1. Define the Purpose of the Rug

Before you fall for a color or pattern, think about what the rug actually needs to do. A hallway runner needs to survive daily foot traffic; a bedroom rug just needs to feel good underfoot first thing in the morning. Matching function to design first narrows your options fast, from sturdy, low-pile weaves for busy spaces to soft, plush pieces for quiet corners.

2. Choose the Right Size

Size is the single most common mistake people make when buying a rug online, sizing it to the room instead of the furniture in it. Living rooms typically need a rug large enough that seating legs rest on it; dining rooms need enough overhang that chairs stay on the rug even pulled out; bedrooms should extend well past the sides of the bed.

For exact numbers by room and furniture size, our full Size Guide walks through it room by room, in both feet and centimeters.

3. Select a Suitable Material

We work primarily in two constructions: 100% wool, and wool pile on a cotton foundation. All-wool rugs are the heaviest and most traditional, with a texture that improves with age. Wool-on-cotton rugs use a cotton base for extra shape stability, often suited to finer, more detailed patterns. Neither is "better" just different traditional constructions.

4. Consider Style and Pattern

From Persian and Oriental classics to modern geometric and floral designs, to tribal and traditional patterns that blend old-world craft with contemporary spaces, every rug in our collection carries a design tradition behind it.

Curious about a pattern's actual origin and story? Our Carpets from A to Z guide breaks down more than 40 design traditions.

5. Decide on the Shape

• Rectangular: the most common shape, suited to nearly any room
• Square: works especially well in square or more compact rooms
• Runner: long and narrow, built for hallways, entry, kitchens, or alongside a bed

6. Choose the Right Pile Height

• Low-pile: durable and easy to clean, well suited to high-traffic areas
• Medium-pile: adds warmth and comfort, a natural fit for living rooms and bedrooms
• Flatweave (kilim): lightweight and durable, easy to layer or use in busy spaces

7. Set Your Budget

Our rugs start at approximately $ 195 and span a wide range from there, so quality doesn't have to mean a single price point. Because every piece is hand-knotted or hand-woven with no factory shortcuts, price generally reflects the hours of craftsmanship behind it, not an artificial discount markup.

8. Think About Maintenance

Wool rugs are naturally durable and easy to live with; regular vacuuming, prompt spot-cleaning, and rotating every few months keep them looking their best for years.

For a full room-by-room care routine, see our Rug Care guide.

9. Explore Custom Options

If nothing in the collection is quite right, our Custom Rug program lets you choose the size, palette, and pattern, built to your exact space.