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BUYING GUIDES

Rug buying guide

So much more than a way to protect flooring, rugs are an easy way to instantly brighten up your home décor. They add style, practicality and comfort to any living space and make for a practical addition to your home. Here at Next, this helpful guide covers everything you need to consider when it comes to choosing your rug such as size and material, right through to caring for your new purchase.

Types of rugs for your home

A good place to start is to consider what you want your new rug to do. Do you want it to complete the look of a room
or simply protect your carpet or floor? Here are a few different rug styles:

Plain rugs:

Block colours on plain rugs make textures stand out and means you can play with more materials, like shaggy and cut pile; which we
will discuss later on.

Patterned rugs:

Patterns create a focal point and are a quick and easy way to transform the look of a room.

A traditional rug is also great if you're looking for a striking centrepiece for your living room or dining room.
They are truly unique and are crafted using artisan techniques. However,
if you're really stuck on what rug style you fancy, choose from:

Mats & doormats:

Protect carpets and floors; they provide a shield against dirt that you may bring in from the outdoors. Mats are also great for landings and hallways.

Runners:

Update spaces including hallways and landings. Runners also break up areas of open-plan spaces, whilst creating
a themed look.

Rugs by room: How to choose the right rug sizes

Looking to update a particular room? It's important that you find the right size,
material and construction to suit your space:

Living room:

One of the busiest rooms in the house, opt for a durable material like wool or polyester to avoid wear.

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Bedroom:

Texture is important in the bedroom, opt for longer pile and shaggy effects.

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Dining room:

Pick a rug that's wider than your table, with a bold pattern to make the space pop.

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Which material should you go for?

The look, feel and quality of a rug is also dependent on the type of yarn fibres used.
When looking at materials, it's handy to know the difference between natural and man-made rugs:

Natural:

Cotton, wool, jute and coir tend to be associated with natural materials. They are durable and have fantastic insulating properties that can help make rooms feel cosier. Natural rugs are also timeless if cared for properly.

Man-made:

Polyester, acrylic and viscose are the main materials used for rugs that are synthetically made. Man-made rugs are available in a wide range of styles and textures, they're a great choice for high traffic areas due to their durability and high stain resistance.

Weaving techniques

To help you understand more about the main construction types when it comes to selecting the perfect rug,
we've put together a list of the most common styles:

1. Hand-carved:

This design is created by cutting the pile into various different levels, producing great design details and a 3D effect.

2. Shaggy:

Tufted products that use a longer pile to create a soft, fluffy feel and appearance. The lengthy yarns give your floor a luxury look.

3. Cut pile:

Tufted yarns that are cut to a desired length, leaving individual tufts on the surface of the rug.

4. Flat weaves:

Flat weave rugs that have no pile and can be hand or machine woven.

Measuring for your rug

Measuring your rug correctly prevents taking home a rug that's unexpectedly too large or small. Simply mark out the space on the floor using a tape measure, newspapers or masking tape, this lets you see how the rug will fit with the rest of your furniture. Clever right?

Care guide: How to look after your rug

Rugs, like many other pieces of furniture are major investment pieces, so it's important to take care of them. Take a look at our handy tips for caring for your floor filler:

• Vacuum regularly to avoid surface dirt from finding its way into the fibres.
•  Attend to everyday stains and spillages promptly by blotting rather than rubbing, this will prevent the stain from spreading.
•  For more persistent stains, use specialist cleaners.
•  Many rugs are not suitable for machine washing or dry cleaning; check the rug's care label.
•  Do not place your rug near open fires.
•  Remember to rotate your rug regularly to prevent it becoming worn or faded.
•  Do not pull loose ends; trim with scissors if necessary.

There's nothing better than sinking your feet into a brand new rug. So it's important that you get your purchase right the first time.
From deciding what material and style you want to discovering how to clean and position your rug, this helpful guide has all the answers.
Looking to update your home with other soft furnishings? You've come to the right place! At Next, we stock everything
from cushions to blankets by Asiatic Rugs, Laura Ashley, Scion and more.

Rug buying guide

Living room:

Bedroom:

Dining room:

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