Pick the Perfect Area Rug

Area rugs. At first glance, these “floor blankets” seem pretty inconspicuous. But, they are packed with potential and if done well can really enhance a space. The question I get asked the most is: “what size will work for my home?” As always, it depends! It depends on the location and placement of your area rug.

As a general rule, the larger the rug, the better. All furniture resting above it should have enough space to comfortably fit either completely within the perimeters of the rug or so that the front half of the furniture is resting inside the rug. For a dining space, the area rug should be large enough so when a seated diner scoots their chair back, the back legs don’t get caught in the rug.

The most common sizes for a living room or bedroom are: 5x7, 6x9, 8x10, and 9x12. For most living rooms, a 6x9 or 8x10 will comfortably fit furniture. If you have a larger space, you may need a 9x12 or larger. Custom rugs produced from carpet manufacturers such as Stanton Carpet can provide options to fit your space like a glove but expect to pay thousands $$$$ for a custom option.

Rugs serve as a room’s focal point. Big bold colors and patterns will demand your attention but balance is always key. Pair a bold colorful rug with softer, more muted decor and furniture.

Rugs can visually define an area. Where physical walls or posts aren’t possible, an area rug visually separates functional areas within our home, defining sitting areas or hallway paths.

Rugs come in hundreds of styles, patterns, colors, and materials. Here are a few!

• Jute: A durable, renewable fiber that can complement casual or formal settings.
• Braided: Typically round or oval, this rug is made of wool or cotton braid.
• Kilim:  More elegant-style wool rugs characterized by small vertical slits where two colors meet.
• Persian: Hand-knotted of wool or silk, making them more costly. Machine-made reproductions offer a less-expensive option.

Your area rug’s best buddy will be a rug liner or pad. This helps prevent the rug from slipping or moving on hard surfaces and protects your floors from any scratching fibers.

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Some of my favorite area rugs:

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