Floorsome Flooring Blog
How to choose a rug 0
How to choose a rug
Choosing a rug can be a stressful decision to make as there are many factors to consider. Firstly, the colour you choose needs to match the rest of your decor such as your cushions, lounge and wall art. Next, it's important to pick the correct size rug, as a rug that is too small will look out of place and a rug that is too large may cost you more than it needs to. Thirdly, the type of rug should be considered, do you want something that is super soft and fluffy or a harder wearing low pile rug for high traffic areas. All these should be considered before the decision is made.
Start with the rug
If you are decorating an entire room the most common advice from interior decorators is to "start with the rug". This means choose the rug before you pick any other decor. The reason for this is because then you can use the rug as an anchor for the rest of the decor in the room. Rugs are also generally one of the more expensive decor items you will buy for the room so it will probably be changed less than something such a cushion covers.
Colour
The colour or colours you choose in your rug will be dictated by many factors, but the first thing will be whether you are starting from scratch decorating the room. If so then you can go wild and choose anything that takes your fancy, knowing you will be able to use this to set the mood for the room and choose decor to match it later. If however you are just wanting to freshen up the room or perhaps replace an old rug which is more often the case, then your choices may be a little more restricted.
Take a look around the room, if you have alot of colour and texture in your other furniture and decor, it may be wiser to choose a more plain style of rug to go with the decor you already have. If, however you feel the room needs a bit of a lift, then don't be scared to choose a heavily pattered or brightly coloured rug as this might be just the thing the room needs.
Add some colour!
Beautiful Stripped Rainbow Kids Rugs
You can also help unify the look of the room by adding some wall art, cushions or perhaps a vase in the same colours as your new rug.
Material
Rugs come in a variety of different materials such as wool, heat set polypropylene, jute, BCF (bulk continuous filament polypropylene) and more. This can be a little confusing so we have a little guide below to help you choose a material for your rug.
Wool: Hardwearing and soft, wool is still the gold standard fibre in rugs and for good reason, it will last for years and its luxurious underfoot. Great for high traffic areas. Wool is a little less stain resistant than synthetic fibres so we recommend cleaning stains as soon as you notice them. The drawback with wool is generally they can cost quite a bit more than synthetic rugs.
Wool rugs in soft pastel colours can make a room feel more inviting.
Heatset Polypropylene: Feels very soft to the touch and is one of the hardest wearing piles. This fibre is also very stain resistant so great for high traffic areas.
BCF Polypropylene: Generally our cheaper rugs are made from this process. These rugs are well priced but wont wear as hard as the more expensive Heatset Poly and Wool rugs. That said however they will last for years if cared for and are very inexpensive so you can update the look of your room with out breaking the bank.
Uber Cool Black Rug Grey Ivory Rug
Jute/Sisal: Jute and sisal rugs have a natural look that can really bring and organic feel to a room. While these rugs are very hard wearing its important to note they will are a little harsher underfoot than some of our other rugs and also can stain easier like all natural rugs so its important to clean up stains as quickly as possible.
Tumu Hand Woven Tribal Jute Rug
Size
We often get asked what size rug people should buy for their house. This one can be hard to answer as there are a few things to consider such as furniture and room size.
Small Rugs - Small rugs are usually from 150x80cm up to 170x120cm. Great for small living areas and bedrooms, these size rugs can be used to highlight furniture pieces as well.
Medium Rugs - The standard size for a medium rug is 230x160cm. Our most popular size rug. Great for under the coffee table in your living room, bedrooms and home offices.
Large Rugs - 290x200cm, good size for most lounge rooms, and dining rooms. This size will allow you to have the feet of your furniture on the rug which generally looks better than having a smaller rug.
Extra Large Rugs - Extra large rugs are generally considered to be 330x240cm to 400x300cm. Extra large size rugs are great for large living rooms, 8-10 seat dining settings, master bedrooms and large entertaining areas.
230x160cm can go well at the end of your bed
Thanks for reading our guide, and we hope this helps you on your journey to finding a new rug.
If you need more help please send us an email to info@floorsome.com.au
- Brett Ryder
RUG DECOR TRENDS 2018 SEASON 1
In this blog article we go over two design trends we are seeing come through this year. Rugs are a very important part of any room design. They are also easy to change and freshen up the look of a room if you wish to do that as well.
Modern Bohemian
Colour is back!. While you will still be surrounded by boho décor, colour fans will be happy to hear, that colour is making a comeback, in the form of modern bohemian.
Deep Green, as in this Diamond Twist rug is right in vogue this year and if you team it with a deep green velvet lounge, you will have hit the mark.
Not a fan of green? Navy and Taupe is also a great colour combination this season and teams well with any colour. Sticking with neutrals on the walls and adding colour with your soft furnishings, such as rugs and cushions, is always a good rule to follow.
Our Oasis range is heavily inspired by the modern bohemian design trend, available in vivid brights and soft neutral palettes to suit various design themes.
Jungalow
An example of Jungalow style
Navy also goes well with the next trend, which you may have seen a hint of in Summer.
Jungalow is all things botanical, and is inspired by blogger, Junstina Blackeney. Indoor pot plants and wall paper with palm trees are back in vogue this season and there is some great rattan furniture to complete the look. Think palm springs, capri, Hawaii, its all in the mix.
MOROCCAN Recycled Plastic Mat, AUBERGINE & White 1.8 x 2.7m
In closing, as it has been with the last 10 years or so, you can make any trend your own, as long as the colours are right, and you have a workable and balanced space to live in, or Hygge as the Swedish would say.
- Trish Ryder
Guide to Buying a Doormat 0
Doormats
As we head towards winter its time to take a look at the often overlooked item that will help keep your floors looking cleaner and add to the first impression that guests have of your home. Which item are we talking about?.. The mighty doormat of course!
Much of the dirt that is bought into your home from shoes and be stopped in its tracks with a good quality door mat. Not only does a door mat stop dirt being bought in and make your life easier but it can also look amazing and set colour tone for rest of your house.
All door mats are NOT born equal so in this weeks blog article we will take a look at some of the different types and work out which is suitable for you.
Coir Doormats:
Coir is a natural fibre that is extracted from the husk of a coconut. They can come in both a PVC backed or unbacked form. The unbacked mats will allow water to drain through. These mats are available in a many different qualities, its important to check the thickness and weight because the super cheap ones will just fall apart over time. Quality really matters here.
Pros: These mats are excellent at scraping dirt off shoes and are also some of the best looking (in our humble opinion) mats around.
Cons: Coir is natural fibre so generally do shed a bit. Meaning over the life of the mat some of the mat will come into the house with you. This is quite minimal however but its something to be aware of when considering your new doormat.
Rubber Doormats:
Rubber doormats are the most functional mats, often used in commercial applications these can still be suitable in domestic situations where appearance isn't as important such as the entry from a garage.
Pros: Very good at removing dirt from shoes, generally have holes in them so water can drain through. They can also be used as comfort mats if you need to stand in one place for a long period of time. (more of a commercial use generally)
Cons: Not the most attractive door mats around. Generally just black in colour and functional looking. Can sometimes deteriorate in extreme cold. (generally not applicable to Australian climate however unless you live on a mountain!)
Synthetic Pile Doormats:
These doormats usually have a pile made from Polypropylene and have a rubber dam around the edge which acts as a barrier to stop dirt from coming off the mat and well as keeping moisture on the pile as well. These also usually have a non slip backing.
Pros: Excellent at removing dirt as well as the best at removing moisture from shoes, this is important to note. If its been raining these will do a great job at getting most of the water off the shoes and stop it from coming inside.
Cons: Not as good looking as a coir doormat generally. Polypropylene can also flatten over time so the life of these mats is sometimes not as good as a rubber or coir doormat.
Tips for using doormats effectively:
Use doormats at ALL entrances to your home: Even from areas such as garages. It will pay off because you will have to do less vacuuming
Mat both inside and outside: Meaning one outside the door and one inside. This gives you two opportunities to stop the dirt coming in. Often using a great looking coir outside the door and then a Synthetic doormat inside is a great combo because one will scrape the shoe and then any left over dirt or moisture will be absorbed by the second mat
Clean your doormats often: Over time a door mat can get so full of dirt it wont be able to do its job anymore. Just shake the mat or hit it against a solid surface and it will be good to go!
Of course Floorsome has you covered for all your doormat needs, see our full range of doormats here:
https://www.floorsome.com.au/collections/door-mats
Thanks for reading our blog post. If you have any comments to add please leave one below!
- Brett Ryder
Natural Fibre Rugs 0
Sisal, Cotton, Jute, & Wool rugs are all made from naturally occurring plant and animal materials and have grown in popularity due to the fact they are environmentally friendly while adding an organic natural look to your home. These rugs are also harder wearing in general than other rugs. So when buying one of these rugs there are several things to consider.
So lets go over each type of material you may find in natural fibre rugs, starting with....
Jute
Jute is very popular due to the fact that its softer than other materials while still being hard wearing. Jute has a natural brown hue due to the way its harvested. It actually grows in green stalks which are then soaked stripped and spun. These rugs are at home just as much in an office as they are in a beach shack.
Cleaning Tip: Spot clean and vacuum regularly.
Our favourite Jute Rug:
Iris Indigo Blue Jute Rug from $130
Sisal
Sisal is the strongest of the natural fibre rugs, so much so its often used in rope and twine. It's derived from the green leaves of the agave sisalana cactus plant which grows in Africa and Brazil. Because sisal is such a strong fibre its a great choice for high traffic areas. Sisal is coarser underfoot than jute however and shouldn't be used in any wet areas as it tends to absorb liquids and can strain easier than other natural fibre rugs.
Cleaning Tip:
The key here is to clean stains as quickly as possible before they soak into the fibre. These rugs also benefit from a regular vacuum.
Our favourite Sisal Rug
Natural Sisal Rug Boucle Marble from $99
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre manufactured from the cotton plant. Durable and very easy to clean, cotton is commonly used for flat or woven styles. Cotton rugs are really well priced and are a great way to spruce up an area without breaking the bank. Many of our cotton rugs are reversible as well so you can get two designs for the price of one!
Cleaning tip:
Regular vacuum as well a spot cleaning is essential. These rugs can also benefit from occasional dry cleaning.
Our favourite cotton rug:
Blueberry Cotton Printed Braided Round Blue Rug from $99
Wool Rugs
Super hard wearing, super soft and super long lasting. Wool is the gold standard for natural fibre rugs. Although wool rugs can be more expensive than other types of natural fibre rugs they will last such a long time that they are generally a great investment. They also respond well to steam cleaning and can come up good as new years down the line. The only small drawback with wool is it can stain a little easier than synthetic fibre rugs and as such stains should be treated as quickly as possible.
Cleaning tip: Regular vacuuming and spot cleaning. If a spill is made its essential the stain is cleaned as quickly as possible.
Our favourite wool rug:
Carlos Felted Wool Rug Black Natural from $399
We hope this guide has made choosing your next natural fibre rug a little easier. If you need more help you can always send us an email at info@floorsome.com.au and we will be happy to assist!
- Brett Ryder
7 Best Selling Modern Rugs for 2017 0
2017 has been a huge year for Floorsome. We have brought on several new suppliers and essentially doubled our product range. We now sell over 2000 different products! This is only good news for our customers as it means we will generally have something for every home and every room.
One of our biggest challenges however has been how to organise so many rug designs into the store in a clear and concise way where everything is easy to find.
Below are our current seven best selling modern rugs for 2017 and will hopefully give you a little inspiration if you are feeling overwhelmed with so much choice in picking your rug!
We have also included some customer pictures.
#7 Whisper Quad Grey Rug
The pink tones in this rug really pop and make it stand out as a conversation piece for the room. It also has a stone washed Persian style at a fraction of what one of these rugs would normally cost.
Price Range
$199 - $649
Link : https://www.floorsome.com.au/collections/modern-rugs/products/whisper-quad-grey-rug
#6 Amilia Cotton and Jute Rug Multi
These rugs are 100% hand made in India by skilled artisans they will add a splash of colour to any floor that is looking a little bland. Being a flat weave they are also extremely hard wearing.
Price Range
$139 - $329
Link: https://www.floorsome.com.au/products/amilia-cotton-and-jute-rug-multi
#5 Stunning Thick Leaf Rug Charcoal
This rug is great because its still quite neutral but has a splash of green and blue in it. Tie this is with some cushions and it will look fantastic!
Price Range $79.95 - $429
Link: https://www.floorsome.com.au/products/stunning-thick-leaf-rug-charcoal
#4 Whisper Diamond Grey Rug
Another favourite in the Whisper range, the Diamond Grey version looks just as stunning as the Quad Grey version. The stonewashed look is really in this year and this rug just looks so good with its pink tones and patterns. It really becomes a talking point for the room.
Price Range
$199 - $649
Link https://www.floorsome.com.au/collections/modern-rugs/products/whisper-diamond-grey-rug
#3 Modern Spring Leaf Rug Black
These polypropylene rugs represent amazing value and it shows in how popular they are. You can get a full lounge room size (230x160cm) rug for only $99 with free shipping! Polypropylene rugs are also very hard wearing so these rugs will last for years to come and on top of that they also look great!
Price Range
$99 - $169
Link: https://www.floorsome.com.au/collections/modern-rugs/products/modern-spring-leaf-rug-black
#2 Monet Stunning Blue Rug
We are finding blue rugs to be very popular this year and this particular rug has been a superstar performer for us. Hard wearing, easy to clean and a soft acrylic pile, you really cant go wrong here.
Price range: $99 - $329
Link to product page : https://www.floorsome.com.au/collections/modern-rugs/products/monet-stunning-blue-rug
#1 Uber Cool Black Rug Grey Ivory Rug
This rug is our best seller by far, we think its because its only $89.95 with free shipping Australia wide and looks really fantastic! Another rug made from polypropylene, it will last for many years and is soft underfoot.
Price $89.95
Link: https://www.floorsome.com.au/collections/modern-rugs/products/uber-cool-black-rug-grey-ivory-rug
Well there you go, our best selling modern rugs. I hope this will provide you with some inspiration and help you with your choice in finding a rug to suit your home.
- Brett Ryder
Rug Cleaning and Care Guide 2
As amazingly low as Floorsome's prices are, buying a large good quality rug is still a large purchase. It doesn't matter if you have a cheap or expensive rug, a polypropylene or designer wool rug, its important to look after your investment. Therefore we present this guide to you on how to keep your rug looking new for many years and keeping the stains at bay.
Disclaimer: All of these methods are tried and tested but we take no responsibility if your rug gets damaged due to cleaning with these methods. For further advice speak to a professional carpet cleaner.
General Maintenance
- The absolute best thing you can do for a rug is a regular vacuum (once or twice a week) this will prevent dirt building up in the base of the rug that can prematurely wear the rug out.
- Flip the rug over and vacuum the back occasionally as dirt can build up here as well and wear on the backing.
- Have your rugs professionally cleaned every three to six years, depending on the level of use.
- Rotate your rug every six to twelve months to reduce uneven wear and tear.
- If the rug is small enough, you can take it outside and shake it or beat it vigorously to remove dirt and grit.
- A rug pad can help extend help the life of your rug by offering some cushioning to foot traffic.
General Cleaning
(Always do a spot test on a small area before trying any of these!)
- The most important thing with stains is time! The sooner you can attack and clean-up a spill the easier it will be to remove it without permanently staining the rug. This is doubly important with wool rugs as they tend to soak up liquid where as synthetic fibres such as Polypropylene and acrylic will resist it meaning you can be more aggressive with your stain treatments.
- Blot stains, don't rub them. Dab stains with a cleaning solution and a clean cloth, paper towels, or a sponge. The last thing you want to do is spread more of the stain by rubbing it further into the fibre of the rug. Always blot from the outside of the stain inward, as blotting outward can spread the stain.
- Pro Tip: You can use shaving cream to remove almost any stain. Apply shaving cream to the stain and let it set for around 30 minutes, then blot it away with a white cloth. Finish by spraying the area with one part vinegar mixed with one part water and then wiping away the solution with a cloth. Only plain, white shaving cream is safe to use on rugs because it contains no dyes or greasy emollients, always spot-test a small area before treating a large stain to ensure the shaving cream won't damage or stain your rug.
- Greasy stains can be removed with dish washing detergent. Just put a drop or two of dish washing detergent into a cup of water and put the solution into a spray bottle. Then simply spray directly onto the stain and blot away with a clean cloth.
More cleaning tips for specific types of stains and spills:
Candle Wax: Take a clean white towel and place it over the wax then use your iron to heat up the towel, the wax will turn back to liquid and you will easily be able to scrape it off with a butter knife. Then take a white paper towel and put that over the remainder of the wax and put the iron on it and it will heat up and adhere to the paper.
(Be very careful not to burn the rug with this method, only use a low setting with the iron and only apply for 30 second at a time)
Coffee, Egg, Cordial, Soft drink and Tea: Spot clean with mild detergent and then rinse with water.
Urine, Faeces, and Vomit: Apply detergent solution or a citrus-oxygen cleaner, rinse, and blot until dry.
Grease and Oil Based Stains: these can be removed by applying pure eucalyptus oil to an undyed towel then dabbing/rubbing over the stain.
Paint: For latex and acrylic based paint blot with detergent while the stain is still wet and then blot with rubbing alcohol if the colour still remains. For oil based paint you can use a cloth to blot up as much of the pain as possible then add some turpentine to the cloth and continue to blot, the turpentine will help separate the paint from the carpet fibre.
Have any cleaning tips to add? Leave a comment below!
- Brett Ryder
