Five Family-Friendly Rugs
As a mom to three young kids, I know first-hand “why we can’t have nice things.” When those cute little faces look up at me adoringly, mischievously, I know there is a mess to be found somewhere. As long as my secret stash of sharpies has not been found, I am pretty confident in my cleaning skills, no matter the damage. I’m talking blueberry stains, acrylic paint, and super glue! Yes, I have managed them all. But you can make life a little easier for yourself by selecting home furnishings that are more kid-durable. When shopping for your family-friendly rug, you want to ensure it is the right style and colour for your home, as well as the suitable material. Let’s break down 5 family-friendly rug options that will bring an air of style to your space without the stress of maintenance.
Custom Cut Wool Area Rug Layered with Polyester Rug
Wool and Wool Blend Rugs
Wool is an excellent choice; it is a sustainable fiber, strong and durable, and naturally stain-resistant. Wool fibers have a unique structure of overlapping cuticles, arranged much like the shingles on a roof. These shingles, or cuticles, are an advantage over synthetic fibers' smooth surface at preventing dirt from adhering to the fiber and helping fleck it away. Wool or a wool blend rug is a wonderful choice for a family room that you want to be on the floor playing games, wrestling, or engaging with little ones. My 5-year-old spilled her BLUEBERRY smoothie all over our light gray wool carpet last week. I did not despair (or swear!). I simply blotted the stain with a clean cloth and water. The water dried overnight, and poof, the spot was gone! We currently have a wool carpet under our dining room table, and I have personally removed tomato sauce, salsa, dark chocolate, yellow baby food, orange baby food, and vomit. Yeah, for kids (and husbands). I recommend selecting your wool rug in a darker color that complements your space, has loops, and even a color pattern or weave pattern to hide wear and tear. Although it is more expensive than synthetic fiber/nylon carpets, the value that it adds to your home – plus the fact that it will outlast any nylon carpet – actually makes it an excellent option for your budget!
Loop pile carpets, also known as loop carpet, are among the most popular styles and are well suited for high traffic areas. The wool fibers loop from a single strand, which makes these carpets very hard-wearing, and the naturally occurring colourations can hide stains and blemishes.
Looped Carpet
Pile Carpet
Vintage Blush Rug in my “Cloffice”
Hide Rugs
Hides protect the animal from all of nature's elements, so you can't get more durable than that. Cowhides are a by-product of animals that are being used for other purposes, typically the food industry. The durability and unique color and shape of hide rugs make a stylish addition to any room. They can be a standalone rug in a dining area or unique shaped room and can also be used as a layering piece to add interest. I have styled hide rugs in every type of room, knowing that you can simply take it outside and hose it off. Local flea markets are a great place to get very reasonable priced hide rugs. Ikea often has quality darker colors in stock
Chevron Hide Rug in a Rustic Glam Man Cave
Colorful Polyester Patterned Rugs
If a vintage rug is not in your budget or style, there are polyester rugs that can bring color and interest to your space, as well as peace of mind. Polyester is a durable, fade-resistant fiber that is economical and wears well over time. Choose a rug that has colors or patterns that will help hide or disguise any stains. As always, the colors in your rug must relate to your overall scheme. That’s great that you love color, but the room will not look cohesive if you put a red rug under a purple couch with green art. Right? If possible, try to see the rug in person at a local showroom. Colors can be distorted online, and colors tend to be brighter in person than they appear online.
Pink Polypropolene Rug in Mudroom Entryway
Indoor/Outdoor Rugs
Indoor/Outdoor rugs are typically made of polypropylene or olefin. Polypropylene is a strong synthetic fiber that is inherently resistant to stains and sunlight. The color is attributed to the fiber during the creation process instead of a dying process after the material is made. Therefore, the color will be maintained and can be cleaned with bleach. This synthetic fiber is similar to outdoor fabrics such as Sunbrella and Krypton. When selecting a polypropylene rug, be mindful of the feel and texture as there are stiff, plasticy options and softer options. Dash and Albert have a great selection of quality indoor/outdoor rugs.
Outdoor rug layered with sheepskin rug
No matter your personal style or location for your new rug, one material to avoid is viscose. Viscose is a cheaper, more sustainable substitute for silk and is often used to create silk-like rugs at a lower price point. They look and feel beautiful, but unfortunately, water can stain viscose. Who has time for that?!
