Rug shopping can be time-consuming due to the endless options out there. Wall-to-wall carpets are not as popular as they used to be, and I concur with the trend – especially since we have ten children! An area rug can transform the room entirely since it is a defining feature that can blend with the furniture. Not only does it provide aesthetic appeal and comfort, it’s completely portable – and in some cases even washable.
If you are struggling with the process, here’s how to narrow things down:
Take a Quick Look at Styles
It might be helpful to start off with a very open mind and just have fun at the beginning browsing sites and stores and seeing what’s out there in terms of patterns and styles. Sometimes you don’t know what you want until you see it! Start with the something like the Novogratz rug collection. Designs range from animals to modern graphic, stripes, traditional, vintage and abstract art.
Choose The Right Size
Before diving deep into the selection, you need to determine the size of the rug you want for your room. Do you want a small rug that will fit just under the table, or are you opting for a larger one that will go far beyond the furniture?
A rug that is too small can create an unfinished, floating effect, while a long one can make the room appear overstuffed and tight.
Try this tip: use painter’s tape to mark off potential sizes and placements.
Decide on Design
Choosing your rug’s color or pattern is kind of like choosing a wall color. It could potentially inspire an entire color scheme and define space. So treat it like a “fifth wall” and decide whether you want the rug to lighten or enlarge the room, or make it feel more intimate and cozy, etc.
Rug colors and patterns convey different things. So, how to find the right rug for your space? Use these guidelines:
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Color blocks and geometric patterns have a modern feel.
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Oriental, antique florals and Persian styles suggest luxury and traditionalism.
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Solids and stripes are more neutral and casual.
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Polka dots, chevrons and small stripes work great for children’s rooms.
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Color bordered and trellis styles have a sophisticated look.
Ease of Cleaning
Into every rug some dirt must fall. This becomes truer for every person and every pet you add to the household. But ultimately, no matter what rug you buy, you’re going to want it to be clean.
Instead of shelling out a lot of money or spending a lot of time cleaning the carpet, opt for fabrics that repel, resist stains or can be laundered in your washing machine.
Material and Texture
Deciding on the material and texture is an important step in the shopping experience because each has its own vibe. Cotton, jute and wool rugs have a natural look and feel. Synthetic rugs have an edge in terms of price and durability, while higher end styles like silk and hand-knotted floor coverings range from the sophisticated to the exotic.
Synthetics and cotton work well for high-traffic areas. Jute is ideal for transitional spaces, like an indoor porch or utility room. And silk can give more private spaces like a bedroom, library or office (that don’t get much soil or traffic) a luxurious feel.
If the rug is for a child’s room or family area, consider something more soft and cozy because little ones love to play on the floor.
Does it Compete or Complement?
A good rug helps and/or enhances a space, but a poor choice can cause several problems. For instance, if the room is already very crowded with furniture, or very small, a rug might be too much. If the room is popping with color or accent pieces, a rug can fight the existing décor. Sometimes you can fix these problems by simply scaling back the size of the floor covering, or the color, going with something smaller or very neutral.
But when chosen wisely, a rug can add just the right touch to your living space!
