As hardwood flooring continues to be extremely popular in today’s interiors, rugs find themselves to be in high demand. Adding color and artistic expression, they are a great way to personalize the home and can define the mood or character for a space. The process for selecting the appropriate shape and size for an area rug can differ with each room in your home depending on the function of the space.
Consider these tips for making selections in color, pattern, size and placement:
Let the rug lead
If you can start with the rug in designing a room, do it. It’s much easier to build off the color palette of the rug than to try and select a rug to match fabrics afterwards.
When it comes to patterns, diversity rules
Consider a geometric patterned rug with a room of delicate florals. Or, you might want to pair a traditional floral rug with striped fabrics of upholstery. If you do elect to choose similar patterns, vary the scale so as to maintain interest.
Mix textures
To maintain the visual interest of a room, combine a variety of textures. Choose wisely though; a fine silk carpet would not work in a busy family room.
Don’t struggle to fit a rug in a precise palette
It’s better to focus on choosing a rug that compliments the fabrics of a space rather than go ‘matchy matchy’. A room should come together naturally and work with all its own elements.
Consider the scale of a room
Watch the size and volume of the rug within the room to ensure it doesn’t either ‘get lost’ or ‘overpower’ your space. Most rug retailers or trade showrooms will allow you to check rugs out on ‘on approval’ to confirm it works.
Watch furniture placement
Sofas and chairs can get away with only having their front legs on the rug. Armoires and consoles need to be either all on or all off. In the dining room, it is best to have the table and all the chairs completely on the rug for ease of access.
Happy Rug Hunting!