Choosing the Right Rug for Your Space
Choosing the right rug for a space can transform a good room into a room with a Wow factor. Choosing the wrong area rug can make the space seem disjointed. So, how do you choose the right area rug for your space anyway?
Start with Color
When choosing the right rug for your space, think about what the room will be used for and how you want to feel in the room and go from there. Most say if you can start with the rug, if your room is already decided, think about this.
- Light colored rugs can help small rooms seem larger
- Cool colored rugs create a calm space
- Dark rugs can hide stains
- Bright colored rugs can create energy
- Solid color furniture can make a patterned rug stand out
- Match the tones of a patterned rug with the colors in the room
Size Next
- Family or living rooms choose a rug that will fit the width and length of your furniture. It doesn’t have to fit the entire room
- Dining rooms choose a rug that 24” wider than the dining chairs are when pushed in. To make this a little easier think of it like this, 6 chairs need at least an 8×10, 8 chairs need at least a 9×12, 10 chairs need at least a 10×14.
- Bedrooms allow you many options for choosing the right rug. You can lay the area rug under the bed and stop before you get to the bedside tables making sure it gives enough space on each side of the bed. If it’s a queen size bed you are looking at a 6×9 rug. You can buy accent rugs to go on either side of the bed. Each rug would be about 3×5. If you have two twin beds in a room you are looking for an area rug this is 12×9.
- Entryway choosing a rug that will give the right feel to all who enter your home. Since there are so many different types of front door entryways, just make sure you have space on all 4 sides of the area rug that show the flooring 2 feet would be ideal, balancing the rug in the center.
Texture is important too
It doesn’t do you much good if you fall in love with a rug that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Think through what happens in the area you are placing your area rug. If it’s in a high traffic are you should consider a more durable area rug. If it’s placed in an area that doesn’t get a lot of traffic you are free to choose material that might not be as forgiving. Here are some material traits to keep in mind while you are looking for your new area rug
Wool Rugs– Is a probably the most popular, it’s also very durable, soft and repels water and stains.
Cotton Rugs – Is easy to clean and commonly used in flat weave rugs. Great for kitchens and bathrooms.
Jute Rugs – Strong and can be used in any space and is fade and moth resistant.
Synthetic Rugs – Great for high traffic areas and mimics the look of wool.
Chenille Rugs – Very soft and if woven tightly can be used in high traffic areas.
Polypropylene Rugs – Extremely durable material, fade resistant, and not easily damaged.
