So what do you do about it?

The best defense is a good offense: buy a hand-knotted or hand-woven rug made of natural materials. If you read our post on why rugs shed, you'll know that how they're made and what they're made of are critical factors in whether they'll shed. The best thing you can do is to select a rug that is not going to the shed in the first place. In our expert opinion, that means rugs made of fine, natural materials and actually woven or knotted, as opposed to some of the modern, faster techniques that rely on petrol-based materials and glue. (If you missed our piece on why rugs shed, go back and a take a minute to read it).

You may be thinking that rugs that meet those criteria are going to be out of your price range. Just remember that there's a very wide range of options available, including affordable hand-made wool or cotton rugs.

If it's too late for you to buy the right kind of rug, then you need to play good defense. There’s no perfect method to stopping shedding, but you can reduce it by preventing any further damage to your rug.

A tufted rug is not meant to last more than a few years, so when it’s time to upgrade, remember to buy a hand-knotted rug or a hand-woven one. If you’re looking for a bargain, consider a hand-loomed rug made of natural materials.

Ready for a house with rugs that don't shed? Shop our vast collection of handmade rugs.