A Detailed Guide to Choosing the Perfect Area Rug Based on Size, Texture and Color
From the moment you step into your home, rugs impact how it looks and feels. Now, finding the right rug for each room is no easy task, but rest assured we’ve done the homework for you! Read on here for some helpful tips and tricks to help you find the perfect area rug for each space in your home.
SIZE
The first place you will want to start is to determine the size of the rug you will need for your desired space. The rug for your spare room will likely not need to be as large as the one in say, the family room.
In a family room, you will ideally look for a rug that can lay under all of your furniture leaving between 10 and 20 inches of space between the edge of the rug and the walls. Alternatively, you can also look for a slightly smaller rug, making sure it is at least the width of your furniture, and place only the feet of the furniture on the edge of it.
For the bedrooms, similar to the living room, there are two common approaches. A smaller rug can be placed horizontally under the foot of the bed. For a queen bed, a 5’x8′ or 6’x9′ can create a warm space. In a larger bedroom, you may also find a larger rug like a 9’x12′, can be positioned under the bed, leaving a large portion of the rug exposed around all sides.
TEXTURE
Texture is important when determining the desired location for the rug. Will it be in a high traffic area of your home? Will it be where you place your feet first thing in the morning? Is this rug primarily for show or comfort? Choosing the best texture based on the location and use can ensure the right look and feel, as well as making sure the rug lasts. It is also important to keep in mind the functionality and livability of the texture you opt for.
Wool and cotton rugs offer a large variety of colors and patterns while being easy to clean. High-end natural fibers, like wool and silk typically last longer and are better quality but can push the budget. Whereas jute and cotton are more affordable, natural, alternatives.
Synthetic fibers, like nylon, are durable like wool, but more affordable and shed resistant. This makes them great options for high traffic areas like entryways and playrooms.
COLOR
Once you know the desired size and texture of the rug you are shopping for, color and patterns are next in line. Designers like to follow what is known as the 60-30-10 rule. This means 60% of the room is your primary or dominant color, for instance the walls or largest item of furniture. 30% is your secondary color, this is where the color of your rug comes in. And finally, 10% represents the accent colors, like lamps and pillows.
Do you have a solid color sofa? We suggest selecting a patterned rug. However, if your primary furniture is upholstered in a bold pattern, choosing a solid color rug would work really well. Rugs serve as the anchor to your space and can be used to compliment the overall design. Use this opportunity to tie in cooler colors in especially sunny rooms, or warm up your family room for fall by bringing in rich colors like yellow, orange or reds. Remember the saying “when your home needs a hug, give it a rug.”
No matter the size, texture or color you are searching for, we can help you find the perfect fit!
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