DOTS Living
Rug Guide
Use the DOTS Living rug guide to choose a suitable rug size, placement and care approach for your space.
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Caring for & Living with a Handmade Rug paragraph A handcrafted rug is more than a furnishing; it is an investment in craftsmanship, comfort and timeless design. Whether you're selecting your first rug or caring for one you've cherished for years, this guide will help you make informed decisions at every stage.
01. Rug Care & Maintenance
Proper care will help preserve the beauty, texture and longevity of your handcrafted rug. 1. Limit Direct Sunlight Continuous exposure to direct sunlight may gradually fade natural fibres and dyes. Position your rug away from prolonged sunlight wherever possible or use curtains and blinds to minimise UV exposure. 2. Rotate Your Rug Regularly paragraph Rotate your rug every 6 to 12 months to encourage even wear, particularly in high-traffic areas or rooms with uneven natural light. 3. Trim Loose Fibres, Never Pull Them Occasionally, individual fibres may rise above the surface. This is a natural characteristic of handmade rugs. Carefully trim them with a sharp pair of scissors rather than pulling them. 4. Protect Against Furniture Marks Place protective pads beneath heavy furniture to help distribute weight evenly and preserve the rug's pile over time. 5. Expect Natural Shedding Hand-tu
02. Vacuuming Guidelines
Regular vacuuming removes surface dust before it settles into the fibres, helping your rug retain its appearance for years. 1. Vacuum Frequently Use a low-suction setting to remove dust and everyday debris. 2. Avoid Beater Bars Rotating brushes and beater bars can damage the pile and loosen fibres over time. 3. Choose the Right Vacuum Canister vacuums, handheld attachments and gentle sweeping are ideal for handmade rugs. 4. Protect the Edges Avoid repeatedly vacuuming over the rug's edges and fringes, as this may lead to unnecessary wear. 5. Avoid Excessive Suction Very strong suction may pull fibres from the base of the rug and should therefore be avoided.
03. Refreshing Your Rug
Occasional deep refreshing helps maintain your rug between professional cleanings. 1. Ventilate Naturally Take your rug outdoors occasionally and gently beat the reverse side to release trapped dust and loose fibres. 2. Allow the Rug to Breathe If your rug develops a slight odour after delivery or cleaning, place it in a well-ventilated room for a few days. This is a natural occurrence and will gradually disappear.
04. Storing Your Rug
Whether you're renovating, relocating or storing your rug seasonally, proper storage protects its craftsmanship. 1. Roll but Don't Fold Always roll your rug with the face side facing outward. Folding may create permanent creases. 2. Wrap for Protection Use a breathable fabric or protective covering to shield the rug from dust and moisture. 3. Store in a Dry, Ventilated Space Avoid damp environments, direct sunlight and areas with excessive humidity. 4. Keep the Storage Area Clean Regularly clean the storage area to discourage insects and protect natural fibres. 5. Avoid Heavy Objects Never place heavy furniture or boxes on top of a stored rug.
05. Rug Sizing Guide
Selecting the correct size is one of the most important decisions when choosing a rug. 1. Measure Before You Buy Measure the room carefully, considering furniture placement, walkways and door clearances. 2. Think Bigger A larger rug often creates a more balanced and cohesive room by visually connecting furniture. 3. Follow the 18-Inch Rule paragraph Where possible, leave approximately 18 inches (45 cm) of exposed flooring around the rug's perimeter. Adjust this according to your room's proportions. 4. Design Has No Fixed Rules Use these guidelines as a starting point, but ultimately choose the size that feels balanced and comfortable within your space.