Articles

Accent rugs and Area rugs are identical, so most rug lovers have a hard time figuring them out. While shopping for rugs, it is common to come across rugs tagged "accent rug" and those labeled "area rug," forcing many shopper to wonder what type of rug is actually ideal for their homes. If you have had a similar experience, you don't have to wonder anymore. Here are some clear descriptions that will help you identify their differences and similarities.

Nothing brings on a foot stomping like discovering a stain in an area rug. No matter what it is—red wine, smashed food, dirt, or worse, dog—well, you know the word—it calls for immediate action. 

But how can you treat a rug stain without hurting the rug? Do different remedies work on different kinds of stains? When should you pull out the steam cleaner to really break up the dirt?

In this guide we’ll answer all of these perplexing stain questions with the best tips for cleaning your area rug.

Proper General Cleaning

First, it’s important to know that you can extend the lifespan of your area rug with proper cleaning. That doesn’t just mean a quick vacuum each week. First things first, check the rug’s tag for cleaning instructions. Different rugs (depending on fabric and ply) may have different instructions. 

Once you’ve read the instructions, pull out the vacuum, but adjust the settings to avoid tearing fabrics or getting piles stuck in the machine. And as tempting as it may be, avoid vacuuming area rug fringe. Instead, sweep it to remove any dirt. 

Be sure to vacuum under the rug as well. This is best achieved by rolling up the rug to get at the area underneath. Some cleaning experts also suggest flipping the rug over and vacuuming the bottom as well.

Fun fact: In Scandinavia most families beat their rugs. They hang them on a line outside and using a special tool called a rug beater, they smack the rug to release the dirt. The same strategy can be used on your area rugs at home, provided you have the space and something that will knock dirt and debris from it. A tennis racket will work in a pinch! 

Spot Clean Strategies

So you need to tackle an ugly stain. This is called spot cleaning and it will require some detergent. 

Woolite is a good choice and Resolve spray works as well. What you’ll want to do is follow the product’s instructions by using a minimal amount of liquid mixed with water to absorb the stain.

If you’re concerned about using a new product, test it first on a corner or on the back of the rug to ensure it won’t discolor the carpet. Once satisfied that the product won’t further hurt the area rug, blot the spot with a clean cloth soaked in the detergent. Then allow it to dry. 

Good Housekeeping also recommends treating truly awful wine stains by mixing detergent with white vinegar, then blotting dry.

Pro tip: If there’s no information on your rug regarding cleaning instructions, at least be sure to confirm what fabric you’re working with. Wool is very different from polyester which is very different from cotton or jute. Small cotton rugs can actually be washed in the washing machine. But wool rugs shouldn’t be pre-wet. Instead, use a spray bottle to spritz on the detergent/water mixture. 

Carpet Cleaners

A deeper clean, one that goes beyond vacuuming and spot cleaning, requires breaking out the big equipment. In this case: a carpet cleaning machine. There are many on the market, but the overall technology is the same. They use hot water mixed with a cleaning solution to wet the floor, then the cleaner scrubs it, breaking up the dirt and suctioning the water and filth back up. 

With a hefty weight and sometimes hefty price, carpet cleaners are an investment, but one you might consider if you have rugs you love and/or children who love to get them dirty. Animals too will often require a carpet cleaner for random messes. 

Seek a Professional

If none of the above strategies work to clean your rug, then it might be time to call in the professionals. Rug cleaning services take the stress off by applying the latest industrial technologies. Think of it like a dry cleaner but for your area rug. 

The payoff is that with their chemicals and detergents you can almost be sure they’ll get any nasty stains out and deliver what feels like a new rug to you once complete. 

Bottomline, cleaning rugs can be time consuming and costly. That’s why a durable, affordable rug is a great option. Rather than worry over your expensive rug getting damaged, with Luxe Weavers you can rest easy knowing their gorgeous designs won’t cost a fortune but will hold up to your family’s busy life.

With a variety of Oriental and modern designs in many different colors and patterns, Luxe Weavers offers affordable luxury area rugs right for every home. Our generous return policy also makes shopping easier by accepting any item a customer wants to return due to dissatisfaction within 30 days of initial shipment.

Seven months into the pandemic, you’ve probably had a good long time to sit and stare at your kitchen rug and think “Hmm, I could do better.” Indeed you could. And with all this time to assess your interior design aesthetic, why not start now? 

Kitchen rugs have come a long way since the Colonial era, when painted floorcloths gave way to rag rugs, and then to more complicated designs. Nowadays there are new materials that can stand up to all the wear and tear that occurs in what’s often the most trafficked room in the house. And, even better, you don’t have to sacrifice style. 

There is a huge variety of kitchen rugs to match your mood, style, and circumstances, whether it’s a pack of kids constantly requesting snacks, or a bachelor pad begging for a more adult design look. Here we’ll look at 10 gorgeous kitchen rugs to brighten up your space.

Boho Chic

Just because you’re chopping onions doesn’t mean you have to look like you’re working in an industrial kitchen. Those days are long gone. And with the Bohemian Cream Oriental Rug you’ll have a rug to match your culinary attitude. Creamy turquoise and brown make up this runner that can easily fit between an island and range, perfect for adding a bit of pep to an otherwise functional space.

Moody Blues

With the popularity of open floor plans, many kitchens today double as dining spaces. And while this often leaves them feeling more casual, you can amp up the formality with a rug like the  Turquoise & Beige Rustic Modern Area Rug. With the same patina as a well-loved Southern porch, this geometric rug adds a touch of personality in calming colors. Turn on a little Miles Davis, pour a glass of wine, have a seat above this sophisticated rug, and tell us you don’t feel more relaxed.

Criss Cross Apple Sauce

Trying to balance family-friendly kitchen functionality with pulled-together design? Look the part with this Moroccan Collection Area Rug. The trellis pattern in gray adds a level of sophistication to a kitchen, while also offering durability for busy little bodies running in and out.

Subtle Sophisticate

An original, traditionally made Oriental rug may be out of your budget, but who says you can’t fake it? This Pink & Beige Vintage Oriental Area Rug was inspired by a vintage Oriental design and gives a feminine flair to a cozy kitchen space.

Make it Pop

The Rust South Western Oriental Area Rug is not for the faint of heart. It’s for the color-loving, bold decorators who need a pop of wow in their life. Nothing spices up a kitchen (aside from, well, spice) like this red and yellow rug.

Covert Crumb Catcher

Let’s be honest, some of us need a rug that will not only brighten up a space but also hide the odd spill in the process. Enter: the Blue Oriental Area Rug. This gorgeous beige and blue rug will easily obscure any random bread crumb that falls — giving you ample time to vacuum before company notices it — while also being able to hold up thanks to its tough durability.

Abstract

Who said kitchens have to be boring? The entire idea of eating is to play off the senses and that’s not limited to taste. Sound, smell, and touch all come into play, so why not boost sight as well. This multi-colored rug is intriguing and entertaining—just like your cooking, perhaps? 

Checkerboard Nostalgia

Whether it reminds you of the classic italian checkerboard tablecloths or 1950s linoleum, there’s something charmingly nostalgic about a black and white checked pattern. Play off black and white photos or art with this evergreen Checkered Black and White Modern Area Rug design.

Flower Power

There’s something empowering about one large print and that’s the case with this Orange Modern Floral Area Rug. Rather than a series of small flower prints, this thick rug comes in a brilliant orange, a perfect complement to a muted kitchen hue. 

Modern Appeal

If vintage looks aren’t your thing, consider this Tobis Light Blue Collection Area Rug. With an almost yin and yang look, this artful design plays off two shades of blue for a unique, timeless look that would fit in any modern kitchen. 

Regardless of the style you choose, rest assured that when you shop Luxe Weavers, there’s always room to reconsider. Our 30 day return policy allows shoppers the freedom to see a rug in their own space before committing to owning it for life. So why not take this time at home to try something new? Be it modern or traditional, Luxe Weavers’ lengthy product list has something for every kitchen, from new build to historic property and everything in between.