The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Area Rug for Your Home
Want to add some warmth, color, and texture to your living space? Look no further than an area rug! But with so many styles, sizes, and materials out there, choosing the right one can be pretty overwhelming. Don't worry though, we've got you covered with the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect area rug for your home! Let’s talk about all the important factors you need to consider before making that final decision.
Size Matters: Before you get too caught up in colors and patterns, you need to figure out what size rug you need. Start by measuring the area you want to cover and think about how you want to arrange your furniture. The general rule of thumb is to choose a rug that's slightly bigger than your furniture grouping, so everything looks nice and cohesive. Ideally, the rug should be large enough to fit under all of your main pieces of furniture (ie. sofa, armchairs, side tables, coffee table). The front legs of the furniture should be placed onto the rug, and the rug should be 6”-8” wider than the sofa on both sides. Also, you’ll want to keep the rug 1-2 feet away from the wall to avoid a faux wall-to-wall carpet appearance.
If the rug is going under a dining room table, you’ll want to ensure that the rug is big enough so that when you move your chairs out to use them, they still remain on the rug (typically 24” beyond each side of the table is enough). For a bedroom, the rug should extend roughly 36” around the bed which allows some extra length for nightstands if they’re used. On average a 5’x8’ or 6’x 9’ for a twin, 6’x9’ or 8’x10’ for a queen, and a 9’x12’ for a king. When it doubt, map it out with painter’s tape to help you visualize.
Source: Rugs Direct
Get a Style That Works for You: Now that you've got the size sorted, it's time to think about the style of your rug. Do you want something bold and colorful, or subtle and neutral? Take a look at your existing decor and furniture to make sure you choose a rug that complements the vibe you're going for. If you're feeling adventurous, mixing patterns and textures can be a fun way to add some personality to your room.
Source: Ruggable
Don't Skimp on Quality: Let's talk materials. This is an important factor to consider because it affects the durability, texture, and feel of your rug. Natural fibers like wool and cotton are great for high-traffic areas, while synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester are more stain-resistant and easier to clean. Don't skimp on quality here. A good quality rug may be a bit more expensive upfront, but it will last you a lot longer in the end.
Source: Rugs USA
Pick the Right Color Scheme: Choosing the right color scheme for your rug is where things can start to get a bit tricky. The general rule of thumb is to choose a color scheme that complements your existing decor. If your room is already pretty colorful, a neutral rug can help tone things down a bit. If you're looking to make a statement, a bold rug can add some serious pop. Also, think about the mood you want to create in your space. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while cool colors like blue and green can create a more calming vibe. It may be wise to avoid light colors if the rug is in a high traffic area such as an entryway or mudroom.
Source: Rugs USA
Think About Maintenance: Let's face it, we're all busy and cleaning our rugs isn't always at the top of our to-do list. It's important to choose a rug that fits your lifestyle and cleaning routine. If you have kids or pets, you may want to choose a rug that's easy to clean and won't show pet hair. If you have a high-traffic area, look for something that's low pile (1/4” or shorter), durable and easy to vacuum. There are tons of washable options available now, also!
Source: Walmart
Try Before You Buy: Before you make your final decision, make sure you're totally happy with your rug choice. Try before you buy by bringing home swatches or borrowing a rug sample from the store. This will give you a better idea of how the rug looks in your space and if it complements your furniture and decor. And don't forget to test out the texture and feel of the rug to make sure it's comfortable underfoot.
Source: Overstock
Go Ahead and Splurge: Considering which season of life you’re in, it may be worth investing in a high-quality rug that you love and will last for years to come. A well-made rug can even become a family heirloom that you can pass down to future generations. Plus, a beautiful rug can really tie a room together and make it feel complete. Don't be afraid to splurge a little and invest in a rug that you'll love. If that’s just not a possibility, or you have a messy toddler and dogs (like me), opt for a high quality rug in a smaller size, and layer it over a less expensive jute rug.
Source: Lindye Galloway
So there you have it, the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect area rug for your home! Remember to consider size, style, quality, color scheme, maintenance, and try before you buy. And don't forget to splurge a little on a rug that you love. With the right area rug, you can add warmth, personality, and a touch of luxury to any room in your home. Happy shopping!