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Multiple colourful rugs layered to show different patterns

There are many elements to consider when decorating a room, from colour and lighting to art and furniture, and a well-chosen area rug can bring all those elements together to create a beautiful and harmonious look. From a decorating perspective, rugs are considered to be the foundation of any room, setting the tone for colour and style. They can add texture, depth, and atmosphere to a space, while also helping to redirect the eye and camouflage imperfections. And when it comes to design, a new rug is one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform the appearance of any room.

Besides their obvious aesthetic influence, rugs also offer many other benefits that homeowners can appreciate. Rugs add an extra layer of insulating warmth to your floor, which helps regulate the room's temperature while adding a feeling of coziness. Their soft cushioning also helps to soften sound, protect your floors and carpets, and make walking and lounging much more enjoyable. And when it comes to safety, a good-quality area rug can help reduce slipping, and provide a nice padded landing in case of a fall.

Most people keep rugs for many years, which is why purchasing a new rug is such an important decision. At Costco Canada, we want to make that decision as easy as possible, which is why we've created this buying guide. Whether you want to brighten up a dark floor with a splash of color, or make visitors feel more welcome when they enter your home, we feel confident that at Costco.ca we can help you find a rug that suits every aspect of your lifestyle, from work to play. Better yet, when you shop online, you can enjoy the convenience of having your new rug delivered directly to your doorstep!

How to Choose the Right Area Rug

Before purchasing an area rug, there are three different attributes to consider:

Rug Sizes for Your Space

The size of an area rug can dramatically impact the atmosphere of a room. If the size is off, even by just a few inches, the room can feel completely unbalanced. When choosing a rug size, it's important to ensure that it will be proportionate to the space. An area rug that is too large can overwhelm a room and make it seem smaller. It can also overpower the furniture and other décor elements within the room. On the other hand, a rug that is too small will function inefficiently and can make a space feel choppy and uninviting.

To ensure that you choose the right size rug, it's a good idea to thoroughly measure the room or specific area in which you'd like to place the rug. For better visualization, try using masking tape on the floor to outline size and placement. As a general rule, there should be a minimum of 18-inches of exposed flooring around the edges of any rug. If you are having a difficult time choosing between two different sized rugs, it's always best to size-up and select the larger one.

Living room setting with dark blue sofa, two chairs, round coffee table on top of a rug

Living Room

A properly-sized living room rug should be the approximate size of the seating area, and should easily accommodate all pieces of furniture. This will help to define the conversation space, particularly in multi-purpose rooms and open-concept floor plans. To prevent a rug from looking too small, it should extend at least 12-inches beyond your chairs or sofa, on all sides. There are two popular living room rug placement styles: placing all your furniture entirely on the rug, or placing just the front legs of your furniture on the rug.

Dining Room

There are many benefits to adding an area rug to your dining room. It can help dampen noise, add color and texture, and help bring all the different elements of the room together for a harmonious look. Ideally, a dining room rug should be large enough to accommodate your entire dining table and chairs, and still leave a wide border (24-inches minimum) around all sides of the furniture. This configuration will allow guests to comfortably pull out their chair and still have it remain on the rug. This rule applies to both round and rectangular rugs. If you have a modest sized dining room that cannot accommodate a rug of this size, simply purchase the largest rug that will fit the space.

Kitchen setting with farm style table and chairs on top of a rug
Bedroom setting with two hanging lamps and a bed with nightstands on top of a rug

Bedroom

A bedroom rug can help retain heat, soften sounds, and provide a soft and cozy surface underfoot. For optimal comfort, an area rug should be large enough to accommodate your entire bed and side tables, and still provide an ample border on the outside of the furniture. There are two popular bedroom rug placement styles: placing all central furniture entirely on the rug, or placing just the bed on the rug. No matter which style you choose, it's best to have at least an 18-inch border around the outside of the furniture. If you'd prefer smaller rugs in your bedroom,consider placing a shag rug or sheepskin rug on either side of your bed.

Types of Rug Materials

Rugs are constructed from many different materials, from naturally grown fibers to synthetic man-made components, and each has its own unique characteristics. At Costco.ca, we've compiled essential information about the most popular and commonly used rug materials to help you choose an area rug that will work best in your home.

Cotton

Features at A Glance

  • Natural fiber
  • Soft & textured
  • Absorbent & fast drying
  • Non-shedding
  • Not stain resistant
  • Reasonably priced

Cotton is used to make very affordable rugs that usually cost much less than wool or synthetic blends. They are often crafted in a flat woven design, with some even being reversible. This soft, natural fiber has many great qualities, including being lightweight, non-shedding, and fast drying. Cotton absorbs and holds dye well, making it a great choice for rugs with bright colors and intricate patterns. Often referred to as washable rugs, cotton area rugs can be easily cleaned by hand, or if small enough, can be placed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. Cotton fibers can easily attract dirt and dust, so they need to be vacuumed on a consistent basis. Cotton rugs are not as durable as other types of rugs, so it's best to place them in low-traffic areas of your home, like a guest room or bathroom.

Natural Fibers

Features at A Glance

  • Natural fiber
  • Coarse & textured
  • Highly durable
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Stains easily
  • Prone to sprouting
  • High in price

Natural fibers, like the ones found in sisal or jute rugs, are eco-friendly and have an attractive textured look. These highly-durable rugs add a casual beauty to any room, and are a smart choice for high-traffic areas. With their dense weave and soft organic colours, natural fiber rugs have a versatile beauty that complements a wide range of decorating styles. Due to their tightly-woven construction, natural fiber rugs do not work well with liquids or stains, and can be challenging to clean. They are also prone to mildew when exposed to extreme moisture, which is why they perform best when placed indoors, or in covered outdoor spaces. As natural rugs start to wear, fibers can unravel and become loose. These loose fibers, or sprouts, can be easily fixed by simply trimming themit with scissors. When it comes to cleaning, natural fibers are very absorbent, so it's important to clean up spills quickly using as little water as possible. They also have a tendency to mold if not dried thoroughly. Shaking them out and vacuuming is recommended. Do not steam, shampoo, or soak natural fiber rugs.

Wool

Features at A Glance

  • Natural fiber
  • Soft & warm
  • Strong & durable
  • Insulating
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Easy to clean
  • High in price
  • Prone to shedding when new

Due to its natural thickness and soft hand, wool is considered to be the premium material for indoor rugs and carpeting. This beautiful natural fiber has many other noteworthy attributes as well. Wool is energy-efficient and has the ability to maintain heat, which helps regulate a room's temperature. It is also inherently hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly, and luxuriously soft. When it comes to durability, wool rugs are exceedingly strong and resilient, which makes them a smart choice for busy areas in your home, like entryways, hallways, and living rooms—or anywhere you want a high-quality rug. Wool naturally repels dirt and stains, and handles cleaning very well. It is important to note that wool rugs can be sensitive to chemicals, are prone to shedding when new, and can start to pill as they begin to wear down.

Sheepskin & Natural Hide

Features at A Glance

  • Natural
  • Does not shed
  • Very soft & silky
  • High in price
  • Long, dense fluffy fibers
  • Soil, bacteria & moisture resistant
  • Hypoallergenic & non-irritating
  • Easy to clean & maintain

There's nothing more extravagant than the buttery soft feel of a natural sheepskin rug. These gorgeous natural fur rugs offer a level of comfort like no other, which is why they are often placed in bathrooms, bedrooms, and other areas of the home where people like to lounge, sit, or walk barefoot. Incredibly versatile, sheepskin rugs aren't just for floors, they can be stylishly draped over chairs, sofas, or beds—anywhere you want to add a touch of lush softness. Sheepskin fur also offers year-round comfort, keeping you cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. Sheepskin is thick and strong, and does not shed. It is resistant to moisture, dirt, and bacteria. And because sheepskin contains lanolin, it's gentle and non-irritating to your skin. As for cleaning, sheepskin is low-maintenance and requires minimal care. Over time, wool strands can become flattened and curl on the edges, but a light brushing with a metal-bristle brush will restore it to its natural fluffy state.

Viscose

Features at A Glance

  • Manufactured fiber
  • Silky soft
  • Absorbent & fast drying
  • Low durability
  • Challenging to clean
  • Reasonably priced

Viscose was created as an inexpensive substitute for other pricier materials used in rug construction. It is a manufactured fiber created from a blend of natural and synthetic materials, including wood pulp, wool, regenerative cellulose, and cotton by-products. Often referred to as faux silk, viscose has a satiny soft feel and a lustrous high sheen. It also has an impressive consistency when it comes to both texture and colour. Viscose is harder to clean than other types of rugs, so they are not a great choice for households with pets and children. They also have low durability and can shed, so it's best to place a viscose rug in low traffic areas of your home. Viscose can be stained by water and other liquids, so spills should be cleaned up quickly using minimal water. Do not soak or steam a viscose rug.

Synthetic

Features at A Glance

  • Synthetic fiber
  • Strong & durable
  • Stain & water resistant
  • Easy to clean
  • Stains easily
  • Shed resistant
  • Very low in price

Specially manufactured to be low-maintenance, synthetic rugs are both water and stain resistant, and are incredibly easy to clean. Synthetic rugs are crafted with durable man-made materials like olefin, polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. The fibers do not shed, have a super soft feel, and have an exceptional ability to absorb and maintain colour, which can result in beautiful, vibrantly coloured rugs. Because of their strength and resilience, synthetic area rugs can be placed just about anywhere in your home, from a well-traveled hallway to a busy family room. They're also a smart choice for families with pets and children. In general, synthetic rugs are a very attractive and affordable substitute to rugs made from more expensive materials.

Rug Types & Styles

The right rug has the power to transform any room in your home into a stylish new space you'll love. That's why we offer a multitude of area rugs in all sorts of patterns and styles, so you can easily find one that satisfies both your needs and personal taste. At Costco.ca, you can make your shopping experience even easier by customizing your search by price, color, material, shape, and more. Whether you're looking for a traditional stair runner or a contemporary berber carpet for the family room, you'll find it at Costco.ca.

Traditional

Traditional rug pattern sample with bright colours and symmetrical design

Traditional rugs often feature Oriental, Persian, and European patterns that showcase classic design elements like vintage brocades, florals, and intricate scrollwork. These elaborate designs typically feature larger shapes in the center of the rug, accentuated by an ornate pattern around the border. Traditional rugs have a timeless beauty, which makes them an appealing choice for people who want to add a touch of warmth and elegant sophistication to their home.

Contemporary

Contemporary rug pattern sample with lines and light colours

A contemporary or modern rug is a Western style of rug that is truly unique in design—they can be striking, intriguing, and even playful. Available in a wide variety of materials and textures, contemporary area rugs often feature patterns with clean lines, abstract elements, and bold colours. Many people find contemporary rugs appealing because of their fresh designs and the dynamic feel that they bring to a space. If your home has a mixture of different furniture and decor styles, a contemporary rug can help blend the two styles together for a more cohesive look. Contemporary rugs work well in modern or mid-century homes, or spaces that have a minimalist décor.

Transitional

Transitional rug sample pattern sample with muted colours and symmetrical design

Transitional rugs can sometimes be difficult to characterize, because they feature both contemporary and traditional design elements. It's this blend of design styles that produces their relaxed and casually elegant look. Because they offer the best of both worlds, transitional rugs are very versatile and work well in numerous settings. These popular rugs offer an easy and chic way to blend different types of furniture and decor within a home. They are a great option for people who don't want to choose between design styles, want to update a home with a classic interior, or have an eclectic decorating style.

Shag

Shag rug sample with beige and white contrasting linear design

Shag rugs were very trendy in the 70s, and in recent years, they've made a big comeback. With their dense high pile of an inch or more, these thick shaggy rugs have a luxurious look and feel that's very distinct. They are also sumptuously soft and fluffy, making them very comfortable for walking, sitting and lounging, which is why many people choose to place them in bedrooms and casual living areas. Shag area rugs are available in many styles, from playful retro looks to sophisticated contemporary designs. The long lush fibers of a shag rug can easily catch and retain dirt and debris, so weekly vacuuming is recommended (turn off the beater bar).

Kids

Kid’s rug sample with caricatures of houses, roads and animals on a green background

Kids' rugs and playmats add warmth and interest to a room, as well as a soft layer of cushioning for sitting and playing. These high performance rugs are designed for durability and safety, and are available in all sorts of fun colours, patterns and themes, from flowers and rainbows to race cars and farm animals. Kids' rugs typically have a very low, tight pile and dense weave with a non-skid backing. They are often made of hearty synthetic materials such as polypropylene or nylon. Synthetics absorb less dirt, and are stain and water resistant. It's important to note that some children may have allergies to synthetics.

When it comes to playrooms and other high-traffic areas of your home,some people prefer to install carpet tiles. Both durable and simple to install, carpet floor tiles are a great option for game rooms, basements, utility rooms, or anywhere in your home where you'd like cushioned low-maintenance flooring.

Outdoor

Outdoor rug sample with brown and dark brown striped design

Outdoor rugs, or patio rugs, offer an easy way to add style and comfort to any deck, patio, or outdoor living space. They combine all the colour and style of an ordinary rug, with a high-level of durability that's needed to withstand inclement weather. Because outdoor rugs are so rugged, they are also capable of handling high traffic areas inside your home, like bathrooms, mud rooms, or kids play areas. This sturdy outdoor carpeting is typically flat woven with a low pile height, and is often crafted from strong synthetics like polypropylene, nylon, or olefin. They are resistant to water, mold, stains, and UV rays, which means they can be conveniently left outside all year long. Cleaning an outdoor area rug is easy, shake it out or use a vacuum, spot-clean if needed, or wash it off with a hose.

Are Rug Pads Necessary?

Features at A Glance

  • Holds your rug in place
  • Provides extra cushioning
  • Protects your floors
  • Reduces unsafe slipping
  • Extends the life of your rug
  • Encourages air flow

If you've put the money and time into finding the perfect area rug for your home, then why not put the same effort into ensuring its longevity? Purchasing a rug pad is a simple and affordable way to extend the life of your new rug. The average rug experiences daily movement like wrinkling and bunching, which can cause fraying and breakage. Rugs can also develop indentation marks from heavy furniture, and curling along the edges. Over time, this damage will start to add up, permanently diminishing the strength and beauty of your rug. You can avoid this unnecessary damage by investing in a non-slip rug pad that will hold your rug securely in place and keep wear to a minimum. And with their soft cushioning and non-skid protection, rug pads also provide an additional layer of comfort and safety that you'll truly appreciate.

Every day use means that rugs are constantly shifting and sliding, which can create scratches, rub marks, and dye transfer onto your floors and carpeting. But a good quality rug pad, sometimes referred to as under carpet padding, will serve as a buffer between your rug and flooring, helping to minimize damage and movement. And if any liquids are spilled on your rug, a rug pad will help prevent those liquids from reaching your floors and possibly leaving a permanent stain. Rug pads also offer breathability and air flow underneath the rug, which is essential to minimizing mildew and odors.

What Size Rug Pad Do I Need?

The average rug pad has a thickness that ranges from 1/4 to 3/8 inches. A properly fitting rug pad should be 1-inch smaller than your actual rug, on all sides. This will provide thorough and even coverage, and allow the edges of the rug to gently taper to the floor. If you purchase a rug pad and find that it's too large for your rug, don't worry, most rug pads can be easily trimmed with scissors.

Helpful Terms

Anti-static

An anti-static rug is a general term used to describe any rug that has been specially treated to produce less static electricity than the typical rug or carpet.

Backing

The underside of a rug is referred to as the backing. It holds the rug fibers and provides added strength and support. Many rugs have 2 backings, the primary backing that securely holds all the fibers together, and a secondary backing that provides additional protection and a smooth outer surface.

Density

The density of a rug refers to the amount of pile yarn, both weight and height, in the carpet, as well as the close proximity of the yarn tufts. A rug with a high density will generally perform better and last longer.

Hand

The hand of a rug, is a description of how a carpet feels to the human touch—smooth, soft, silky, rough, etc.

Knot

A knot is the main component of a pile rug. There are numerous types of knot designs used in rug manufacturing, with the two most popular being Persian and Turkish.

Luster

The luster of a rug refers to the level of sheen on the fibers, which contributes to the overall brightness of the rug.

Pile

The pile refers to the length and thickness of the rug fibers. A high pile rug has carpet fibers that are long and loose, and a low pile rug has carpet fibers that are short and tightly looped.

Ply

The ply refers to the thickness of the yarn used in the making of a rug. For example, 2-ply yarn consists of fibers made from two pieces of yarn woven together.

Tufted

Rug tufting is the process of pushing needles with looped yarn through a foundational fabric, which is then given a backing. When the yarn loops are cut, they open up, and the rug becomes super soft and luxuriously full.

Shedding

Rug shedding is a normal process that happens when rug fibers become loose. It is a common occurrence, and not an indication of poor quality or craftsmanship. Some level of shedding can be expected from just about every type of rug, particularly from new rugs or rugs crafted from natural fibers like wool.

Sprouting

Rug sprouting is when a fiber unravels or becomes loose, and sticks out at an awkward angle or farther than the other fibers—appearing as if it has "sprouted" out of the rug. To fix a sprout, use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim the sprout to the same level as the rest of the rug.

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