How to Choose a Rug in 7 Steps

Rugs, no matter what type, have always made living spaces more comfortable. They provide a homely feel and can compliment the interior nicely. However, choosing one for your house is always difficult. 

What is a rug?

A floor covering made of synthetic or natural fibers is called a rug. As contrast to wall-to-wall carpeting, which covers a full room, this movable covering often covers a portion of a bare, uncarpeted floor. Rugs can have patterns and come in different designs, so decorators must think about how the aesthetic will fit the rest of the room.

How to Position a Rug in a Room

These are some general rules for rug positioning

  • Bedroom: Your bed and nightstands should fit on as much of the rug's surface as possible when it is placed in a room of this size. If you have a tiny room, the bedroom rug just needs to cover the bottom third of the bed; the side tables can be placed elsewhere. For your feet to land on in either situation, there should be at least a foot of rug around each side of the bed.Rectangular rugs fit similarly shaped tables, whereas round rugs fit circular tables.
  • Dining room: Choose a rug that complements the shape of your dining table. i.e; rectangular rugs for a rectangle table, round rug for a round table. To prevent dining chairs from sliding off of your rug, choose one that has about two feet of material outside the edges of your table.
  • Entryway: Runners are perfect for entryways as long as they are safe to be walked on and are long enough for the space.
  • Kitchen: When it comes to kitchen carpeting, less is more. You should be fine with a little two by three foot rug or mat in front of your sink. For galley kitchens with a tight area down the middle, a runner is a fantastic alternative. An inexpensive homemade rug will do. For a balanced look, place the rug in the middle of the room. 
  • Living room: If your floor plan includes a seating area that is not connected to a wall, such as a couch, coffee table, loveseat, and accent chairs, the furniture should all be placed inside the rug's border. Place your couch's front legs on the rug if it is leaning against a wall.
  • Deck or patio: Choose an outdoor rug that is one to two foot shorter than the space's circumference. Choose a smaller rug size that extends two feet past the edge of the table if you'd like not to cover the majority of your floor space.

Choosing a rug

Choosing a rug can be a tough decision but following these guidelines should make it easier for you. 

1. Determine the size of the area. Measure the area you want to cover, taking into account the furniture that will serve as the anchor for your new rug, before you start looking. To guarantee that you can arrange your furniture properly, think about using painter's tape to plan out the space.


2. Decide on the proper look. Think about the room's decor while deciding what kind of carpeting will work best. A sisal or jute rug, for instance, has a relaxed aesthetic. The atmosphere is more bohemian when there is a dhurrie, kilim, or shag rug. Rugs in geometric, farmhouse, and mid-century designs go well with contemporary interior design. Eclectic design works nicely with conventional Persian, Moroccan, or Oriental rugs.

3. Think about material. Rugs made of natural fibers, such as silk, cotton, and wool, are significantly more expensive than those made of synthetic fibers, but they are more robust and will probably last longer than flooring made of synthetic materials. Prioritize synthetic fiber carpets if you have young children or pets (which are easier to clean). Additionally take into account how useful the rug's substance will be in any particular setting. For instance, an outdoor rug should be weatherproof, and a kitchen runner should be stain-resistant given its proximity to food and drink.

4. Take into account foot traffic. Due to their flat weaving and ease of vacuuming and cleaning, low pile rugs are perfect for high traffic areas. Large pile carpets with open weaves, such as shag, are ideal for creating a luxuriant and comfortable atmosphere that is soft to the touch, but they will probably become soiled and lose volume with heavy foot traffic.

5. Decide between patterns and solid colors. If the majority of your room's furnishings and walls are solid colors, use a patterned rug to attract attention to the room's focal point. If you have patterned wallpaper or furnishings, choose a rug in a single solid color. To be sure you like the pattern up close while purchasing online, ask the retailer if they will send you swatches in the mail.


6. Place matching carpets on top. Rugs can be layered to improve their textures and give the room more depth. A square flat huge rug and a smaller circular shag rug in complementary colors, for instance, offer contrast and dimension.

7. Invest in a rug pad. To protect the carpet's fibers and stop the rug from sliding, a rug pad is placed underneath the carpet and the floor. To make each step on your new rug feel as though you are walking on a cloud, get cushioned rug pads.

Need Help Deciding.

If it is too hard to decide, or you'd like to speak to a rug expert, call (310) 667-1999 to arrange how one of our rugs would look in your home or if you have a rug you'd like to be cleaned, restored, or repaired. 

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