By: Jillian Schaible
Buying a new rug for your home can seem like a daunting task. There are so many materials, colors, and styles to choose from that you might not know where to begin. On top of that, making sure you choose the right one for your pets can be even tougher.
Many of our clients come to us needing new rugs to replace ones that just didn’t hold up in their household over time. It’s important to know how what foot traffic will be like in these areas, and to especially consider any furry family members that will be sharing the space.
When we shop for homes with pets, there are three simple guidelines we like to follow.
1. Choose the right material
The most important aspect of your rug’s durability is first and foremost the material. Our two “go-to” choices are wool and indoor/outdoor.
Wool: If you prefer a cozier feel on your feet, you’ll want to choose wool. A good wool rug can last a lifetime, and we love how easy they are to clean.
Safavieh
Indoor/Outdoor: If you don’t mind something with a flatter weave, it doesn’t get more pet-proof than this. Many of these rugs can be taken outside and hosed off. How’s that for easy cleaning?! They may not last quite as long as a wool rug, but they are often much less expensive.
Pottery Barn
2. Consider the pile
We find that rugs with a low, cut pile are the best option for long-term durability and wear. If you have cats or dogs, a rug with a loop pile may not be the best choice, as their nails can pull on the loops and cause them to become uneven or unravel. A cut pile, or even a flatweave, will stay looking great for years to come!
Surya
Wayfair
3. Consider the pattern and color
For hiding those muddy paw prints, you’ll want to consider the same rule of thumb we use for high traffic areas- nothing too light and nothing too dark. On the other hand, you’ll want to also think about your pet’s fur color and how much she sheds.
For example, if you have a Golden Retriever with very light fur, you’ll want to choose something in the same warm color family. A navy rug, for instance, would show every bit of fur on there!
Choosing a rug that has a pattern or texture will also keep a cleaner look. A solid color rug is more apt to show dirt and fur vs. a pattern that helps to distract the eye from these things.
West Elm
West Elm
We know firsthand how designing a pet-friendly home can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, even with a big, furry guy like Rocco around, there are plenty of great ways to keep your home looking fresh!
What pet-friendly design challenges have you experienced? Let us know in the comments!