A Rug Design Guide from Haworth

Images: courtesy of Haworth

Experiencing an office from the ground up – that is, from what’s resting beneath our feet – is the subject of a newly released Rug Design Guide by Haworth. The guide is a resource intending to help designers to be more thoughtful in specifying rugs in the workplace for the betterment of their end users.

In addition to providing examples and guidelines for a number of specific applications – including in lobbies, dining & bar, community spaces, lounges, retreats, and outdoors – the guide covers current trends in rug design and use; options in size, shape, color, pattern, and texture; selection of materials; the importance of handcrafted techniques in rug creation; the potential to impact user wellbeing; and rug maintenance and protection.

“Rugs are a grounding element that can break up the hard angles of a room’s architecture, visually anchor a space, or simply create a more engaging and interesting layout. Use rugs to delineate seating areas, lounge zones, and other social spaces within an open floorplan, or serve as wayfinding paths.”

To access the full Rug Design Guide, head to Haworth.com. Below, you’ll find the best nuggets of insight included in the guide.

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>Shape and Scale. “From jagged-edge geometrics to more organic silhouettes, shapes and their scale combine to form a frontier for creative rug design exploration.”

>Layering. “Placing rugs on top of each other allows for experimentation and variation. Designers continue to explore opportunities by varying tactile and visual texture when layering rugs, along with changing up the angles of overlap in placement to create a sense of energy.”

>Art Form. “Rugs are no longer thought of as static and flat. They can be used to soften and style benches, chairs, or sofas when laid or draped across the back. One-of-a-kind rugs are also hung as wall tapestries.”

>Handmade. “Creative, artistic and personal, handmade rugs speak to a passion for design and individualism – no two are alike. Handmade rugs with a story are valued, creating a sense of connection with the person who made it.”

>Neutral and Bold. “Trending colors include neutral gray tones for larger pieces. Bright and bold colors and cool, subdued blues are favored for rugs that are focal points or the inspiration for the color palette within a space.”

>Socially Responsible. “Companies continue to support rug makers that advocate human rights, fair wages, environmental purchasing, and sourcing from minority-owned suppliers. Bolstering this trend are Millennials, who appreciate brands with authenticity and companies that favor purpose over profit.”

Things to Consider

>Rug Size and Shape. “Rugs don’t have to full an entire room. Nor do they need to have a standard form. Using rugs of various shapes and sizes can help you create unique, inviting spaces that make people feel at home – whether at work, in social settings, or anywhere in between.”

>Rugs Play Well Together / Combining Colors, Patterns, and Textures. “Using multiple rugs within a single space can create some incredible design effects that really bring out the personality of a space and speak to culture. It’s important to ensure the chosen rugs look cohesive and do not compete with other furnishings.”

>Selecting Materials / The Right Fibers for a Variety of Needs. “It is important to choose the right rug fibers for your space. Is the rug going outside on a patio? You’ll need something that stands up to the elements – with a firmer texture. Will there be high traffic and potential for dirt collection or spills? You’ll want a rug that is durable and can be easily cleaned.”

>The Art of Handcraftsmanship. “Handmade rugs are individually crafted by skilled weavers who are committed to passing the tradition and art form on to future generations. With strong attention to detail, these artisans use a variety of hand techniques to create unique pieces that are beautiful and made to last. Techniques include: embroidering, chain stitching, hand knitting, hand looming, kilim, hand knotting, hand tufting, and glaoui.

>Happiness Flows from the Ground Up / Rugs Supporting Wellbeing. “Thoughtful design with rugs can help meet the physical and emotional needs of people within a space. Rugs can inspire, adding comfort and stimulating the senses of touch and sight through their various textures, shapes, and color. Rugs can also elevate the brand experience for employees and visitors, supporting organizational culture through craftsmanship, authenticity, and uniqueness.

-Ergonomic Considerations. “The right types of rugs can impact the ergonomic design of an indoor environment because they have the potential to: increase surface traction and eliminate the risk of slipping, change postural stability, change the way people walk or move, and act as a shock absorber.”

-Sounds Right. “A soft surface can absorb sound to reduce extraneous noise in a room. Carpet and rugs – especially those with cushion – can provide excellent sound absorptive qualities to help create a comfortable level of ambient sound.”

-Cushion and Comfort. “Several studies have investigated the influence of floor surfaces on the body during long-term standing. Not surprisingly, softer floor materials are more comfortable than standing on hard surfaces.”

-10X Noise Reduction. “Carpeting is 10-times more efficient in reducing noise compared with other flooring options. Now, think about the added effect layering rugs can have in controlling noise levels, which can reduce distractions and support focus.”

>Design for Accessibility. “The height and placement of rugs should be considered, particularly at entrances, near ramps, in major pathways, or anywhere people must cross over a rug to reach their destination. Be sure to use a rug pad, hook-and-loop fasteners, or carpet tape if necessary to prevent rugs and runners from shifting. Rug edges and seams can be placed under furniture to help prevent tripping, while minimizing wrinkles and curling. If corners do start to curl, fold them inward and tuck them under for a day or overnight when people are not using the area.”

“According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), rugs may not preclude any person from accessing an entrance, exit, area of primary function, or pathways to those areas. The ADA requires that rugs placed in these locations have a pile height of a half-inch or less, as measured from the bottom of the tuft. Localities may have additional requirements, as well. Always verify local regulations to validate compliance, and be considerate of the placement of thicker rugs.”

Guidelines for specifying the correct rug

“Depending on your space design objectives – creating an impression, welcoming guests, supporting comfort and wellbeing – rugs help define spaces for the types of activities that take place in them.”

Questions to Ask:

>What will the space be used for?

>Which areas need to be highlighted?

>Who will use the space?

>How will traffic patterns impact safety and accessibility?

>What is the overall mood or ambiance desired?

Determine Objectives – Do you need to:

>Visually soften a space?

>Provide comfort?

>Guide people in a desired direction?

>Draw attention to or ground a seating area?