A lot of people underestimate the importance of a good rug. They think it’s just there to cover the bare floor or for some added color. But in reality, an important rug changes the feel of a room, just like a picture frame can help transform a beautiful piece of art.
A solid rug does so much more than just sit there and look pretty. It ties things together, separates space in otherwise open areas and almost makes furniture look more expensive than it actually is. A bad rug? That’s an entirely different story.
The Ultimate Mind Trick of Anchoring a Room
It’s safe to say that a rug acts as the foundation. All other decisions grow upon it. When someone walks into a room with an important rug, the eye knows where to go and what to do first. Designers have coined the term “visual anchor”—a trick of the mind—wherein the brain has a point from which to start absorbing everything else in the room.
This works because a rug acts like a subtle wall. In a living room, it somewhat indicates where the conversation area begins and ends. In a bedroom, it creates a softer place to stand on the edge of one’s bed. In a dining room, it makes the table and chairs appear as if they belong there instead of just awkwardly floating throughout the space.
Finding good quality options comes from reliable places, where the styles and needs for proper construction meld together. Retailers like Justrug helps homeowners navigate quality options that work in real homes and not just staged settings with good lighting.
However, rugs solve some practical problems that you might not realize are problems until they are addressed later down the line. They soak sound (nice to avoid echoing footsteps), warm up cold floors or, even, hide subpar flooring you’d have to pay thousands to repair.
Sizing Is Everything
Rug sizing is complicated; size selection is why most people fail their rug choices right from the get-go. People tend to gravitate toward smaller rugs when they should be doing the exact opposite. Tiny rugs in large rooms look misplaced and all furniture seems disconnected. Ideally, either front legs should be on the rug or all furniture legs should be resting completely on the rug.
For example, living rooms require at least front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug. Preferably, the entire furniture piece should be on the rug to help create more quality symmetry. For bedrooms, the rug should extend at least two feet longer than each side of the bed’s distance from each wall—or more. The dining room table needs at least two feet on all sides of a rectangular or circular table for chair leg placement—not worth ripping out chair legs every time someone sits down.
The 8×10 is the most popular rug size—and for good reason. It fits perfectly in most standard living rooms without making them seem too busy; however, it also doesn’t steal the show by looking too small, either. But measuring your space is one thing; also imagining how you utilize that space is another. Sometimes one might need to go with a less-than-universal size because things just don’t fit otherwise.
Materials That Matter
Consider materials based on real-life evaluations—not some Insta-approved virtual reality. If kids or pets exist, plush white may not be in your best interest. High traffic areas necessitate durable materials—wool or synthetics that act similarly—are appropriate for maximum wear and tear since they receive consistent footfall all day long.
Wool, for example, is the gold standard—it’s naturally stain resistant, durable and comfortable under foot. Cotton rugs work well in casual settings and are often machine-washable as well as easy to maintain (big plus). Synthetics now have come a long way where they can mimic natural fibers at a lower price point without hassle for upkeep.
Rugs used in kitchens or entry ways must be flat-weave to avoid tripping hazards while making them easier to clean; bathrooms should avoid wool since it collects water too easily and cotton or bamboo works better.
Room-Specific Selection Orientation Strategies
Different rooms have different purposes; thus, rugs chosen for them should complement this behavior as well. For living rooms, sense of pattern can reign supreme—but these spaces are usually the most neutral for maximum livability—rugs should withstand daily family activity with the intent to also be beautiful for guests who stop by as well.
For bedrooms, however, you will spend more time stepping on or near this item than noticing it during your waking hours; thus soft is good for feel underfoot. Neutrals are ideal since calming hues help provide good sleep but don’t shy away from textured patterns which explore uniqueness without overwhelming.
Kitchens are slightly different—these rugs need practicality over beauty—washable rugs are essential as well as non-slip and materials that can withstand stains so skip expensive wool materials because there’s just no sense in worrying over something that might get ruined anyway.
Color and Pattern Possibilities
Color is easy: if your room is neutral, allow your rug to pop with color/pattern—but if you have enough excitement happening in your upholstery or wallpapered walls, choose something more subtle instead.
Patterns are slightly trickier. Large patterns are better for larger rooms while smaller patterns are better for smaller rooms—if you’re nervous about patterns, go geometric; they’re easier to meld into the mix of whatever decorating style presently exists than florals which can be more complicated or frilly.
Darker colors are great because they don’t show dirt as easily; however, they might make a room feel smaller and engulfed. Light colors make spaces brighter but allow everyone access to see stains and dirt gathering in real time so there’s no winning but only a decision that’s best for your current situation based on your preferences.
Deciding Factor
Ultimately, the best rug is one that’s practical for your lifestyle, home and budget so don’t get caught up being so reliant on rules that you forget what you love! You’re going to have to live with it!
So take your time measuring and seeing what’s best for you; don’t be afraid to request samples—in fact, most reputable retailers allow homeowners to do this to eliminate some guessing games along the way.
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