The 10 Biggest Myths About Rugs

• 26 August 2022
• 5 Min Read
• By Jaipur Rugs

From adding warmth and insulating your space against cold and noise, to making it feel homely and inviting, there are a hundred reasons why everyone should have a rug.

Area rugs and carpets are one of the easiest ways to take the decor of your living space a notch higher. Apart from breathtaking designs and patterns, colors, and textures that are sure to change the way you experience your space, these pieces of art come with a range of benefits. From adding warmth and insulating your space against cold and noise, to making it feel homely and inviting, there are a hundred reasons why everyone should have a rug. 

But along with the many reasons why you should have a rug in your space, there are some myths about rugs that have been floating around. If reading around the internet has got you confused, here are some of the most common myths and why you shouldn’t pay heed to them! Keep reading to know more.

Myth 1: When decorating, the rug should be the last thing you choose. 

The Truth: Many people have the idea that when decorating your space, you should choose your rug at the very end. While this may work for a handful of people, it may end up in you having to compromise on a lot of things. We highly recommend that when you are working on your decor, it is always best to start with the floor. A rug will lay the foundation for the rest of your decor and makes it easier to find the rest of the elements.

Myth 2: All rugs are made the same way.

The Truth: Rug making doesn’t have a single origin, rather it is believed that different forms of the craft were developed in different regions of the world. Today, there are so many different types of rug constructions available. 

And based on these, every rug and carpet is made according to their different use and utility. Rugs and carpets are available in hand-tufted, hand-knotted, flat weaves, and handloom varieties. Click here to know more about rug weaving techniques before you choose one for your space.

Myth 3: Rugs and carpets are beautiful, but otherwise quite useless

The Truth: While area rugs and carpets are known for accentuating the look of a place, they aren’t only for show. Carpets, through their construction style and material, can instantly change the feel of a space. For example, a woolen carpet in winter can instantly add warmth and create a snug atmosphere as it blocks the chill from the floor. They also protect floors from getting overused and from footfall abrasions. They also increase friction which reduces the chances of slipping on ultra-smooth floors.

Myth 4: You can only use rugs in living rooms

The Truth: Certainly not! In modern living spaces, area rugs can be placed in any part of your home. In living rooms, bedrooms, connecting spaces, or even entryways, a carpet can liven up any part of a home and make it special. A lot of people prefer to have outdoor rugs (in verandas and gazebos) too. With the concept of open kitchens gaining popularity, it becomes easier to place rugs to demarcate areas. Did you know? Even your kitchen and dining can have great carpets.

Myth 5: Multiple rugs in the same space need the same design.

The Truth: Not really. You can create unique decor styles with multiple carpets of different styles in the same space. You can choose to spread a huge variety of colors or keep it simple or create a mix and match of both to cast a contrasting look. For example, a floral rug right in the middle of your living room, surrounded by solid carpets can create a highlight area. The idea is to use your imagination and create your own space with multiple rugs.

Myth 6: Rugs and carpets can only be used in the winter

The Truth: While the traditional image of a carpet was an element to provide warmth, which stemmed from the fact that people mostly used rugs made from warm woolen materials, with innovation in the carpet industry, newer designs on different materials have been experimented on. 

Rugs today are an all-weather decor piece. You can go for natural rugs like cotton, jute or hemp for summers. Flatweaves and dhurries are quite popular too.

Myth 7:  You shouldn’t buy a rug if you have a pet in your house

The Truth: Being a pet lover with an aesthetic sense causing a dilemma? Don’t fret. You can choose to have a rug at home without worrying much about your pets. Our hand-knotted rugs are truly made to resist wear and tear. With just a little regular care, these sturdy and easy-to-clean rug pieces will last years. If you’re worried about stains, opt for our stain-resistant rugs. 

Myth 8: You don’t need a rug pad

The Truth: Rug pads are a great way to enhance the life of a rug. It prevents the fibers from being torn apart and acts as a buffer between the floor and the rug. It also makes a rug stay in its place by preventing slips and pulls. Lightweight flat weaves tend to be displaced easily and a rug pad is a great stabilizer accessory for this. A rug pad can add a cushy feel to the rug and feels great beneath the feet. In addition to this, it also makes it easier to vacuum.

Myth 9: Vacuuming a rug will only reduce its life

The Truth: Dust is a common problem everywhere and can cause allergies, and infections, and reduce the durability of your rug. Vacuuming will help remove the dust from your rug and will only end up prolonging the life of your rug. In addition to vacuuming, if you clean the spillages instantly with an absorbing cloth or remove moisture using a dryer or an absorbing paper, it helps in enhancing the life of a rug.

Myth 10. A faded abrash effect is a defect in the rug

The Truth: Looking at a handmade carpet is like looking at a handmade painting. There are no flaws in it, only artistic interpretation.  The Abrash effect in rugs is a variation in color tones due to various dyeing techniques. In fact, in some cases, the abrash effect is another mark of an authentic handmade rug. It is something that may become more prominent with time as it is a part of the rug’s natural aging process but many times it is deliberately done to give it an artistic worn look. An abrash look is certainly nothing to be wary of.

If you are looking for handmade rugs for your space, rest assured that Jaipur Rugs is the only name you need to look at. With more than four decades of expertise in weaving the finest handmade rugs, we offer a wide variety of carpets in different constructs, materials, and designs that you can handpick with just a few clicks.