How to integrate a rug into your home with young children (without sacrificing everything)?
Do you have a toddler, that cute and lively little being, but also capable of turning your interior into a real disaster area? At home, we call him EL DESTRUCTOR.
Example of a baby specimen named EL DESTRUCTOR
If you're here, it's probably because you're asking yourself these questions:
• Can you have an elegant rug with a baby at home?
• What type of rug to choose for a dining room or living room suitable for children?
• What tips to avoid damage while keeping a beautiful decor?
No worries, I'm here to share all my tested and approved tips for integrating rug into your home, even with a toddler at home.
1. Can you put a rug in a dining room with children?
a- From birth to food diversification:
Good news: at this stage, no limits! You can install the most delicate Berber or kilim rug, even a pristine white rug. Why? Because your baby is still under milk control... But enjoy it, because as soon as food diversification starts, everything changes.
Photo of a White Beni Ouarain rug from Néda at Deborah's
b- From the start of food diversification:
This is the beginning of the EL DESTRUCTOR era. I strongly advise against delicate or white rug under the table. At this stage, you have two options:
1. No rug under the baby's chair.
2. Use a plastic tablecloth under the high chair, which you can easily shake after each meal. This preserves your decoration while limiting damage.
c- When baby grows up (around 2 years old):
Meals become a bit less chaotic (your toddler's movements become less random haha), but the vacuum cleaner will remain your faithful ally. In this case, opt for:
• An Afghan kilim or Zanafi Berber kilim, perfect for easy cleaning.
• A rug Mrirt, silky and ideal for maintenance thanks to its slippery texture.
Prefer colored or patterned models, which better camouflage stains.
Photo of an Afghan kilim Néda in a customer's dining room
2. Which rug to choose for the living room with a child?
Unlike the dining room, the living room is more forgiving with your rug. What will suffer the most is... your couch (RIP designer pieces)! (Tip: think about washable covers).
For the floor, here are my recommendations:
• Thick Berber rug like the Mrirt, Beni Ouarain or Azilal:
These rug insulate from the cold (just like kilims), offer soft comfort for floor play, and cushion small falls.
They also bring an elegant and timeless touch to your interior.
With these rug, you combine style and practicality, even with toddlers at home.
3. Which rug to choose for a baby's or child's room?
To cushion falls:
If softness is your priority, opt for:
• A thick Berber rug like the Beni Mrirt, Beni Ouarain, Azilal or Boucherouite.
These rug are soft and perfect for avoiding bumps during early explorations.
The rug spruce green checkerboard: a timeless must-have
For a colorful and easy-to-clean style:
If you prefer an rug aesthetic and practical:
• An Afghan kilim is ideal.
Example: Manon chose a beautiful Afghan kilim from me, Neda :) for her little girl's room. Result? An elegant, colorful, and functional space.
An rug Afghan kilim from Néda, that Manon chose for her little girl
4. Practical tips for maintaining your rug with children:
1. Use covers or plastic protectors under sensitive areas (like high chairs).
2. Regularly vacuum your rug, especially after meals.
3. Choose patterned or colored rug to camouflage stains.
Need personalized advice?
As an expert in rug (I've been immersed in this universe since before I was born thanks to my Persian roots), I'm here to help you find the perfect rug for your home and lifestyle.
Contact me for advice tailored to your needs!
Nidaa from Néda (yes, it's redundant but I like it :))