How to Choose a Rug: The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to home decor, rugs play an integral role in adding texture, color and design to any space. Whether you have hardwood, tile, or even carpeted floors, rugs bring the aesthetic of your abode to a whole new level. It brings comfort, adds personality and ties the room together.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know even where to begin when it comes time to choose a rug. Don’t fret: Our ultimate guide on how to choose a rug will break it down for you! 

Get the Right Size: How to Measure For Your Rug

Rug Rules for Living Rooms

 

No matter how beautiful your rug is, if it’s the wrong size it just won’t work.

A rug that’s too small for the room can be underwhelming and may make everything look off-kilter. Alternatively, too large of rug might overpower the furniture and make the room appear smaller.

A general rule of thumb to follow is to ensure all of your furniture is on your rug, or that the legs of the furniture are on it like in the examples above.

 

 

Rug Rules for Dining Rooms

 

 

The rug helps define the dining room space in this open floor plan.  The bold color makes the table a focal point of the room.

 

 

Rug Rules for Bedrooms

 

Images via Rugs & More

 

Your master bedroom should have either runner rugs on each side of the bed or a single large rug that extends several inches away from each side of the bed itself. 

 

 

In addition to size, the shape of the rug you choose can have a huge impact, too. 

Accent rugs that are round, rectangular or odd shapes look great next to a statement chair in a cozy reading nook.

 

 

Here are a few do’s and don’ts when you’re measuring for a new rug:

• DO: Choose a larger rug for larger rooms and make them the centerpiece of the space.
• DO: Add a smaller rug in cozier areas such an office, reading nook, or in smaller-sized living rooms.
• DO: Define the space by placing your furniture around the perimeter of the rug and make sure that only the front legs are on top of the edge of the rug.
• DON’T: Make the rug the centerpiece of your master bedroom. Instead, work the furniture around the rug, allowing it to become more of an accent piece.
• DON’T: Use small rugs in the dining room. You should select one large rug and place your dining table and chairs on top of it. The chairs should stay on the rug, even when sitting down. 

RELATED: How to Layer Rugs Like a Total Pro

Rug Material Options

When selecting the ideal rug, there’s no shortage of rug materials to choose from.

 

Wool is an excellent option if you want something durable that also hides dirt and stains fairly well. Sisal is a good choice for rugs due to its eco-friendly and sustainable nature, and it’s also fantastic for rooms with heavier foot traffic.

Nylon rugs are affordable and come in a wide range of colors, and this material is also exceptionally durable. 

You can also opt for a cotton rug, which is soft yet sturdy thanks to the woven composition. And, if luxury is a priority, choose a rug made of woven silk fibers that are smooth, and soft with a luxe luster.

Choosing a Rug Pattern

 

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Modern rugs offer a myriad of incredible options ranging from solids and stripes to Oriental patterns. 

If you’re in love with the Bohemian trend, select a rug that has a fun medallion and distressed details.

For a more traditional look, try an Oriental rug or solid color. 

 

 

Keep in mind that your rug is like a piece of art for your floors, so select something that really complements your unique style and personality. 

If your design is more contemporary, a color block rug or geometric pattern may be a good bet.  Other choices include Southwestern designs, shag rugs and even playful plaid patterns.

 

 

Deciding on Rug Styles

 

 

The rug style you choose depends on several things including your family, lifestyle and home decor style. 

Consider heavy-duty rugs made of synthetic material that can handle spills and heavy traffic if you have children or pets.

Look for something plush, soft and inviting for the master bedroom your feet can sink into first thing in the morning.

 

 

Try an indoor/outdoor rug for your favorite hangout space that you can enjoy during the warmer months, then bring it inside during winter. With so many possibilities, you should be able to find a rug that will mesh with your taste as well as your unique home life.

 

 

Selecting Rug Colors

 

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A rug color can really influence any room’s overall design since it’s there to serve as a visual focal point. Keep this in mind when choosing the color of your rug and how it will tie everything together. 

Deep, rich tones like blue and burgundy will add dramatic flair to a space while neutral tones like tan or gray are an excellent option for almost any room and any style.

There really is no “wrong” choice when it comes to selecting a rug color, but you do want it to play a role in the overall aesthetic of the room. Whichever color you choose, it’s sure to make your room pop.

 

 

 

Photo credits:  Overstock, molodi, orbiz, Basset Furiture, Froy