Home Decoration Tips: Rugs

What size rug works best for my space?

There are a lot of traditional rules when it comes to the correct rug size, but most designers today will encourage you to break those rules. It’s your call, but keep in mind what is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Look to your furniture to determine the size; in a living room, an area rug should offer plenty of coverage from one sofa to the next. After all, if there are too many gaps, it’s small size will be easy to notice. You should also keep in mind architectural cues. A rug near the front door is often just large enough to slightly surpass the door frame, while a narrow hallway requires an equally narrow runner rug. In the end, your space and furniture will dictate the size more than anything.

What rug material will work best for my family?

Some floor mat materials are more durable than others, so before deciding on one over the other, determine how much traffic the space is going to get. For a high-traffic entryway, jute and sisal can be good choices, since they tend to hide dirt and show less wear and tear. Cotton, wool and synthetics work well for larger area rugs in bedrooms and living rooms since they come in a wide variety of patterns and are often easy to clean. If you love luxury more than practicality, you can always opt for silk or fur rugs. Regardless, be sure you keep your family in mind as well; silk and fur rugs don’t mesh well with little kids or family pets. And don’t avoid a rug pad to avoid any slip and slides!

What style rug should I look for?

Because it’s one of the largest decorative pieces in your space, your rug mat should accurately reflect your style. For those with traditional tastes, oriental rugs and floral patterns are go-to options, while chevron patterns, zebraskin and bright colors are trendier options. It’s great to mix and match, but avoid conflicting or overwhelming patterns and colors.