Area Rug FAQ

Area Rug FAQ — RugKnots Help Center

Area Rug FAQ — RugKnots Help Center

Have questions about area rugs? RugKnots answers everything about rug sizing, materials, care, shipping, returns, and hand-knotted craftsmanship. Find your answer here.

Ordering & Payment

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards — Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover — as well as PayPal, Apple Pay, and Affirm (buy now, pay later). All transactions are encrypted and secure.
How do I apply a promo code or discount?
During checkout, you'll see an "Add Promo Code" field. Enter your code and click Apply. The discount will be reflected in your order total before you complete payment. Only one promo code can be applied per order.
Will I be charged sales tax?
Sales tax is collected where required by law. Whether tax applies to your order depends on your shipping state and is calculated automatically at checkout before you confirm your purchase.
Can I modify or cancel my order after placing it?
You can cancel or modify your order as long as it hasn't been dispatched from our warehouse. Email us immediately at [email protected] with your order number and requested changes. Because many orders ship quickly, we recommend contacting us within 1–2 hours of placing your order.
I need help choosing the right rug. What should I do?
Our team loves helping customers find the perfect rug. Reach out via live chat, phone at (240) 452-5452, or email us at [email protected] and a rug specialist will guide you through size, style, material, and color options for your space.

Shipping & Delivery

How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on all orders within the contiguous United States. For orders shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, or outside the US, additional shipping charges, customs duties, and applicable fees will apply and are calculated at checkout.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Most orders are delivered within 3–5 business days. Delivery time depends on product availability and your location. If your order ships from our international warehouse, delivery may take 5–7 business days. You'll receive a tracking confirmation email once your order is dispatched.
How do I track my order?
Once your order ships, we'll send you an email with a tracking number. You can use this number to monitor your shipment in real time. For additional tracking support, contact us at (240) 452-5452 or [email protected].
How are rugs packaged and shipped?
Rugs are tightly rolled and wrapped in protective packaging for transit. Larger rugs may be folded for shipping — this is normal and will not cause permanent damage. Any folds or creases will relax within a few days once the rug is laid flat.
What if I live in an apartment building or have a gated access address?
Our carriers will typically leave the package at the building entrance or with a front desk/concierge if available. Please add any special delivery instructions to your order notes, or contact us before your order ships so we can coordinate with the carrier.
What happens if I refuse delivery?
If a delivery is refused without prior authorization from us, return shipping costs may be deducted from your refund. If there is a problem with the package at the time of delivery — such as visible damage — please contact us immediately before refusing the shipment.

Returns & Exchanges

What is your return policy?
We offer a 30-Day Return Policy. If you're not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may initiate a return within 30 days of receiving your order. To start a return, email [email protected] with your order number and reason for return. We will issue a Return Authorization Number. Returns without an authorization number or received more than 30 days after authorization is issued will not be accepted. View full return policy →
What condition does the rug need to be in for a return?
The rug must be in its original, unused condition and free from damage caused after delivery. Rugs that show signs of use, soiling, or damage that occurred after delivery may not be eligible for a full refund.
When will my refund appear?
Once we receive and inspect the returned item, your refund will be processed. Refunds typically appear on your bank statement within 5–10 business days depending on your payment method and financial institution.
What if my rug arrives damaged or defective?
If your rug arrives with damage from transit, contact us immediately at (240) 452-5452 or [email protected] with photos of the damage and your order number. Do not discard any packaging materials. We will work to resolve the issue quickly with a replacement or refund.
Do you offer exchanges?
At this time, we do not process direct exchanges. If you'd like a different rug, please initiate a return for your original order and place a new order for the item you prefer.

Rug Sizing & Buying Guide

What size rug do I need for my living room?
For a living room, the most popular sizes are 8x10 and 9x12. A general rule: all main furniture legs should sit on the rug, or at minimum the front two legs of each sofa and chair. Leave 12–18 inches of bare floor between the rug edge and the wall. For smaller seating areas, a 5x8 works well. If you're unsure, measure your furniture arrangement and add 12–18 inches on each side. View our full rug size guide →
What size rug works best under a dining table?
Choose a rug that extends at least 24 inches beyond the table on all sides — this ensures chairs remain on the rug even when pulled out. For a 6-person dining table, a 9x12 is typically ideal. For a 4-person table, an 8x10 or 6x9 usually works.
What size rug should I use in a bedroom?
For a king or queen bed, an 8x10 or 9x12 placed under the bottom two-thirds of the bed is the most common approach. Alternatively, a 5x8 can be placed at the foot of the bed alone for an accent look. Runner rugs on both sides of the bed are another great option.
Should I buy a rug pad?
Yes — we strongly recommend one. A non-slip rug pad prevents your rug from sliding on hard floors, protects your flooring from scratches, adds cushioning underfoot, and extends the life of your rug by reducing wear. Our rug pads are intentionally sized slightly smaller than the rug so they stay hidden and don't interfere with the rug's edges.

About Our Rugs

Where are RugKnots rugs made?
Our rug covers are made in the USA using quality imported materials. Our hand-knotted rugs are crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
What does "hand-knotted" mean?
Hand-knotted rugs are made entirely by hand on a loom, with each individual knot tied by an artisan. This process can take weeks or months to complete depending on the rug's size and complexity. The result is an exceptionally durable rug with rich detail that improves with age. Hand-knotted rugs are considered the highest quality in the rug industry and are built to last for decades.
Are your colors accurate in photos?
We make every effort to photograph rugs in the most accurate lighting and color settings possible. However, variations may occur depending on your monitor's calibration, screen brightness, and your room's lighting conditions. Color variation is also natural in handmade rugs, as they are crafted by individual artisans and slight tonal differences are part of their character and authenticity.
Why does my rug's size vary slightly from what's listed?
A size variation of up to 3–5% is completely normal for rugs, particularly handmade ones. Because we source rugs from multiple artisan vendors to offer the widest selection, minor dimensional variation can occur. This is not a manufacturing defect and will not affect the look or performance of your rug.
Is rug shedding normal?
Yes. New rugs — especially those made with wool or plush pile — naturally shed loose fibers during the first few weeks or months of use. Regular vacuuming on a low-suction setting will remove loose fibers and reduce shedding over time. Shedding is not a defect and will decrease significantly with regular use and vacuuming.
Do RugKnots rugs contain glue, chemicals, or petroleum-based materials?
No. We do not use chemical bonding agents, petroleum-based materials, or harsh adhesives in our rugs. The only adhesive used is a wearable-grade fabric glue, the same type used in apparel manufacturing, which is safe for home use.

Rug Care & Cleaning

What's the best way to vacuum an area rug?
Use a vacuum on a low-suction setting, and always vacuum in the direction of the pile (the way the fibers naturally lie). Avoid using a beater bar attachment on delicate or hand-knotted rugs, as it can stress the fibers. Vacuum regularly — about once a week in high-traffic areas — to keep your rug clean and reduce shedding.
Are RugKnots rugs machine washable?
Select rugs are machine washable. This depends on the rug's material, construction, and size. Rugs up to 6–8 feet in diameter can typically fit in a home washer with 3.8+ cubic feet capacity. Always check the individual product listing for care instructions before washing. Browse all washable rugs →
What should I do if something spills on my rug?
Act quickly. For liquid spills, blot (don't rub) the area with a clean white cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Work from the outside of the spill inward to prevent spreading. For solid spills, gently scrape away residue first. Clean the spot with a mild, non-bleach detergent and warm water, then blot dry. For large or deep stains, consider professional cleaning.
What detergent should I use to wash my rug?
Use a mild, non-bleach liquid detergent. Avoid detergents with bleach, optical brighteners, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage rug fibers and cause fading — especially in wool or hand-knotted rugs.
What's the best way to dry a rug after washing?
For machine-washable rugs, tumble dry on low heat. High heat can shrink or damage rug fibers. For larger rugs, hang drying outdoors or flat drying on a clean surface is recommended. Ensure the rug is completely dry before placing it back on the floor to prevent mildew.
How do I clean an outdoor rug?
Outdoor rugs collect more dust and debris than indoor rugs. Start by shaking or sweeping away loose dirt — avoid metal brushes or tools that can damage fibers. Then wash with a mild detergent and water using a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly and hang dry completely before use. For spot cleaning between washes, use a damp cloth with mild soapy water. Browse all outdoor rugs →

Additional Help

How do I get a copy of my receipt?
A digital receipt is automatically emailed to you after every order. If you need a replacement copy, email us at [email protected] with your order number and we'll resend it promptly.
How do I contact RugKnots customer support?
Our team is here to help. You can reach us by:

📞 Phone: (240) 452-5452
✉️ Email: [email protected]
💬 Live Chat: Available on our website

We're available Monday–Friday, 9am–11pm EST and Saturday–Sunday, 9am–6pm EST.