Choosing a New Area Rug
When considering area rugs for your room, it’s important to understand their potential as design tools. They can serve as floor artwork or complement the rest of the decor. For instance, replacing a dark red Turkish rug with a plain sisal one, or trading a Moroccan tile print for a French Aubusson, can completely transform a room’s ambiance. This simple switch can transition a space from traditional to modern, classic to contemporary, or bland to bold. To choose the right area rug for your room, you need to take into account various factors. In this guide, we provide you with key considerations such as styles, types, patterns, sizes, and care.
Buying Considerations for an Area Rug
Rug Styles
There is an immense diversity of area rug styles, just like furniture styles, lighting styles, or room styles. This implies that there is an extensive range of choices available. Traditional Persian rugs and classic European styles are no longer the only options for rooms. Modern and contemporary alternatives, including vibrant florals, bold geometrics, and minimalist jutes and sisals, also exist alongside these long-established choices.
Take the time to educate yourself about the available styles and consider the desired ambiance you want to achieve in your room before choosing a particular style. Keep in mind that an area rug doesn’t have to perfectly match everything in the room, but it should complement the textures and tones of the existing furniture.
Color
It is important to consider the color of an area rug as a starting point. It is necessary to contemplate both personal color preferences and the colors one would want to be surrounded by regularly. However, the color of the area rug not only impacts personal taste but also determines the overall ambiance of the room, making it a significant choice.
If you already have furniture, think about how the different colors will complement your existing items. Rooms with vibrant colors and patterns tend to look best with a rug that has neutral tones or a single color. If you don’t have any furnishings yet, think about how different rug colors will match the tones of the flooring, walls, and ceiling. Rugs can either make a bold statement or blend in, so consider the desired effect you want to achieve when choosing a color.
Rug Patterns
Not everyone has a strong interest in patterns, but adding a patterned rug to a room with solid-colored furniture and walls can bring the room to life. Similarly, if you have furniture with patterns, a solid rug can create a sense of stability and relaxation. It’s important to find a balance when choosing a rug, taking into account the existing furnishings in the room. However, if the rug is one of the first items you’re purchasing, it’s important to consider what type of pattern suits your preferences. Do you want something attention-grabbing or more subtle? The impact of a pattern on a room is closely connected to its colors, so think about how the two will harmonize.
Area Rug Sizes
One of the most common decorating mistakes is using a rug that is too small for the room. It is recommended to leave a space of about 10 to 20 inches between the edges of the rug and the walls for most average-sized rooms. The amount of space can vary depending on the size of the room, ranging from eight inches to 24 inches. Regardless, it is important to ensure that the rug is centered in the room and that the distance between the rug and the wall is equal on all four sides.
Rugs can also be utilized to define areas. In case you have either an open-concept space or desire to layer rugs, there may be slight variations in the rules. Consider the specific space you wish to emphasize and select a size accordingly, keeping in mind that it’s preferable to opt for a larger size rather than a smaller one.
Types
High Pile vs. Low Pile
In the process of selecting a rug, it is crucial to consider the preferred type of pile: low, medium, or high. Low-pile rugs, in general, exhibit greater durability compared to high-pile ones and are simpler to clean and vacuum. Moreover, low-pile rugs come at a lower cost than high-pile rugs. Rugs with a lengthier pile create a softer and more opulent sensation underfoot, while also contributing to a cozier and more welcoming atmosphere in rooms. As a general guideline, rooms with extensive foot traffic tend to benefit from low-pile rugs, such as dhurrie or kilim rugs, whereas denser rugs endure better in less frequently used rooms.
Materials
The type of material used to make a rug, whether it is a natural fiber rug or a synthetic rug, is significant.
Materials such as wool, silk, cotton, jute, or bamboo fall under the category of natural fiber. While wool rugs are of superior quality and cost more, they are durable in busy areas despite shedding initially. On the other hand, cotton rugs are cheaper and suitable for informal spaces, but they lose color fast and do not resist stains.
Synthetic rugs, such as polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and microfiber, enjoy significant popularity in the market. These rugs are known for their fade-resistant quality, easy maintenance, and affordability. Their lower cost makes it convenient to replace them with new ones, making them an excellent choice for families and pet owners seeking a viable alternative.
Cost
The price of an area rug depends on several factors including the required size, the materials utilized, the method of construction, and the overall quality. Additionally, features such as handwoven craftsmanship, imported origin, patterns or dyes, machine-made or hand-knotted techniques, and the use of man-made or natural fibers also influence the rug’s price.
In order to provide an estimate of the price, it is important to note that an 8×10 area rug of good quality can range in cost from $300 all the way up to $10,000. Similarly, a 5×7 rug can range in price from as low as $35 and go up to $1,000 or even higher.
The cost of the rug is increased by the extensive effort and quantity of work put into its manufacturing. It is advisable to be watchful for discounted prices during holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, or the end of the year, as these periods are generally favorable for finding deals. It is important to determine your budget for a new area rug before beginning your shopping expedition.
How Do I Choose A Rug Color?
According to Charu Gandhi, the selection of rugs should be done at the beginning of the planning and design process, just like one would choose a flooring type or color. Similar to flooring, a rug acts as a “fifth wall” in a room, meaning it can influence the color scheme. Therefore, the process of selecting a rug’s color is essentially akin to choosing a wall color.
To achieve optimal results, begin by considering the desired atmosphere – using dark rugs will naturally create a darker, smaller, and more cozy ambiance in rooms, whereas light rugs will bring brightness and a sense of spaciousness to a living room. Then, assess the room’s orientation to choose the appropriate color – rooms that receive ample sunlight can accommodate cooler colors, while rooms with limited natural light will benefit from warmer tones.
Should A Rug Match Wall Color?
Ideally, a rug should not match the color of the wall as it does not create the desired layered look in any room. However, you may opt to incorporate elements of the wall color in the design of the rug or choose a lighter or darker tone of the wall color for the rug.
1. Find The Right Rug Shape
When it comes to rug shapes, there are no strict guidelines, but it is preferable for the area and shape of the rug to complement the shape and proportions of the room or specific area within the room. In this context, design professionals provide their input, particularly regarding the selection of irregularly shaped rugs.
Adding an irregular shaped rug to an interior introduces an additional dynamic element. With irregular shaped rugs, furniture positioning can be more flexible. Usually, furniture is placed at the center of a rug, like a coffee table. However, with irregular shaped rugs, furniture can be positioned off-center in order to showcase the full irregular outline. This brings significant interest to the space.
When you have a customized rug with an irregular shape made, you can draw inspiration from the shapes of certain furniture, such as angular sofas. These rugs can also be placed without any furniture on them, functioning as artworks in the space and becoming a focal point on the floor.
Interior designer Jo Littlefair from Goddard Littlefair concurs on the significance of irregularly shaped rugs. We take pleasure in employing rugs of unconventional sizes and strategically layering them to achieve an intentionally organic, slightly informal styling approach. This technique allows for the coverage of larger spaces, negating the need for custom-made rugs that are both costly and time-consuming.
When combining rugs in this manner, it is advisable to consider combinations that exhibit varying design scales in order to create contrast, while making an effort to link the pieces through a common thread of color.
Irregular shaped rugs are highly valued by us because when placed correctly, they unquestionably draw attention as the main element in a room, resulting in a magnificent appearance. We offer a wide selection of ready-made irregular rugs, but we also specialize in designing custom ones that fit challenging spaces and can be adjusted to accommodate furniture. This is an excellent way to optimize the use of irregular shaped rugs when organizing more unconventional areas.
To make an irregularly shaped rug stand out, it is advisable to leave ample empty space around it. These empty spaces will enhance and uplift the irregularities, enabling it to be noticeable in a room. Our intention when creating the new Art Deco collection was precisely this. I suggest finding a location in your home, like a foyer or hallway, where there is minimal furniture. Alternatively, the rug can be used as a link between different furniture groups in a living room.
2. Choose Colors To Suit Your Scheme
Injecting a large expanse of color into the home can be easily and quickly achieved by using a rug. Unlike time-consuming painting or decorating, all that is required is to place the rug on the floor to instantly refresh the room. With rugs available in every color imaginable, one can choose to introduce as much or as little color as they feel comfortable with, ranging from a classic grey to a vibrant rainbow.
Powder pink and baby blue rugs are becoming more and more popular, especially for those seeking a soft tone. They are an ideal choice for a spring or summer update, particularly for shaggy rugs or ones that incorporate a touch of sparkle in their design.
We’re witnessing homeowners becoming more adventurous in their usage of color within their homes. This includes either unexpected combinations or the incorporation of vibrant tones that enhance the complexity and depth of rooms.
3. Pick Out Patterns That Complement The Room
Many homeowners like to experiment with patterns and mix and match them in their room schemes. Extroverts and fans of bold colors enjoy the eclectic and flamboyant look as well.
By disregarding the rule book, you can mix different patterns such as stripes, florals, checks, and geometrics, regardless of their scale. Just like with colors, incorporating a patterned rug is an excellent technique to breathe new life into a room without completely changing its design.
If you want to make a statement in any room, don’t stick to your usual boundaries and opt for a playful rug that brings a smile.
As people continue to incorporate mindfulness into their homes, the choice of interior trend is leaning towards “wellness.” This trend involves using subtle, clean, and soft patterns that add a touch of elegance to a room. The patterns consist of neutral greys and earthy tones, along with off-whites mixed with pastel shades.
4. Choose An Accent Rug
To begin with, when considering the selection of a suitable rug for a particular area, the first step involves determining the intended use of the rug. For instance, accent rugs serve as an ideal complement to individual furniture pieces. In order to accentuate the furniture effectively, the size of the rug should be slightly smaller, around 10-15%, than the piece it is intended to enhance.
5. Pick A Pet-Friendly Rug
Pets have a fondness for rugs, although rugs may not always reciprocate this affection. The presence of animal hair, chewing, scratching, and other unintentional mishaps can potentially spoil a rug’s condition. However, there are measures that can be taken to minimize harm caused by our furry companions. It is recommended to select a rug that is appropriate for pet owners. For instance, dogs tend to enjoy digging in rugs with longer piles, so it is advisable to opt for rugs with shorter piles instead, as they are more preferable and simpler to clean.
If you have pets, keep in mind that dark colors are effective in concealing stains and scratches on your rugs. It is advisable to schedule a thorough cleaning once a year as this will effectively eliminate deep stains and bacteria that have penetrated too deep into the rug to be eliminated by a vacuum or regular cleaning methods.
