How to Pick the Perfect Area Rug to Instantly Elevate Your Space
While thinking of doing interior design, area rugs can make wonders, completely transforming a space. Adding color, and texture, or binding the room together, an area rug can bring any space a new ambiance. Yet with so many different styles, sizes, and materials, finding the perfect rug for your space can be tricky.
Here is a blog to breaking down the key factors when choosing an area rug that’s both functional and stylish.
1. Consider the Room’s Function
Determine the function of the room and select the ideal area rugs accordingly. Is it a high-traffic area such as a living room or hallway, or more of a low-traffic room such as a bedroom or reading nook? Use the room’s intended function to guide your selections of material, size, and durability.
High-traffic areas: For a room that gets the most traffic, opt for a rug with sturdy fibers such as wool, nylon, or polypropylene. This type of material lasts long and has the advantage of being easy to clean.
Less trafficked area: In places like the bedroom or office, where the rug is for aesthetics, you can opt for a softer, finer fiber like silk or cotton.
2. Choose the Right Size
One of the most common mistakes when choosing an area rug is picking the wrong size. A too-small rug can make a room feel disjoined, and a too-large one can be overwhelming. Here’s how to find the right size based on the layout of your room:
Living Room: A rug in the living room should be big enough to cover the majority area. Generally, the sizes vary from 5’x8′ up to 9’x12′, depending on the size of the room. Ensure the rug is large enough for the front legs of your furniture to rest on it. In bigger living rooms, it’s very common for a rug to anchor all the furniture pieces together.
Dining Room: In a dining room, a dining room rug needs to extend 24″ at least from each side of the table out from the table edges so chairs being pushed back can’t slide off the rug.
Bedroom: You might put a rug in the bedroom. The rug goes under the bed, and you move out to either side a little bit. A pretty popular-sized rug is 8’x10′. You put that under the bed so your feet have something to hit on the way in and out of bed.
Hallways & Entryways: Long, narrow rugs work beautifully in hallways; however, entryway rugs should be small enough to be on either side of a doorway, yet large enough to make an impact.
3. Pick a Style That Complements Your Decor
The area rug should enhance the already present decor instead of trying to compete with it. Some aspects that might influence the rug’s choice would include color, design aesthetic, and the ambiance of the space. Here are some general guidelines depending on your style:
Modern or Minimalist: Grey, black, or beige and simple geometric patterns or plain colored rugs work to create sleek unobtrusive lines to accentuate the lines of the rooms and their empty spaces.
Traditional or Classic: Persian, oriental patterns or rugs that come with richly detailed borders add to antique and vintage pieces in a room, which includes a richness of color: red, navy, and gold.
Bohemian or Eclectic: Colorful, patterned rugs are used with kilims or Moroccan-type designs for someone with a boho style. Smaller layering of these rugs creates that cozy, offbeat feel.
Coastal or Farmhouse: A carefree, open-air look could be achieved using natural fibers made from jute, sisal, or even cotton in shades of soft blue, white, and neutrals. Such a rug would convey the relaxed ease of a charming space.
4. Select the Right Material
The material of the rug plays a key role in its look, feel, and durability. Here are the most common rug materials, along with their benefits:
Wool: Easy to clean, soft, and tough, wool is a great option for high-traffic rooms. It has a natural shine, meaning a room looks lovely and will provide a luxurious finish for any room.
Cotton: With softness and affordability at its core, it is an excellent choice for bedrooms or casual spaces. It’s also washable, making it a good option for homes with pets or children.
Jute and Sisal: Natural fibers add a textural quality, and can add a sense of rustic or coastal feel to your space. Although durable, they can be rather rough on the feet; best suited for lower-traffic rooms or accent spaces in larger areas.
Synthetic fibers (Nylon, Polypropylene, Polyester): These are inexpensive to clean, stain, and fade resistant, and thus ideal for heavy traffic, but also wonderful if you are looking for a rug that does not lose its shape over time.
Silk: If luxury and a soft feel are what you’re after, then silk rugs will add a touch of richness. However, they are a delicate material, and not appropriate for high-traffic areas.
5. Pay Attention to Color and Pattern
Colors and patterns must mirror the mood that you wish to create in the room. Lighter tones like cream, beige, or pastels will make a room appear brighter and airier. Darker tones are sophisticated and warm.
Neutral Rug: They work with almost all color schemes; they can always be easily exchanged for another kind of décor as well without getting worried about that rug.
Rug Color Patterns: For something bold or striking, choose those rugs that display vibrant colors and bold patterns. Rich red colors, deep blue colors, and intricate patterns can easily add energy to your space with personality.
Patterns: Geometric patterns fit well with a modern and minimalist theme, and floral, oriental, or vintage patterns match better with the traditional or boho theme. If you use a patterned rug, complement it with some solid colors to balance the overall look of the room and prevent visual cluttering.
6. Maintenance and Durability
Consider how much upkeep the rug is going to need. Natural fibers like wool can clean easily, and synthetic ones need less attention. If you have children or pets, a rug that won’t stain as quickly and which vacuums up easily can be a lifesaver. With a low pile, dirt doesn’t sink in, making it easier to clean.
7. Rug Pads: The Unsung Hero
Lastly, a good rug pad is worth spending money on. A rug pad adds a softer layer beneath, prevents a sliding rug, and extends the rug’s lifetime. It could even provide extra noise insulation such as is so useful when your apartment is lined with hardwood flooring.
FAQs
1. What size area rug should I get for a small apartment?
For small spaces, opt for a rug size that anchors key furniture pieces, like a 5’x7’ or 6’x9’ rug. Avoid rugs that are too large, as they can make the room feel cramped.
2. How do I clean a wool area rug?
Vacuum regularly to remove dirt. For spills, blot with a clean cloth, and if necessary, use a mild wool-safe cleaner. Professional cleaning is recommended for deep stains.
3. Can I use a patterned rug in a minimalist room?
Yes, but keep it subtle. Choose a rug with simple patterns or muted colors to add texture without overwhelming the space.
Conclusion
Beyond utility, the area rug stands to be the quintessential design piece that gives the room its most complete, even radical overhaul of feel. By considering function, size, material, and style, you can enhance not only the space but also reflect your personal taste. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color, create warmth, or tie a room together, the perfect rug can instantly elevate your space, bringing both beauty and comfort to your home.
