Guidelines for an Area Rug Search

An area rug can be a big investment, especially when it’s for a living room or family room that is going to get a lot of foot traffic and, let’s call it, visual traffic. You want to love what you see every time you walk by it. I think of buying a quality area rug similar to buying a piece of art. It’s an investment upfront but you will enjoy it for a lifetime. You will likely be able to use it in a variety of settings as well. So my number one rule is, buy it because you love it. My husband and I bought an 8’x10’ wool rug that we both loved for the color, design and texture. We have used it for three houses, 23 years, two cats, two sons, one boxer and we still love it (and it still looks fabulous.) At the time we probably spent more on it than we expected, but it has held its value and more importantly, I haven’t had to spend time or money looking for another rug.

Area Rug Size Considerations

An area rug can really ground a space, so whether you are working with an open plan concept or an enclosed room, consider the furniture plan where the rug is to be placed and make sure all of the furniture will at least be perched on it half way. I’d rather see no rug than one that looks like an island with a coffee table on top. So err on too big. Generally carpets come in typical sizes like 8’x10’ or 9’x12’, but you can always have a broadloom product cut and bound to a custom size that meets your needs. In a dining room, you will want the rug to accommodate all the chairs being pulled out and pushed in without catching on the edge of the carpet. You might even consider having a carpet that will flow under the front legs of a buffet or any other furniture in the dining room. Consider the traffic that will be flowing through the room and make sure the typical foot pattern won’t be walking on the edge of the carpet, half on half off. You’ll just be inviting people to trip on a carpet edge that hasn’t settled.

Color and Pattern Considerations

Remember, buy what you love! A lot of people like to start the design of the room with the rug. If you are going for a design with a lot of color and pattern, I do recommend shopping for the rug early in the process. Area rugs can allow for so much color and personality, and if you are open to vibrant colors, bold patterns and unique designs, start with a quality rug for inspiration. Work on the upholstery fabrics and paint colors after the rug.

When your design is more subdued in color and pattern, the rug doesn’t necessarily have to come first and you are likely to find an option that will work at any point in the process. Think about how the color of the rug will work in harmony with the fabrics, wall covering, and flooring that has already been selected. Still, pick paint colors last.

Know yourself, dark rugs with pattern will hide a lot of minor accidents. Light colored rugs are elegant and work great in a shoe free home. Think about the overall design intent of the room. If you are going for light and airy, don’t look at dark traditional rugs with a busy pattern.

Fiber and Weave are just as important

Here again you need to know yourself and the use of the room. If you are accident prone and your dog never wipes his feet when he runs in the house, select a fiber that is cleanable. A high quality wool is durable and cleanable. Viscose is not.

If you are an elegant couple with no kids and serve only clear liquids, silk might be your sweet spot.

Polypropylene can work for your sunroom or three season porch.

You might consider a nylon blend for a playroom, cleanable and less expensive than all wool.

Plant fiber rugs are extremely coastal and work well as a base for any room, however they do absorb moisture so be careful when using them in extremely humid conditions.

When it comes to weaves, think about durability and use. A flat weave is highly durable, but not super soft to sit on. Hand knotted wool rugs work well in just about every location and can last for generations. Hand tufted is a step down and can still work great at a lower price point.

Area Rugs, Buy What You Love!

I know I keep saying it, but it really is something you are going to have to look at all the time. Look for rugs you are drawn to like a painting that pulls you in. Walk on the rug and think if it’s a feel that is going to make you happy. And if you can’t find something you love, consider having a rug custom made in a pattern and color that makes you sing. Many companies have programs for customizing a pattern they already make that doesn’t increase the cost too much. And of course you could have something customized completely just like a commissioned piece of art. Allow for this investment in your initial furnishings budget. If you buy the rug because it was on sale, you are likely to have regrets. If you buy the rug because it was cheaper due to poor quality and inexpensive fiber content, you will likely be buying a replacement rug sooner than later. Buy once, love it and move on with your life. If you need help doing this, you can always contact me for interior design assistance!

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