The 5 Best Rug Types To Elevate Your Home
Behind the Hugs
At Hug Rug, we’ve always believed that a good rug is about more than what goes under your feet - it’s about the people, the process, and the pride woven into every thread. And as we turn 18 this year, it feels only right to take a step back and shine the spotlight on the real heroes of Hug Rug: our people. From the tea trolley (Yorkshire Tea, obviously), to the factory floor through to the boardroom where we map out the future, every Hug Rug has a little piece of them stitched into it.
This blog is our way of saying thank you, and giving you a little peek behind the scenes to meet the amazing individuals who keep Hug Rug thriving.
This one’s for our people
Turning 18 is a milestone worth celebrating, and for Hug Rug, it means so much more than just coming of age. Our parent company, Phoenox actually made the very first washable rug back in 1970 and when we launched Hug Rug, we took it one step further by making it from recycled materials. Now, we produce over 100,000 rugs, mats, runners and more every single year, with our eco-conscious product reaching customers in more than 20 countries across the world
That doesn’t happen without people. And while we may have a new look, what hasn’t changed are the skilled hands and passionate minds behind every Hug Rug.
Take it from our founder, Lizzie, “Without the team, Hug Rug simply wouldn’t exist. We wouldn’t have made it past 18 days, let alone 18 years. Each and every one of them has helped us grow, and there’s a little bit of them in every Hug Rug.”
So today, we want to take the chance to celebrate the individuals who keep our machines running, our ideas flowing, and our customers smiling. They’re the ones who’ve helped turn a small, heartfelt idea into something much bigger - and more importantly, something that lasts.
Spotlight on...
Some faces at Hug Rug have been around so long they’ve become part of the fabric itself. More than a few have been with us since the very beginning and helped shape Hug Rug into what it is today.
Take Rob Smith. With more than 20 years under his belt, Rob has worked across departments - from dispatch to print, ink-making to finishing - and today plays a vital role in our Dye Sub department, making our brilliant Eco-Washable Hug Rugs. He’s a perfect example of the kind of growth, adaptability, and craft that makes Hug Rug special.
Or there’s Louise Taylor, who started out packing our very first online orders with founder Lizzie. Today, she leads our dispatch team of 15, ensuring that every Hug Rug leaves the factory safely on its way to its new home. Louise’s journey is a wonderful example of how dedication, care, and belief in the brand can grow into leadership.
Stories like Rob’s and Louise’s aren’t unusual here, and we think that says a lot. People tend to stay with Hug Rug for the long haul, building not just a career but a community. And in a world where “fast” and “throwaway” often dominate, we’re proud to say our people, like our rugs, are made to last.
It takes a village
When we talk about Hug Rug being “UK-Made,” we’re not just talking about the physical product. We’re talking about the people as well.
Our parent company, Phoenox Textiles, has been rooted in Yorkshire for over 70 years, and Hug Rug continues that legacy proudly. Today, we employ around 150 people locally, from young apprentices starting their first job in textiles to seasoned makers who have spent decades honing their craft. Many of them live just down the road, and in more than a few cases, whole families have worked with us across generations.
It takes at least a week to make a Hug Rug from start to finish - tufting the yarn, printing the design, applying our patented non-slip latex backing, cutting it to size, and sending it to our warehouse. That process only works because of the people who show up every day, pouring their expertise and energy into each stage. And when you lay a Hug Rug down in your home, you’re not just stepping onto recycled fibres and clever design - you’re stepping onto the work of a whole community.“For us, ‘British-made’ isn’t just a label, it’s a responsibility,” explains Lizzie. “We’re proud custodians of a textile craft that spans four generations. Keeping production here means we preserve skills that might otherwise be lost, and we make sure every rug carries the pride and care of its makers.”
That pride doesn’t just stay on the factory floor. It’s in every corner of the business, from the customer service team who answers your questions, to the warehouse team who carefully packs your orders, to the design team sketching the next collection.
We’re especially proud of the way Hug Rug has created opportunities for the next generation. Our apprenticeships in Tufting, Print, and Latex take three years to complete, offering young people a way into the textile industry and giving them a skill for life. They’re not just learning how to make rugs - they’re learning how to be part of a heritage that stretches back decades.
Cheers
The truth is, there are far too many people to spotlight in one blog. There’s incredible talent and amazing people at every level in our business, from our creative designers to our skilled manufacturers, through to or our hardworking dispatch team, and ever-present customer service crew (the list goes on). Every single person is a stitch in Hug Rug’s story.
So, as we turn 18, we want to say a heartfelt thank you. Thank you to every apprentice who’s learning their craft, every long-standing team member who’s shared their skills, and every leader guiding the way.
Hug Rug isn’t just a business, it’s a family, and one we’re incredibly proud to be part of.
Hugs & More
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The 5 Best Rug Types To Elevate Your Home
Hug’s New Home
