Area Rugs: Everything You Need to Know
One must have first of all a solid foundation – Sri Aurobindo
Let’s talk area rugs. When furnishing a room, area rugs are often thought of last, or not at all, but they do wonders to anchor and ground a space. Adding a rug can add texture and warmth to a space and help to designate separate areas within a single room. In a fun print or color an area rug can even make a bold statement in a space.
There are several things to consider when selecting an area rug; size, durability, cleanability, and style are just a few. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to use the next time you’re in the market for a new area rug.
Size: Go Big or Go Home.
I know it’s cliché, but size matters. There’s nothing worse than a lonely rug island floating in the center of your furniture. Your rug should be large enough to allow all of the furniture to have at least two legs on it (living/seating area). In the case of a dining area, make sure the rug is large enough to fit the table AND the chairs with enough overhang to pull/push the chairs without catching the end. *Hint: Round table? Go for a round rug!* Of course, size is relative so measure the seating area, space and/or furnishing to determine how big you need to go.
Durability: Will it Stand the Test of Time?
When deciding how durable a rug needs to be, always consider the location and function of the room it’s going to be in. In areas with low traffic, you can use more decorative, higher pile rugs that require more maintenance. In high traffic areas you’ll want to choose a low pile and maintenance rug. What a rug is made of also impacts how durable a rug will be. Natural rugs, like wool, tend to be most durable but with proper care a synthetic blend can be enjoyed for a long time.
Cleanability: For Life’s Messes.
Homes are meant to be lived in; and sometimes our lives get messy. Certain natural rugs like sisal or jute are not great with spills so I wouldn’t recommend placing them in areas where that is likely to occur (dining/kitchen). If you have pets and/or children, it might be best to look for a washable rug in areas they frequent.
Style: Timeless vs Trendy
This is a design blog so of course we can’t forget about the styling aspect. This one is easy because there’s no wrong style as long as it’s true to you and with the vibe of the space. A vintage rug will never go out of style and works best with a traditional or transitional style but when done right can complement almost any space. Bold prints and colors are trending up this year so don’t be afraid to inject a little bit of personality into the space.
Regardless of the type of rug selected, vacuuming and spot cleaning regularly is the best way to maintain it, with a few exceptions (use a rug beater on jute/sisal and shaggy rugs). Oh, and don’t forget a rug pad for extra comfort and stability!
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