When it comes to rugs, our Head of Merchandising Rosa Glenn has probably seen more of them than anyone we know, which is why none make it into our collection without her sign-off. Here she shares how she chooses a rug, what she passes on and what to consider before you buy.
What drew you to this work, and what keeps you excited about it?
My first job was as a textile designer. I had one grandmother that was an incredible seamstress and the other a phenomenal knitter. My mother loved interiors and had such a huge appreciation for the arts that textile design felt sort of inevitable. Once I started designing rugs for big brands, I got hooked on the category.
What I find so fascinating about rugs is that, unlike many other home textiles, the textile itself is essentially a piece of furniture. It has to withstand people walking on it every day, heavy furniture sitting on top of it, and all the wear and tear of everyday life. But it also has an enormous impact on how a room looks and feels. There are endless possibilities in the construction, and small decisions about yarn, weave, pile, or color can completely transform a rug's character. I've been working in this category for ten years, and I still feel like I'm learning something new every week. There's so much history, craftsmanship, and innovation happening throughout the supply chain. It's endlessly interesting to me.
What are your top 3 considerations when sourcing a rug?
Design, quality and value. First and foremost, a rug has to be beautiful. We're looking for interesting textures, colors and patterns because if we can’t get the look right, the rest doesn’t matter. Then of course comes quality, which means understanding not just what a rug is made from, but how it's constructed and ultimately, how it will perform. Lastly, I consider value, which to me, means making sure what we're asking someone to pay is justified by the design, materials, craftsmanship and longevity of the product.
How do you decide what goes into a collection and what gets cut?
I think a great assortment is as much about what you leave out as what you include. We're constantly looking at how our collection can bring customers the “best of.” Instead of offering 50 cream cut and loop pile rugs, I’ve picked out my absolute favorite top 3 or top 5. I aim to do the tedious work of those initial edits so the shopping process is more fun. We want to offer a broad enough range of aesthetics, textures, materials, colors and price points that customers can find something they love, but we also want every rug to have a reason to be there.
Rosa Glenn
Is there a material or construction detail often overlooked that you think matters most?
Yarn quality! People know to look at fiber content (whether something is wool, jute or synthetic), but there's an enormous amount of variation within those categories. With wool, for example, the length and quality of the fibers, how they're spun, and how they're woven all affect the final product. I studied textile design, and we actually started with raw wool, combed it, spun it into yarn, and wove it ourselves. That experience gave me a real appreciation for how much the smallest decisions in textile construction can affect the finished product. The yarn itself can completely transform a rug's softness, texture, appearance and longevity.
Why is custom sizing important?
I think rug size is one of the most underestimated elements of interior design. A rug establishes the proportions of a room and creates a visual relationship between the furniture. When it's the right size, everything feels connected and intentional. When it's too small, even a beautifully furnished room can feel off.
The challenge is that rooms and furniture don't come in standard dimensions, but most rugs do. You're often forced to choose between something that's slightly too small and something that's too large for the space. That's what I find so compelling about custom sizing. It allows you to choose a rug based on what actually looks and functions best in your room.
What sizing mistakes do you see people make most often?
The most common mistake is choosing a rug that's too small. In living rooms, I often see rugs that sit almost entirely beneath the coffee table, rather than extending far enough to connect the surrounding furniture. We call this “the island.” But I think dining rooms are where standard sizing can be especially problematic. People tend to size a dining room rug based on the dimensions of the table, without accounting for what happens when someone pulls out a chair. Ideally, the rug should extend far enough beyond the table that the chairs remain comfortably on it when they're being used. It's a perfect example of why custom sizing matters: a rug might look beautiful when the chairs are tucked in, but if the dimensions aren't right, it won't function as well in everyday life.
Is there a recent rug or collection you’re especially proud of? Why?
Oh it’s hard to choose! I'm particularly excited about our newest Modern Geometry collection because it represents a bit of a departure for us in terms of design. We've really pushed the texture and construction, introducing loftier piles, more dramatic high-low effects, and a lot more dimension. I'm especially proud that we're able to offer that level of texture and construction in custom sizes.
But the launch of our Persian edit will always have a place in my heart. Years ago I spent ages searching for a Persian style rug for my living room that felt handed down, hit the right soft neutrals and was in the right size for my space. It felt impossible. I spent hours and hours and hours searching. This collection was born from that experience. Beautiful, timeworn character but available in my dimensions in 2–4 weeks. I’m so proud of the team for bringing this to market.
If you could tell every customer one thing before they buy a rug, what would it be?
Don't underestimate the importance of getting the size right. People spend so much time choosing the perfect color, pattern, and texture, which are all important. But even the most beautiful rug won't have the impact it should if the proportions aren't right for the room. I would encourage everyone to think about the relationship between their rug, their furniture, and the way they actually use the space. Getting those dimensions right can make an extraordinary difference, and it's one of the simplest ways to make a room feel more considered and complete.
