Choosing the Right Size Area Rug For Different Living Spaces

6 Tips to Size Up Living Spaces For the Ideal Area Rug

When decorating or home staging living spaces, an area rug helps create a well-balanced room.  Area rugs can be an investment and come in all shapes and sizes.  They are practical by providing cushion and comfort over wood, concrete or tile flooring.  A rule of thumb when arranging living spaces is to start with the right size area rug.  Here are 6 Tips To Choose the Ideal Area Rug.. 

Measure.  Start by measuring the length and width of the space to be decorated.  Take those numbers and subtract about 2 to 3 feet to at least show off the flooring below and create some contrast.

Placement.  An area rug is a focal point in a room or it could be for comfort in a playroom area.  We suggest a general decorating rule to make sure the front legs of each furniture piece sits on the rug.  An area rug is considered a large piece of decor and should work together with furniture and decor and not be floating.

Texture.  What feels best underfoot? The softest is definitely a wool rug which may be expensive but has rich colors and wears the best.  Sisal, jute and sea grass are more affordable.  They portray a casual look and may feel scratchy to the touch.  Kilim and Dhurrie rugs are made of cotton or wool but add an attractive pattern to a room.

Sizing.  Typically area rugs come in standard sizes of 3 x5, 6 x 8 or even 9 x 12.  For those larger or odd shaped rooms get budget friendly.  Get a piece of rug cut to size and have it bound.  Not sure what size?  Try painters tape and map out the size to get a visual idea.

Non-Slip. When decorating or staging a home with area rugs ALWAYS be sure to use rug pads underneath to avoid slips and falls.  It will help prolong the life of an area rug and flooring underneath.   Polypropylene type pads are inexpensive and withhold constant foot traffic.

Cleaning. We suggest cleaning medium- to high-pile carpets once a year.  Low-pile and flat-weave carpets can be easily spot cleaned and maybe a twice-yearly old-fashioned rug beating.  For a healthier home environment we recommend regular cleanings of even wall to wall carpeting along with your area rugs.

Area rugs can make or break a room when decorating or home staging.  Keep in mind it can be considered a piece of artwork for your floor but choosing the right area rug is as much about the way it looks as the way it feels.