Frequently asked questions

A rug is made to be walked on, so it is durable and usually thick. A tapestry is a woven textile designed to hang on a wall, with finer detail and imagery.

An 8x10 works in most living rooms. Choose a 9x12 for large or open-plan spaces and a 5x8 or 6x9 for small rooms. At minimum, the front legs of your seating should rest on the rug.

Measure your table and add 24 to 30 inches on every side so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.

An 8x10 suits a queen bed and a 9x12 suits a king. The rug should extend about 18 to 24 inches beyond the sides and foot of the bed.

Handmade rugs cost more because each is knotted or woven by hand, but they are denser, more durable and often repairable. For heirloom pieces and high-traffic rooms they are usually worth it.

Check the back: in a handmade rug the pattern is clearly visible and slightly irregular. Machine-made rugs look uniform, and their fringe is often sewn on.

Wool is softer, more resilient and longer lasting, so it suits busy rooms. Jute is more affordable and has a natural texture, so it suits light to moderate traffic.

Wool is generally the most durable and resilient choice for living areas. Sisal is also very tough, though rougher underfoot.

Many do, especially in the first few weeks. Regular vacuuming without a beater bar reduces shedding over time.

We do not recommend it. Jute absorbs moisture, which can cause staining and mildew.

Fibers such as jute, wool and cotton are renewable and biodegradable, and long-lasting pieces create less waste than disposable alternatives.

Vacuum weekly without a beater bar, rotate every six months, and have it professionally cleaned every one to three years depending on traffic.

Blot immediately with a clean cloth and never rub. Use cool water and a mild wool-safe detergent, and test any product on a hidden corner first.

Yes. Use suction only and avoid a beater bar, which can pull and fray the fibers.

Use a rug pad. Choose one about an inch smaller than the rug on each side so it stays hidden.

Roll it with the pile facing inward, never fold it, wrap it in breathable cotton and keep it off the floor.

Use a wooden rod, Velcro strip or row of clips so the weight is spread evenly. Never use nails or pins through the fabric.

Keep it away from direct sunlight, which fades natural dyes, and leave a small gap behind it so air can circulate.

Vacuum gently through a mesh screen every few months and rotate or rehang it occasionally to relieve tension.

Kindred Weave is a guide to handmade rugs and tapestries, with practical advice on choosing, styling and caring for them.

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