Have you always wanted a stylish rug or carpet, but couldn’t get one because of your allergies? You’re not alone—a lot of people have to live with various conditions that limit their options for home decorating. But the good news is that it’s all changing. These days, you can find area rugs in a much wider range of materials, many of them completely safe for people with allergies. And if you’re thinking of dull, boring designs, think again—these rugs come in so many designs that you’ll find it hard to choose just one.
So what makes an allergy-friendly area rug? It’s actually a combination of lots of factors: material, thickness, maintenance, even color and pattern. Since every allergy is different, there’s no single standard that applies to everyone. In most cases, you’ll have to examine each rug to see if it’s safe for you. Or if you’re not sure yourself, you may have to ask your doctor for specifications. However, there are some rug characteristics that are always good to look for, whether you’re allergic or not. Here are some of them.
Go natural.
As you might expect, natural area rugs are the best choice for allergy-prone homeowners. Luckily, manufacturers have been using a growing number of natural fibers such as sea-grass, jute, sisal, and bamboo. Bamboo area rugs are particularly favored because they’re surprisingly sturdy yet very cheap to make. Often, it needs very little treatment to strengthen the fiber enough for regular use. And since it’s a sustainable material, it’s also a popular choice for those who want to keep things eco-friendly.
If you want something softer, you may want to go for organic cotton or wool. These are more fabric-like, so they’re more comfortable underfoot and are much easier to maintain. Wool is especially ideal because it’s naturally hypoallergenic and has anti-bacterial properties, which means it’s very low-maintenance. Often, the only work it’ll need is occasional vacuuming, about once or twice a week depending on the amount of traffic in the room.
Avoid heavy pile.
The main reason rugs and carpets cause allergies is that they tend to gather dust. The little knots in the fabric make it an easy place for small particles to settle, and these get carried up every time you step on it. For low-traffic rooms, choose light, thin fabrics such as those from Prairie Cotton Rugs. Prairie Rugs specializes in hand-made, eco-friendly rugs that use only natural materials, from the soap used to the final treatments. Even their dyes are completely biodegradable, so they’re as safe as you can get for allergies.
One thing you’ll want to avoid is thick, heavy pile. They may be more comfortable on your feet, but unless you’re willing to clean and vacuum every day, the environmental effects are hardly worth it. As a general rule, the thicker the pile is, the more likely it is to attract dust and other allergens. Limit your choices to short and medium pile, and just choose softer fabrics to compensate.
Choose washable materials.
Occasional dusting and vacuuming is usually good for the long term, but sometimes a rug needs more thorough cleaning. That’s why it’s important to get one that’s washable, and won’t wear out with repeated wash and dry cycles. If you like wool but don’t like the heavy washing, go for braided wool rugs—they’re much lighter than the usual knotted type, and most are safe to put in the washer. Braided wool is more expensive than other braided materials, but the quality is often more than worth it.
Some synthetic materials are also washable, and in fact hold up better to frequent washing than natural ones. One example is polypropylene (also called olefin), which is made from a plastic-based fiber. Polypropylene rugs look and feel much like wool and cotton, but offer a tougher, more low-maintenance construction. Look for those with little to no chemical treatments to avoid adverse reactions.
Get professional advice.
As mentioned above, the best way to go is to get a recommendation from professionals. If you have serious allergies it may be best to consult your doctor to see which rugs work best for you. If you’re more concerned about maintenance, you can ask your dealer about recommended cleaning products or professional cleaning services. A designer can also give you some decorating with area rug information, taking into account your specific needs.
Another thing you can do is look online for people who have the same allergies or conditions as you. Forums are a great source of firsthand information, and you can share your opinions with others in the same situation. Many designers and homeowners have set up area rug blogs designed for various audiences, which can come in handy when you’re looking for specific information. Besides rug advice, they can also give you tips on where to find the best deals or what the latest trends are.