SOURCE: Pottery Barn
A well selected rug is one of the most defining features of a room and can become the anchor of a stylish space. It’s also the area that so many homeowners struggle with. I see homes regularly with rugs that are too small or the wrong colour and they stand out but for all the wrong reasons.
Ideally your rug will define your space, be a form of artwork and bring all the disparate elements together into a single unifying space. And it has to do all of that while not overwhelming the space and taking over. It’s the ultimate balancing act but when it’s done well it’s perfection.
If you’re struggling to understand how to select the best rug for your space, read on. I’m sharing all the important considerations so that you can prepare to hit the stores with the best information.
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What to Consider When Purchasing a Rug
SOURCE: Emily Henderson
I think too many people are purchasing rugs with price and colour as the primary factors. While they’re important parts of the equation they shouldn’t be driving the bus. Here’s everything to consider when purchasing a rug for your home:
Size and Placement
There’s no question that a rug’s size is the most important factor in how it fits into your space. A rug that’s too small will make your room look insignificant and inexpensive. There’s no way to avoid that. A rug that’s too small makes the entire room’s balance appear off. I don’t have to mention rugs that are too large because I’ve yet to see that occur. If you want to define a space you need to start with the right size and placement.
Living Rooms
When in doubt the rule of thumb for your living room is that the rug should fit under the front legs of all your chairs, sofa and/or sectional. You can extend further back but the front legs must be on the rug.
You can see from the image above that both the 5×7 and the 6×8 are too small for this space. The front legs of both the sofa and the chairs are sitting on the hardwood instead of the rug. The 8×10 is a great fit and definitely works but I also love the way the space is transformed with the larger 10×12 rug. It actually makes the space feel larger and of more importance.
Dining Rooms
For dining rooms all the legs of the chairs or bench should be situated on the rug and there should be enough room to pull out your seat without falling off the rug. That will make it very hard to get in and out of your seat easily.
The image above shows that the 5×7 and 6×8 are both too small and you would have difficulty bringing your chair back to the table once it’s pulled out. The 8×10 is the best fit for this room. The 10×12 is too large and actually overwhelms the room.
Bedrooms
The rug in your bedroom is meant to keep your feet warm on cold nights so it needs to be large enough to accommodate that. We want the rug to sit halfway under the bed at minimum and to have a strip on each side large enough to stand on.
The 5×7 and 6×8 rugs are definitely too small but the 8×10 is perfect. It will give us a place to step when we get up and extends beyond the end of the bed enough to look perfectly scaled for the room. The 10×12 also works and if you have a large blanket box or ottoman at the end of the bed, this size might be preferable.
Larger rugs are more expensive so it can be tempting to scale down but in the end your room will never look quite right. Instead, save until you can buy the right size.
If you need to see it visually in your space try using painter’s tape to map out the size on your floor. Correct size and placement will ensure you have a rug that will look beautiful and purposeful. Need more tips for making your bedroom your favourite room in the house? Read this article.
Material and Durability
SOURCE: Pinterest
While size addresses the aesthetics of your rug, material and durability speak to longevity and enjoyment. You want a rug that feels great under your feet or under your bum if you like to sit on the floor. Durability is another important factor because we want our rugs to last for a very long time. Here are the materials you’ll be considering when purchasing your new rug. I’ve also added symbols to show you the cost from most to least expensive.
- Silk $$$$ – This is the queen of the rugs but it has a royal price tag to go along with it. It’s a luxurious feel with a gorgeous sheen and it always looks timeless and elegant. I don’t recommend silk for high traffic areas because there is no natural elasticity in silk which makes it a bad choice for busy homes with young kids and pets. Constant foot traffic will wear down the fibres quickly leaving your silk rug flattened and unable to bounce back.
- Wool $$$ – This is stain resistant, warm and cozy underfoot and long-lasting. This is the material I use most often with my own clients and in my own home. It’s easy to source and comes in a large variety of patterns and colours. A wool rug will last for many years.
- Jute or Sisal $$$ – These are extremely durable, add texture to a space but can be rough underfoot. If comfort is important, select jute because it’s much softer than sisal. These are both very durable materials so if wear and tear is a major concern, consider either of these materials.
- Cotton $$ – These are lightweight and perfect for homes with kids and pets or if you just need to machine wash your rugs. I like these for entry ways and cottages. They’re inexpensive and easy to clean although they won’t last indefinitely so they’re a quick fix if you’re on a budget.
- Synthetic $$ – These are great for budget friendly designs or high traffic areas. They’re easy to spot clean and they can last for a long time if you care for them.
Colour and Pattern
Now for the fun part of selecting a rug. There is a world of options for colour and pattern but it’s something that needs to be selected based on the rest of the room and not in isolation. One of the worst things you can do is buy a rug because you fell in love in a retail space without considering your furniture, flooring and artwork. This is almost guaranteed to overwhelm your space because it wasn’t purchased with the space in mind.
Your rug should incorporate (or at least work with) colours from the current space including fabrics and textiles, flooring, paint colour and artwork. It will be impossible to find a rug that contains exact colour matches to everything in your space so focus on the prominent colours.
If you’re really struggling I like to start with a piece I love which is almost always artwork. Pull out a few colours that will work well in a rug and start your search that way.
PRO TIP: If you have a colour deck at home, match the colours of your artwork and take those colour chips with you when shopping. This will make the hunt easy and fast.
Pattern is an important factor in your room’s design style. Some patterns like stripes work in any style home while florals tend to be associated with traditional and transitional spaces. It’s always important to understand your own design style before you start shopping so that you can focus on what aligns with that style. If you’re not sure of your style, take my free quiz. Your own style selections will provide you with the answers you need to determine which style appeals most to you.
When you combine the factors above there’s no way to go wrong. You can buy a rug that works with your space and feel good knowing that it won’t overwhelm your space or fade into the background. The perfect rug is out there waiting for you.
If you need help with an upcoming decorating project, reach out to me. I’d love to discuss your plans and see how I can help.
