Finding the Right Rug

Rugs are one of the most important elements of a room. It is a great way to add texture and warmth to any space while acting as an anchor.

Choosing a rug is more involved than just looking at the design and aesthetic. You also need to take into consideration the shape, size, material and functionality

Shapes and Sizes

The biggest mistake that home owners make is buying a rug that is too small for the space. This will result in the room looking smaller than it really is. When choosing the size, measure the room and look for any barriers the rug needs to avoid (vents, walkways, doorways). A rug should never look like a wall-to-wall covering, therefore always leave at least 12” of exposed floor between the walls and rug. Once you decide on a size, use painters tape and make an outline to ensure this is the size you want. This will give you a visual before purchasing a rug.

Ideally for your dining room, the rug should be large enough to allow space for chairs, even when pulled away from the table. Rule of thumb is to add

As for a bedroom, there are a few rules. Your rug should frame the bed allowing adequate space on either side. An 8x10 rug works well for a queen size bed and a 9x12 or larger rug is suggested for a king size bed. There are a few options for the side tables--they can either be placed on the rug or in front of the rug.

When styling for a living space, your rug should be large enough to accommodate each piece of furniture OR all of the front legs to be placed on the rug. If you are working with a larger room, it is possible to use multiple rugs to give different sections to the space or another option is to layer rugs. Jute and Sisal rugs are a great base for layering, while a thinner and smaller rug can be placed on top to add dimension.

Materials

This is normally the most overlooked aspect when picking out a rug, yet it is one of the most important. Here are the most commonly used materials and where they work best.

Wool Rugs are great for high traffic areas because they have durability, yet feel very soft to touch. Due to wool being heat resistant, this is a great option around a fireplace. Wool does shed, so be careful when placing on dark flooring.

Natural Fiber Rugs such as Sisal and Jute are made up of strong fibers, therefore are great for high traffic areas. Cleaning can be a bit tricky, so be careful where you place them. I love to layer with Jute rugs to create more dimension.  

Polyester Rugs are highly stain resistant and is has a larger variety in more vibrant colors.

Cotton Rugs are less durable than most materials, yet is very soft. A cotton rug would be ideal for a bedroom or office, where it gets less wear and tear.

Function

When thinking about the function of your room, you will need to take into consideration how much traffic this particular space gets. In places like an entry, staircase or hallway, I would recommend a lower pile rug--they are easier to clean and won’t break down as quickly.

A high pile rug works best in bedrooms and formal living spaces. These tooms get less foot traffic and tend to desire a plush and more comfortable rug. Igh pile rugs have a more luxurious feel and can be more aesthetically pleasing.

Color and Pattern

It is all about balance when deciding a color and pattern. When designing a room, the rug is normally the focal point of the space, so choosing the right colors and patterns are very important. If your room has more neutral colors, you may want to introduce a rug that has a pattern or color incorporated in it. If your space has a lot of bold colors, you can ground the room with a neutral or solid color rug.

If you know me well, you know I don’t allow shoes in the house and tend to be a bit OCD with cleanliness. This is hard to achieve when you have a dog, 3 young boys and our new addition to the family--Pika, a guinea pig.

While researching the best options for a easy to clean rug, I discovered two washable options that completely changed my life--Ruggable Rugs and The Rug Collective.

Ruggable Rugs are a 2 part system, a lightweight removable cover that fits perfectly inside the washing machine and a non-slip rug pad that keeps the cover securely in place. There are a lot of great designs to accommodate all styles.

The Rug Collective Rugs have an “Everklean” protection that allows any liquid to roll off the surface and be wiped away before it penetrates the surface of the rug. What does that mean? NO STAINS!! Their rugs are 100% liquid resistant which reduces the need to wash the rug. However, if you feel the need to wash, they are machine washable and the “Everklean” protection lasts up to 7 washes. I personally have 2 Rug Collective Rugs and absolutely love them!

I want to see your favorite rugs! Take pictures and tag us on Facebook or Instagram @woodfillhomeandinteriors. 

Happy Styling

Courtney Woodfill