Understanding Your Rug
Natural Characteristics, Variations & What to Expect
No two rugs are exactly alike.
Many of the rugs at Rug Addiction are made using natural fibres and traditional hand-crafted techniques. Wool, jute and other natural materials have characteristics that are quite different from mass-produced synthetic products.
Variations in colour, texture, weave and size are often part of the beauty of these rugs and are not necessarily manufacturing faults.
Understanding what to expect from your new rug can help you care for it correctly and enjoy it for many years.
Below are some of the most common characteristics you may notice, particularly with wool, jute, hand-woven and hand-tufted rugs.
Size Variations
Handmade rugs may vary slightly from their stated dimensions.
As each rug is individually made, variations of approximately 3% in length or width can occur.
For example, a rug listed as 200 x 300cm may not measure precisely 200 x 300cm when laid out.
This is a normal characteristic of handmade rug production.
Rug Addiction Tip: If your rug needs to fit within a very precise area, allow for a small size tolerance when measuring your space.
Colour Variations
Natural fibres and hand-dyed yarns can produce subtle variations in colour.
Although manufacturers make every effort to achieve consistency, different dye lots can vary slightly, meaning a rug may not be an exact colour match to another rug of the same design purchased at a different time.
Colours can also appear different depending on your home's natural light, artificial lighting, flooring and surrounding furnishings.
Computer screens and mobile devices can also display colours differently.
These variations are particularly common in rugs made from natural materials and are part of their individual character.
Wool Rug Shedding
One of the most common questions we receive about new wool rugs is:
“Why is my new wool rug shedding?”
Some shedding is completely normal, particularly with new wool and hand-tufted rugs.
Loose fibres left within the rug during manufacturing can gradually work their way to the surface once the rug begins to be walked on and vacuumed.
You may notice small amounts of fluff or fibre collecting on the rug or surrounding flooring.
This doesn't necessarily mean your rug is deteriorating.
Regular, gentle vacuuming will generally help remove loose fibres and shedding should reduce over time.
Avoid aggressive vacuuming or repeatedly running powerful rotating brush heads over the rug, as this can unnecessarily disturb the fibres.
Sprouting & Loose Fibres
Occasionally, an individual yarn or fibre may rise above the surface of a rug. This is often referred to as sprouting.
Sprouting can occur with hand-woven and hand-tufted rugs and does not necessarily indicate a manufacturing fault.
Never pull a protruding yarn.
Instead, carefully trim it level with the surrounding pile using sharp scissors.
Pulling the yarn may damage the construction of the rug.
Pilling
Small balls or clusters of fibre can occasionally develop on the surface of a rug.
This is known as pilling.
Pilling can result from normal foot traffic, furniture movement, vacuuming and general friction against the rug's fibres.
It is more noticeable on some materials and constructions than others.
Small pills can generally be carefully trimmed from the surface. Never aggressively pull fibres from the rug.
Shading & Pile Direction
Sometimes an area of a rug can appear lighter or darker depending on the direction from which you look at it.
This is known as shading.
It occurs when the pile or weave faces in different directions and reflects light differently.
You may even notice footprints or vacuum marks temporarily changing the appearance of the rug.
When viewed from another direction, the same area may appear completely different.
This is a natural optical effect found in many rugs and does not necessarily indicate a change in the actual colour of the fibres.
Variations in Weave & Construction
Handmade rugs aren't produced with the mechanical uniformity of a machine-made product.
You may notice small variations in:
- Weave thickness
- Texture
- Design alignment
- Pattern
- Pile height
- Edges
- Surface appearance
These subtle irregularities are often evidence of the rug's hand-crafted construction and contribute to the individuality of each piece.
What to Expect From Jute Rugs
Jute is a beautiful natural plant fibre, and its organic appearance is one of the reasons it's so popular in Australian interiors.
However, buying a jute rug also means embracing the natural characteristics of the material.
Colour Variation
Jute fibres naturally vary in colour.
You may see different shades of beige, tan, brown, golden and earthy tones throughout the same rug. These variations are a natural characteristic rather than a defect.
Fibre & Texture Variations
Jute isn't perfectly uniform.
Different sections of the rug may have slightly different thicknesses or textures, and individual fibres may occasionally be visible within the weave.
Small knots and irregularities can also occur as part of the construction.
Sprouting
Individual jute fibres can occasionally protrude from the surface.
Don't pull them.
Carefully trim any protruding fibre level with the rug using scissors.
Jute & Moisture
One of the most important things to understand about jute is that it doesn't respond well to excessive moisture.
Avoid soaking a jute rug or using excessive water when attempting to clean it. Moisture can potentially cause staining, discolouration, fibre deterioration or changes to the rug's shape.
Spills should be attended to promptly by blotting rather than rubbing.
For significant stains or cleaning, we recommend seeking advice from a professional rug cleaner experienced with natural fibre rugs.
Fading & Sunlight
Like fabrics, furniture and timber, rug fibres can be affected by sunlight.
Continuous exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or colour changes over time, particularly with darker or more strongly coloured rugs.
Where possible:
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Use blinds or curtains during periods of intense sunlight
- Rotate your rug periodically
Regular rotation can help distribute exposure and encourage more even ageing across the rug.
Rug Creases After Delivery
Don't be alarmed if your rug doesn't lie completely flat immediately after unpacking.
Rugs may be rolled, folded or tightly packaged during storage and transport, which can temporarily cause creases, ripples or raised edges.
Once unpacked and laid flat, these will generally relax as the rug settles into its new environment.
The amount of time required will depend on the rug's material and construction.
Avoid aggressively bending or forcing the rug in the opposite direction.
New Rug Odour
Some new rugs may have a noticeable smell when first removed from their packaging.
Rugs can spend time rolled and wrapped for storage and transportation, so odours can become concentrated inside the packaging.
Allowing the rug to air in a well-ventilated room will generally help.
Natural fibres such as wool and jute can also have their own distinctive natural scent.
Handmade Rugs Are Individual
One of the pleasures of owning a handmade or natural fibre rug is knowing that your rug isn't necessarily identical to every other piece produced in the same design.
Small differences in colour, dimensions, weave, texture and construction are part of the character of these products.
Rather than expecting the absolute uniformity of a machine-produced item, these variations should be understood as part of the individuality of a handmade rug.
When Should I Contact Rug Addiction?
While many variations are completely normal, that doesn't mean every issue should automatically be considered a natural characteristic.
Please contact us if you notice something you're concerned about, particularly if you believe there may be a problem with your rug.
Take several clear photographs showing:
- The complete rug
- The area you're concerned about
- A close-up of the issue
- The rug in normal room lighting
Include your order number and a brief description when contacting us so our team can assess the issue and, where necessary, discuss it with the rug supplier.
Contact Rug Addiction →
Caring for Your Rug
Correct care can make a significant difference to the appearance and longevity of your rug.
For more detailed advice, visit our:
Rug Care Guide →
How to Clean Your Rug →
Rug Maintenance Guide →
For specialised cleaning or significant stains, we recommend consulting an experienced professional rug cleaner and advising them of your rug's fibre and construction before cleaning begins.
