Rugs 101: How to find the perfect rug!
Rugs are an essential part of your space, but they often are an afterthought. I will share how to find the perfect rug and a roundup of my favorites!
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Rugs 101: How to find the perfect rug!
Rugs are an element we can use to ground a space, invite warmth and texture, and create a more intimate feel. Use these tips to help you find the perfect rug!
What size do I need?
Deciding what size rug you need is the first step. This way you can narrow down your choices by size when shopping. If you know you need a larger size then you won’t waste your time looking at anything smaller.
I always recommend going as large as possible with rugs. If you have an open-concept room, then you might be looking at something as large as a 10×14. If your room is on the smaller side an 8×10 would probably fill your space perfectly
Living Room Rug Placement
You will want to decide how to anchor your furniture on a rug. A good rule of thumb is to have at least the front feet of all your furniture on the rug. If you find a rug you love but a bit too small for your living room furniture to sit on, layering rugs is always an option. We will dive into that later.
Again, having the most oversized rug possible makes your space feel grander.
Bedroom Rug Placement
In a bedroom, using a rug is a great way to add even more coziness to the space. The placement of a rug in a bedroom is slightly different from the placement in a living room area.
While you don’t want to line up the head of your bed with a side of the rug, you also don’t want to get out of bed in the morning and not have any rug to step onto.
Below are two examples of placing a rug in your bedroom. You can use the size and layout of your bedroom to determine which way you place your rug.
Dining Room Rug Placement
Dining rooms can be tricky. You want a rug large enough that when someone sits at the table, all four legs of the chair are still on the rug.
Creating cohesion with rugs in an open-concept area
The majority of homes these days have open-concept floor plans. Implementing rugs that work together but are different is critical. Think of this as a main character and supporting actors.
Decide which room you want the statement rug in and which will take the less flashy option. I prefer the statement rug in the living room. This way, the rug in the dining room can be the supporting actor since it will have a table and chairs on it anyways.
Rug Pairings I love
Here are some examples of rug pairings that I love. Use these as inspiration for your home!
- Georgie Oriental Bordeaux/Antique Area Rug
- Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Polly Checkered Antique/Mist Area Rug
- Amber Lewis x Loloi Alie Taupe / Dove Area Rug
- Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Jules Oriental Denim/Spice Area Rug
Things to consider
Now that you know what size rug to get and an idea for placement, it’s time to consider the next 3 things.
Your family’s lifestyle
Do you have multiple children and pets? If so, you will want a rug that will stand the test of time. Something that will resist stains, be easily cleaned, and won’t snag. These things are inevitable in life but choosing a rug that will better stand to those elements is crucial. The rug fiber will be the ultimate factor in longevity.
rug fiber types
- Wool – the most durable fiber, more expensive upfront but will last for years to come
- Sisal- adds natural warmth and texture, would not recommend using it in a high moisture room
- Polypropylene- stain resistant, doesn’t absorb water, and colors are vibrant
- Polyester- won’t stand up to heavy long-term traffic – will need to be replaced periodically, stain and fade resistant
Location
Does the space you want to put a rug in have a lot of moisture? If you plan to put a rug in a bathroom or laundry room, I suggest choosing something that will resist mildew.
If you plan to put a rug in a dining room area, you will want one that is stain-resistant.
Do you need a rug pad?
Similarly, to consider your family’s lifestyle, deciding whether or not you need a rug pad is something to think about. If you have small children and your family spends time on the floor playing, investing in a quality rug pad is a good idea. You don’t necessarily need a rug pad under a runner in a hallway.
There are a few different options for rug pads. I opt for the beaded non-slip pads or the thicker felt pads. Beaded non-slip pads are perfect for runners if you prefer to have a rug pad. I recommend using them if you have genuine hardwood floors to protect them. My house has LVP flooring, and I use double-sided rug tape to keep my runners in place.
Your home’s color palette
Please remember that your home’s color palette is crucial when deciding on a rug. I will always recommend following the golden ratio in your home regarding color. You want your home to have 60% base color, 30% complimentary color, and 10% contrasting color.
I like to use rugs to bring in the 10% contrasting color. In my living room, my rug has deep reds and blues. When contrasted with the neutrals in my furniture and walls, it gives my living room life.
Layering Rugs
If you have found a rug that you love but is smaller than you need, layering rugs is always an option!
If you need to layer rugs, I like to use a jute or jute-like rug for the base layer. This gives great texture and does not compete with the rug on top.
Best places to buy rugs
- TJ Maxx
- Home Goods
- Lowe’s online
- Wayfair
- Amazon
- Facebook Marketplace – you never know what you will find!
- Rugs USA
- Boutique Rugs
Rug roundup
I hope you feel empowered with finding the perfect rug for your home. Thanks so much for being here!
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