Your Ultimate Rug Guide, Part 1: Rug Unrolling Tips to Start Off Right
Welcome to your new favorite corner of the home—right where your brand-new rug will live. Whether this is your very first rug purchase or one of many (we see you, fellow rug lovers!), there’s nothing quite like the thrill of unboxing a new piece that’s going to transform your space. At Fabulive, we know that rugs do more than just soften your step—they anchor rooms, define zones, add personality, and bring a sense of cozy, curated style to your home.
So, first off—congratulations! Your new rug has finally arrived, and you’re probably itching to tear off the packaging and see how it looks in your space. We get it. That anticipation is real. But before you roll it out and slide the furniture back into place, we’re here with a few essential tips that’ll help you get the very best results from day one.
Think of this as your go-to guide for the “unboxing” phase of your rug journey. It might be tempting to skip straight to the styling (and hey, we love a good room reveal as much as anyone!), but taking just a few extra moments to prepare your rug properly will make a huge difference in how it lays, looks, and lasts.
In Rug Guide Part 1: Rug Unrolling, we’re covering everything you need to know about that fresh-out-of-the-box moment. From dealing with curls and creases to managing that new rug smell, we’re sharing expert-backed solutions to help your rug settle into its new home beautifully and effortlessly. We'll also touch on what to expect with different materials (hello, natural fiber shedding!) and offer smart solutions to common first-day rug challenges.
Whether your rug is plush and high-pile, flatwoven and sleek, boho and braided, or washable and kid-friendly, the same principles apply: a little care on the front end sets the stage for years of comfort, style, and satisfaction.
This guide is also perfect for anyone who’s ever unrolled a rug and thought, “Wait...is it supposed to do that?” (Spoiler alert: yes, those curled corners are totally normal—and fixable!) With our step-by-step tips, you’ll feel confident and prepared to handle anything that comes your way—without stress, without second-guessing, and without calling your mom or Googling “why does my rug look wavy?”
So let’s take a moment to slow down, do it right, and set your rug up for success. After all, this is more than just a home accessory—it’s the foundation of your space. Let’s make sure it looks and feels its absolute best.
As you begin this exciting next step, keep in mind that every rug has its own journey—and yours is just getting started. While it might seem like a simple case of roll, place, and style, there’s a bit of behind-the-scenes magic that can make a big difference in how your rug looks and performs over time. Taking those extra few moments up front not only enhances the immediate presentation but also protects your investment for the long haul.
You’ve already chosen a piece that speaks to your taste and suits your space beautifully—now it’s time to treat it with the same thoughtfulness. We’ve seen firsthand how proper unrolling and setup can turn what might seem like a minor detail into a major “wow” factor. From flattening out those initial creases to laying a solid foundation with a rug pad, these small steps ensure your new rug lives up to its full potential.
And here’s the thing—rugs aren’t just decorative. They serve a serious purpose in your home. They absorb sound, add warmth, and help protect your floors from wear and tear. But perhaps most importantly, they create atmosphere. That one soft layer under your feet can shift the energy of a room—making it feel cozy, calm, playful, luxurious, or grounded, depending on what you choose.
Of course, not all rugs behave the same way out of the box. That’s why this guide covers the full spectrum of rug types—from plush shags that invite your toes to sink in, to structured flatweaves that offer understated elegance, to easy-to-clean washable options that fit seamlessly into family life. No matter which style you’ve picked, this unrolling guide has tips tailored to your rug’s unique qualities.
You’ll also learn what’s normal—and what’s not—so you can spot the difference between a perfectly normal quirk (like shedding with wool rugs or slight size variations with handwoven styles) and something that needs a little more attention. Trust us: once you understand the basics of how rugs behave in their first days and weeks, the whole process feels much smoother—and a lot less mysterious.
Plus, we’ll walk you through quick fixes for common concerns. Got curling corners? We’ve got a solution. Noticing a new rug smell? Totally normal—and easy to air out. Seeing loose threads or stray fibers? We’ll show you the right way to manage them without damaging the weave. All of this is part of our commitment to helping you feel confident and informed, whether it’s your first rug or your fifteenth.
At the heart of it all, our goal is simple: to help your new rug feel like it’s always belonged in your home. Because once it’s laid out, flattened, aired out, and ready to be styled, you’ll realize it’s not just about decorating—it’s about creating comfort, beauty, and a space that feels uniquely yours.
Step 1: Unpacking Your Rug the Right Way
Unrolling a rug may seem like the easiest part of the whole decorating process—but believe it or not, doing it the right way can make all the difference. A few simple steps at this stage can help your rug settle faster, prevent unwanted creases or curls, and even extend the life of your new favorite floor covering.
Let’s walk through exactly how to unroll your rug for best results.
Unwrap It Promptly
We get it—life gets busy. But if you’ve received your new rug and it’s still sitting in its packaging, consider this your friendly nudge: go ahead and unwrap it! Rugs are tightly rolled or folded for shipping, and keeping them bundled up too long can make creases harder to smooth out. The sooner you unpack your rug, the sooner it can start “breathing” and adjusting to your home’s temperature and humidity.
Use scissors (not a box cutter) to carefully cut away the plastic wrap, avoiding any contact with the rug fibers. Open the rug in a clean, open space where it can lie flat without obstruction. This step alone helps reduce tension in the fibers and allows the rug to begin settling right away.
Reverse the Roll to Relax Curls
One of the most common concerns when unrolling a new rug is curled corners—and it’s totally normal! Whether the rug was rolled tightly or folded during shipping, those corners just need a little encouragement to relax.
To help speed up the process:
Gently roll the curled end of the rug in the opposite direction of the curl.
Place it back on the floor, and then weigh down any lifted corners with heavy, flat objects—like books, bins, or furniture pieces—for 24 hours.
Be patient! Most rugs will relax naturally within a few days, but this step helps jump-start the process.
Let It Settle
Even if your rug lays mostly flat after unrolling, it still may take some time to fully settle into place. Depending on the rug material, room temperature, and thickness, it could take anywhere from a few days to a full week for all the creases to disappear.
Keep foot traffic to a minimum during this time if possible, and avoid pulling or tugging at corners. Give your rug the grace to settle naturally—it’s worth the wait.
Always Use a Rug Pad
If you only follow one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this: always use a rug pad. Rug pads offer numerous benefits that go far beyond preventing slippage. They add cushioning, reduce wear and tear, protect your floors, and help your rug retain its shape long-term.
From high-traffic entryways to cozy bedrooms, every rug benefits from the support of a well-fitted pad underneath.
By following these simple unrolling tips, you’re setting your rug—and your room—up for long-term success. Smooth, stylish, and settled: now that’s how you start strong.
Step 2: Managing Shedding—What to Know
You’ve just unrolled your beautiful new rug, and everything’s looking great—until you start noticing a few loose fibers here and there. Don’t panic! Shedding is a completely natural part of the settling process, especially if you’ve chosen a rug made from wool, jute, or other natural materials.
Think of it like breaking in a new pair of shoes—it takes a little time, but once you get past the adjustment period, your rug will look and feel exactly as it should. Here's what you need to know to navigate the shedding phase like a pro.
Why Shedding Happens
Most new rugs, particularly those made from wool, cotton, jute, or other handwoven and high-pile fibers, will shed a bit after unrolling. These loose fibers were already embedded in the rug during production or transit, and as the rug settles, they begin to surface.
The good news? This phase is temporary. With the right care, shedding will taper off significantly in the first few weeks and eventually become a non-issue.
Vacuum Smart (Not Hard)
While your first instinct might be to go full speed ahead with the vacuum, be gentle! Over-vacuuming or using a vacuum with a rotating brush (also called a beater bar) can actually cause more harm than good.
Here’s how to do it right:
Use the suction-only setting or a vacuum with the beater bar raised or turned off.
Choose a low-suction or upholstery setting for more delicate rugs.
Vacuum in the direction of the rug fibers, not against them.
Limit vacuuming to two or three times a week for the first month, then reduce as shedding decreases.
This will lift loose fibers without pulling at or damaging the rug pile.
Trim, Don’t Tug
It’s completely normal to see little strands of fiber poking through the rug surface—this is called sprouting, and it’s harmless. The important thing to remember? Don’t pull them! Tugging can cause more fibers to loosen or even damage the weave.
Instead, grab a clean pair of scissors and gently trim the sprouting fiber down to the level of the rug pile. It’s quick, easy, and keeps your rug looking neat and well-kept.
Hand-Sweep to Settle Fibers
For a simple, no-fuss approach, try running your hand or a soft brush over the rug in the direction of the pile. This helps loosen and collect surface fibers while also helping the rug settle evenly across the floor.
It’s also a great way to get up close and personal with your new rug and start building a cleaning routine that feels manageable and mindful.
Pair with a Rug Pad (Yes, Again!)
We’ll never stop singing the praises of a good rug pad! Beyond adding comfort and preventing slippage, rug pads actually help minimize shedding by reducing the friction between your rug and the floor. They also prevent dirt and debris from getting trapped in the fibers, making vacuuming more effective.
With a little attention in these early days, your rug will quickly settle into its full beauty—soft, stylish, and ready to handle whatever life throws its way.
Step 3: Expect a Little Personality
Here’s something we absolutely love about rugs—no two are exactly alike. That’s right. Every rug, especially those crafted from natural fibers or made by hand, has its own personality. While you may have chosen your rug from a beautifully styled photo online, the one that arrives at your doorstep is yours and yours alone—complete with its own charm, quirks, and subtle distinctions.
In a world where so many things are mass-produced, this kind of uniqueness is something to celebrate. Here’s what to expect (and embrace!) as your new rug settles into your space.
Color May Vary—And That’s Okay
If your rug looks a bit lighter, darker, or slightly different in tone than it appeared online, you’re not alone. Color variation is completely normal, especially with natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, and wool. These fibers take on dye in slightly different ways and can shift in appearance depending on how the light hits them throughout the day.
A beige rug might appear warm and golden in morning sunlight, but take on cooler gray undertones in the evening. Likewise, rugs with blended yarns or handwoven patterns can look slightly different depending on angle and lighting.
Instead of seeing these changes as inconsistencies, try to view them as part of the rug’s dynamic nature. That subtle shift in tone can bring surprising depth and movement to your space—qualities you won’t get from a flat, one-note floor covering.
Size Might Fluctuate Slightly
Another personality trait to expect: slight size variation. While many rugs are machine-cut with precision, handmade and natural fiber rugs may vary from their listed dimensions by up to an inch or so. This is totally standard and part of the artisanal process.
For example, a rug labeled as 5' x 8' might measure 5’1” on one end and 7’11” on the other. These small differences won’t affect the overall look or feel of your space—and in fact, they’re a reassuring sign that your rug wasn’t churned out by a robot, but rather carefully crafted by real people or made with authentic, handwoven materials.
If you're styling your rug in a room where exact dimensions aren't make-or-break (think living rooms, bedrooms, or offices), these slight differences are hardly noticeable once the rug is in place and surrounded by furniture.
Your Rug Tells a Story
At the end of the day, rugs are more than just decor—they’re woven stories, each thread holding history, craft, and character. Whether your rug was hand-loomed in a traditional workshop or made with sustainable natural fibers, it carries with it a distinct identity.
These beautiful quirks—the slightly varied colors, the imperfect edges, the soft irregularities in weave—are what make your rug yours. They bring warmth, soul, and authenticity into your home.
So as you step back and admire your newly unrolled rug, take a moment to appreciate its individuality. Because personality? That’s what makes a house feel like home.
Step 4: Air It Out
So, you’ve just unwrapped your brand-new rug—and everything looks perfect. The colors are just right, the texture feels dreamy underfoot, and it’s already transforming your space. But then… you notice a slight smell. Kind of like plastic, or maybe a “new product” scent. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—it’s completely normal.
Many rugs, especially those made with synthetic materials like polypropylene, nylon, or polyester, may release a mild odor when first removed from their packaging. This process is known as off-gassing, and while it might catch you off guard at first, rest assured—it’s both harmless and temporary.
Let’s talk about why it happens, and more importantly, how to handle it quickly and easily.
What Is Off-Gassing?
Off-gassing occurs when new products—especially those made from synthetic materials—release tiny amounts of chemical compounds into the air after being manufactured and sealed in packaging. It’s the same effect you might notice with a new mattress, sofa, car, or even electronics. While it can produce a noticeable smell at first, it typically fades within a few days to a week.
The good news? Rugs sold by Fabulive meet safety and environmental standards and are made with materials that are safe for your home. That new-rug smell might be a bit annoying at first, but it’s not dangerous—and it disappears quickly with the right care.
How to Get Rid of That New Rug Smell
The key to eliminating odor quickly is to air the rug out as soon as possible. Here’s how:
Place your rug in a well-ventilated room. Unroll it fully and lay it flat in a space where air can circulate freely. Open nearby windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow through the room. If the weather is mild, a ceiling fan or portable fan can also help speed things along.
Let it breathe outdoors. If the weather is dry and sunny, consider placing your rug outside on a porch, patio, or balcony for a few hours each day. Be sure to keep it out of direct sun for extended periods, especially with synthetic or natural fiber rugs, as too much sunlight can fade the colors.
Flip and rotate the rug. If possible, flip the rug over after a day or so and let the backing air out, too. Sometimes the odor is more concentrated on the underside, where adhesives or backings have been applied.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or sprays. These can interact with rug fibers and create new smells (or leave residues). Instead, allow time and airflow to do the work naturally.
Give It Time
In most cases, any off-gassing smell will be gone within a few days to a week. The more airflow, the faster the process. Once your rug has had time to air out, it will smell as fresh and clean as the rest of your home—and be fully ready for styling, lounging, and living.
Final Thoughts: From Rug Delivery to Daily Living
You did it! Your rug has arrived, you’ve taken the time to unroll it with care, followed a few expert-backed tips, and now it’s settling beautifully into your space. We hope this Rug Guide has empowered you to feel confident every step of the way—from unpacking to airing it out, flattening corners, managing shedding, and appreciating all the little unique details that make your rug one of a kind.
The first few days with a new rug are always a little bit of a journey. You might notice corners curling, a bit of shedding, or even a mild scent if your rug is made from synthetic materials. But with a little patience and the right approach, those early quirks quickly disappear—leaving behind a cozy, stylish foundation you’ll enjoy for years to come.
More importantly, a rug is so much more than just a decor piece. It’s the grounding element that brings your space together. It softens hard surfaces, defines rooms, anchors furniture, and creates zones of comfort and calm. Whether it’s the backdrop for movie nights, playtime, dinner parties, or quiet mornings with coffee, your new rug will play a central role in how your home looks and feels.
So as your rug finishes settling in, take a step back and admire the transformation. Even the subtlest change underfoot can shift the whole vibe of a room—from cold and echoey to warm and welcoming. And the best part? You made it happen.
At Fabulive , we love seeing how our rugs fit into your story. Whether you’re styling a cozy apartment, revamping a living room, or adding a soft touch to a nursery, every space is different—and every setup is inspiring. That’s why we invite you to share your finished look with us!
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Tag us on social @rugs_usa to show off your new setup—we’d love to feature your space!
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Leave a review on your rug’s product page to help fellow shoppers find their perfect match. Your insight makes a big difference for someone trying to decide what style, size, or material is right for their home.
As we wrap up this guide, know that we’re always here to help with the next step in your home styling journey. Whether it’s choosing a rug for a new room, learning how to layer rugs like a designer, or finding cleaning tips to keep things fresh—we’ve got more guides, inspiration, and answers just waiting for you.
Until then, enjoy your new rug. Enjoy the way it makes your space feel softer, cozier, and more complete.
Thanks for being part of the Fabulive family—and as always, happy decorating!