Rugs by style and material

The rule changes with the room:

• Living room: 160×230 cm minimum, ideally 200×300 cm to take in the sofa and the coffee table
• Bedroom: 200×300 cm under a queen bed, with 60 cm showing on each side
• Dining room: the rug should extend 60 cm beyond the table all around, for the chairs
• Hallway and corridor: small or long formats, depending on the layout

If in doubt, mark the size out on the floor with masking tape to see it for real.

Both have their strengths:

• Polypropylene: hard-wearing, easy to care for, good value, and often available in a machine washable version. Ideal for busy rooms and households with children or pets
• Wool (handmade): a noble material, exceptional durability (30+ years), an incomparable feel. A bigger budget, but an investment that pays off over the long term

For a first rug or a room where accidents happen: polypropylene. For a showpiece room or an heirloom investment: wool, or a wool and Tencel blend.

It depends a great deal on the material and on how the rug is used:

• Standard polypropylene: 5 to 10 years in good condition, depending on traffic
• High-density polypropylene: 10 to 15 years
• Polyester shaggy: 5 to 8 years (a long pile flattens over time)
• Viscose: 8 to 12 years (more delicate)
• Hand-tufted wool: 30 to 80 years, passed down through generations

Regular care (vacuuming, turning it every six months, spot cleaning) can double the life of a rug.