Rugs take up a huge amount of visual space in any room. So, it’s really important to choose a pattern that you love, a material that fits your lifestyle, and moreover the right size. Here are some tips for making informed decisions when shopping for a rug.
- Size matters! The right size rug grounds a room and helps it feel larger. In a living room, you have a few options: a) choose a rug large enough to fit all of your furniture on top of it; b) choose a rug and just have the front legs of the furniture on it, or c) float a small rug about 6” in front of the sofa.
- Layout is important! In a bedroom, lay the rug perpendicular to the bed and pull it part of the way under, stopping before your nightstands. For the budget conscious, I recommend using a runner on each side of the bed. You’ll achieve a similar look, the same cozy factor, but spend much less on runners than a large rug.
- Yes, you should have a rug under your dining table! People often ask about whether a rug belongs in a dining room where spills may damage a rug. A rug adds immediate warmth to a room and is one of the essential layers necessary to creating a well-designed space. Your chairs should sit comfortably on the rug, even when you pull them out to sit down. Center your rug underneath the table and consider an indoor/outdoor rug for durability and stain resistance. Carpet tiles, like those made by Flor, are a great option in a dining room and appear like one large rug. If one particular area of the rug has a tragic mishap, you can replace a few tiles and not have to replace the entire rug.
- Put a pad underneath it! A pad not only feels terrific under foot, but it also extends the life of your rug. Forgo the rubbery, webbed pads and pick a felted version instead. The rug pad will add extra cushion and secure the rug to the floor for safety.
- Customizable trick! A rug vendor/installer can sell you broadloom carpet and cut it to the exact size that you need and bind it to look completely customized at a fraction of the cost of a custom rug.
- What about the material? Natural fiber rugs are more durable and softer than synthetic. Wool is the best all-around material for a rug but can be pricey. It hides dirt, cleans easily and is naturally fire-retardant. Sisal has a causal coastal look and is strong enough to hold up to wear and tear in high traffic room. It absorbs all liquids, making it hard to clean. Silk has a sumptuous sheen and the strong fiber makes it wear well. It is not easy to clean though so it is best suited for areas where there is no food. Lastly, cotton rugs are soft, affordable, and easy to clean. It looks great on day one but doesn’t wear well over time.
Now, you have all of the information that you need to start your search for your perfect rug! If you need more help, feel free to give me a call. at 917.363.9198.