Looking to make any room in your house feel completely different?
Area rugs are one of the most underused (and underestimated) home design tools. They can drastically transform the look and feel of a room. And here’s the best part…
Choosing the perfect area rug for your home is:
- Simpler than you may think
- Cheaper than other home upgrades
- Instantly impactful
The right rug brings everything together. The wrong one? Totally ruins the room.
Contents
In This Guide:
- Why Area Rugs Are More Important Than You Think
- Picking The Right Size For Any Room
- Materials That Last
- Style Choices That Stay In-Style
- Placement Tips For Maximum Impact
Why Area Rugs Are More Important Than You Think
Area rugs don’t just lay on the floor.
They define spaces, bring warmth and texture, cut down on noise, and add colour and personality to a room. They are the building blocks of your room’s design. The foundation you build everything else on.
Here’s the interesting part…
According to a recent report, rugs topped the list when it comes to items purchased as home décor at 49%. Cushions and pillows came in second. Throws, comforters, slipcovers, and blankets in third. Even art pieces and vases came in behind at a further 20%.
There is a lesson to be learned here.
Homeowners know the difference a good rug can make.
When it comes to choosing the perfect area rug for your home, it is best to start with purpose. What does the room need? The lounge needs warmth and comfort underfoot. The dining room requires something that can stand up to chairs being pulled in and out. The bedroom needs a softer, more welcoming feel for those sleepy morning feet.
Finding quality rugs is a big deal here. The more rugs you look at, the more differences you will notice. Cheap rugs look cheap. They wear out fast. They bunch up and slide around. A quality rug will look and feel great and will last for years.
A wise choice if you ask me.
How To Pick The Right Size For Any Room
Size is important. It matters a lot.
The biggest mistake made when it comes to buying a rug for your home is buying one that is too small. A small rug sat in the middle of a big room doesn’t just look odd, it looks disconnected and unthought out.
Here’s an easy rule to go by…
- Living Rooms: The rug should be big enough for at least the front legs of all the furniture to sit on top. This creates a seamless seating area.
- Dining Rooms: The rug should be at least 24 inches longer than the table on all sides. This ensures chairs remain on the rug even when pushed back.
- Bedrooms: A large rug under the bed with at least 18-24 inches showing on all sides. Or use runners on each side of the bed for a similar effect.
Measure twice. Order once.
Materials That Actually Last
Materials are everything.
The rug material will determine how it feels, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to clean. A quick breakdown of the most common rug materials:
- Wool: By far the most durable and comfortable. Wool rugs are stain-resistant, soft, and long-lasting. They are more expensive but worth it in the long run.
- Synthetic (nylon/polyester): Good budget rugs that are easy to clean. Perfect for high-traffic areas and families with pets and kids. They don’t last as long but offer great value.
- Natural Fibres (jute/sisal): Ideal for bringing texture and a natural feel to a room. Best for low-traffic areas as they are more difficult to clean and less comfortable.
- Cotton: Lightweight and machine-washable. Great for more casual spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or kids’ rooms.
Millennials are set to make up 48% of the US rug market by 2026. A 2023 YPulse report showed that 33% plan to buy a rug in the next 12 months. Younger generations in particular are looking for sustainably sourced materials that align with their values when they come to make a purchase.
The best rug material will ultimately come down to what the room needs and how much traffic it gets. High-traffic areas need to have durable materials. Quieter rooms can get away with softer, more delicate materials.
Style Choices That Won’t Go Out Of Fashion
Fads and trends come and go. But some rug styles never go out of style.
- Solid colours work in almost any room. They provide a calming base and do not compete with other design elements. Neutral colours are a great go-to that won’t ever look out of style.
- Traditional patterns add elegance and sophistication. Think Persian or Oriental rugs. These rugs work well in formal living rooms or dining areas.
- Geometric patterns provide a more modern edge. They are bold but not over the top. Perfect for contemporary spaces that need a statement.
- Textured rugs (shag, loop pile) add visual interest even in solid colours. The texture of the rug is the statement piece.
The important thing to remember…
The rug doesn’t need to match every other item in the room. It should compliment existing décor and add its own element to the space. A room with neutral tones can handle a more bold rug. A room with more colourful furniture calls for a more subdued rug.
Less is more.
Placement Tips For Maximum Impact
Where the rug goes is just as important as what rug you choose.
- Living rooms: Center the rug in the seating area. All the key pieces of furniture should either sit completely on the rug or have at least the front legs on it. Avoid floating furniture completely off the rug.
- Dining rooms: Centre the rug under the table and make sure the rug is large enough for chairs to remain on the rug when pushed back.
- Bedrooms: Position the rug so it shows on three sides of the bed evenly. Or use two runners on each side for a similar effect.
- Entryways: Choose a rug that is proportional to the room. Big enough to make an impression but not so big that it overpowers the space.
Don’t forget about rug pads.
A rug pad can prevent slippage, protect floors from scratches, and extend the lifespan of the rug. They are also more comfortable underfoot. Every rug needs a rug pad underneath.
Wrapping Things Up
Choosing the perfect area rug for your home doesn’t have to be difficult.
Start by getting the size right for the room. Choose a material that matches the expected level of traffic. Select a style that complements (rather than matches) the existing décor. And position it in the right place for a balanced look.
The perfect area rug:
- Defines the room
- Adds comfort and warmth
- Enhances the overall design of the room
- Lasts for years with proper care
Area rugs are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to upgrade any room. You get instant gratification and style without the mess of major renovations.
Size right. Invest in quality materials. Position it properly.
These are the formula for getting the most out of both comfort and style when it comes to area rug choices.
