Liberty Washable Rugs: Soft Velvet Pile That Goes in the Machine
There are rooms where a rug has to do more than look good. Kitchens, hallways, children's bedrooms and homes with pets all ask a lot of whatever lies on the floor, and the thought of a spilt drink or a muddy paw on a treasured wool rug is enough to put many people off altogether. Our Liberty collection is designed for exactly those rooms: a soft, low-pile rug with a non-slip backing that can go straight into the washing machine. Browse the full Liberty collection.
What the Liberty range is made from
Every rug in the range shares the same specification, so whichever colourway you choose, you know what you are getting.
- Material: 100% polyester, machine made.
- Pile: a low pile of around 4mm with a soft, velvet feel underfoot.
- Backing: a non-slip backing designed to keep the rug in place and stop it bunching.
- Finish: stain guarded, with easy-care fibres that do not shed.
- Use: indoor only, and suitable for areas with moderate foot traffic.
That low pile is a practical advantage in its own right. It sits flat, so doors open over it more easily, chair legs move across it without catching, and crumbs and pet hair are simple to lift with a light vacuum.
How to wash a Liberty rug
The care instructions are straightforward, but they matter, so it is worth following them closely.
- Machine size: use a washing machine with a capacity of at least 8kg.
- Temperature: cold wash cycle only.
- Detergent: mild detergent only, and no bleach.
- Drying: hang dry or use a cold air cycle only, with no heat, and dry flat.
- Between washes: a light vacuum is recommended.
As with all our rugs, sizes may vary slightly, so allow a little leeway when you plan your space.
A colourway for every room
The range runs to around thirty colourways, from quiet neutrals to soft pastels and stronger accents, so it is easy to find one that suits your scheme.
- Warm and autumnal: Lib 107 Autumn, Lib 205 Gold and Lib 207 Mocha bring warmth to a kitchen or family room.
- Calm neutrals: Beige, Dove, Taupe, Ivory, Cream and Quarry colourways sit quietly in almost any home.
- Blues and greens: Sky, Aqua, Seafoam, Light Blue, Cobalt and Lib 306 Navy work well in kitchens, bedrooms and coastal-style schemes.
- Softer and brighter: Pastel, Palette, Spring, Dusty Pink and the multicolour designs are cheerful choices for children's rooms and playrooms.
Where a Liberty rug works best
Kitchens. A washable rug in front of the sink or along a galley run adds softness and colour without the worry of splashes. Our guide to kitchen rugs covers what else to consider.
Nurseries and children's rooms. The soft pile is comfortable for crawling and playing, and the ability to wash the rug is invaluable. See our practical guide to nursery and children's room rugs.
Entrances and boot rooms. Winter means mud, rain and wet dogs. A washable rug by the door can be laundered whenever it needs it, which is exactly what this time of year calls for.
Homes with pets. Pet hair lifts easily from a low pile, and accidents are far less stressful when the whole rug can go in the machine.
Washable rugs in context
A washable polyester rug will not feel or age in the same way as a hand-tufted wool rug, and it is not meant to. It is the practical choice for rooms where ease of care matters most. For a balanced look at the pros and cons, read Washable Rugs: Are They Worth It?, and compare the Liberty range with our other washable rugs, including the Lux Washable collection.
A decorator's note
Many of our clients use a washable rug in the busy rooms of the house and save their wool rugs for living rooms and bedrooms, which is a sensible way to get the best of both. If you would like help choosing a Liberty colourway to sit alongside your existing rugs, send our team a photograph of the room and we will happily make a suggestion.
