The Perfect Rug for Winter and How it Can Keep your Home Warm

 

As the days shorten and the crisp winter air settles in, our homes become our havens, our sanctuaries, and the place we retreat to, to wait out the chill. As we spend more time at home, we all crave warmth and comfort, and one element that can significantly impact that feeling is the floor beneath our feet.

If the thought of cold, hard floors sends shivers down your spine, what you might need is a winter rug, the kind that will transform your space from one that invites cool summer breezes to something extra cosy.

Finding the right rug for winter doesn’t require much effort when you know what it is that you are looking for.

In this guide, we’re going to give you all of the information you need to know when it comes to your next winter purchase, from the materials, textures, and features, to how to properly care for your rug in such a way that it will not only add something beautiful to your home but will also ensure those winter mornings are just delightful and they last for years to come.

There are plenty of factors that differentiate an everyday store-bought rug from a higher-end luxury one. And it is quite easy to tell one from the other when you know what you should be looking for. You might also like our Modern rugs.

 

The Best Warm Rug Materials

 

Rugs act as insulators, trapping pockets of air that prevent heat loss from your home. However, not all materials are created equal when it comes to helping create and capture that warmth.

The rug material is without a doubt the biggest and most important consideration to make when choosing a rug for winter. To help you make your material selection, here's a breakdown of some popular rug fibres, ranked by their insulating properties:

 

Wool:

The undisputed champion of winter rugs, wool boasts exceptional thermal qualities, exactly what you need to keep out that winter cold.

Wool is a natural fibre, and it works by trapping the air efficiently, and in doing so it creates a plush and warm surface. Additionally, wool is naturally durable and easy to keep clean, making it a worthwhile investment since it will give you many years of exceptional use.

When it comes to luxury rugs, if that is what you are looking to add to your home, think about buying hand-knotted Persian or Afghan rugs made from wool. These masterpieces offer superb warmth, and they have an enduring beauty, that will stay trendy long after the season has passed.

 

Cashmere:

A cashmere rug is the ultimate luxury indulgence.

This incredibly soft and lightweight material offers surprising warmth due to the air that gets trapped between the rug and the floor. When buying such a rug, keep in mind that cashmere rugs are delicate and as such they require special care, but for those seeking softness and a touch of opulence, they are an ideal option.

 

Silk:

While not the warmest option, silk rugs do have a way of adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space it is placed in.

Silk rugs have a natural sheen, and they can also often feature intricate designs. You will also have the option of buying Persian or Oriental silk rugs, both of which are a sight to behold.

However, if you are purely looking for a rug to add some warmth, it's best to layer a silk rug over a thicker wool underlay.

 

Synthetic fibres:

While some synthetics are designed to mimic the feel of wool, they generally provide less insulation, which is not exactly a terrible thing if you don’t live in a freezing cold area and all you want to do is add an extra layer to provide a little warmth.

Rugs made from synthetic fibres can be a good option for high-traffic areas where practicality is key as these rugs are well known for their durability and for the fact that they are really easy to keep clean.

 

Pile Height and Rug Construction

 

It is not just the rug material that plays a rather big role in determining how warm the rug will be; the thickness, or pile height, of a rug is also significant and as such should factor into your decision.

Thick pile rugs, with a height of 3cm or more, provide far superior insulation, especially when compared to flat-woven options. This is why those white fluffy rugs that you see for sale all over during the winter months are so popular in homes.

The way in which the rug has been made also influences how much warmth the rug will help to create. Hand-knotted rugs, a feature that is a hallmark of Persian and Oriental rugs, are generally denser and more durable than their machine-made counterparts, leading to better insulation.

So, if you needed another reason to buy a classic luxury rug, take this as a sign!

 

Rug Size Matters

 

Another factor to keep in mind when buying a rug this winter is the size.

A larger rug will naturally cover a greater area and in doing so, provide more warmth.

Ideally, your rug should extend past furniture pieces, creating a feeling of enclosure in the room. To achieve this, you should consider covering most of the exposed floor area, particularly in rooms where warmth is a priority, such as living rooms and bedrooms or any large, airy rooms where the cold just seems to be attracted to during the winter months.

 

Choosing Your Perfect Winter Rug

 

While warmth is what this particular blog is all about, your winter rug should also complement your existing décor as well as suit your personality and personal style. Here are some pointers you just might find useful when selecting your winter rug:

 

Colour:

To give the room the illusion of being extra warm, you should choose tones like rich reds, oranges, and browns to create a cosy atmosphere. Jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue can also add a touch of luxury. And although white might be a bit cool, it can look wonderful in a winter inspired space.

 

Pattern:

Bold geometric patterns or intricate floral motifs, the kinds that are characteristic of Persian and Oriental rugs, will add visual interest to the room and such patterns can also become a focal point. For a more contemporary touch, you can choose abstract or minimalistic patterns.

 

Style:

Finally, you should consider the overall style of your home. Traditional Persian or Oriental rugs with their stunning, old-world looks really do complement classic settings, while modern rugs with clean lines can add a touch of contemporary edge to those spaces designed to be a bit more on trend.

 

The Long-Term Benefits of Owning a Luxury Winter Rug

 

A high-quality, hand-knotted rug is not just a seasonal comfort piece; it's an heirloom that can be cherished for generations.

These rugs are painstakingly created by skilled artisans, using techniques that have been passed down through their family line.

The intricate knots created per square inch create the rugs density and this is also the feature that gives the rug its durability, and the natural deep colouring dyes used in traditional Persian or Oriental rug making create a depth of colour unmatched by modern synthetic alternatives.

Furthermore, the value of a well-maintained, luxury hand-knotted rug often appreciates over time, making it a sound investment, with its value accumulating for the longer you have it.

 

Caring for Your Winter Rug

 

If you want to make sure that your rug retains its warmth and beauty for future winter seasons, proper care is needed, especially for your luxurious rug,

Here are 3 things that every rug owner should be doing to ensure that their rug stays in the best condition.

 

Regular Vacuuming:

Vacuuming your rug at least once a week using the upholstery attachment is a great but simple way to ensure that your rug stays looking good.  Vacuuming around once a week removes the dust, dirt, and allergens that can deteriorate the fibres over time. When vacuuming, you should pay extra attention to the areas under your furniture where dust tends to accumulate.

 

Clean Spills Immediately:

Stains don’t have to be an issue if you make the effort to deal with them immediately. If you need some guidance on cleaning spills and stopping potential stains, you can always have a look at some of our past blogs where we have covered the topic extensively.

 

Professional Cleaning:

While a regular clean at home can do a lot of good for your rug, you should also consider having it professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on the type of rug you have as well as the amount of work that will need to be done to it.

Now is the time to start planning your winter rug purchase and, at Rugs Original, we have a wide selection of some of the best rugs for sale in South Africa.

Buy your rug online or visit any of our nationwide stores to get a real feel for our extensive range. Our rugs are available at affordable prices and we have a great selection, ready and waiting for you to buy this winter.