Preparing for Your New Rug

A little preparation before delivery will help your new rug settle beautifully into your home.

Natural fibre rugs are carefully rolled for transport, so they may initially show some gentle curling, rippling or movement when first unwrapped. This is normal and usually settles with time.

Before Your Rug Arrives

Clear the area

Remove furniture and other items from the space where the rug will be placed.

Vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly so dust and grit are not trapped underneath the rug.

Make sure the floor is completely dry before placing your rug.

Confirm your placement

Before moving heavy furniture back into position, take a moment to confirm where the rug will sit.

You may find it helpful to use masking tape to mark the rug’s dimensions on the floor before it arrives.

Consider:

  • the direction of the rug
  • how much flooring will remain visible
  • which furniture legs will sit on the rug
  • doors, vents and walkways
  • whether the rug should be centred with the room or with a key piece of furniture

Positioning Your Rug

There is no single rule for placing a rug. The best arrangement is the one that makes the room feel balanced and works with the way the space is used.

Living rooms

In most living areas, the rug should feel connected to the furniture rather than floating separately in the middle of the room.

Common arrangements include:

  • placing the front legs of the sofa and armchairs on the rug
  • placing all furniture legs on the rug in a larger room
  • positioning the rug beneath the coffee table while ensuring it remains visually connected to the surrounding furniture

Allow enough rug to extend beyond the coffee table and seating so the layout feels generous rather than cramped.

Dining rooms

The rug should extend far enough beyond the dining table for the chairs to remain on the rug when they are pulled out.

As a general guide, allow approximately 60–75 centimetres beyond each side of the table, depending on the size and style of the chairs.

Centre the rug beneath the table and check that it does not interfere with nearby doors or walkways.

Bedrooms

For a balanced look, position the rug so it extends beyond the sides and foot of the bed.

You may choose to:

  • place a large rug beneath the entire bed and bedside tables
  • begin the rug beneath the lower two-thirds of the bed
  • use smaller rugs or runners beside the bed

The best arrangement will depend on the room dimensions and the amount of softness you would like underfoot.

Hallways and entry areas

Keep the rug centred within the walkway and leave a consistent border of visible flooring where possible.

Check that doors can open freely without catching on the rug.

Unrolling Your Rug

Whenever possible, have two people unroll and position a large rug.

  1. Carefully remove the outer packaging without cutting into the rug.
  2. Position the rolled rug close to its intended location.
  3. Unroll it slowly and evenly.
  4. Avoid dragging the finished edges across rough surfaces.
  5. Adjust the rug gently into its final position.

Natural fibre rugs can be heavy. Do not attempt to lift or reposition a large rug alone.

Helping Your Rug Settle

Your rug will arrive rolled for transport. Once it is delivered, unroll it as soon as possible and allow it to lie flat in the room.

Do not leave the rug rolled up for an extended period, as this can make curling, rippling and pressure marks take longer to settle.

Vacuum the rug after unrolling

Your rug may need a thorough vacuum when it is first unrolled.

If your rug has an underfelt backing, small fibres from the underfelt may attach to the rug’s surface during cutting, rolling and transport. This is normal and should lift away with vacuuming.

Use a clean vacuum with good suction and work slowly across the entire surface. Avoid aggressive rotating brush heads if they catch or pull at the weave.

Allow bubbles and ripples to relax

You may initially notice slight bubbling, rippling or raised areas after the rug has been unrolled.

Lay the rug completely flat and allow it time to relax naturally. In many cases, the rug will settle over several days as it adjusts to the room.

Do not wet, steam or soak the rug in an attempt to flatten it.

Turned or curled corners

If a corner or edge is turned upward, place a clean, flat weight over the area.

A coffee table, side table or another stable piece of furniture can help hold the corner down while it settles.

Make sure:

  • the furniture base is clean
  • the pressure is flat and even
  • there are no sharp feet or edges against the rug
  • the rug is not folded or sharply creased underneath

Leave the weight in place for a few days, then check whether the corner has relaxed.

Reposition furniture carefully

Once the rug is sitting correctly, return furniture to the room slowly.

Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the rug’s surface or finished edges. Lift and place furniture where possible.

The weight of sofas, tables and other furniture can also help the rug settle and remain in position.

Give it time

Natural fibre rugs may take a little time to relax after transport, particularly larger rugs or rugs with an underfelt backing.

Minor rippling, surface movement and corner lift are usually temporary. Allow the rug to lie flat and settle before deciding there is a problem.

If the rug is still not sitting correctly after a reasonable settling period, send our team a photograph so we can advise you.

Natural Characteristics

Natural fibre rugs are made from organic materials and may respond subtly to their surroundings.

You may notice small variations in:

  • colour
  • weave
  • texture
  • thickness
  • surface appearance

These are part of the character of natural fibres and are not necessarily faults.

Your rug may also require occasional minor repositioning as it settles into the room and responds to everyday use.

Once Your Rug Is in Place

Vacuum the rug gently once it has settled.

Use suction-only vacuuming where possible, particularly on textured natural fibres. Avoid aggressive rotating brush heads unless they are specifically suitable for the rug.

Rotate the rug periodically to encourage even wear and exposure to natural light.

Attend to spills immediately and follow the care instructions for the particular fibre.

Keep Your Rug Care Tag

Your rug arrives with a care tag containing important instructions specific to its natural fibre and finish.

Please keep this tag for future reference. It includes guidance on routine vacuuming, spill response and ongoing care.

Different natural fibres require different treatment, so always check the care tag before using any cleaning product or method.

Need Some Help?

Send us a photograph of the rug in your room if you would like guidance with:

  • positioning
  • furniture placement
  • settling or curling
  • care
  • any concerns after delivery

Reply to your Natural Rugs email or contact our team on 0439 321 152.

We are always happy to help you get the best result from your new rug.

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