Rugs are a vital, if sometimes hard to merchandise, category for independent retailers. Home Accents Today’s 2026 Accessory Playbook asked two retailers what types of rugs they recommend to customers who are looking for durable rugs and easy maintenance.
We were also curious about the layered-rug trend. Do retailers demonstrate rug layering techniques in their stores to encourage multiple purchases? Here’s what they had to say:
Is the layered-rug trend still resonating?
“In our region we don’t do much rug layering or carpet anymore. There are a lot of tile floors. We find that layering can cause furniture to not sit properly. It can create a connotation of making a room feel hotter as well and that’s not something we want in Florida. If a client wants texture, we’ll find another way to do that.” — Cheryl Clendenon, owner, In Detail Interiors, Pensacola, Fla.
“We don’t layer rugs just to sell another rug. If layering helps achieve the design vision or solves a functional problem, we’ll recommend it. Sometimes it adds texture or defines a seating area. Sometimes it’s the most economical way to introduce warmth and personality into a large room. Layering should serve the space rather than call attention to itself. Our showroom is intentionally styled in complete vignettes rather than displaying products individually. Customers are able to see how layered textures create depth and warmth in a finished room.” — Ella Murdock, owner, Southernite Interiors, Caton, Ga.
For customers looking for durable rugs and easy maintenance, what do you recommend to them?
“Customers are looking for high performance in their rugs. People have pets and children. We have sold some washable rugs — to people with cats mostly — but we don’t stock them. Performance rugs have gotten so much better with more versatility in design. We’re in a coastal area so we’re always looking for good performance rug options. And wool holds up forever if customers want something more timeless. They can be cleaned and mended.” – Cheryl Clendenon
“Rather than focusing only on washable, I encourage customers to think about durability, fiber content, construction and how a room functions. A rug in a formal living room has different demands than one in a mudroom or playroom. Natural wool remains one of my favorite fibers because it’s incredibly resilient, naturally stain resistant and ages beautifully. For high-traffic or indoor/outdoor spaces, performance fibers have come a long way and can be an excellent choice. We will sell washable rugs, occasionally, if it’s the best solution for a client’s lifestyle. We’re committed to finding the right product for the way someone actually lives.” — Ella Murdock
