Have you recently renovated or updated the rooms in your home? First, congratulations on your new space. We’re excited for you and hope that your choice of decor makes your home feel brand new.
One thing to add to your new layout is an area rug. These act as a great focal point, bringing together your space in a creative way. If you’re wondering how to decorate with an area rug, however, don’t worry. We put together this list of our top 4 tips to guide you.
What is an area rug?
First, what makes a rug an “area rug”? As we’ve covered in a previous blog, an area rug is a rug that covers less than an entire living space. Otherwise, if the rug runs wall to wall, it’s closer to a carpet than a rug. An area rug can be moved, allowing you to try out different layouts and room configurations.
Where can you use an area rug in your home?
That’s the beauty of an area rug: they can work in just about any room in your home. How to decorate with an area rug is limited only by your imagination, though generally speaking there are a few key rooms in which you’ll use an area rug. Those are:
• Living rooms
• Dining rooms
• Some bedrooms, and;
• Basements.
The latter is more applicable if your basement is finished or acts as a secondary living space.
Consideration #1: Traffic
However, before adding an area rug to your home, you’ll want to think about your foot traffic. Durable fabrics weaved using higher-skilled techniques would function better in areas where your family will spend most of their time.
Consideration #2: Sizing
As we mentioned, decorating with an area rug is limited only to your imagination. However, there are a few sizing considerations to keep in mind. In a central living area, you can approach your layout in several ways:
• Rugs that extend past the back legs of all furniture;
• Rugs that only extend to the front legs of your couches and end tables, and; • Rugs that are only placed under a central coffee table.
Likewise, if you’re putting an area rug under your dining table, it’s a good idea to have it extend several feet beyond your rug, lest you find your chair legs slightly unbalanced.
Consideration #3: Contrast and Complements
If you’re wondering how to decorate with an area rug, consider your existing decor. If your room has lots of colors and patterns, a rug with a simpler design might be better. However, you can use various rug design motifs to accent your existing style, acting as a complement to your design.
Consideration #4: Your Budget
As one final note, how to decorate with an area rug can sometimes be constrained by your budget. Though we want to caution you to not only view a rug purchase in terms of dollars and cents.
Why is that exactly? Because a cheaper rug may cost you more in the long run. A rug protects your flooring. Lower-quality rugs don’t do this as effectively, wear out faster, and need to be replaced more frequently. However, a high-quality rug may have a higher upfront cost but can last you for decades to come.
Choosing the Right Area Rug
Choosing the right area rug for your space is an important decision as it can tie together the overall look and feel of a room. Here are some tips to help you choose the right area rug:
- Determine the size. Measure the area where you want to place the rug to determine the appropriate size. As a general rule of thumb, leave at least 18 inches of bare floor around the edges of the rug.
- Consider the function. Think about the purpose of the space and how the rug will be used. For example, a high-traffic area such as a hallway or entryway may require a durable rug material like wool or nylon, while a bedroom may benefit from a softer, more plush rug material. Also, for the bathroom, choose a rug that can withstand moisture and frequent use. Look for rugs made from materials like cotton, bamboo, or microfiber, which are absorbent and can be easily washed or replaced. Avoid rugs made from materials like wool or silk which may be damaged by moisture or humidity. Lastly, for the kitchen, choose a rug that is durable and easy to clean. Look for rugs made from materials like nylon or polyester, which are stain-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Avoid rugs with high piles, which can trap food particles and be difficult to clean.
- Choose the right material. Area rugs come in a variety of materials, including natural fibers such as cotton and wool, and synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon. Consider the look and feel you want to achieve, as well as any specific cleaning or maintenance requirements.
- Select the color and pattern. The color and pattern of the rug can greatly impact the overall look of the room. Choose a rug that complements the existing color scheme and style of the space, and consider how the pattern will work with any other patterns in the room.
- Test it out. If possible, bring home a sample or swatch of the rug to see how it looks in the space before making a final decision.
Remember that an area rug can be a significant investment, so take your time to choose one that not only looks great but also meets your needs in terms of functionality and durability.
The Benefits of Adding an Area Rug to Your Decor
Adding an area rug to your decor can be a great way to add some extra style and color to your room. Area rugs can also help to add some much-needed comfort and warmth to your flooring. If you’re looking for a way to give your space a little bit of an upgrade, adding an area rug may be just the thing you need. Here are just a few of the benefits that you can expect from adding an area rug to your decor.
1. Area rugs can help to add some style and color to your room. If you’re looking for a way to make a statement with your interior decor in your house, adding an area rug is a great option. Area rugs come in all sorts of colors and patterns, so you’ll be able to find one that fits perfectly with your existing decorating scheme.
2. Area rugs can help to improve the comfort and warmth of your flooring. If you have cold floors or just want a more comfortable living space, an area rug can be just what you need. The added padding from an area rug will make walking on your floor much more comfortable, and the warm feeling from the fibers will help to keep your home feeling cozy all year long.
3. Area rugs are a great investment. If you’re looking for an investment piece for your home, an area rug is a great option. Area rugs can last for years if cared for properly, so they’re likely to be around for quite some time. Plus, they tend to increase in value over time, so you can enjoy the benefits of your investment for years to come.
Do’s and Don’ts for Decorating with Area Rugs
Decorating with area rugs can be tricky. It is important to know the do’s and don’ts in order to make sure your room looks great. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your area rug:
Do’s:
- Consider the size of the room and the rug. The rug should be proportional to the room and large enough to anchor the furniture.
- Choose a rug that complements the color scheme of the room. A rug with a bold pattern or bright color can be a statement piece, while a neutral rug can be a calming influence.
- Mix and match rugs to add interest and texture to a room. A combination of different textures, patterns, and colors can create a layered and dynamic look.
- Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and protect the rug and flooring.
- Clean and maintain the rug regularly to keep it looking its best.
Don’ts:
- Don’t choose a rug that is too small for the room. A small rug can make a room feel disjointed and unbalanced.
- Don’t choose a rug that clashes with the furniture or decor in the room. The rug should complement the room, not compete with it.
- Don’t place a rug in a high-traffic area without a rug pad. This can cause the rug to shift and create a tripping hazard.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and patterns, but avoid going overboard with too many bold or busy patterns.
- Don’t forget to consider the practicality of the rug. For example, if you have pets or children, choose a rug that is durable and easy to clean.
Follow these do’s and don’ts when decorating with area rugs, and you’ll soon have a beautiful room that you’ll be proud of!
Tips for Styling an Area Rug
Area rugs are often used to add a touch of style and color to a room, but deciding how best to style them can be tricky. Here are some tips that should help you create the perfect tonal balance and complete your interior decorating project with ease.
Firstly, it is important to consider the size of the area rug relative to the room. If it’s too small, it will look lost and out of place; if it’s too large, it will detract from the other furnishings. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that at least two-thirds of the furniture in a room sits on top of your rug.
Secondly, take into account what sort of tone you would like to set for your room. You may want something subtle or neutral, or something bolder and more eye-catching. The tonality of an area rug can be persuasive in this regard – go for bright colors and bold patterns if you want a statement piece; or opt for something softer and more muted if you wish to create a calming atmosphere.
Thirdly, think about how much texture you want in the room – an area rug can provide texture as well as color. Consider whether you’d like something plush and luxurious, or something flat and uniform – both styles can look great when styled correctly!
Finally, consider where in the room the area rug should go. Placing it correctly can really bring out its beauty and make sure that it has maximum impact on the surrounding space. Generally speaking, you should aim to place your rug so that its center point sits in line with the focal point in the room (e.g. a sofa) – this will draw attention towards that piece while allowing your rug to take center stage too!
By following these tips, you should be able to style an area rug perfectly for any space – creating a beautiful tonal balance that will bring your design vision together seamlessly!
How to Clean and Care for an Area Rug
Area rugs are a great way to add comfort and style to any room, but they do require cleaning and care. It may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can keep your area rug looking and feeling fresh for years to come.
Cleaning an Area Rug
It’s important to clean your area rug regularly in order to remove dirt, grime, and other debris that can accumulate over time. For regular cleaning, start by vacuuming both sides of the rug using the appropriate attachment for your vacuum cleaner. This will help remove dirt and dust that can damage the feover time. Once you’ve finished vacuuming, use a soft brush or broom to lift any remaining dust and debris from the rug. Afterwards, use carpet shampoo or mild detergent mixed with lukewarm water to spot-clean any stains or spills on the rug. Gently rub the solution into the stain, then rinse with cool water until the stain is removed. Finally, lay your rug out flat in a well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry completely before putting it back in place.
Caring for an Area Rug
In addition to regular cleaning, caring for an area rug also involves protecting it from potential damage caused by sunlight or heavy foot traffic. To protect against fading due to sunlight exposure, try placing your rug out of direct sunlight when possible or investing in some blackout curtains if necessary. To prevent wear and tear due to heavy foot traffic, consider placing a non-slip pad underneath the rug or regularly rotating it so that any high traffic areas don’t become concentrated in one spot.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your area rug remains looking great for many years to come! With regular cleaning and proper care, you can maintain its vibrancy and extend its lifespan significantly.
Conclusion
Area rugs can be used to add color and texture to a room and can even be used to open up a small space. Whether you’re looking for something for the dining room, bathroom, kitchen, window area or others, there are plenty of options to get creative with the decoration you want. With the right rug, you can transform a room from ordinary to extraordinary in no time. So why not give it a try and make your home that little bit more special?
Decorate with an area rug to maximize your space
Our warehouse has a wide selection of area rugs. They can fit in with just about any type of decor and living space, helping to transform the ordinary into something exceptional!
Click HERE to browse our selection of area rugs, or give us a call at 980-422-4080 to speak with a member of our team!
