Finding the Perfect Fireside Rugs

Fireplaces are much-loved stand out features in any home. Placing a rug by your fire is a great way to incorporate them into your interior decor and keep warm throughout the cooler months.

With inevitable sparks, embers and soot flying around, it’s important to also consider the practicalities when choosing the right rug to sit by your fireplace.

We’ve put together a guide including useful tips, alongside some of our favourite picks, to help you find the perfect rug for your fireside.

The best fibres for your fireside rug

Though no rug is completely fireproof, many include natural oils or coated materials that resist burning. Here is our rundown of the finest quality materials to ensure you choose the best possible rug for your fireside.

Wool: As well as having extremely low levels of flammability, wool is naturally stain-resistant. This is a practical material to have by your fireside, as not only is it cosy and stylish, it is easy to clean and does not ignite easily. Overall, it is a strong choice to create a safe environment you can feel relaxed in.

Jute: Jute is a sustainable fibre that is both stylish and environmentally friendly. Due to its natural oils, it is a fire retardant that cannot be set ablaze. What’s more, the natural minerals found in Jute also make it resistant to fire damage, so any fall-out from your fireplace will not impact your rug.

Seagrass: Similarly to Jute, Seagrass is a natural fibre rug with low maintenance care. It is a non-flammable material designed to trap heat or cold. Because of this, Seagrass rugs are ideal for your fireside as they can insulate the heat emitted from the fire, keeping you warm throughout the colder months.

Nylon: Nylon rugs are highly durable, which makes them ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic. In addition, nylon is a fire-resistant material that stands up very well to abrasion and is extremely long lasting.

Polypropylene: Polypropylene is best known for its high levels of fire tolerance and durability. Polypropylene rugs have the ability to handle messes, stains and heavy footfall. In fact, this resilience makes them a perfect choice for your fireside with their long lasting qualities.

Positioning your rug

Overall, rugs are extremely versatile tools to help anchor a room together. Whether you opt for rectangular, circular or round, each rug is uniquely yours to style how you wish.

When it comes to placing a rug by your fire, your creative freedom does not have to be restricted. There are many ways to position your rug to provide you with comfort as well as being safe.

When positioning your rug, it is extremely important to maintain a safe distance. Whether your fire is wood-burning, gas or electric, you should place your rug at least 3 feet away from your fireplace. Be sure to measure from the opening of the firebox for an accurate result.

Similarly, you also need to find a fireside rug that is a perfect fit for the space you wish to place it. 

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for a rug that is approximately the size of your seating area. Try to find one that is at least a foot wider than your sofa on either side. In effect, you are left with enough space around the fireplace and rug without overcrowding the area.

If your rug overlaps the fireplace, it creates a risk hazard and will not sit right in your room. Leaving space around this area will not only reduce the risk of catching fire, but the rug also fits in with the existing furniture around it. Measuring up in advance allows you to avoid this problem.

Cleaning soot and fallout

As the cold winter nights draw near, we find ourselves cosying up by the fire now more than ever. A fusion of reds, oranges and yellows come alight in our living rooms. The classic aroma of burning wood fills the air, only to be followed by a cloud of soot…

If your dream rug is light coloured, you don’t have to compromise! Although it is common for the fallout to land on your rug, there are a number of cleaning methods to keep your fireside rug free from soot. (Please note, you should always check with your supplier that a product is safe to use).

The most common cleaning method is using baking soda to lift the soot from the rug and restore it back to its original state.

Firstly, sprinkle baking soda or another suitable absorbent onto the spot. Let it stand for one hour and then vacuum. Next, use a clean cloth to sponge the stain with dry-cleaning solvent. This helps to lift the stain from the rug without damaging it. Lastly, blot the affected area until the solvent is absorbed. For more stubborn stains, it’s recommended to repeat the second and last steps until the stain disappears.

Consider Colour

From bold prints to subtle neutrals, a rug has the power to transform any space with style and comfort. Equally, it is important to find a rug that not only looks good, but works alongside your fire.

Though there are many cleaning methods, investing in a coloured rug for your fireside is a great way to mask fallout from the fire.

Soot and embers falling onto your fireside rug are a given. However, darker or patterned rugs can conceal the natural residue from the fire as it makes it harder to spot. This is especially beneficial for people who have wood-burning fires, as you can still get the full benefit from your fire without worrying about stains.

Our Top Picks

At The Rug Seller, we have a large range of rugs and runners for placing by your fireside.

Now more than ever before, we value our home comforts and safety throughout the colder months. With that in mind, we have hand-picked some of our favourite fireside rugs that are certain to add warmth and comfort to your living area.

Seaweed Rug

This luxurious Seaweed rug is certain to enliven your fireside with autumnal coloured florals and leaves. Rich shades of ink, green and red bring the homiest of hues. Beautifully crafted from wool, this stunning rug is the perfect addition to your living room, certain to create the perfect cosy setting by the fire.

Zira Circular Rug

Cosy up by the fire in the company of this stunning circular Zira rug. Hand-woven from 100% Jute, intricate patterns come together to create a beautiful centrepiece in your home. As a natural fire retardant, this wonderful rug is ideal for your fireside as its unique shape adds character to the room whilst complimenting your fireplace!

Royal Nomadic Shaggy Rug

Featuring a striking grey diamond pattern, the Royal Nomadic rug creates a homely feel by your fireside. Made from 100% Polypropylene, this shaggy rug provides an extra cosy feel with a soft-to-touch high pile. Additionally, it benefits from being anti-shed, extremely durable and a fire-retardant. Not only does this rug add a modern feel to your interior, but it is also an extremely practical rug to sit by your fire.

Lagos Jute Runner

If you are looking for a more subtle fireside rug, runners are a great choice. Handwoven in 100% Jute, our Lagos runner is a perfect fit in the modern-day home. This design benefits from being reversible, which is great for working around any stains that may come from your fire, certainly extending the life of your rug.

Rosita Stripe Wool Rug

Featuring a bold stripe design, this Rosita Rug by Harlequin adds a fusion of colour to your living room. Handmade from 100% wool, the Rosita rug is the perfect modern addition to your home. Wonderfully soft underfoot, beautiful orange and grey tones come together to provide a bright and homely feel around your fireside.

 

Thoughts?

Finding the perfect rug for your fireside can be a long process – but it is worth every minute. Once your space is measured and all things safety has been considered, you will be able to enjoy the long-lasting comfort and modern flair of fireside rugs.

So what do you think, have you been inspired to find that perfect rug for your fireside? Let us know in the comments!