Many people still believe that putting a handmade rug in a child’s bedroom or nursery is out of the question because of the wear and tear that comes with such a busy (and often messy) environment. However, contrary to popular belief, hand-woven rugs tend to be more durable than machine-made rugs. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a rug for your little one’s bedroom, we’re here to tell you that a handmade rug would be the perfect addition that they’ll likely use for years to come. Here are our top tips to keep in mind when choosing the perfect rug for your child’s room:
What does GOTS certified mean and why is it important?
GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, and it is the leading textile processing standard worldwide. GOTS includes ecological and social criteria and is backed up by an independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. With Enkay’s GOTS certification, our customers can be confident in the knowledge that they are choosing truly organic pieces sourced from an ethical, green supply chain when they purchase from us.
When it comes to the safety of your child, GOTS certified rugs are not only made from organic materials but are verified to have been made using the safest dyes, glues, and backing materials too. This is especially important to consider when choosing a rug for a baby or toddler’s room, as many playtime activities and crawling happen on the floor of the room exposing them to whatever materials and chemicals (if any) that have been used in the rug-making process.
The benefit of natural materials
Besides what it looks like aesthetically, two of the most important things to consider when choosing a rug for your child’s bedroom is durability and comfort. And as mentioned before, kids can be messy. That’s why you’ll want to choose a material that can stand up to daily stains and spills while still providing enough softness to be comfortable to play on.
Wool rugs give you and your child the best of both worlds with their durability and softness. Naturally stain-, dirt-, and water-resistant, a wool rug makes the perfect foundation for a busy child’s bedroom. Some of our favorite 100% wool rugs for this purpose are Manpura, Khala, and Hinoki. Each hand-knotted using neutral naturals, stubborn stains will be well hidden by the interplay of the lighter and darker wools in these rugs.
Similarly, a jute rug is hardy and easy to clean, however its fibers can be rough for delicate skin – especially skin belonging to busy crawlers and first-time walkers. While a jute rug maybe isn’t the best choice for a baby’s nursery or a young child’s room, it would make a great option for an older child or teenager. Our Udaya and Jarga rugs are beautiful jute options that add a touch of natural texture to a space.
Choosing the perfect color and pattern
Choosing the color and pattern of your child’s rug can be a lot of fun. When deciding, start by thinking about the overall feeling of the space and what you’re wanting to convey. For example, will the room be more traditional or contemporary? Will you be using bright colors or more muted neutrals? Will the room have a theme? The list is truly endless, so try and narrow it down a bit to make your decision easier.
We have some beautiful blue rug options that form part of our Depths Collection that would be right at home in a child’s bedroom. Raksha in Indigo and Aqua are hand-knotted using 100% wool with a short, tasselled fringe on each adding an air of playfulness to balance out their deep hues of blue. Our other favorite blues are Lahti and Hav, each bringing a unique depth of texture with varying layers and colors thanks to the impressive skill of our master artisans.
If you’ve opted for a softer palette, Kinn’s neutral approach to color features hues of yellow, gold, and blue grey, bringing a sense of grounding and heritage with its rich motifs and easy symmetry. Sukri is also a lovely option, especially for a nursery, with its plush pile and pale blue hue.
Of course, some children’s rooms lend themselves more to pattern, and in this case, we think Namish or Ertis would make perfect additions (especially as your little one’s get older and start engaging in messier activities like arts and crafts).
Choosing the right size
If your child’s room isn’t already carpeted, you’ll want to go for a larger sized rug to provide more texture and comfort to the space. A large rug also helps to anchor furniture, so use your child’s bed or crib as a guide, ensuring the front legs are anchored on the rug along with any dressers, wardrobes, or desks in the room. We also highly recommend using a rug pad on smooth floors to prevent slipping and any nasty falls that may result from this.
If the room is already carpeted, opt for a rug that’s small enough to provide a few inches of space between furniture, the walls, and the rug. A smaller rug is a great way to add a little more personality to a child’s room that’s already carpeted and doesn’t necessarily need the extra softness of a large rug.
As you can see, a handmade rug is not only durable, but often a lot safer for your child thanks to the natural materials and simple time-honored techniques used to create them.