The Journal
413 articles
Rooms, sizes, materials and care: notes from the Rug Branch studio.

Textured Area Rugs: How to Add Depth and Warmth to Any Room
Textured area rugs make neutral rooms feel rich, not flat. Learn what texture means in a rug, the main types (shag, high-low, jute, hand-tufted),...
October 4, 2026

Rug Over Carpet for Bunk Bed Noise: Does It Help?
A rug plus a dense pad over carpet softens the thud and vibration a bunk bed sends into the room. Here is how to...
October 4, 2026

Oversized Area Rugs: Sizing Guide for Open-Concept Rooms
Oversized area rugs make large and open-concept rooms feel intentional. Learn how to measure, which size to buy, the best materials for high-traffic spaces,...
October 4, 2026

Do Plastic Outdoor Rugs Get Moldy? What Actually Causes It
Plastic outdoor rugs resist mold far better than wool or jute, but they are not immune. Learn where mold really forms and how to...
October 4, 2026

How to Tell If a Rug Is Good Quality: 8 Things to Check Before You Buy
Wondering how to tell if a rug is good quality? This expert checklist covers fiber, density, KPSI, backing, edges, and color fastness so you...
October 4, 2026

Outdoor Rug Durability: Are Outdoor Rugs Durable Enough?
Wondering if an outdoor rug can really take the weather? Here is how outdoor rug durability actually works, how long a good rug lasts,...
October 3, 2026

How to Vacuum an Area Rug the Right Way (Without Wrecking It)
Vacuuming an area rug the wrong way shortens its life. Learn the correct settings for each rug type, the fringe mistake to avoid, and...
October 3, 2026

Common Area Rug Buying Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
The 8 most common area rug buying mistakes — wrong size, wrong material, no rug pad, and more — plus exactly how to avoid...
October 3, 2026

How Big Is a 4x6 Rug? Size in Inches, Feet, CM and Rooms
A 4x6 rug is 48 by 72 inches and covers 24 square feet. See the exact measurements, the rooms it suits, and where it...
October 3, 2026

Southwestern Rugs: A Complete Guide to Desert-Inspired Style
Southwestern rugs layer bold geometry and sun-baked desert color into a durable statement piece. Discover the motifs, palette, materials, and styling tips that make...
October 3, 2026

How to Wash a Rug at Home: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
A clear, fiber-by-fiber routine for washing an area rug at home without shrinking, color bleed, or mildew. Learn which rugs you can clean yourself...
October 3, 2026

Organic Modern Rugs: The Complete 2026 Style Guide
Organic modern rugs blend natural materials with clean modern lines for a calm, grounded look. Learn the colors, fibers, textures, and styling that define...
October 3, 2026
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