How to choose the best Area Rug for your home?

What is an area rug?

An area rug is a rug that covers only part of a floor and is usually smaller than a carpet. A rug is a simple way to update your floors and interiors and transform a room. For a living room to feel pulled together, most designers will tell you, it needs a rug. Rugs may display patterns and come in various styles. But depending on the room, size, and overall theme you want to create, there are many options you need to consider before buying an area rug. 

SIZE:

Choosing the right-size living room rug will bring balance and warmth, create the perfect finishing touch and provide comfort underfoot. It also provides the foundation for your living room and helps to protect your floors. Firstly measure your floor space and make sure the rug you choose is large enough for your space. Bigger is better but opting for a larger size will be expensive. We suggest you pick a rug size from 8×10 feet to 9×12 feet and ensure that the rug you buy is at least six to eight inches wider than your sofa on all sides. Leave at least 18 to 24 inches of space if your living room is small.                           

Try the area rug ideas below in your living room:     

1. All Legs Off

Place your central furniture piece on your rug but not your seating. The layout can look cool, but only if done right. A smaller rug size, such as a 5×7 rug, is perfect for this layout.

2. All Legs On    

If you have enough living room space and fit all furniture pieces on your rug, give around eight inches between the edge of the furniture and the rug. Also, leave around 10 to 18 inches of space from rug to wall.   

3. Front Legs Only

Place your furniture’s front legs on the rug while the back legs rest on the bare floor. Put a rug under each furniture piece about one-third of its width.

4. Rounded Area Rug

Choose a large round area rug to distinguish your sitting area. Choose a large enough rug to place all furniture with some inches to spare or at least the front legs of each piece.   

Rug sizing by room   

To find the right rug sizes for your home, consider the size of each room and the room’s furniture groupings.  

Living Room:      

A 280x380cm rug fits perfectly in a 12’x18′ or larger living room to accommodate most of your furniture, giving your space a more integrated look. A 240x320cm rug fits nicely in an 11’x13′ or slightly larger room. In a defined living area, the best layout leaves a 12″-18″ border of flooring around your rug.  A 200x290cm area rug works best in an 11’x13′ or smaller living room. It leaves about 2′ of flooring bordering the rug on each side.     

Dining Room:                                                                           

Select a rug that’s four feet larger than your dining table. Your rug should be large enough for all dining chairs to sit entirely on the rug, even when pulled out. Both the shape of your room and dining table should impact whether it’s rectangular or round.  A 280x380cm rug for large table(8+) and 240x320cm or 200x280cm rug for medium table(6)

8′ Round Rug or 200x280cm rug for a small table (4)

Bedroom:                                                                                              

When choosing the right rug size, focus on the size of your bed. Placing a large area rug under the bed is the most common. A 280x380cm rug covers the complete king bed and nightstands, leaving about 2′ of soft rug underfoot around the bed. A 240x320cm rug covers a queen bed and nightstands, with 3′ of rug on either side of the bed. A 200x290cm rug fits nicely under a full bed or opts for two 3’x5′ rugs on either side of the bed for added cushioning.                                                   

Kitchen:                                                                                                           

 While choosing a rug for the kitchen, consider the size and layout of your space. The area in front of the sink is the most functional place to put your rug. For U-shaped layouts, a small rug in front of the sink centers the space nicely. A well-placed runner can visually extend the space, whether you have a galley kitchen or a large island. For a long, galley-style kitchen, a 2.5’x7’ or 2.5’x10’ runner rug along the sink side of the kitchen works best.   

Hallway:                                                                                       

The size and shape of a hallway rug should be based on the respective dimensions of the room. Typical sizes are 70×250 cm or 80x300cm for narrow and elongated corridors. Round or square rugs are popular for a larger hallway not place any furniture on the rug and always keep the distance between the front door and the sides. Choose between the classic low-profile rug pad, or a cushioned rug pad for added comfort when you walk. 

SHAPE       

Choosing the best shape of rug for your space is a tricky part. Choosing the wrong shape and size for space can make it look awkward or cause impractical indignation.

Circular rugs:

Ideal for smaller spaces and spaces you want to add a more playful, cozy, and whimsical note. Fit nicely in circular rooms and is a good option to make a small place feel larger. Pair a circular rug with similarly-shaped furniture or light fixtures.

Square Rugs:

Best for square rooms and can be easily paired with similarly shaped tables or other square rugs.

Rectangular Rugs:

Most traditional rug shapes and suitable for large spaces such as living rooms, offices, etc. They can also be used as kitchen rugs and hallway runners.

MATERIAL

Different materials are appropriate for different areas in the home and each offers a different look and feel with varying characteristics. Rugs come in many materials such as:

Natural fibers like wool, silk, cotton, jute, sisal

Durable and long-lasting and  are amazing at hiding soil but require professional cleaning

Synthetic fibers like Acrylic, polyester, polypropylene

Affordable, easy to clean, and usually stain-resistant but may need replacing sooner than natural fiber rugs.

Wool:

Such rugs add warmth, and softness to the look and offer a range of looks from thin, flat weaves to hairy. Fiber is durable, stain resistant, and needs professional cleaning.

Cotton:

Made in a flat weave design and less durable fiber. Have a lighter feel and texture which makes them ideal for summer living.

Jute and Sisal:

Suitable for high-traffic areas and extremely durable that can be smooth and cool for feet.

Polypropylene:

A synthetic fiber that is hardwearing, easy to maintain, and good for high-traffic areas. Highly stain resistant and durable.

Acrylic:

Hard-wearing, easy to clean and maintain. washable and cheaper alternative to wool due to less shedding.

PATTERN

A patterned rug can add personality to a room without it being too bold. A patterned rug is best in dark color to hide dirt and spills. If your walls and furniture are mostly solid colors, use a patterned rug to draw the eyes to the center of the room. Some most popular designs and patterns are here:

Floral Pattern Rugs:

Floral rug design patterns offer a feminine touch to any room. This abstract floral can work in a contemporary or modern home while the traditional floral is perfect for a country or cottage-style space. They bring the essence of nature into the house, making you feel closer to life itself.

Geometric Pattern Rugs:

Geometric designs on rugs provide crisp, clean lines in your design. These rugs are more modern and eclectic so you can have a lot of fun with them. Geometrical cool rug designs can do wonders on area rugs. 

Southwestern Pattern Rugs:

A southwestern design pattern provides an eclectic and a little bit more rustic look. A Southwestern pattern is more traditionally known for diamonds.

RUG PADS

A rug pad is a layer of material that rests between the surface of your flooring and under the backing of a rug.

A rug pad underneath the carpet protects its fibers and prevents the rug from sliding.

For high-traffic areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen, opt for a rug pad that comes with a solid grip.

Rug pads must be non-slip and eco-friendly.

In the bedroom or living room, a cushioned rug pad will contribute an extra layer of plush comfort. 

You need rug pads in your home for:

• Safety
• Preserve your floors
• Increase the life of your rugs

BACKING

The material that is attached to the back of a rug is called the rug backing. The type of material that is chosen to back a rug varies depending on the type of fibers the rug is made of and the manufacturer.  Without the proper type of rug backing, a rug may mold, and extreme wear and some types of rug backing may even ruin floors. The material of the back of a rug is important for several reasons.

Jute Backing:

Jute rug backings are made from jute fibers processed from the fibrous jute plant. Jute is the most common type of natural fiber used in rugs backings. Woven jute rug backings are soft, strong, and durable. Jute comes from plants grown in certain locations, so it might not be readily available in all areas. Jute rugs are easy to clean, simply vacuum them occasionally and then wipe them clean with a sponge. Jute rugs are durable and long-lasting since it is a 100% renewable resource. Because of its durability, you can use it for years without worrying that your kids or pets will ruin the rug.

Rubber Backing:

In the rugs with rubber backing, the material is rubber. They do not provide much cushioning, and they have a great grip on the floor.  Rugs with rubber backing are a great solution to any dangers in your home. You can find these rugs in diversified sizes. A natural rubber-backed rug is made with 100% organic rubber that’s harvested from rubber trees. The main distinguishing factor of natural rubber is its tensile strength — its ability to stretch.