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A Complete Rug Guide

With our materials construction and care guide we’re here to help you find the perfect rug for each space in your home.

By Material

Need more information on our rug materials? Here’s why we love each category of material, as well as their best uses.

Mohair

​Mohair, derived from the Angora goat, is prized for its sheen, softness, and resilience, making it an excellent choice for rugs. It enhances both aesthetics and practicality in interior spaces.

Key Benefits

Durability: Strong, elastic fibers resist wear, ensuring longevity.

Flame Resistance: Naturally flame-resistant, mohair self-extinguishes when exposed to fire.

Crafting Process

Shearing & Preparation: Annual shearing, washing, and carding.

Spinning & Weaving: Hand-spun yarn woven into unique patterns.

Finishing: Knotting, treatment for sheen, and quality checks.

Styling Tips

Ideal for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.

Layer over neutral rugs for depth and texture.

Complements wood, stone, and various decor styles.

Choose a mohair rug that fits your space while following proper care for lasting beauty.

Jute and Sisal

Both jute and sisal are durable natural fibers that bring timeless appeal to rug design.

Jute Rugs

Soft, biodegradable fiber from the Corchorus plant.

Ideal for moderate-traffic indoor areas like living rooms and bedrooms.

Best suited for dry spaces due to moisture sensitivity.

Sisal Rugs

Strong, resilient fiber from the Agave sisalana plant.

Perfect for high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways.

Coarse texture; may require extra cushioning for comfort.

Styling Tips

Jute: Creates a warm, inviting atmosphere; pairs well with layered textiles.

Sisal: Enhances durability; complements various textures for visual interest.

Both are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Choose based on traffic levels and moisture exposure to match your space.

Karakul

Karakul wool, from Central Asian Karakul sheep, is prized for its lustrous, tightly curled fleece. Its natural sheen and resilience make
it a durable choice for both traditional and modern interiors.

Crafting Process

Shearing & Preparation: Wool is sheared, washed, and carded.

Spinning & Weaving: Hand-spun for quality, then woven into unique patterns.

Finishing: Knotted, refined, and quality-checked for durability.

Styling Tips

Living & Dining Areas: Adds warmth and withstands foot traffic.

Layering: Place over a neutral-toned rug for depth.

Complementary Decor: Pairs well with wood, stone, and various styles.

Choose a Karakul wool rug to enhance your space with lasting beauty and functionality.

Wool

Wool, a versatile natural fiber, is prized for its durability, softness, and insulation, making it ideal for luxurious, long-lasting rugs.

Key Benefits

Durability: Resists wear, crushing, and matting.

Stain Resistance: Naturally repels dirt and stains.

Comfort & Insulation: Soft texture adds warmth and absorbs sound.

Longevity: With proper care, wool rugs can last for generations.

Crafting Process

Shearing & Preparation: Wool is sheared, washed, and carded.

Spinning & Weaving: Fibers are spun and woven into intricate designs.

Finishing: Edges secured, pile trimmed, and washed for softness.

Styling Tips

Living & Dining Areas: Adds warmth and elegance. Bedrooms: Soft and cozy for better relaxation. Layering: Pair with neutrals for depth and texture. Complementary Decor: Pairs well with wood, stone, and various styles.

Regular vacuuming and prompt spill care keep wool rugs beautiful and long-lasting.

By Construction

​The construction of a rug significantly influences its pile height, softness, design, and durability. Exploring the various construction methods can provide insight into how each affects these attributes.

Handwoven Rugs

Handwoven rugs, crafted on looms by skilled artisans, offer
durability, beauty, and unique design.

Key Benefits

Durability: Reversible design allows even wear over time.

Low Pile: Flatweave construction resists wear, ideal for high-traffic areas.

Artisanal Craftsmanship: Each rug is one-of-a-kind, reflecting intricate weaving techniques.

Considerations

Maintenance: Regular vacuuming and rotation help preserve longevity.

Placement: Perfect for living rooms, dining areas, and entryways.

A handwoven rug adds both style and function, creating a timeless piece that lasts for generations.

Hand-Tufted Rugs

Hand-tufted rugs, made by punching yarn into a canvas
backing, offer intricate designs and luxurious texture.

Key Benefits

Durability: High-quality rugs withstand heavy foot traffic for decades.

Pile Scale: Low for durability, medium for balance, high for plush comfort.

Craftsmanship: Allows for detailed patterns and vibrant color variations.

Quality & Care

Material: Wool provides durability and stain resistance.

Density: 50,000+ tufts per square meter ensure longevity.

Maintenance: Regular vacuuming and gentle cleaning preserve beauty.

A well-chosen hand-tufted rug enhances aesthetics while offering lasting comfort and resilience.

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Hand-knotted rugs are meticulously crafted by artisans who tie each knot individually, creating unique, intricate designs.

Key Benefits

Durability: High knot density and premium materials ensure these rugs last generations.

Pile Scale: Low to medium pile offers durability while maintaining softness.

Craftsmanship: Handmade using wool or silk, making each piece a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Considerations

Investment: Higher cost, but unmatched longevity and elegance.

Maintenance: Gentle vacuuming and professional cleaning recommended.

A hand-knotted rug adds timeless beauty, value, and luxury
to any space.

Natural Wall-to-Wall Carpets

Jute and sisal are natural fibers offering unique benefits for different applications.

Jute Carpets

Fiber: Soft, golden-hued, sourced from the Corchorus plant.

Best Use: Ideal for low-traffic areas like bedrooms and lounges.

Durability & Care: Less durable, prone to shedding and staining—requires regular vacuuming and quick spill cleanup.

Sisal Carpets

Fiber: Stiff, resilient, from the Agave sisalana plant.

Best Use: Suited for high-traffic areas like hallways and entryways.

Durability & Care: Highly durable but can mat; resists dust but stains easily—fiber sealers help.

Key Benefits

Jute offers softness, while sisal provides greater durability. Both should be kept away from humidity and spills to prevent damage. Regular maintenance helps preserve their longevity and appearance.

Choose jute for comfort or sisal for durability to enhance your space naturally.

By Room

Add warmth to your home with a stylish rug. Explore our room-by-room guide for expert tips on the best materials and constructions for every space.

Living Room

Rugs should anchor your furniture, creating a cohesive look. We recommend placing at least the front two legs of larger furniture pieces on the rug, rather than having them completely off or entirely on top.

Outdoors

Indoor/outdoor rugs bring a finished look to exterior spaces. Add texture and pattern by styling them in outdoor settings, using the same design principles as indoor dining and living areas.

Bedroom

Rugs should anchor your furniture for a balanced look. We recommend placing at least the front two legs of larger furniture pieces on the rug, rather than having them float around it or sit entirely on top.

Twin

Queen

King

Kitchen

When choosing a rug for the kitchen, consider it as you would for other high-traffic areas like entryways, mudrooms, and hallways. Opt for a rug or runner that adds warmth and charm while being durable enough to handle heavy use and potential spills. Recommended Rugs: Indoor/Outdoor, Vintage, Hand-Knotted, or Handwoven Wool.

Dining Room

In the dining area, rugs should frame the table and chairs, creating a cohesive look. Choose a rug large enough to accommodate your furniture, ensuring durability while adding depth and character with texture or pattern.

8'x10'

9'x12'

8'x10'

Living Well Interiors Header | Handcrafted Rugs Durban
Living Well Interiors Header | Handcrafted Rugs Durban

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Comprehensive Guide to Rug Care

A well-maintained rug enhances your space and lasts for years. Follow these essential care tips to keep your rug looking its best.