How to Choose the Best Area Rug
Cold bedroom floors are challenging in the morning. Make it easier to get out of bed on those early mornings by putting down an area rug that’s large enough to give your feet a soft landing. Even if you have wall-to-wall carpeting, you can layer on a cozy area rug under your bed to muffle sound and add color, texture, and pattern to your space. To make sure your area rug is well-proportioned for your size bed, consider the following guidelines.
What Should Be Placed on the Area Rug?
What seems like a simple question requires some thought. A square or rectangular area rug works best under any size bed. But in addition to a bed, you might have two nightstands and a bench by the foot of your bed. You’ll need to make a few small choices about what goes on top of your area rug. There are four options when it comes to placing an area rug under your bed:
- Only the entire bed frame sits on the area rug.
- The entire bed frame, nightstands, and a bench at the foot of your bed all sit completely on the area rug.
- Only the lower two-thirds of the bed, plus a bench at the foot of your bed, sits on the area rug, which leaves the head of your bed and any nightstands sitting on the bare (or carpeted) floor.
- Only the lower third of the bed, plus a bench at the foot of your bed, sit on the area rug, leaving most of the bed on the bare floor. More of the area rug will jut out into the rest of the room. This option works best if you’re laying a smaller-size area rug down over carpeting to give the room color and texture.
The Sizes for Smaller Rooms
If your bedroom is small, think big when it comes to an area rug. In a smaller room, select a rug that’s large enough to nearly fill up the entire space. Be sure to leave some space for the bare floor between the rug and the walls.
The Sizes for Bigger Rooms
Choosing a rug that’s too small for a large bedroom will throw the space off balance. If you do choose a large rug that fills up most of the room, leave a bit of space between the edges of the rug and the walls.
How to choose a quality area rug?
Selecting a quality area rug involves considering several factors. Look for dense, tightly woven fibers that feel substantial underfoot. Natural materials like wool, silk, or cotton often indicate higher quality. Check the knot count - higher counts typically mean better quality. Examine the backing for sturdy construction. Hand-knotted rugs are often superior but come with a higher price tag. Consider the rug's intended use and choose materials accordingly - durable synthetics might be better for high-traffic areas.
Should a rug be darker or lighter than the floor?
The choice between a darker or lighter rug depends on your design goals. A rug lighter than the floor can brighten a room and make it feel more spacious. Conversely, a darker rug can ground the space and create a cozy atmosphere. For a harmonious look, choose a rug that's a few shades lighter or darker than your floor. The key is to create enough contrast to define the area without clashing with the overall room design.
What is the rule of thumb for area rugs?
The primary rule of thumb for area rugs is size matters. In living rooms, the rug should be large enough for at least the front legs of all furniture to sit on it. For dining rooms, ensure the rug extends at least 24 inches beyond the table's edge to accommodate chairs. In bedrooms, the rug should extend 18-24 inches around the bed. Always leave a border of flooring visible around the rug's edges. These guidelines help create a balanced, well-proportioned look in any room.
How to choose the perfect rug?
Choosing the perfect rug involves balancing aesthetics and functionality. Consider the room's purpose and traffic levels. Match the rug's style to your existing decor. Pay attention to size and shape - the rug should define the space without overwhelming it. Think about maintenance requirements based on your lifestyle. Color and pattern should complement your overall design scheme. Don't forget to factor in comfort underfoot, especially for areas where you'll stand frequently.
How to tell if a rug is high quality?
Identifying a high-quality rug involves examining several aspects. Feel the pile - it should be dense and resilient. Check the rug's weight - heavier rugs often indicate better quality. Look for even, tight stitching and well-finished edges. Natural fibers like wool or silk typically denote higher quality. For patterned rugs, the design should be clear and symmetrical on both sides. Hand-knotted rugs are often the highest quality, but machine-made rugs can also be excellent if well-constructed.
What to avoid when buying an area rug?
When purchasing an area rug, avoid common pitfalls. Don't choose a rug that's too small for your space - it can make a room feel disjointed. Avoid low-quality synthetic materials that may not withstand wear and tear. Be wary of rugs with uneven patterns or poor color consistency. Don't ignore care instructions - some rugs require special maintenance. Avoid impulse buying without considering your room's overall design and functionality needs. Lastly, be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true - extremely low prices often indicate poor quality.
Should a rug match the sofa or walls?
A rug doesn't need to exactly match your sofa or walls, but it should complement them. Consider choosing a rug that incorporates colors from both your sofa and walls to tie the room together. If your sofa and walls are neutral, a rug can be an excellent opportunity to introduce color or pattern. For a more cohesive look, select a rug that's in the same color family as your sofa or walls, but in a different shade or tone.
What colour rug makes a room look bigger?
Light-colored rugs generally make a room appear larger. Cream, beige, or light gray rugs can create an illusion of more space by reflecting light. Cool tones like pale blue or soft green can also enhance the sense of openness. For a bolder approach, consider a large-scale pattern in light colors, which can create depth and make the room feel more expansive. Avoid dark or busy patterns in small spaces, as these can make the room feel cramped.
How to pick an area rug color?
Selecting an area rug color involves considering your room's existing palette and desired atmosphere. Start by identifying the dominant colors in your space. Choose a rug that either complements these colors or provides an interesting contrast. Consider the room's function - calming colors work well in bedrooms, while vibrant hues can energize living areas. Neutral rugs offer versatility and longevity. For a statement piece, opt for a bold color or pattern that ties in with accent colors in your room. Always consider lighting conditions, as colors can appear different under various light sources.
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