An area rug can make a significant difference in the aesthetic and feel of a room. You can add style, affect the sense of space and tie together all of your furnishings in one step. But how do you choose the right rug for the room? Everybody's taste is different, but here are the main things to consider when picking the perfect rug:
Rug Size vs. Room Size
The size of the room is the first thing to consider when choosing a rug. Most designers advise centering the rug in a room so it isn't touching any walls. That said, be careful not to choose too small a rug. A rug that's too small for the room can make the entire space feel more cramped. Instead, try to find a rug that will let you keep 10 to 20 inches of bare floor on each side.
Color & Pattern
Color is another great starting point when choosing the perfect rug. The color of your area rug will affect the palette of the entire room, so consider your existing color schemes in your choice. If you have a room with lots of color and pattern, try a more neutral or single-colored rug to ground the space. Conversely, a brightly colored or boldly patterned rug can enhance a room with lots of neutral tones.
Lifestyle & Maintenance
Practicality matters with area rugs. You want to choose a rug that will match your lifestyle in addition to your design. Think about the purpose of the room and the amount of regular traffic the rug will endure. Also consider elements like moisture, probability of stains and amount of direct sunlight. A dining room rug should ideally be easy to clean in case of food or drink spills, and a bathroom rug should be resistant to damage from humidity.
Flat-weave rugs are easiest to clean, while cushy, high-pile rugs often need professional shampooing. You can usually find all of the maintenance information for a rug on its tag, but if you want more information, you can consult a vendor or rug cleaning surface for advice.
An area rug can serve an important utilitarian purpose as well as a stylish one. Choosing the perfect rug for your space will enhance the aesthetic and your enjoyment of the room.
About the Author
Robin Anderson Real Estate
“My Passion is people and relationships and I promise to provide my clients with exceptional service tailored to their individual needs.” -Robin Anderson
Georgia native, Robin Anderson brings her passion for people and her love of homes to work for her clients. She and her husband, Andy, have been married for over 30 years and have two adult children, Ellen and Drew. They currently live in Fulton County, but Robin has lived and invested in properties throughout metro Atlanta as well as helped clients buy and sell. She has been integral to many real estate endeavors including designing and building several custom homes, remodeling homes, subdividing land, managing rental properties, and buying and selling properties. She spent her first 3 years in real estate working with a new home builder, and she has spent the last 6 years working with buyers and sellers in her own community. Robin is highly motivated but sensitive to the fact that buying and selling homes can be an emotional experience, so she makes it a priority to keep clients closely informed throughout the process and strives to produce quick results. She appreciates the opportunity to help her clients navigate the real estate process, and she aspires to deliver quality customer service that is both informative and positive. She is driven to provide outstanding service for her clients and she is focused on building successful and lasting relationships with her clients. This personalized service earns her enthusiastic referrals from clients she is pleased to call friends.Edit
