The Journal

491 articles

Rooms, sizes, materials and care: notes from the Rug Branch studio.

Rug for a Round Dining Table: Size, Shape and Style Guide
Rug for a Round Dining Table: Size, Shape and Style Guide
Pick a round rug about 48 inches wider than your table so every chair stays on it. Here is how to size, shape and...
October 15, 2026
What Size Rug to Layer Over an 8x10 or 9x12 Rug (Sizing Guide)
What Size Rug to Layer Over an 8x10 or 9x12 Rug (Sizing Guide)
Layering looks best when the top rug is sized right. Here are the exact top-rug sizes to use over an 8x10 or a 9x12...
October 15, 2026
Rug Ideas for a French Country Home: Colors, Patterns & Picks
Rug Ideas for a French Country Home: Colors, Patterns & Picks
French country rugs mean soft muted neutrals, faded florals and vintage character. Here are the colors, patterns, materials, and sizes that nail the look.
October 15, 2026
Oval Rug Sizes: A Complete Guide to Dimensions and Measuring
Oval Rug Sizes: A Complete Guide to Dimensions and Measuring
Oval rug sizes follow the same footprints as rectangles, from small accents to 8x10 feet. Here is the full size chart, how to measure,...
October 14, 2026
New Rug Smell: How Long It Lasts and How to Air Out a Rug
New Rug Smell: How Long It Lasts and How to Air Out a Rug
Why a brand-new rug smells, how long the odor lasts, and simple steps to air it out and freshen it faster.
October 14, 2026
Best Winter Entryway Rugs: Beat Salt, Slush and Wet Boots
Best Winter Entryway Rugs: Beat Salt, Slush and Wet Boots
Winter drags wet boots, road salt and slush through your front door. Here are the rug features that survive it, our best entryway picks,...
October 14, 2026
How to Choose a Rug in Front of a Fireplace: Safety, Size, and Style
How to Choose a Rug in Front of a Fireplace: Safety, Size, and Style
Choosing a rug in front of a fireplace comes down to a heat-safe fiber, enough clearance from the firebox, and the right size. Here...
October 14, 2026
Gabbeh Rugs: A Complete Guide to the Tribal Persian Weave
Gabbeh Rugs: A Complete Guide to the Tribal Persian Weave
Gabbeh rugs are thick, hand-knotted wool pieces from the nomadic Qashqai and Luri tribes of Iran. Learn how they're made, how they differ from...
October 13, 2026
Best Rugs for Cork Floors: A Complete Buying Guide
Best Rugs for Cork Floors: A Complete Buying Guide
The best rugs for cork floors are breathable, moderate-weight, and paired with the right pad. Here is how to pick materials, sizes, colors, and...
October 13, 2026
Feng Shui Rug Placement: A Room-by-Room Guide to Better Flow
Feng Shui Rug Placement: A Room-by-Room Guide to Better Flow
Feng shui rug placement, room by room: size each rug to anchor its furniture, keep walking paths clear, and pick calm tones so every...
October 13, 2026
Best Rugs for Concrete Floors: A Complete Buying Guide
Best Rugs for Concrete Floors: A Complete Buying Guide
Concrete is cold, hard and holds moisture, so the best rugs for concrete floors need a synthetic or washable fiber, a breathable pad and...
October 13, 2026
Oushak Rugs: A Complete Guide to the Turkish Classic
Oushak Rugs: A Complete Guide to the Turkish Classic
Oushak rugs pair a large-scale, soft-toned look with hand-knotted durability, which is why designers reach for them again and again. Here is how to...
October 13, 2026
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