FAQ about Rugs

Frequently asked Questions

Q: What are the different fibers in area rugs?

Wool fiber is available in both machine and hand made rugs. Wool is the traditional fiber used in fine hand made Oriental rugs. Wool not only wears longer, it also keeps its good appearance and stays new-looking longer. Wool resists dirt, retains its appearance, and stays cleaner longer. Its ability to absorb moisture prevents a build up of static electricity and therefore wool does not attract lint and dust from the air. Furthermore, the crimp in the wool fiber and the scales on the outside of the fiber assist in keeping dirt from penetrating the surface – the same qualities also make it easier to clean - Each wool fiber is made up of millions of “coiled springs” that stretch and give rather than break, and so wool is extremely durable. Wool rugs absorb dyes differently than synthetic rugs giving them a more authentic look.

Wool There are many grades of wool. Long staple wool from New Zealand is considered to be most effective for area rugs. Worsted Wool An extra step in wool processing that combs out shorter fibers resulting in durable and lustrous yarns.

Synthetic fibers are used exclusively in machine made rugs. One of the greatest advantages of synthetic rugs is a byproduct of the fiber being non-porous. This means that it is inherently stain proof and resists soiling and staining from almost any chemical. A very durable fiber that feels soft and still easy to maintain.

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber of great durability and strength – This natural fiber is arranged in a way that gives cotton unique properties of strength, durability, and absorbency. Each fiber is made up of twenty to thirty layers of cellulose coiled in a neat series of natural springs. When the cotton boll (seed case) is opened the fibers dry into flat, twisted, ribbon-like shapes and become kinked together and interlocked. This interlocked form is ideal for spinning into a fine yarn.

Polypropylene or Olefin

Polypropylene or Olefin fibers are petroleum products, derived from propylene and ethylene gasses. The polypropylene fiber is characterized but its resistance to moisture. It is strong, abrasion resistant, quick drying, colorfast, mildew resistant and soil and stain resistant. Its fibers have the lowest density of all manufactured fibers giving olefin textiles a very lightweight quality.

Heat- Set Polypropylene

Heat Set Polypropylene is a man-made fiber that is created by a process called extrusion. Extrusion involves the pre-dyeing of pellets that are then melted down and extruded into continuous fibers. As a man-made fiber, polypropylene has several built in features that make it attractive for use in rugs.

The Heat-set twisted yarns are treated with heat to retain their "permanent wave" for better performance and appearance retention.

BCF Bulk Continuous Filament

BCF: Bulked continuous filament yarns are synthetic yarns processed by a mechanical means to fluff them out before tufting or weaving

Nylon

Nylon is a durable synthetic fiber which also has good dyeing characteristics. Nylon yarns can be solution dyed, skein dyed and/or space dyed

Rayon

Rayon is made of cellulose, which is in the walls of all plant cells, and is the main substance of wood.

Faux silk

"False silk" is usually a synthetic, such as polyester fibers such as viscose/rayon. Mercerized cotton is also used as a silk look-alike. Also called art silk, faux silk is usually used as small accents or in a short, dense pile construction.

Q: What is a Tufted Rug?

A: Hand tufted area rugs resemble more expensive hand knotted rugs in intricacy of design, detail and coloring. A hand tufted rug is constructed by pushing yarns through a heavy canvas backing, then shearing the face of the rug to create a cut pile. These rugs are very heavy and extremely dense in weave

Q: What is a Hooked Rug?

A: Rug-making process by which craftsmen insert yarn – which can be any fiber - into a backing with a hand held needle tufting tool. The machine is often called a "gun." The rug's pattern is stenciled on primary backing material. After the tufting is complete, a latex backing is attached to protect and anchor the stitches. The pile of a hand hooked rug is made up of loops. .Rugs may also combine cut and loop techniques.

Q: What is a Hand Knotted Rug?

A: A Hand Knotted rug is made by weavers who knot pile yarns around the warp fibers that run the length of the rug. Generally, the more knots per square inch, the more valuable the rug.

Q: What is a Tibetan Hand Knot?

A: Tibetan Knot: A distinctive rug-weaving technique now used in other regions as well as in Tibet. A temporary rod, which establishes the length of pile, is put in front of the warp. A continuous yarn is looped around two warps and then once around the rod. When a row of loops is finished, then the loops are cut to create the pile. This method produces a slightly ridged surface.

Q: What is a Machine Made Rug?

A: A machine made rug is constructed on an electrically powered machine, now usually computer controlled.

Q: What is a Needlepoint Rug?

A: A needlepoint rug making technique made with wool yarns worked on canvas using the same method as a needlepoint pillow.

Q: What is a Flat Weave Rug?

A: A Flat Weave is weaving in which no knots are used. The weft strands are simply passed through the warp strands. Dhurries are flatwoven rugs that originate in India and are usually made of cotton or wool. Kilims are generally finer, tapestry-like flatweaves.

Q: What is Warp and Weft in an Area Rug?

Warp: Vertical strands of fiber, which stretch from the top to the bottom of the rug. Knots are tied to the warp yarns to create face pile.

Weft: Horizontal strands of fiber that are woven through the warps. The weft anchors and secures the knots.

Q: How long will my area rug last?

A: Area rug durability is generally determined by the material, construction, and amount of traffic in a space. By carefully considering where the area rug will be placed and how it will be used, you can anticipate its longevity. View an expected longevity chart.

Q: Do some countries produce better area rugs than others?

A: Every type of area rug from different countries has the potential for excellent quality as well as problems.

Q: What area rug size do I need for my room?

A: There are no precise guidelines for selecting an area rug for a room, other than a dining area. A good method to determine the right size is to spread bed linens as a substitute to approximate the size, take measurements, and choose the closest size available. In a dining area, measure the table and provide at least four additional feet to the length and width. In this manner, the chair legs remain on the area rug when pulled away from the table.

Q: Will my area rug fade?

A: Synthetic dyes last longer than natural dyes. In areas with high sun exposure, some fading may occur, so consider the space in which you will place the area rug. Most area rugs will provide years of vibrant color that do not fade under normal light conditions.

Q: Is an underlay (rug pad) necessary?

A: We strongly encourage the use of an area rug underlay to protect your area rug from abrasion, impact and cleaning. A quality underlay can add years to the life of your area rug while providing additional safety and acoustic benefits.

Q: My area rug just arrived, and it appears to be creased. Do I have a problem?

A: During shipping many area rugs develop creases or the pile gets compressed, which usually disappears within two weeks.

Care and Cleaning

Vacuuming

It cannot be stressed enough - vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Area rugs receive a lot of abuse from dirt, sand, dust, oily cooking residue, various spills and foot traffic. Vacuuming an area rug with a good machine will go a long way towards prolonging the appearance and life of your carpet. Vacuuming is the primary defense against dry soils that can quickly build on area rugs.

Cut pile area rugs

The cut pile area rugs are well constructed and durable. A vacuum with a rotating beater bar to agitate the area rug pile and strong suction to remove loose particles is well tolerated by our area rugs. If your vacuum does not have a beater bar, it may remove surface dirt well but may leave imbedded soil that can damage area rugs through abrasion.

Area rugs with looped textures

To avoid damaging the loops, vacuum regularly with suction and avoid using the beater bar

Vacuum Tips

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Make sure that the beater bar is actually rotating when in contact with the carpet. A worn belt will reduce rotation when the bar contacts the carpet.

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Adjust the height of the beater bar so that it lightly vibrates the carpet, but will not cause the motor to slow.

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Check the vacuum bag regularly. A vacuum will become less efficient if the soil bag becomes too full (over half full for most machines).

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Vacuum across both directions of the traffic pattern to prevent matting.

Area Rug Cleaning

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Vacuuming removes most dry soil, but street grime, oily soils, and air pollution can build up eventually and your area rug may require cleaning. The accumulation of these particles can cause gradual dulling and some loss of color. Since the area rugs at TEMA Contemporary

Furniture is manufactured with highly permanent synthetic dyes, the colors are not fading; they are merely camouflaged by soil and grime. If soil accumulation is not removed within a reasonable time it can result in matted or packed fibers, which attract and hold additional soil and other pollutants.

Cleaning Methods

"Oxy" Cleaners

There are many oxygen cleaners on the market that are environmentally safe and work well for spot cleaning various stains on synthetic fiber area rugs. Most of these cleaners are biodegradable and form oxygen, hydrogen peroxide and soda ash when mixed with water. Soda ash is sodium carbonate and has alkaline properties, so do not use this cleaning method on wool or silk and avoid prolonged skin contact. Carefully follow the usage and dilution guidelines for all oxygen cleaning products, rinse the cleansed area well, and be sure to test for colorfastness.

Dry Powder

We do not recommend using dry powders with plush or deep pile area rugs, as the cleaning residue may be difficult to remove. For surface stains on low pile area rugs, use a dry powder to absorb dirt particles and then remove by vacuum. This is a relatively simple method that uses no water and is easy to perform without a professional. If the area rug is heavily soiled, we recommend a different procedure or using a professional.

Dry Foam and Absorbent Pad

Another method that uses little water is light detergent foam that is worked into the pile, then vacuumed out once dry. Use care on looped area rugs that may not tolerate heavy beater bar use or other brushing.

Steam Cleaning

This method is most effective when performed by a professional, although many rug cleaning machines may be purchased or rented. The dangers of performing this method on your own are using too much detergent or water. Some cleaning agents available with rented units leave a heavier residue, so use care or the advice of a professional when choosing a product. Test the product on a small area to check for residue or a sticky feel. Do not use if a residue exists, or if in doubt about a product. Finally, do not use laundry detergents to clean your area rug to avoid possible optical brighteners.

Area Rug Stain Removal

Accidents happen. If an area rug becomes spotted or stained, work quickly. When possible, scoop up solids and blot liquids immediately after a spill occurs. Absorb as much liquid as possible with a white cloth or paper towel without scrubbing the area to prevent matting or fuzzing.

Methods of Cleaning Various Area Rug Fibers

The type of fiber in your area rug should be the primary consideration in selecting a cleaning method. The majority of area rugs manufactured with synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, nylon and acrylic and may be cleaned with most cleaning methods, but we have listed three accepted methods for cleaning synthetic fiber area rugs.

Follow the area rug manufacturer's recommendations. When choosing any cleaning method,

follow the directions for dilution and application.

Never use laundry detergent, automatic dishwasher detergent, or any strong household

cleaning products intended for use on woodwork, linoleum, laminate or tile.

For dried or soil stains, thoroughly vacuum the area to be cleaned before applying a cleaning

method. In some cases, you may want to use a preconditioning solution prior to cleaning to

begin loosening soil.

Natural fibers may require additional consideration before cleaning. Do not use oxygen cleaners on wool or silk.

Wool - Excessive agitation and heat should be avoided, but generally wool fibers may be cleaned with most cleaning methods. Wool should be cleaned with neutral detergents and dried quickly. Use special care around household cleaning products, as bleaches and other alkaline products such as bathroom cleaners easily damage wool.

Cotton/Rayon - Cotton and rayon are cellulose fibers and may be cleaned using all cleaning methods. To avoid shrinking and possible browning, avoid excessive drying and agitation. As with wool, take care with alkaline products.

Silk - Silk should be cleaned using a dry cleaning process. These fibers may be damaged by natural and synthetic acids (e.g. lemon juice), and sunlight. Consult a rug cleaning specialist for additional information about cleaning silk.

Sisal and Other Plant Fibers - Plant fibers such as sisal, jute, coconut (coir), ramie, and hemp have characteristics similar to cotton. It is generally safe to clean these fibers with all cleaning methods. As with any fiber, dry the area rug as quickly as possible.

Area Rug Cleaning Chart

Cold Water

One teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm water.

One tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup of water.

A dry-cleaning solvent from grocery or home improvement stores.

Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Break residue into small pieces, scrape off and vacuum.

1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.

Warm Water

Clear nail polish remover without oil or nail conditioners (preferably acetone)

Denatured alcohol or methylated spirits. Avoid oil-based mineral spirits.

Rust Remover

Absorbent Powder (salt, talc or commercial dry, absorbent powders)

Instructions: Start with the first cleaning method in the far left column. If the first method doesn't work, proceed to Step 2, etc. Be sure to reference the Methods of Cleaning Various Area Rug Fibers to avoid a product that may damage your area rug, and to improve your chances of stain removal.

Solid Food, Other Organic Stains

StepButter Chewing Gum Chocolate Egg Ketchup Mustard Blood Urine (fresh) Urine (old) Vomit

- B

Liquid Food Stains

Step AlcoholicCoffeeColas and soft drinksCooking OilsFruit JuiceMilkTeaWine

Household Cleaners, Waxy, Oily Substances

Step Bleach Candle Wax Floor wax Furniture polish Lipstick Oil & Grease Shoe Polish SootTar

Inks, Paints, Rust Stains

StepInk (fountain pen)Ink (ball point)Felt tip penNail PolishLatex PaintOil PaintRust

Benefits of Area Rugs

Beauty

Area rugs can set the character, mood or period of a space and provide the means to personalize an environment. Contemporary area rugs are an excellent method to incorporate an artistic air into a home, and are a good technique to simply add color to a room. Contemporary area rugs come in a variety of styles, including traditional patterns that have roots in Oriental, Persian and Native American designs.

Comfort

Area rugs provide comfort and warmth in addition to beauty. Consider area rugs when designing a space around children or seniors. Area rugs are a perfect method to soften hard surfaces and make them easier on the ears as well as the feet.

Safety

When used with an underlay or rug pad, area rugs provide a stable and non-slick surface to help prevent slips and falls and protect against impact. Area rugs can minimize injuries from falls to children, seniors and other family members.

Sound Reduction

Hard surfaces within a space reverberate noise, especially with the introduction of stereos, televisions and telephones into the modern home or office. Area rugs help absorb and reduce noise. Traffic noise between house floors may be reduced with area rugs. When used beneath tables and chairs, area rugs provide insulation against furniture movement in addition to providing warmth and decoration.

Durability

Area rug durability is generally determined by the material, construction, and amount of traffic in a space. By carefully considering where the area rug will be placed and how it will be used, you can anticipate its longevity. The chart below helps demonstrate the life you can expect from an area rug of various constructions placed in different spaces.

L = Low Traffic (bedroom, bathroom, formal areas, etc.)

M = Medium Traffic (dining room, office, etc.)

H = High Traffic (hallways, family room, entry, etc.)

Remember that the type of material used in area rug construction will also affect its longevity (eg: machine made area rug of tufted wool will last longer than a man-made hooked area rug in a medium traffic area).

Area Rug Type

5-15 Years

12-20 Years

20 or more Years

Hand-knotted

H/M

Machine-made

H/M

M/L

Hand-tufted

Hand-hooked

Braided

Flat Weave

Area Rug Construction

There is a variety of area rugs constructed from different materials and patterns. Your area rug should perform well in addition to looking great. To find the best area rug within your budget, consider the right combination of density, twist and fiber.

Density: refers to the tightness of the tufts, or knots. The denser the weave, the better the area rug will wear.

Twist: refers to the amount of yarn spirals. A yarn twist that is tighter provides added durability.

Fiber: for area rugs may be from a variety of synthetic or natural materials, which will help determine performance and appearance. Natural fibers provide soft, low luster colors and long-term performance. Synthetic fibers provide brilliant colors, softness, easy maintenance and value.

Area rugs may be machine-made, hand-hooked, hand-tufted, hand-knotted, a flat weave or braided.

Hand-Made Area Rugs

In addition to traditional hand-made area rugs, Asia and other countries also produce many hand-made contemporary area rugs. There are different types of hand-made area rugs: knotted, tufted, hooked, looped and flat weave. Rug construction alone does not dictate area rug quality, factors such as density, material and weave should also be considered when selecting an area rug.

Hand-Knotted Area Rugs

Hand knotted area rugs are woven by hand; and depending on size, construction and density, one area rug could take a year or more to complete. Hand-knotted area rugs are secured to the foundation by knotting, versus gluing, producing exceptional density and quality.

Hand-Hooked Area Rugs

Using a pattern and a hooking device, yarn is punched through a canvas cloth creating a looped pile. The yarns are then glued in place in lieu of knotting, and a cloth is attached to the back.

Hand-Tufted Area Rugs

Hand-tufted area rugs are usually created by punching yarn in a cloth that is attached to a frame, and then gluing the backs with latex after hooking the yarn. The surface loop pile is then sheared to produce a flat surface. This process creates an area rug that is very plush, generally less expensive and easier to make than hand-knotted area rugs.

Flat Weave Area Rugs

Flat weave area rugs are less expensive, easier to make and are usually made of wool, cotton, bamboo, or nylon. Because they are looped, flat weave area rugs do not have a pile and are reversible. This category also includes Kilims, Dhurries and Soumaks.

Braided Area Rugs

Braided area rugs are constructed in several different ways, including tape, tubular, yarn and flat. In the tradition of early America from which braided area rugs were created, these area rugs may be woven with many different materials such as wool, clothing, old blankets, nylon and blends.

Machine-Made Area Rugs

These area rugs are made on power looms by hand, machine or computer. The loom is strung with a cotton or jute warp, and then woven using nylon, polypropylene, wool or other material. Computer operated machines produce a number of contemporary designs in various sizes and colors from a predetermined design. More than 40 shades can be achieved in a single area rug using a cross-weaving technique. Machine-made area rugs have become very popular due to the variety of sizes, colors, designs, lower pricing and availability. Machine-made area rugs are woven on Wilton, side-woven Wilton and Gripper Axminster looms.

Wilton Woven

Wilton looms are situated face-to-face and feature computerized electronic heads. The loom needles loop the yarns in two

synthetic backings. Loom size and structure vary based on number of color capacities. Two identical area rugs emerge from

the loom once the weaving process is complete and the rug is cut in half.-

Wilton Side Woven

The Wilton side-woven area rugs are woven in a similar fashion, but at a 90 degree angle to the above area rugs. On

occasion, cotton backing is to give these area rugs a softer feel.

Axminster

Axminster more commonly refers to a type of carpet rather than a type of loom, although the Gripper Axminster loom was created to mass produce carpet in 1927.

Decorating with Rugs

The rug pulls all of the design elements of a room together. Here are some hints to pick the right rug fro your home

To place a room –sized rug on a hardwood floor, choose a rug which allows eight inches of wood to be exposed around the rug’s perimeter.

For cozy nooks in large rooms, create small sitting areas by gathering furniture around a 4’ x 6’ or 5’ x 8’ rugs.

For a dining room rug, measure your table top. Add four feet to the width and length to find the minimum size of your dining room rug. This extra length and width facilitates pulling chairs out from under the table.

Brighten up small areas, like your foyer, bathroom or kitchen with an accent rug using either a

3’ x 5’ – 4’ x 6’ – or 6’ Round Rug

Keep your family safe by making sure that rug corners do not extend into high traffic areas –

We always recommend using a rug pad under all rugs – this will help keep your rug in place and also save the life of your rug – Rugs wear from the bottom not the top – since the friction is on the bottom when being walked on – using a rug pad will help keep your rug in good condition and last for many years –

Decorating with Patterns

Putting pattern in a room adds color, texture and design to your room without being overwhelming. Unlike solid colors, patterns have a “chameleon” effect: they readily blend with other colors in the room. This makes it easy to decorate from the floor up or match patterned carpet to existing upholstery and wall colors.

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Geometric with Floral

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Floral patterns provide pleasing contrast with geometric designs

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Simple with Complete

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Busy intricate patterns pair nicely with less complicated designs.

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Small with Large

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Large patterns and small patterns couple well.

If you are starting your decorating project from scratch, set the tone and design of the room by selecting a pattern carpet. Then find complimenting upholstery and wall colors by following the Opposites Attract guidelines.

If you are redecorating, take a swatch of the most visible pattern in the room to the carpet store. Using only color as a consideration, match the swatch to samples of patterned carpet. To narrow down your alternatives, use the Opposites Attract guidelines to choose the right pattern. Then simply choose your favorite.

Selecting an Area Rug

A number of considerations surround area rug selection including design, comfort, construction, size, materials and price. We offer a variety of area rugs that provide accessory possibilities to fit any decor and personal taste.

Area Rug Selection Tips:

Design. An empty room may be designed around an area rug, or a rug may put the final touches on an existing room. When designing a room around an area rug, use the rug colors to decide upon furniture, paint or paper color. A well-chosen area rug can coordinate patterns, furniture, and wall prints to complete a room design.

Color:

Furniture may be selected around rug colors and design. Area rugs are an effective method to mix patterns that have the

same color palette. Deep colored area rugs provide warmth and intimacy, while lights colored rugs can open a room and provide a more spacious feeling. When selecting an area rug around existing furniture, bring a swatch of the predominant pattern in the room.

Size:

Evaluate the size of the space and the area to cover. Larger area rugs provide comfort and benefit acoustics in a large space. Area rugs also enhance areas in bedrooms, kitchens and other smaller areas that may require a splash of color or warmth.

Material: There are a variety of area rugs made from synthetic and natural yarns.

Construction:

Machine-made area rugs are less expensive, yet similar in appearance to handmade area rugs.

Shape:

Circular and other uniquely shaped rugs can present a design alternative to rectangular or square shapes.

The Space:

The type of light and amount of traffic in a room will affect choices of area rug material. Some man-made fibers resist fading better than natural fibers, so consider the amount of direct sunlight an area rug will receive.

Durability:

An area rug with the right combination of pile density (closer stitches or tufts) and fiber will resist wear. Area rug pads will reduce wear on the area rug and provide additional noise absorption.

Design Considerations

When considering a room-sized area rug for a hardwood or tile floor, allow at least eight inches of floor material to be exposed around the area rug perimeter.

In dining rooms, measure the top of the table and add four feet to the width and length. Use this measurement to determine the size of the dining room area rug. The extra footage provides a comfortable area around the table for pulling out chairs.

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Do not extend area rugs into high traffic areas.

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Divide a large space into more intimate sitting areas by placing furniture around 4'X6' or 6'X9' area rugs.

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Floral patterns can accentuate and blend with more contemporary geometric designs if the color palettes are similar.

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Pair less complicated designs with more intricate patterns.

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Small and large patterns pair well.

This section is designed to assist you in becoming very successful in the area rug business. Area rugs are one of the easiest and most fun products to sell in the home furnishings business. You and your sales team have the ability to help the customer fulfill their decorating dreams and thus garnering you a steady stream of referrals and new business.

Your new rug program will need some initial attention to make it successful. The first step after you have hung rugs on the rack, if you have one, is to get the rugs tagged and priced. Area rugs do require some salesmanship on the part of the retail sales person, but if the rugs are not tagged then it might be difficult for the consumer to find a rug on her own that fits in her budget and style.

Tagging

We have a retail-tagging program to assist you in this tagging effort. We also will provide the sleeves and the paper to print the tags on. The program is available from us on a CD.

How the program works: Simply insert the CD into your computer and open the tagging program. The program is written in Adobe Reader. If you do not have this program in your computer visit www.adobe.com and download it for free. Each collection has its own file. When you want to develop your tags for our Essential Nature collection for example, just click on the Essential Nature PDF file and enter your prices. Print the tags and place them in the sleeves. It’s that simple. We also recommend that you place the date the rug was received in the store on the back of the tag.

To attach the tags to the rugs we recommend that you use a Denison gun with a loop style tag. This type of tag is heavy duty and can withstand numerous tugs and turns of the rug rack. We also recommend that you place the tag slightly above eye level. This way the tag is visible but will not be pulled when the customer turns the rugs on the rack.

A source for this type of gun is Texpac -- www.texpak.com , (800) 645-3416 ext. 265. In NY state (516) 326-7720 ext. 265. The tagging gun is the Super Heavy Duty tagger, part number 10637. The tag is called the loop tag, part number 10577.

Here is a picture of the tag:

Managing Your Rug Inventory

With a rug rack display you can reasonably expect to turn your rack 4-6 times per year.

One of the most important factors on your rug rack is to keep the rack full. This can be difficult when you sell rugs off the rack to meet the needs of customers. But satisfying customer need is important, so if they want the rug, by all means sell it to them. Just make sure that you re-order the rug. Here is a simple system to place re-orders and keep the rack full.

Take two small boxes. Mark one box “Sold” and one “Ordered”.

When a rug sells, take the tag and put it in the box marked “Sold”. Designate one person to oversee rugs. Once a week, have that person go through the box and place all rugs that need to be ordered (PO’s for special orders should go in this box as well).

When re-ordering rugs, check the date the rug was placed on the rack. If it has been in inventory for more than 90-120

days, select a different rug from the catalog. Otherwise place the same rug again.

When all orders have been placed, put the tags in the box marked “Ordered”.

When the rug shipment arrives, take the tags out of the box, re-tag the rugs and place them back on the rack. The date they are placed back on the rack should once again be noted on the back of the tag.

By following this system, you can expect to achieve about 4-6 turns on inventory a year.

Selling Area Rugs to the Consumer

Area rugs are the one element in the room that really completes the entire room scene.

The area rug will tie all of the other design elements together. Imagine a three-piece living room set (sofa, loveseat, and chair). Then add a cocktail table and a lamp or two. What you have created is a picture frame. You need a picture for the frame and the area rug is the picture. An area rug completes the scene and ties all the other furniture and fabrics together. If you are selling furniture then the presentation of your area rugs must be an integral part of your sales presentation. Pre-select some area rugs that complement your upholstery lines. This way you can make the area rug selection automatic when showing the line to the consumer. Remember they are in your store to buy furniture that creates the lifestyle that they want to express. Don’t sell the frame without the picture!

The most important part in selecting the right rug for the customer is color. Make sure that your customer has a sample of fabric or a pillow from the room for which she is looking for a rug. This will save you a great deal of time in assisting her in finding the right rug for the room. Some questions to ask the customer to narrow down the right rug for the space are:

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What room is the rug for?

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What do you want the room to look like when you are finished decorating it?

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What is the style of furniture in the room (traditional, casual, contemporary, etc.)?

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Do you have a sample of the fabric or paint swatch?

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What colors are you looking to coordinate?

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Do you have pets/children?

The above questions will give you a good starting point in finding the right rug for the room.

Rug Tips and Facts

Choosing the right rug for an area requires planning. Home, work, play or a retreat area should make a statement. If you are working with an empty area, built from the foundation up, choose the flooring first, then the paint, furnishing, fabrics and accessories around the floor.

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Imagine the total look of the room or space you are creating

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What will the area be used for

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Area with high traffic should have a pattern in mid to darker tones to down play traffic patterns

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A sitting area could have a lighter more fragile pattern

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Lighter rugs will increase the perceived size of the room

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Darker rugs will create a warmer, intimate decorum

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Color, style & texture of the rug will set the "personality" of the room

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Consider the existing floor & size of the area when determining the size of rug. Do you want to play down the existing floor, and then get a larger rug with an overall pattern. If you want to show off the existing floor get a smaller rug in solid or tone on tone pattern

Rugs are a functional part of any room. They have many tasks. Protecting or hiding flaws to the existing floor, warming up the floor, creating a look and building a decorative foundation. The choices are virtually endless when it comes to selection.

Rug Pad

A rug pad is not just for keeping your rug in place! Area rugs wear out first on the bottom of the rug – not the top. The cushion is an important aspect of prolonging the life of your rug. The pad helps cushion the rug from the existing floor underneath to absorb the weight of traffic and to help keep the rug from breaking down. Choose the correct pad to keep the rug from slipping. Determine whether the rug will be on top of carpet or on a hard surface floor.