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Design 101
How To Choose a Rug That Elevates Your Space
Published: September 26, 2024
Choosing a rug isn’t just about picking a pretty color or pattern. It’s about finding a piece that fits your lifestyle and reflects your tastes. The perfect rug will complement your existing decor and help balance the room. And, of course, it should also be easy to maintain and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
Design 101
How To Choose a Rug That Elevates Your Space
Published: September 26, 2024
Choosing a rug isn’t just about picking a pretty color or pattern. It’s about finding a piece that fits your lifestyle and reflects your tastes. The perfect rug will complement your existing decor and help balance the room. And, of course, it should also be easy to maintain and capable of withstanding daily wear and tear.
Finding a rug that checks all these boxes takes thoughtful consideration. There are many factors to weigh, including material, size, and maintenance requirements. This detailed rug-buying guide covers everything you know about how to choose a rug that meets your needs.
What Are the Different Types of Rugs?
Retailers offer many kinds of rugs with different functions and styles. Here are a few popular types and their unique traits.
Area rugs
As the name suggests, an area rug covers a specific area or portion of the room. Interior designers often use these rugs to define key zones, such as a sitting area or a play space for children. These large rugs also protect hardwood or tile flooring from scratches and scuffs.
Area rugs come in many different colors and sizes to suit every aesthetic. For example, a bright floral area rug complements a bohemian or cottagecore living room. Meanwhile, a gray and white geometric area rug fits an industrial or modern space.
Runners
Runners are long, rectangular rugs that fit narrow spaces. People typically place these rugs in high-traffic areas to protect the floors and improve comfort. For instance, you could put a runner in front of your kitchen sink to reduce fatigue while washing the dishes. You can also use runners in entryways to catch dirt from pets and shoes.
Like area rugs, runners come in numerous colors and materials. Use these rugs to add splashes of color to small spaces. A vibrant green rug could brighten a neutral-colored kitchen, while a soft, patterned runner makes a minimalist entryway feel inviting.
Kitchen rugs, bathroom rugs, and doormats
Many retailers offer smaller rugs for specific areas of the home, including:
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Kitchen rugs
Kitchen rugs are made from stain-resistant materials, making cleaning inevitable drips and spills easier. They often have non-slip rubber backs to prevent dangerous falls and trips. Do you love to spend hours cooking? Look for rugs with cushioning so you can stay comfortable.
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Bathroom rugs
Bathroom rugs are made from plush, absorbent materials. These rugs add style to your bathroom while soaking up water and keeping the floor dry.
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Doormats
Door mats sit outside entryways and trap dirt and debris before they get tracked into your home. They’re made from weather-resistant materials and often have welcoming sayings or fun designs.
Common Rug Sizes
Rugs come in a variety of sizes to fit different spaces. Here are the most common.
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4’ x 6’ rugs
These small accent rugs are designed for compact spaces, such as bathrooms, staircase landings, and entryways. Use them to create contrast or reinforce your color scheme.
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5’ x 8’ rugs
These medium rugs define smaller zones in your home. For instance, you can place a 5’ x 8’ rug under your coffee table or a round dining table to anchor the space.
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6’ x 9’ rugs
Place these area rugs in smaller living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. They add color and warmth without overwhelming the space.
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8’ x 10’ rugs
This is the standard rug size for medium to large rooms. Use an 8’ x 10’ rug for a king- or queen-sized bed or a spacious living area.
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9’ x 12’ rugs
These large area rugs fit open-concept kitchens, living rooms, and other expansive spaces. They can accommodate oversized furniture like rectangular dining tables and sectionals.
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Irregular-shaped rugs
Some rugs have creative and unconventional shapes. For example, you might pick a rug shaped like a giant flower, a cowhide, or an abstract geometric pattern. Irregular rugs are fascinating focal points that make your space more unique and whimsical.
Best Material for a Rug
A rug’s material affects its comfort and durability. Here are four popular materials to consider.
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Synthetic
Synthetic rugs are made from nylon, polyester, and other human-made materials. They’re affordable and stain-resistant but less comfortable than natural rugs.
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Wool
Wool rugs are highly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic. They’re also soft and easy to clean.
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Cotton
Cotton rugs are incredibly soft but absorb stains easily, so they’re best suited for low-traffic areas.
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Jute
Jute rugs are affordable, environmentally friendly, and low-maintenance. However, they’re not water-resistant and can break down under the weight of heavy furniture.
What Is Rug Pile?
Rug pile refers to the thickness and length of a rug’s fibers, which plays a key role in its texture and durability. High-pile rugs, known for their softness and plush feel, are ideal for high-traffic areas like living rooms and bedrooms, providing extra comfort underfoot. On the other hand, low-pile rugs, which have shorter fibers, are better suited for areas under furniture or in dining rooms, as they are easier to clean and less likely to get flattened or damaged by heavy use. When choosing a rug, consider the room's function and foot traffic.
Rug Styles
Rugs come in every style imaginable, so you’re certain to find options that fit your ideal aesthetic. Popular styles include:
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Bohemian
Boho rugs have vibrant colors and attention-grabbing patterns, infusing your space with personality.
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Traditional
Traditional rugs have bold colors and elaborate patterns, such as detailed motifs and flowers. They’re inspired by historical rugs from Persia and Turkey.
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Contemporary
Contemporary rugs often have abstract designs, playful patterns, and bold colors.
Shop nowHow To Clean a Rug
Regular maintenance will keep your rug clean and odor-free. To start, vacuum your rug at least weekly, focusing on areas that receive the most foot traffic, as this helps to remove dirt, dust, and allergens. For high-traffic areas, consider vacuuming more frequently. Spot treat any stains immediately using a gentle cleaner to prevent them from setting and becoming more difficult to remove. Additionally, you can refresh your rug by sprinkling a thin layer of baking soda over the surface. Let it sit for about 20 minutes to absorb odors, then vacuum thoroughly to leave your rug smelling clean and fresh. For deeper cleaning, consider rotating your rug and scheduling professional cleaning once or twice a year, especially for larger or delicate rugs. This helps maintain its texture and appearance over time.
Outdoor Rugs
The best outdoor rugs are UV- and water-resistant. They’re typically made from durable synthetic materials like acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene.
How to clean outdoor rugs
Use a hose to rinse dirt and debris from your outdoor rug. If it still looks dirty, gently scrub it with mild soap and a soft sponge.
Do You Need a Rug Pad?
Use a rug pad to protect your family and guests from slipping and falling. This handy cushion keeps your rug in place and makes it more comfortable to stand on. It also shields your floors from scratches and marks.
Rug pad vs. rug gripper
A rug pad is a heavy-duty cushion made from felt or rubber. By contrast, a rug gripper consists of sticky tape without extra padding.
Tips for Choosing a Rug by Room
Follow these tips when buying a rug for a specific area of your home.
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How to choose a living room rug
Pick a large living room rug that fits under all the legs of your furniture and complements your existing color scheme. For instance, pair a black rug with a white couch for a sophisticated contrast, or add feminine flair with a pink rug.
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How to choose a bedroom rug
The size of your bed is the most significant factor to consider when selecting a bedroom rug.
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Rug size for king bed
An area rug should extend past the sides of the bed to create a flattering frame. Choose a rug that’s at least 8’ x 10’ for a king bed.
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Rug size for queen bed
A queen bed requires a 6’ x 9’ rug or larger.
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How to choose a dining room rug
Measure your dining table and choose a rug at least 4’ longer and wider. This size will fit neatly under the table and all the chairs to catch crumbs and spills.
Get Cozy With the Perfect Rug
Choosing the right rug is an art and a science. Factors like size and material will help you narrow your options and find rugs that fit your space. Once you’ve found a few top contenders, pick the one that enhances the room's ambiance and speaks to your style.
Take your design to the next level by learning to layer a rug like a pro or explore thousands of rugs for inspiration.
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