A lot of misinformation is passed around on what to look for when choosing a superior, hand-woven carpet. The truth is, knot count and detail of design play a role in the look of the carpet, but have little to do with quality. I always tell my clients the most important factor determining quality is the material used in the weaving of that rug. It does not matter how finely woven a carpet is if it does not contain wools and dyes that can withstand years of abuse. The quality of wool determines how long a rug will last, and gives the carpet a luxurious texture and finish.

The finest yarn comes from sheep that have been bred for centuries to produce lanolin rich wool. The wool is then carded and spun by hand, and eventually colored by master dyers. The wool is left in its natural form, retaining essential oils, which protect wool and keep it strong over time.

Most rugs on the market today are woven with highly processed New Zealand wool which is bleached and stripped of its oils, and then machine spun into overly consistent yarn. Although these rugs are soft and can be woven with tighter knots, the yarn is dead and breaks down over time.

Most design professionals agree it’s best to start with a carpet and build the room up from there. It is far easier to pick fabrics and accessories based on a carpet than choosing a carpet after the fact.

Before visiting a carpet showroom, make sure you know the minimum and maximum size of the rug you need. It’s also helpful to bring paint samples, fabrics, or even a pillow off the sofa. What style of rug are you looking for—traditional, contemporary, or transitional? It’s good to consult home furnishing magazines and bring in photos of styles you like.

Reputable dealers will encourage you to try out rugs in your home before purchasing. When you visit our showroom we will take you through our inventory and keep records of any potential options. We offer a free delivery service and will deliver as many choices as you like for home viewing. It’s our job to make sure you are completely happy with the rug before purchasing.

Our knowledgeable sales staff is here to help, and is available for home visits. If you are looking for an interior designer, give us a call and we’ll be happy to recommend one to you.

We recommend having your carpet cleaned every 2 to 5 years depending on use.

Never steam clean or dry clean a high quality rug.

Always have your carpet cleaned by someone specializing in hand-cleaning. We are happy to provide a list of reputable rug cleaners in the Seattle area.

Vacuuming should be done on a regular basis to prevent dirt and grit from settling into the pile of the carpet, and it is best practice to use straight suction instead of the beater bar.

Appropriate padding extends the life of a rug and prevents a rug from slipping or buckling.

Blot, never scrub spots on a rug. Excessive scrubbing can damage and distort the nap on a carpet, and can set the stain further into the rug.

With liquid spills, always remove as much of the spill as possible before adding spotting products. Blot the spill with a clean rag or towel. To clean a spot, always use cold water. If something stronger is needed, we recommend a mild detergent diluted with cold water. Useful detergents include: Bio-Clean all purpose cleanser, Planet Detergent, Seventh Generation, or a tiny amount of Ivory liquid.

Some spots are better handled by professional rug cleaners. Examples include pet urine, vomit, ink or dried wine. The longer you let a spot sit, the harder it will be to get out.

Rug Pad