How to buy rugs for homes with lots of paws and foot traffic | Canada Voices

A beautiful rug can be like art for the floor. It can also do wonders for a room, tying together the furniture and decor with its colour, texture and pattern.

That is, until reality hits. One reason real art tends to hang on walls – and not be sprawled across the ground – is to safeguard it from the onslaught of coffee spills, muddy boots, dirty paws and messy kids.

Fortunately, these days many rugs are designed and made to look delightful regardless of the foot traffic on their surfaces. As a bonus, many are woven with sustainable materials that naturally resist wear, making them perfect for any room in the house.

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“We always begin with natural, hard-wearing materials that balance beauty and function,” says Ami McKay, founder of Vancouver’s Pure Design Inc., an interiors firm known for mixing sustainability and style. “In high-traffic areas like foyers, mud rooms and hallways, sisal is our top choice. It’s incredibly durable, resists dirt and has a relaxed, tailored look.”

Sisal is a fibre found in Mexican agave plants, once used by the Aztecs and Mayans for fabric and paper. One drawback is that it tends to have a coarse texture (rope and twine are other common applications). “For a softer alternative, we often turn to seagrass,” McKay says.

Seagrass grows quickly in the shallow saltwater of coastal areas. “It’s naturally water-repellent and comfortable underfoot, making it perfect for kitchens, laundry rooms and other spill-prone areas,” McKay says.

Because seagrass tends to have a limited colour palette, she embraces “its natural tan and olive tones to complement our warm, contemporary aesthetic.”

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While sisal and seagrass are naturally low-maintenance (and biodegradable when they are past their prime), McKay says a little care goes a long way. “Vacuum regularly with strong suction and no beater bar. For stubborn pet hair, loosen it first with a stiff natural-bristle brush or carpet rake. A barely damp cloth with mild soap works for spot cleaning.”

Jude Kamal, founder of Toronto’s Sansa Interiors, agrees that natural fibres are a great choice. However, she cautions that sisal isn’t always ideal in humid climates, as moisture can cause the weaves to warp. “We prioritize natural, high-quality materials like wool, which is inherently durable, soft underfoot and naturally stain-resistant due to its lanolin content,” she says. “Wool rugs also tend to age beautifully and maintain their texture over time.”

When young kids and pets are present in a home, Kamal sometimes uses synthetic materials. Dash & Albert is a brand that hand-weaves a polymer into patterns such as herringbone and summery stripes. These rugs can sit in a mud room or outside, in front of the entryway. “They clean up incredibly well,” she says. “The fibre is mud-resistant and many are machine washable.”

To Kamal, the way rugs are made is another important consideration. “Hand-knotted rugs are our gold standard for both durability and artistry,” she says. “While they often come with a higher price tag, they’re essentially heirloom pieces.” But, she notes, they can be harder to clean, with special care required depending on the material and how tight or lose the knots are tied. (Looser knots tend to allow in more dirt and also damage more easily.)

Kamal also looks for certain certifications, such as OEKO-TEX or GoodWeave. “They help ensure there are no harmful substances and that ethical labour standards are upheld,” she says.

Laura Chenoweth is a textile consultant based in Halifax who advises brands that want to source sustainable, ethical textiles. She also seeks out certifications such as OEKO-TEX and checks labels to ensure the materials are either organic or made from recycled fibres. “Recycled canvas is a good option,” she says. “It’s very durable.”

Chenoweth adds that hard-wearing rugs are becoming more common and can be found at national retailers such as Canadian Tire and Simons.

“These rugs don’t have to cost a lot,” she says. “Last year I bought a blue throw from Simons. It’s organic cotton and still looks good, even though my son and I use it every day.”

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When looking for a durable yet high-design rug, consider hand-knotted, natural materials.