Shades of Light Area Rugs Review

When it comes to home decor, area rugs can make all the difference in pulling a space together. With a wide range of colors, patterns, textures and sizes to choose from, rugs add visual interest while also providing comfort underfoot. Shades of Light rugs offer an appealing combination of style, quality and value that makes them a go-to choice for many homeowners. In this review, we'll take a close look at what makes Shades of Light rugs stand out from the crowd.

Based in California, Shades of Light has been creating beautiful area rugs for over 50 years. Their mission is to provide rugs that are on-trend and budget-friendly without sacrificing design or durability. They partner with artisans around the world to produce handmade rugs as well as power-loomed styles. With hundreds of rug options to browse, Shades of Light has something for every decor aesthetic.

Overview of Shades of Light Rugs

Shades of Light offers rugs in a range of sizes from 2'x3' up to mammoth 12'x15' rugs. You can shop by color, material, shape, pattern and size to easily find options to suit your space. Some of their most popular rug collections include:

• Modern abstract designs like stripes, geometrics and graphic prints
• Boho-chic styles with global inspired motifs
• Traditional Persian and Oriental looks
• Vintage overdyed rugs in washed out hues
• Floral and nature-inspired patterns
• Solid colored shag rugs
• Whimsical kids' rugs with fun characters and shapes

Their rugs come in both natural and synthetic materials. Wool is prized for its softness and durability thanks to its natural crimp which allows it to bounce back into shape. Cotton offers strength and a more affordable natural fiber. For budget-friendly options, polypropylene resists stains, while polyester is colorfast and sheds less. Jute and sisal add versatile natural fiber texture. Shades of Light uses quality construction methods like hand-knotting and power-looming with attention to detail. Their rugs have a medium 0.5 inch pile height, suitable for high traffic areas. With frequent vacuuming and periodic professional cleaning, these rugs will retain their beauty for years.

Pros of Shades of Light Rugs

There are many reasons to consider Shades of Light rugs for your home. Here are some of the key benefits they offer:

• Durable and stain resistant: Shades of Light rugs are made to last. Wool and synthetic fibers resist crushing, while tight weaves prevent loosening over time. Materials like polypropylene and polyester naturally repel spills and stains.
• Vibrant, fade-resistant colors: Their rugs feature rich hues that will maintain their original vibrancy for years. Dyes permeate fibers rather than simply coating the surface to prevent fading.
• Soften hard floors: Adding an area rug brings warmth and comfort to spaces with hardwood, tile or concrete flooring. Rugs reduce ambient noise and make rooms cozier.
• Match any decor: With hundreds of styles to browse, it's easy to coordinate a Shades of Light rug with your existing furniture and decor. Their color palette ranges from soft neutrals to bold accent colors.
• Affordable pricing: Compared to other retailers, Shades of Light rugs offer exceptional value. Sales and clearance deals make designer-quality rugs accessible.

Cons to Consider

While Shades of Light offers quality rugs, there are a few potential drawbacks to weigh:

• Limited style selection compared to other retailers
• Mostly low pile rugs without plush options
• Some shedding of fibers on natural fiber rugs
• Longer delivery times of 1-2 weeks

The style selection is curated yet may pale in comparison to massive retailers. The low pile suits high traffic areas but isn't quite as cushy as plush carpets. Natural fibers like wool and cotton may shed at first but should subside with regular vacuuming. The rugs ship directly from warehouses which can mean longer shipping estimates compared to in-stock fulfillment.

Evaluating Shades of Light Rug Quality

When assessing the quality of a Shades of Light rug, there are a few key factors to look for:

• Density: Higher density rugs with more stitches or knots per square inch will be more durable and resilient. Aim for at least 100 knots per square inch.
• Materials: Wool is the gold standard for quality, while plant-based fibers like jute and cotton offer durability. Synthetics like polypropylene shed less. Blends marry the best qualities of each.
• Dyeing: Colorfast dyes that fully saturate fibers resist fading better than surface treatments. Look for rugs dyed with a yarn dyeing process for saturation.
• Weaving: Hand-knotting and intricate weaving patterns add value over power-looming. That said, modern power-looming has improved quality.
• Finishing: Details like surged and merrowed edges prevent unraveling for a more finished look. Binding secures edges.

Materials like wool and cotton cost more but typically indicate a higher quality investment, while budget synthetics still offer style and function. Blends combine the best of both worlds. Overall, the quality and construction by Shades of Light stand up well compared to more expensive high-end rug brands.

Shopping Tips for Shades of Light Rugs

To choose the perfect Shades of Light rug for your space, keep these tips in mind:

• Measure the room size as well as doorway and stair dimensions to ensure proper fit.
• Consider your lifestyle and match the rug texture and pile height to the room's use. Cut pile is plush while loop pile is durable.
• Coordinate rug colors with your existing furniture, walls, and decor to pull together a cohesive palette.
• Review return policies in case the size, color or material doesn't work out as anticipated.
• Sign up for email alerts to receive notice of sales and clearance deals for the best value.

Take time making your selection, and don't hesitate to reach out to customer service before purchasing with any questions. Order samples to get a better sense of color tones, materials, and construction first-hand.

Follow these tips to keep your Shades of Light rug looking its best for years to come:

• Vacuum at least weekly to prevent dirt particles from settling deep in the fibers and causing wear.
• Professionally steam clean every 1-2 years to revitalize colors and textures. Do not over-wet natural fibers.
• Rotate your rug periodically to evenly distribute wear in high traffic areas.
• Use a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping, add cushioning, and reduce friction.
• Blot spills immediately to prevent staining, then professional clean stained areas.

Spot clean as needed with a mild detergent and water to handle inevitable spills and pet mishaps. Act promptly to prevent permanent stains. With regular upkeep suited to the material, your rug will withstand years of use while maintaining its vibrant style.

Shades of Light rugs offer a compelling balance of trend-right style, durable construction, and accessible pricing. With hundreds of designs across a spectrum of color palettes and materials, it's easy to find the perfect rug to suit your home decor needs. Their attention to detail in handcrafting and power-looming ensures quality at a reasonable cost. If you're looking to make a stylish statement while protecting your floors, Shades of Light rugs are a smart choice combining value, beauty and utility.