Rugs 101: How To Pick The Perfect Rug In Every Room

Rugs are often considered artwork for the floor. They also have other applications like tying together the whole design concept of space, absorbing sound, adding comfort underfoot and infusing color in a room. Whether your rug is the starting point of your design story, or it is picked out to complement other elements in the room, it is important to keep several things in mind when shopping for the right area rug for your space.

Size

Choosing an area rug that is the right size is very important to achieve balance and is often the finishing touch that every room needs. Using an area rug that is too small will make the room smaller, and a larger than needed area rug will overwhelm the space. There are certain rules of thumb to remember when sizing a room for a rug. Here is a great visual to help guide you through the process:

Image courtesy of Apartment Therapy

In the living room, you want to have the front feet of the furniture on the rug. That helps anchor the pieces, creates a defined conversation area and avoids the feeling that the furniture is floating around.

Image courtesy of HGTV

In the bedroom, have at least two feet around the bed so your feet have a soft and warm place to land when you get out of bed. Depending on the size of the bed and the room, there are a few other options for rug placement. If you have a smaller room with a full-size bed and one nightstand, consider placing a smaller rug on one side of the bed, preferably the side with the nightstand. For a more symmetrical look, place two identical rugs on either side of the bed.

Image courtesy of Ballard Designs

In dining rooms, choose rugs large enough that will enable the dining chairs to be sitting on the rug when they are pulled out.

Hallways are another area where rugs can be used for practical purposes while infusing color and pattern in a space. However, keep in mind that not all hallways need a runner. Sometimes less is better. If you do decide to go with a runner, it should fill the length of the hallway, leaving space at both ends to create balance. Another pro design tip: Do not place any furniture on the rug in the hallway.

Image courtesy of Rilane

Material

There are several rug materials to consider when choosing an area rug. Keep in mind the function of the space, your lifestyle and the maintenance of the rug when looking at the different options. Here are some materials to consider:

• Wool: There are numerous benefits to a 100% wool rug. Wool fibers have a natural coating of lanolin which makes them stain-resistant and easier to clean. Wool fiber is also naturally flame resistant, inhibits the growth of mildew, bacteria and dust mites, and even absorbs airborne contaminants. Not only is wool a renewable and biodegradable product, it also retains color, so a good quality wool rug can be passed down through generations.

Image courtesy of Rug Edit

• Silk: If you are looking to add luxury to your interiors, then silk rugs should be considered. They are the most expensive natural fiber used in making rugs, so they will be at a much higher price point. Silk rugs have a soft, silky feeling, and are durable as silk is a strong fiber. Additionally, they are hypoallergenic and naturally flame resistant. In order to reduce costs, silk rugs are sometimes woven with wool fibers. The downside is that it can be difficult to remove stains from silk rugs, so extra care is required.

Image courtesy of Gentleman's Gazette

 

• Synthetic Fiber: Synthetic rugs are made from nylon, polypropylene and polyester. These are nonrenewable fibers made from petroleum-based synthetic fibers. They are more affordable and come in a larger variety of colors and patterns. Unlike wool and silk rugs, which may be hand-tufted, hand-knotted or machine-made, synthetic rugs are mass-produced in factories, thus lowering their price point. They have been manufactured in a way to make them durable and easy to clean. They are a good option for high-traffic areas or a home with little children and pets. Today, you can even find rugs that are washable and made of individual floor tiles that you can clean or replace if the need arises. 

Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

 

• Sisal, Jute and Seagrass: These natural fiber rugs can be used for interiors and bring an earthy texture and relaxed vibe to a space. Keep in mind how the space will be used when choosing between these three fibers. Jute fibers come from a plant’s stalk, giving it a soft feel, making it better for low to medium traffic areas. They can be a great design element in guest bedrooms and home offices. Sisal, on the other hand, is made from the agave plant and is the most durable of the three. It does great in high traffic areas, like hallways, foyers and kitchens. Seagrass is the most comfortable underfoot, while also being stain-resistant and durable. The fibers are grown in saltwater marshes, making them nonporous. 

Image courtesy of Emily A. Clark

 

Color and Pattern

Your design aesthetic and style of the room will dictate your choice of color and pattern in a rug. Traditional rugs usually have a high level of detail in their ornate patterns. They impart a formal look to a space. Color combinations in traditional rugs can be bold and vibrant or muted neutral colors. Patterns tend to revolve around florals and medallions and many have a distinct border. If you want to add a sense of sophistication and warmth and your space has traditional design elements, this is the rug style to use.

Image courtesy of Architectural Digest

Contemporary and modern rugs can be fun and playful. They incorporate bold colors, geometric patterns and contrasting elements. Patterns are much simpler and less intricate. Modern homes can be infused with some fun, vibrancy and energy with this style of rug.

Image courtesy of Sonya

Transitional style rugs borrow elements from both the traditional and modern styles. They are a great choice if you want a middle ground and don’t want to commit to a traditional or a more modern look. Most of the transitional patterns are clean and offer a more relaxed feel. The patterns tend to be low contrast and are a combination of masculine and feminine features. They offer flexibility in style and are easy to incorporate in interiors.

Image courtesy of Nazmiyal Collections

Keeping in mind design style, the mood you want to create in a space, your budget and the functionality of how the space will be used will guide you in choosing the right area rug for your space. As always, make sure to have fun and select something you will love and treasure.

Umber Almakky, mom of three boys, is a freelance interior design consultant and entrepreneur based in Frisco, Texas. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, reading and spoiling her cat.