Rugs, rugs, rugs. The right rug can make or break a space. With so many options available, it’s hard to know which rug is right for your space. Today I’m going to share the basics when it comes to purchasing your dream rug and styling it to fit your decorative taste and style.
Purpose
Rugs are meant to soften the floor beneath your feet. Previously, homes would be fully carpeted so that floors were soft and easy to walk on. Carpets also absorbed a lot of sound, so houses wouldn’t be as noisy when multiple people lived inside. Carpets fell out of style several years ago, and now many home buyers prefer the beauty of hardwood floors in their home. As beautiful as wood is, a bare floor is noisy and hard to walk on. That’s why most people opt to decorate their floors selectively with a beautiful rug.
The main job of an area rug is to connect all the main pieces of furniture in a space. In the living room, you’ll generally have a sofa, coffee table, and accent chair touching the rug. In the bedroom, the rug should connect your bed and nightstands.
Runner rugs can soften your step in a hallway or kitchen area. A rug in the hallway or kitchen adds a little bit of warmth and character to a narrow space.
Size
Area rugs should fill the space without touching any walls in your home. At least one foot of space should be left on all sides of a rug to prevent overfilling the floor space. Rugs should be large enough to rest underneath at least the front feet of all furniture they are placed under. Those are the main rules to consider when buying the perfect size rug!
Color & Pattern
Here’s the golden rule when it comes to picking out a rug color: If the furniture above the rug is patterned, the rug must be solid-colored. If the furniture is solid-colored, you can get away with a patterned rug.
One of the benefits of patterned or dark colored rugs is that they will easily hide the inevitable crumbs that fall to the floor and stains that won’t go away. Keep this in mind as you shop, especially if you have a large and/or messy family!
Materials
Rugs made of natural materials will typically last longer than rugs made of synthetic or mixed fibers. While the latter can be more budget-friendly, you should take into account how long you want your rug to last, and if you can afford to invest in a higher quality one.
Trendy Rugs
Like most decorative pieces, rugs are subject to trends that come and go. There have been many rugs that have come in and out of style lately, but these are the rugs I have seen most often in homes throughout the years. (Keep in mind, just because it’s a trend doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy it!) Follow your heart and your personal style. Ask yourself: is this piece something I will want in my home for the next 10+ years?
