Protecting your rug from the sun

Rugs are often the last item of the room to be thought of. After all, they lie on the floor that we all walk on, when was the last time that you looked down at your rug lovingly and cooed about that time you walked on it last?

Rugs really are the one of the better definers of your room(s). If you want a jungle themed room, a leopard patterned rug is your first choice, not a traditional red rug; if you are looking to increase the elegance of your dining room, you don't buy an Andy Warhol styled rug with pastels.

But homeowners don't typically think of rugs until something happens. A stain, a rip or a complete change of design are usually the reasons - Rugs need to be thought of first and then walked on, not the other way around.

With that said, you need to learn how to protect your area rug from the sun so as to increase it's lifespan and ensure that your investment lasts longer. Some rugs are colorfasted, especially a handmade or Persian rug, but others are not, especially if you bought it from a department store or from Aunt May's friend in the school parking lot - not all rugs are created equal.

You can protect your rug(s) from the sun with a few simple steps:

1.) turn your rugs around every so often - like every two months, especially if there is a direct sunbeam coming from the window on only part of the rug

2.) alternate rugs - switch them around from room to room every six months to keep them breathing and away from direct sunlight

3.) take them outside and beat them to keep them looking fresh. Vaccuuming doesnt' always do the trick.

The idea is to keep them moving and away from direct sunlight so they aren't exposed for any real length of time. Keep them moving around, give them a little care and they'll last a much longer time.