Why are rugs labeled?
Rugs have labels for the same reason that clothes do. Labels tell the consumer about the product so the consumer can make a wise choice about buying that product based on material, size and care. It is also required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that wool and textile merchandise be labeled.
Labels protect both retailers and consumers from misrepresentations by manufacturers. Labels must include the manufacturer’s name, the fiber content, and country of origin.
What do the names on the label mean?
At the top of the label, you will find the name of the manufacturing company. FTC labeling rules state that if another business is responsible for either marketing the product or distributing the item, then their name must also be on the label. That is why you will sometimes see more than one business name listed.
The manufacturing company and rug brand are usually listed first so you know what rug you have. PlushRugs sells brands such as Jaipur, Kaleen, American Rug Craftsmen, Couristan, and many more.
Below the manufacturer’s name, you may see the name of the rug collection and the unique design name. Many rug manufacturers will have a grouping of rugs as a secondary brand. These identify a particular style so you can match similar rugs throughout your home within a rug collection. PlusNhRugs collections include the Antalya Collection from NuLoom and the Everek Collection by Bashian.
Are these numbers on a rug label some type of code?
Rug labels may list a series of numbers. These can include a design number, style number, model, SKU, class and item number. While not required for trade purposes, these numbers help the manufacturer and distributing companies and retailers keep an inventory of their items.
Some manufacturers will label the rug with a number instead of a name. For example, Loloi’s EB-14 from the Emery Collection. There are 15 rugs in this collection; rather than naming each rug, they are numbered.
Numbers on the label are helpful. If you need to call the retailer or the manufacturer to ask a question about your rug, the person on the other line can easily find your exact rug using the numbers listed on the label. Model numbers, SKU, class and item numbers are sometimes used for this same identifier purpose.
Color identifiers
The color of the rug is listed on some labels but not required. It is an inventory identifier. For instance, the rug collection might come in 3 different color groupings such as Forrest, Yellow, and Purple.
At PlushRugs you can match non-collection rugs to a rug you like simply by clicking on a swatch color listed with your favorite rug. For example, the first swatch of blue listed for the NuLoom’s Vintage Cynthia Medallion rug finds over 1,100 color matching rugs for you to pick from if you don’t want rugs from the collection.
Why are there two different sizes on some labels?
The size of the rug is a Federal Trade Commission requirement for rug labels. Most rug labels will give a straight, easy to read rug size as a simple width by length. For example, a rug is 8’ x 10’. Or it is 9’ x 12’.
But some manufacturers will post the height on the size as well as the width and length. Why? This height refers to the pile or thickness of the rug. A thicker rug is not necessarily better, it is just how it was made. A rug height might be ¼” to ¾”. Shag rugs are usually higher. Not all manufacturers will note the pile on the size of the rug but if they do it will most likely read something like 8’ x 10’ x .25”.
Some rug designs come in several different sizes and you can always order a sample size from PlushRugs.com.
Fiber, Pile and Care Instructions
Speaking of pile, the next bit of information on a rug refers to the rug fiber, the pile and how to care for the rug.
Rug labels will tell you what the rug is made of. They can be made of wool, leather, silk, viscose, jute, polypropylene and other natural and man-made fibers. Labels must also include the percentage of fiber by weight. For example, a rug might be 100% Wool or it could be 77% Rayon 20% Acrylic 3% Polyester.
Each rug has a thickness which is referred to as the rug’s pile. Depending on the fiber and pile, each rug has unique cleaning instructions. These instructions are also part of the rug label.
While some rugs are cleanable with a commercial steam cleaning machine, others need professional cleaning. Rug cleaning instructions may also advise on how to spot clean, and how to test a detergent to make sure it is safe to use on your carpet. Instructions for cleaning will also tell you whether you should vacuum and how often the manufacturer suggests.
Where was my rug made?
Another required item on the label is the country of origin. Labels must disclose the country where the rug was manufactured or processed. Italian rugs must authentically come from Italy. A rug manufactured in Belgium must be labeled from Belgium. This disclosure is to protect the consumer and is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and U. S. Customs.
What should I do with my label?
Leave your label on the rug. You may need it if you have questions about the rug and need to contact the manufacturer. If you want to find a similar rug for another room, you will have the name of the collection handy. Plus, you will always have the cleaning instructions on hand.
