Choosing the Right Rugs To Transform Every Room in Your Home

A home is where people relax, entertain, and enjoy a substantial part of their lives, so having an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere is a priority for many. Designing a space in a home can help fashion a comfortable and functional area through patterns, colors, and textures.

Rugs are an essential part of decor, doing more than just covering floors. They serve many functional uses, but can also help create a mood, cohesion with the decor, and warmth. There are so many styles and sizes available, finding the perfect choice for a room is easier than ever.

“Rugs are more than just floor covers. They’re the foundation of a well-designed home,” says the Nordic Knots website.

Why Rugs Are Essential

Rugs are an important part of designing a curated space that reflects personal taste. Not only do rugs serve a function like absorbing sound and protecting the floor, but they also help define specific areas in open layout homes. A rug can serve both practical needs and design preferences, and the wide assortment available provides many options for different types of spaces in a home, from entryways to living rooms.

There are functional uses of rugs that add a level of comfort to any living space. They provide a soft surface to walk on, making it much more comfortable to walk across hard floors or sit down on. Rugs also add acoustic insulation that reduces sound and eliminates echoes in a space. Additionally, rugs add a layer of thermal insulation to help retain heat.

Rugs are beneficial when it comes to extending the life of hardwood, laminate, and tile floors by protecting them from wear and tear, scratches, stains, and other damage.

Another advantage of having rugs in a home is that they can help reduce the risk of slipping on smooth surfaces.

Personal and Curated Spaces

Many homes feature an open plan, and rugs can help define different areas in the large space. A rug with a different color, style, or texture can help separate areas visually. Rugs can also elevate a space to be more formal. For example, they can help divide a dining area from a living area. Another use could be to make a cozy breakfast nook near the kitchen.

Hard flooring is a popular choice in many homes, but it can create a sterile environment. Rugs make a home feel more comfortable and welcoming. Using various-sized rugs in multiple styles or colors can also tie a room’s decor together, increasing the visual appeal and giving the room a more unified appearance.

Best Types of Rugs for Each Room

When picking a rug, it’s important to understand that different materials and types of rugs serve different purposes. Wool rugs are durable and plush underfoot, making them perfect for living rooms. Flatweaves are a good choice for dining rooms because they’re easy to clean, and chairs can glide over them easily. Since bedrooms need cozy comfort, high-pile rugs. Options with soft, luxurious textures are also a solid choice.

Finally, for entryways and hallways that suffer from high traffic and wear and tear, tightly woven, low-pile rugs are a good choice, especially because they are easy to clean.

How to Choose the Right Rug Size and Style

Choosing the right rug for a space isn’t just about the type of material it is made of, or the aesthetic appearance, but also the size. A rug that is too small, which is a common mistake, will make a room look awkward.

To position a rug properly, it should “anchor” the furniture arrangement and extend just beyond the edge of the furniture. In the living room, this should be at least 6 to 12 inches beyond the sofa on each side.

When it comes to colors and patterns, it's best to remember that bold patterns work well in a minimalist room while neutral rugs are a versatile selection.

If someone in the household has allergies, synthetic materials can help alleviate them. Synthetic materials may also be more affordable for those on a limited budget. Natural fibers like jute, silk, or wool last a long time and are of higher quality.

In the end, taking care of a rug with regular vacuuming, rotating it occasionally to reduce wear and tear, and investing in an annual professional cleaning can extend its life.

FAQs

What is the best rug material for high-traffic areas?

Tightly-woven, low-pile rugs are ideal for heavy foot traffic areas because they are easy to clean and maintain.

How do I know what size rug to buy?

The area that the rug will be laid in needs to be measured, and the layout of the furniture needs to be taken into account. It’s best if the furniture arrangement can all fit onto the rug.

Are wool rugs better than synthetic ones?

Though natural fiber rugs are durable, they are also more expensive. Synthetic rugs are best for those with allergies and a limited budget.