By choosing the right area rug, you can give your room a finished look. Area rugs are foundational pieces of décor that can transform a room’s ambiance, tie elements together, and even define spaces within larger rooms.
Whether you’re sprucing up your living room, bedroom, or office, choosing the right area rug can make all the difference.
In this post, I will cover tips and valuable sources to help you find the perfect area rug for your space.
Know Your Space:
Before diving into rug shopping, assess your space. Consider the size, shape, and layout of the room where the rug will be placed. Determine whether you want the rug to be a focal point or blend seamlessly with your existing décor.
Define Your Style:
Your area rug should complement your existing décor and reflect your personal style. Whether you prefer modern minimalism or traditional elegance, or bohemian chic, there’s a rug out there to suit your taste. Take cues from your furniture, color scheme, and overall aesthetic to guide your rug selection process.
You may also like: How A RUG Can Make Your Room COZY and FRESH.
This vintage wool rug is from Etsy. Affordable Vintage Turkish Rugs for a Modern Look.
Consider Functionality:
Think about how the room will be used and choose a rug that aligns with your lifestyle. For high-traffic areas like the living room or hallway, opt for durable materials like wool or polypropylene that can withstand heavy foot traffic and are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
This washable runner from Ruggable is a nice accent in our laundry room by the side entrance to the home and prevents dirt and sand form tracking inside. Make sure to buy the sturdy pad recommended for it.
Pets: We love our dog, Chief but when he drinks too much water he has a tendency to throw up. So for our living room rug we needed a large low pile, performance rug that we could spot clean.
This one by Pottery Barn is holding up well. There are other solid colors. You can see by our furniture placement that the rug helps to ground the space.
In spaces where comfort is paramount, such as the bedroom or nursery, consider plush, soft rugs that invite you to sink your toes into them.
The colorful natural fiber Oushak rug is from The Rug Decor.
Play with Patterns and Textures:
Rugs are a fantastic way to add visual interest and texture to a room. Experiment with different patterns, from classic stripes and geometric motifs to intricate oriental designs. Choose a rug pattern and rug color that is aesthetically pleasing to you.
Consider layering a larger sisal or jute rug under a smaller one like above. You may also like IS YOUR RUG TOO SMALL? Layering and Large Neutral Area Rugs
When selecting an area rug, consider the overall color scheme and style of your room. Are you aiming for a bold statement piece, or do you prefer a more subtle, neutral look?
This textured wool and cotton runner has a soft feel on your feel and keeps footsteps quieter.
Measuring Is Important For The Right Size Rug:
Avoid the common mistake of choosing a rug that’s too small for your space. Measure the area where the rug will be placed and determine the ideal size based on your room’s dimensions and furniture layout.
Use painter’s tape on the floor to get the feel of the scale for the best rug size(just map out the corners of the rug).
In a bedroom, position the rug perpendicular to the bed in front of the nightstands so that you step out onto some carpet on the side of the bed. The Serena & Lily plush wool rug above is 20% off right now.
Generally, have at least the front legs of the furniture on the carpet or more if possible to avoid a too-small rug.
Standard Rug Sizes
You can get a broadloom rug cut to your specified dimensions at a carpet store but here are typical common/standard sizes:
2′ x 3′: This size is great for small spaces like entryways, or as an accent rug in front of a kitchen sink. 3′ x 5′, 4′ x 6′, 5′ x 8′, 6′ x 9′, 8′ x 10′: Standard size for living rooms, dining rooms, or under queen-sized beds., 9′ x 12‘: Commonly used in larger rooms, such as living rooms or dining rooms, or under king-sized beds. 10′ x 14′: Suitable for oversized rooms (like our living room) or under large dining tables., 12′ x 15′ or larger: Typically used in grand living rooms, large dining areas, or as statement pieces in expansive spaces.
Dining Room Rugs
In dining rooms, low-pile rugs are a good choice to slide chairs in and out. A natural fiber rug like the one below is appropriate. Or one of synthetic fiber that can be cleaned.
The chairs and dining table should all fit on top of the rug. This is another vintage wool rug from Turkey on Etsy and is easy to clean food spills.
Explore Online Retailers:
There are several online retailers offering a wide range of styles, sizes, and price points such as Wayfair, Pottery Barn, and Rugs USA. They provide convenient browsing tools, customer reviews, and competitive pricing. For smaller rugs, like in my closet, I like to check out HomeGoods.
Visit Local Showrooms:
While online shopping offers convenience and variety, nothing beats seeing and feeling a rug in person. Visit local rug showrooms, home décor stores, or furniture galleries to explore their selection firsthand.
Don’t Forget the Rug Pad:
A quality rug pad prolongs the life of your area rug and protecting your floors. Rug pads provide cushioning, prevent slipping and sliding, and help to maintain the rug’s shape over time.
To sum it up:
Choosing the right area rug can elevate your space, adding warmth, personality, and style. By following these tips and exploring a variety of sources, you can find the perfect rug to enhance any room in your home.
Barb L says
Great post! So helpful and informative. Your rugs are beautiful!
cindy says
Hi Mary Ann
What a helpful post for anyone on the hunt for a new rug! Your bedroom looks so goegeous!
Joan says
Thank you for these excellent tips, Mary Ann. I’m happy to learn that even decorating professionals make concessions with their beloved pets in mind!
(And do we ALL have gulping pooches that ‘upchuck’???)
Juliet says
MA, I defer to you in all things decorating. And you’re an amazing space planner. Rugs can be a challenge because of sizing and I appreciate your tips. That gorgeous rug in your bedroom is so fabulous. I’ve been curious about Ruggables for high traffic spaces. Poor Chief, we have similar issues and are now expert spot cleaners. 😉 xo