5 Things To Consider When Choosing An Area Rug

Selecting the right area rug can completely transform the look and feel of a room. When choosing an area rug, it's crucial to consider factors like size, placement, material, texture, pattern, color, and design style.

With so many options available, from jute rugs to various rug sizes and colors, the process can seem daunting. To simplify it, start by measuring the room dimensions and determining the optimal rug size based on common rug sizes for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. Then, consider the rug pad, material, pattern, and how it complements your existing decor.

Size and Placement

Regarding size and placement, there are a few key factors to consider. Wool rugs are durable and resistant to stains, dust, and fire, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

Cotton rugs are affordable and ultra-durable, though their colors can fade quickly, making them ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms.

For a cozy and textured look, consider:

• Jute rugs for living rooms and bedrooms, but be mindful that they absorb stains easily.
• Seagrass rugs for living rooms, bedrooms, and mudrooms, though their coarse texture may not suit everyone's taste.

When it comes to rug size, a general rule of thumb is to leave 10-20 inches of bare floor between the rug and walls. Additionally, rugs can be used to define spaces in open-concept areas. The size of the living room also matters - lighter colors can make a small room appear larger, while darker colors can create a cozy atmosphere in a larger room. Ultimately, the rug should be proportional to the size of the room and furniture.

Material and Texture

When it comes to material and texture, there are several factors to consider for an area rug. Wool rugs are durable, flame-retardant, hypoallergenic, and absorb sound, but can be expensive and susceptible to shedding and moth damage.

They require regular vacuuming and professional cleaning every 1-3 years. On the other hand, jute and sisal rugs are natural, environmentally friendly, and pet-friendly, but can be absorbent and prone to mold if wet. They require regular vacuuming and should be avoided for steam cleaning.

Synthetic options like polyester and polypropylene rugs are durable, stain-resistant, and cost-effective, but are flammable and can have their pile flatten over time.

They require regular vacuuming and spot cleaning with mild soap^. Viscose rugs have a soft, silk-like feel, but are semi-synthetic and not as durable for high-traffic areas. They require gentle vacuuming and cleaning.

Here's a comparison of different rug materials:

For rug colors, consider:

• Lifestyle: Households with kids and pets may want to avoid light/neutral colors that show dirt easily. Dark colors hide dirt, dust, and wear better in high-traffic areas. Multicolored rugs can also mask stains and debris.
• Existing Decor: Choose a rug color that complements your furniture and design elements for a cohesive look. Opt for contrasting colors to create an elegant, minimal space. Look at the undertones of existing colors.
• Room Size: Light colors can make a room feel larger, while dark colors create a cozy, welcoming vibe. Neutral colors like beige, gray, and cream blend with any scheme and have a calming effect.
• Focal Point: Add a pop of color with a bright or bold rug to create a focal point in a neutral living room. Patterned rugs add visual interest but should complement existing colors.

Varying pile heights also introduce visual interest and help set the ambiance. A high-pile shag rug can make a bedroom feel ultra-plush, while a low-pile wool rug lends a more casual, lived-in vibe to the living room. I enjoy playing with different textures to create depth and contrast within a space.

Some other trending rug styles include:

• Faded Vintage: Distressed, weathered rugs with a vintage-inspired look
• Bold Geometrics: Triangle, hexagon, and chevron patterns for a graphic, global feel
• Vibrant Abstracts: Bright, abstract designs as statement pieces in contemporary interiors
• Oversized Florals: Large-scale floral prints paired with simple furnishings
• Minimalist Neutrals: Clean lines, monochromatic hues, and subtle patterns
• Customized Rugs: Personalized colors, patterns, and sizes