10 Area Rug Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Arsh's Rug Library · Buyer Questions

Most rug regrets come from a handful of avoidable mistakes. Here are the ones we see most often, and how to steer clear of them.

1. Buying too small. The most common mistake. A rug that floats in the middle of the room makes it look smaller. In a living room, at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs should sit on the rug. See our size guide.
2. Not measuring first. Mark the rug's outline on the floor with painter's tape and live with it for a day before you buy.
3. Trusting the word "Persian-style." Many rugs sold that way are machine-made or tufted. Check the back: a hand-knotted rug shows the design clearly on both sides. Our handmade checklist explains how.
4. Falling for "silk" that is really viscose. Viscose, often sold as art silk or bamboo silk, looks shiny in the store but flattens and stains with water. Read our viscose warning.
5. Choosing the wrong rug for the room. Pale plain rugs in an entry, silk in a kitchen, deep pile under a dining table: each one fights the room. Match durability to traffic.

6. Ignoring the rug pad. Without a pad, a rug slides, wears faster and can mark some floors.
7. Judging color from one photo. Screens shift color. Ask for more photos in daylight, or a video call. We hold rugs up to the camera so you see the real color.
8. Not asking about returns. Know the return window and who pays return shipping before you buy. Ours is 14 days, with free shipping on the way to you; see shipping and returns.
9. Buying on price alone. A cheap rug that wears out in three years costs more than a handmade rug that lasts thirty. See hand-knotted vs machine-made.
10. Cleaning it the wrong way. Steam, hot water and harsh cleaners damage wool and natural dyes. See our cleaning mistakes guide.

Shop the look

Rugs Our Customers Love

Super Kazak Tania8'9" x 11'8" · Ivory / RedSommer9'8" x 12'9" · Teal / BrownOrchid Distressed MedallionSeveral sizes · Beige / BlueAugustin8'2" x 10'0" · Red / Blue

See all traditional rugs