dallas! I am often asked about flat weave rugs by most of my clients. They are everywhere now and with all of the gorgeous colors and graphic patterns, it’s hard not to take notice. So I went directly to my showroom rep, Oscar for the real scoop on these fab little rugs and here is what he had to say….
Taking in the colorful showroom at The Rug Company designer brunch
Abbe-Is there anything important I should know about flat rugs before I plunge into the great unknown and purchase one?
Abbe - How are these rugs cleaned? Should I consider special cleaning or are they easy to spot clean?
Oscar – Depending on the material, they can be taken to a professional rug cleaner or can be washed at home if you have an industrial sized washer and hung to dry. Most are cotton, talk to your salesperson about the cleaning instructions. Not all rugs are created equal! If you are purchasing from a known retailer, check the cleaning instructions carefully.
Abbe-What kind of rug pad should I use? Can I make the rug feel more cushy under foot?Oscar -Many rugs pads are available. Different height for cushion, sticky ones that stick to your floor and rug to help with rug movement. Since they do not naturally provide lots of cushion, they are great options for dining rooms, bathrooms and entry spaces. If you don’t mind a rug without any pile, they look great in main family rooms too.
Abbe-Can I install a flat weave rug over carpet and then put furniture on top with out it puckering under the legs of the furniture?
Oscar – You can always be creative with this one… adding additional support for the furniture legs under the flat rug can even out the puckering.
Abbe -Is it a good plan to get a flat woven rug for spring through fall, and to switch to a regular thick wool (or shag) rug during the cold months?
Oscar- It really depends on what your needs are or if you just want a different look for the Fall.
Abbe -If my clients have kids, a husband, and a few puppy dogs. Would thick wool rugs be better for that busy family? I don’t want to buy anything that is delicate for them. I also don’t want to use an indoor/outdoor rug or one made from jute or sisal.
Oscar- I would suggest buying a rug that is well made and cleans up easily. A rug rich in lanolin would be best. The lanolin repeals water and dirt so the richer in the lanolin the easier to maintain the rug. A hand knotted rug can last for many generations.
For more affordable flat weave and hand knotted options…check out the entire Studio Collection! Jonathan Adler recently launched a fabulous collection of rugs here…and don’t forget the pillows! Or as they call them, cushions!
