Finding the best rug for your space needn’t be as daunting as it seems. Just follow these few simple guidelines and you’ll end up with a beautiful area rug you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come…
With the current trend toward hardwood, laminate, cork, and polished concrete floors, the area rug has experienced a dramatic resurgence in popularity in both contemporary and traditional interiors of late. As one of the most prominent focal points in any room, a well chosen area rug should compliment the feel, shape, and color scheme of the space, while adding luxurious comfort underfoot.
Size: An area rug is an ideal way to define a conversation grouping in a larger space. The size of the rug is determined by the scale of the conversation grouping. The front legs of all the seating pieces (sofa, chairs, etc.) should fit over the edge of the rug, so that the rug literally unifies the space. When in doubt, or if you’re torn between two sizes, it is generally better to go a bit bigger than you need rather than smaller.
Mori Red Area Rug $245
Color: Ideally, an area rug should compliment the look of a room, without overpowering it. For monochromatic or mostly neutral rooms (like the one pictured), choose a rug that offers a subtle contrast in tone between the floor and furniture shades. For more eclectic spaces with a variety of colors, choose a rug that picks up on one of the less dominant hues. For example, pick a color from a piece of artwork, drapery, or a toss cushion in the room and use this as the basis for your area rug color.
Pattern: Bold, vibrant patterns can add visual interest to a staid room, but the nature and degree of a pattern will depend on the context and the furniture that is in the room. As a rule, if the furniture that will be placed on a rug features highly patterned upholstery, the rug should be fairly plain. As with color, the pattern of a rug should play up one of the less dominant features of a room. For example, a room that features a lot of organic floral patterns in the artwork and textiles is nicely complimented by a rigid geometric pattern on the rug.
Texture: The texture of a rug will largely be determined by the room and traffic patterns where it will be places. Coarse sisal is great for an entryway or mud-room, but may be a bit rough for a bedroom. Deep cropped-pile rugs feel luxurious underfoot and add a soft touch in a bedroom or sitting room, but can quickly become worn and stained in high traffic areas.
Geometrica Area Rug $215
Material: Look for the cleaning code on the label (usually found on the bottom left or right corner of the rug backing) to determine the fiber content and best care methods. A well-made 100% wool rug can last for several years if properly maintained (they should be vacuumed frequently and professionally cleaned annually), which helps to offset their higher price. Rayon/Viscose rugs tend to be more affordable and will generally last 3-5 years with proper care, under normal use. Polypropylene rugs are great choice for areas susceptible to moisture and can usually be cleaned with soap and water. Acrylic is often used for faux-fur or shag rugs and is inexpensive but often attracts static, especially in dry environments and homes with pets. Real sisal and seagrass are environmentally friendly and provide a rustic look, but moisture can cause the fibres to rot and disintegrate prematurely.
Placement: The general rule of thumb for placing an area rug is to first center it to one of the dominant architectural features of the room, such as a large window, fireplace, built-in bookcase, etc. Next, arrange and center any items that will go in the middle of the rug (a coffee table, bed, etc). Then, any furniture that will go around the perimeter of the rug, such as sofas and chairs should be placed with the legs at least 6″ over the edge of the rug.
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