Rug buying checklist: 12 things to check
Buying a rug online is easy when you know what to check. Run through these twelve points and you will avoid the usual surprises.
The checklist
- Zone: what will the rug anchor (sofa group, bed, table, walkway)?
- Size: measured and marked out with tape. See how to measure.
- Floor border: about 20 to 60 cm of floor showing around it.
- Layout: front legs on, all legs on, or a runner?
- Material: suits the room, the household and your cleaning habits. See materials explained.
- Pile height: doors still open over it? See pile heights.
- Construction: hand-tufted, woven, flatweave, machine-made. See construction explained.
- Care: washable, spot clean only, or professional cleaning? Read the care notes on the product page.
- Colour: checked against your floor and sofa in daylight. Try the rug colour matcher.
- Underlay: needed on hard floors and over carpet. See rug pads explained.
- Underfloor heating: if you have it, check the rug and underlay suit it. See the guide.
- Delivery and returns: know when it arrives and what happens if it does not suit.
How this works at Rug Kingdom
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where are the specs? | Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height, construction and care information where available. |
| Delivery | Free by tracked courier to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs, 1-2 working days for Livabliss. See delivery. |
| Changing your mind | 14 days from delivery to cancel, then 14 days to send it back. See returns. |
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when buying a rug?
The right size for the furniture zone, a material that suits the room and household, a suitable pile height, the care requirements and an underlay.
Is it safe to buy a rug online?
Yes, if you check the exact size and material on the product page and know the returns policy before ordering.
What is the most common rug mistake?
Buying a rug that is too small for the furniture.
Do I need an underlay?
On hard floors and over carpet, yes, to stop slipping and creeping and to reduce wear.
Shop the guide
-
Myrtle Avenue V Rug in Green
from £139.98 -
Myrtle Avenue V Rug in Brown
from £79.98 -
Myrtle Avenue IV Rug in Brown & Cream
from £79.98 -
Myrtle Avenue III Rug in Brown & Cream
from £79.98
Related guides
- What size rug do I need? A room-by-room guide
- Rug materials explained: wool, jute, viscose, polypropylene and more
- How to measure for a rug
- All rug guides
Questions about a specific rug? Every product page lists the maker's size, material, pile height and care details. Delivery is free to England, Wales and mainland Scotland: 2-5 working days for Asiatic rugs and 1-2 working days for Livabliss rugs. See delivery and returns.