Area rugs can add a pop of color to your home and add softness and protection for hard surface floors. If you’re wondering how to choose a rug for your space, there are a few simple rules you can use to ensure you pick the perfect one.
Read on for some helpful tips that will guide you toward finding the right rug to suit your style, your home, and your lifestyle.
Consider the Size
Rugs come in a wide range of sizes that can vary from welcome mat-sized to massive area rugs covering almost the entire room. To make sure you’re choosing the right size, measure the room beforehand.
Sketch out the way your furniture will be placed, then choose a rug accordingly. You don’t want something too large that “swallows” the room, but you also don’t want something too small that won’t really make an impact.
For living areas, place a medium-sized rug under the sofa to create a cozy, welcoming space. Rugs under the dining table should be larger than the table itself and provide coverage to protect the floor underneath from spills and crumbs.
You might want to consider using larger rugs in bigger, open areas of the home that has little furniture. In smaller rooms, pick out a rug that’s big enough to make an impact but won’t overtake everything else in the space.
How to Choose a Rug: Browse Color Selections
The color of your rug can literally transform the way your space looks. If you like a streamlined, cohesive look, add a rug that matches the paint color, the furniture color, or is generally in the same color palette as your other decor.
To make a huge visual impact, go with rugs in a bold color that contrasts with everything else. You can add a dark rug for lighter rooms, or try a light-colored rug in rooms that need a fresh, lively touch.
If the couch in your living room is a solid color, try a rug in a patterned design. For rooms with dramatic patterns on upholstery, stick with a solid-colored rug so it doesn’t clash with everything else.
A good rule of thumb is the darker the rug is in color, the smaller it will make the room look. Lighter colors do an excellent job of making any space appear larger, so choose your colors wisely.
Keep Design in Mind
The design of the rug you select will make quite an impact in the space. If you love classic aesthetics, go with something in a traditional Oriental design with floral borders.
Fans of modern decor can try something featured in an abstract design or something with geometric shapes. Ombre rugs add a gorgeous effect and bring a splash of contemporary style to any room.
If you enjoy the desert-inspired look, go with rugs woven in a beautiful Southwestern design. These rugs look fabulous in any home from a contemporary condo to a rustic adobe.
Romantic rugs woven in an allover floral pattern are another fun option that brings lighthearted appeal to your space. Distressed rugs featured in an overdyed style add a vintage element to rugs.
The possibilities are endless when you’re thinking about the design of your rug. Take a close look at everything available and try to narrow it down based on a combination of color scheme and pattern.
You can never go wrong with a plain solid color for your rug. Just remember to add some artwork and other decor items to make the space more unique.
Check the Rug’s Construction
If you live in a busy household, you may wonder how to choose rugs that will hold up.
The material and construction of the rug play a big role in how long it will last, especially in homes with a lot of foot traffic.
Material like wool is durable, but it’s also more difficult to clean than other rugs. The weave of the rug also matters since it can determine how strong the rug is in terms of durability.
Look for rugs with a guarantee, such as timeless Karastan rugs. The quality of craftsmanship and materials should reflect in the rug’s price as well as its overall durability factor.
Less expensive rugs made of a material like polyester or polypropylene work well in children’s rooms, utility areas, and places with little foot traffic. These rugs can still look attractive, but they might not wear as well in terms of durability and easy maintenance.
Silk rugs are a luscious choice but pay close attention to the care recommendations for these rugs. Every manufacturer should include details about the best way to care for their rugs and how well they should hold up with regular cleaning and good maintenance. The goal of your new rug is to make your home feel and look its best while adding a soft feel under your feet.
Give Your Space a Makeover with New Rugs
Once you determine the best size, color, and design for your rug, it’s easy to know how to choose rugs that will complement your home. With proper care, most rugs can last for many years in any room.
Try something in a fun design that gives your space a touch of character. Weaves made of soft wool and delicate silk are beautiful choices that can give your home an added touch of luxury, style, and softness.
Check out our other articles to learn more about creating your very own DIY designs and much more.