Rugs to the Rescue When Staging A Home

How to Use the Right Rug When Staging or Decorating A Home!

Knowing what area rug to use that fits a living space can be challenging.  The goal is to use a rug that contains colors in a room you want to emphasize, makes a space warm and inviting and most importantly defines a room.  There are no strict rules but simple guidelines to follow.

7 Tips to Home Staging or Decorating a Room with Area Rugs…

1.) Determine Appropriate Size

Measure out a living space and keep in mind that the larger an area rug, the more spacious the room will seem so we say the bigger the better!  To show off more flooring then go down to a smaller size rug.  But be sure to avoid going too tiny as you will create a chopped up looking space and the room will instantly appear smaller.

2.) Use Rugs to Anchor Furnishings

Arrange your furnishings in a living area first and then use an area rug to anchor the room.  In other words, make sure the long side of the rug follows the length of a couch or love seat.  Should all furniture legs be on the rug or some on or some off?  It’s okay to have the front legs of a couch on a rug and the back ones off and the same with chairs.

3.) Adding Accents

Situate rugs under groupings of furniture to coordinate and bring a room into its own and add some contrast.  A tiny rug floating in the middle of a fully furnished living space is not wise, especially when staging a home for sale.  A runner in a long hallway is acceptable though.

4.) Style Coordination

Match your rug to the style and finish of a room.  It would not be ideal to see a contemporary print rug in a living area that has traditional style furnishings and heavy crown moldings.

5.) Lighten Up Dark Spaces

Warm up spaces in a home that may have tile, slate, light wood or even dark-colored wood flooring.  When staging or decorating a room it is important to add some contrast and just enough pop to grab a buyer’s attention.  Light color rugs look the best on darker floors and will make a room feel more spacious.  Don’t be afraid to use rugs with a texture like sisal, needlepoint or a plush, fur style rug.

6.) Avoid High-Traffic Areas

Avoid using thick rugs in high traffic areas as it screams falls and spills.  It is not wise and there may be a better room in the home to place it.  We suggest using indoor/outdoor rugs for those areas that do get a lot of foot traffic as they are easy to clean!

7.) Separate Spaces

Visually divide a large living space by using rugs to identify what each space is especially when staging a home.  Buyers need to get a vision of how to layout such an open space.  Typically condos and townhomes have a living and dining room combination floorplan.  Be sure to designate the living area with a rug and maybe going without a rug in the dining area is suggested.  If you don’t use any rugs then the room will look like one big maze of furniture.

Home Staging Experts

The key to remember is that area rugs are a decorative piece that defines a room and adds instant warmth.  The most popular rug size is 5′ x 8′ but the larger the better is our suggestion.  An 8′ x 10′ rug is perfect for large rooms and will look much richer with furnishings on it.  Find the perfect rugs in all shapes, sizes, and textures at some of our favorite stores:  Ballard Design, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, IKEA and Target!