How To Find The Perfect Rug to Fit a Space

Trista - December 14, 2021
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How To Find The Perfect Rug to Fit a Space

When it comes to decorating a space, the rugs you choose are essential to your interior design. However, finding the ideal rug comes with its own set of constraints and obstacles. There are numerous elements to consider when deciding on your rug design, including size, material, style, and manufacture—and having a seemingly unlimited range of options at our fingertips, thanks to the internet, doesn’t make the task any easier. A rug can make your interior decor look epic, or it can do the opposite; make it look like someone threw up in your living room.

Rugs are beautiful, and we understand that. However, we also understand how confusing things might get when trying to pick the perfect rug for your living room. But not to fret! Here, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list that is perfect for you based on your needs and style. You will find that choosing a rug that’s the best fit will be as easy as placing the cherry on a cake. This article will guide you to the things you should and shouldn’t do with rug designs. Also, we offer suggestions that will make your space look like it was right out of Pinterest! ]

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19. The Colors Can Be Independent

Gone are the old days where you had to make sure the colors of your furniture and rug matched. People hardly do that anymore. The latest trend is to find colors that complement each other. There are a wide variety of colors you can choose from. Many of these shades go well with each other so that you don’t have to pull a matching color move to have great decor. Colors also play an essential role in bringing out the room’s atmosphere. For example, If you’re looking to establish a rug in the children’s room or area where they play, you will be looking at children-friendly rugs. Think about using playful colors and even designs of some of their favorite cartoons, if you want. This will automatically give the room or space a child-friendly feel and an aura of positivity and playfulness.

You can have a remix if you want because we understand that sometimes, normal can be boring. It’s okay if you’re going to explore. You can mix rugs of different colors, and that’s fine, but to pull that off smoothly, be sure to pick colors from the same palette or complementing colors. Mixing rugs is a bit tricky, especially when ensuring that the colors and designs do not clash with each other. If you are still unsure of what colors to choose, you can go for neutral colors like black, white, or even brown to start with. With time, you can begin exploring other colors until you find the one that fits best.

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18. Rugs Can Be Wool, Silk, Or Anything You Want

There are different rug materials from which you can select, including silk, viscose, wool, and synthetic. Compared to the other materials, wool is a common favorite and the most popular among people because of its softness and comfort to the feet. Natural wool comes from a live animal. However, don’t worry. No sheep are harmed throughout wool extraction, while synthetic wool is received after the animal has died a natural death. You can also have natural or synthetic wool. These materials vary, with wool being the most expensive and strongest. Synthetic is the cheapest amongst the four. All materials are beautiful when used right, so be sure to go easy on your pockets while you choose.

A beautiful rug is an asset, but so is a healthy account. An easy mistake that people make is to let themselves get carried away when they go rug shopping. Rugs come in different shapes, colors, sizes, designs, and prices. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a good rug; wide selections are available at reasonable prices. If you are just starting your interior decoration, remember that a carpet is not the only thing you will need to purchase. Please don’t empty your accounts to get the best rug, only to fall short when buying the other furniture. The best thing to do is to make a budget for the rugs as well as your other interior decor pieces and stick to the budget.

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17. In This Case, Size Matters.

While we agree that the size of the rug you choose should depend on the size of your living room and the arrangement of your furniture, we think a large rug is always a go-to size. A large rug will give the room a bigger look and make your furniture look fit. People often make the mistake of choosing a small rug. While this might work in some cases, in most cases, it doesn’t. It often looks forced or out of scale. Remember, the rug is the first decor that goes to the floor and lays a foundation for what lies on it. The size of your rug matters even more when you intend to place it in long hallways or large spaces. A large rug will give the area a homey feeling of warmth and coziness, mainly if the floor is tiled or is a cold wooden floor.

If you have kids or you often host get-togethers for friends and family, having a large rug solves the problem of needing a soft cushion pillow. It gives you the space you need to play your games or spend time together and be comfortable at the same time. Besides, studies have shown that many people have confessed that they usually prefer walking on soft, warm rugs in their houses rather than the cold floor. A small rug cannot pull off the homey feeling. If anything, it will only emphasize the emptiness or coldness of the space. Small rugs are the best fit for tiny, cozy rooms or areas with very minimal floor space to begin with.

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16. Just Like Size, Shape Matters Too.

Rugs come in different shapes, especially as advancement in fashion increases every day. You do not have to stick to the regular rectangular shape that is the most common among people. A rectangular or square-shaped rug is a simple go-to rug because it goes with almost all types of furniture and designs. It allows you to be bold, brave, and creative. Choosing a different rug shape is exploring another side of your decor skills. Consider the room’s surroundings where you intend to place the rug and the furniture before choosing a shape.

For example, if you are choosing a rug for your dining room and your dining table is round, a round rug would bring out its design and complement it better than a rectangular rug would. For the living room where you have the sofa facing the TV and table in the center, you might want to have a square-shaped filling in the blank space left in the middle, and at the very least, the edges of the sofa would be touching the rug. Experts say that is the best way to lay a rug in the living room.

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15. More About Rug Shapes

A round rug is the best fit if the space is large and the chairs are far from each other. There is no harm in going for a rectangular rug, though, if that is what you want to have instead. You should know that you are allowed to explore and try out new things. You are not limited to the normal. Some rugs can even be custom-made for you in specific shapes if you ask for them. These are the kind of rugs that you might want to hang on the walls for aesthetic feels.

You can also purchase rugs cut out in different children-friendly shapes. These are great for kids’ bedrooms or playrooms. Offices, museums, and similar spaces can also have different varying shapes of rugs. When it comes down to the form of the rug, we believe it is safe to say you can have absolutely anything you want. Go on, feel free, and don’t be shy. Keep reading to learn more about finding the perfect rug for your room.

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14. The Room Is A Major Factor In Your Decision

Where are you placing the rug? How big or small is the room, and why are you putting it in the room? Is there a theme you want to have in the room? What sort of furnishings do you have inside it? Are you looking to add more furniture in the future? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself before choosing a rug for a room. If you want it in the living room, you should gauge the size of the room first and the type of furniture you have put in it. Suppose your chairs are against the wall in the living room. You should consider having at least the front legs of the chairs or sofa on the rug or touching it.

If the living room is small and there is a space between the chairs and the wall, that means the chairs are a bit clustered. In this case, a small rug would suffice instead of a large one which would look forced. If you want to place a rug in the bedroom, you can consider choosing a large rug covering the entire floor without leaving any space. Your bedroom is like a blank canvas and an opportunity for you to showcase your aesthetic abilities and skills.

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13. Color Factors To Consider

Darker colors can absorb light and make the place look smaller, so if you want a cozy fit to your room, you know what to be looking at. You can opt for a small rug just around the dining table or right under it for the kitchen, where there is a high possibility of stains and footprints. This will extend the life of your rug, save it from being worn out by too many prints, food spills, and others. Neutral or dark colors will suit the kitchen more if you decide to have a large rug or one that covers the entire floor.

Don’t forget the painting of the room either. This brings us back to the color palette and making sure colors don’t clash with each other. Please know that a rug is like the icing on a cake. We have told you about how it can make or break the interior’s look. Rugs are delicate, sensitive things, and if anything, they are picky. Keep reading to discover more tips and tricks about how you can make your room look amazing with the perfect rug.

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12. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Get a Rug.

You should place your rug first if you are starting the decor from scratch. Put other things by pieces that compliment and complete the look you aimed for when you first placed the rug. If you choose your rug last after placing every piece of furniture, you are throwing yourself in for a long ride of stress and confusion. Why? Because everyone you select will only look conflicting and out of place from everything. Even if you are redecorating and have furniture that you plan to keep, choose the rug first before picking out the other items that will follow.

Choosing your rug first helps you settle for a theme. You can decide the entire look you want at the end of decorating. For example, you could pick a multicolored rug for your living room which saves you from making sure that the colors you choose for the rest of the furniture are similar to each other. Another thing you should keep in mind is that the costs of rugs are not constant and vary from the material used to size and patterns. You might put down a price when you make a list or budget only to find that it has changed by the time you are ready to buy.

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11. Good Things Don’t Come Cheap, But A Little Discount Wouldn’t Hurt Either.

Just because you want a beautiful and perfect rug for your room doesn’t mean it has to make a massive dent in your pockets. We have said this before, a beautiful rug is good, but a healthy account is better. Shops often hold special sales where they place discounts on items. You can have that rug you want at a price lesser than you expected. The secret behind getting deals is that they don’t happen in a day. Some shops announce that they will be holding discount sales. Others don’t, and you just happen to fall in on one unprepared and without enough cash. That is something you do not want happening to you, and to prevent that, you might have to visit the shop regularly or ask the sales attendants if they will be hosting sales and when. This way, you’ll be sure to clear your schedule and have enough cash when the time comes.

If you don’t want to wait for that, you can ask the shop for a discount on the price at the point of making payments. Having a deal and getting your perfect rug is like eating your cake and still having it, definitely the type of thing you don’t want to miss because it lets you have spare change to spend on other things, maybe add those throw pillows you took off from the list or something. Asking for discounts tests and stretches your patience. However, at the end of the day, you find out that all the time waiting was worth it. This is especially important if you have found the perfect rug, but the cost is too high. For example, you want a high-grade Persian rug that has several zeros after the first digit, rather than pool in a lot of cash to get it, hold on and put a pause on your excitement until you can get a discount.

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10. Nobody Likes A Cold Room.

Thick woolen rugs that are soft to touch and have your feet sinking inside them. These rugs can do the trick for many people. We know you must be tired of hearing this already, but rugs give life to rooms and help them breathe. If you have a tiled floor that is always cold to walk on, a warm rug is just the perfect one for you. Long hallways always look empty and cold, like something from a horror movie. Now, unless you were looking at giving your house the whole scary vibes, you want to spice it up. For the hallways and long corridors, you will be looking at long wide rugs that either cover the entire floor or middle-sized rectangular rugs that leave just the suitable space to fit a grown person. Matured colors would be the right fit for such areas. Lighter or brighter colors would appear too childish or flimsy and serve the opposite of what you intended.

A light rug prevents your feet from sweating when it’s too hot. Thick rugs also help keep out the cold during the winter, which is the best time to have a large thick woolen rug spread out, covering the entire inches of your bedroom or living room, especially when you have children or toddlers who crawl. It isn’t quite as comfortable as a thick one, even when you have padding under it. Remember, however, that it all comes down to you and what you want in your space, so take your time and have a feel of everything before you make a decision.

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9. Layer Rugs Properly And You Can Never Have Too Many!

There is no such thing as too many rugs if placed correctly. We are not even talking about layering or padding here. You don’t have to put one rug on top of another to have more than two rugs in a place. We are firm in our stand that you can do absolutely whatever you want when it comes to decor as long as you pull it off. It looks fabulous at the end because as much as we are encouraging, the last thing we want is for your interior to look like it is having a lousy decor day. Different rugs of different shapes and sizes can coexist beautifully in the same room. The only thing you have to note is to make sure the colors don’t clash with each other and that the rugs aren’t too close together since you are not layering them. Instead of having one large rug to cover all the steps in your staircase, you can lay different rugs of various sizes and shapes.

For instance, in the living room, you can place a small circular rug in the center and have a long rectangular one by the TV stand. This way, you get to protect your floor from marks, especially if you did not want to have a large rug that filled in every space. The same thing goes for your room, kitchen, and hallways too. You have to be careful about dealing with the hallway, though; it’s the one place you might have to taper down on your aesthetic desires and go for a particular theme.

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8. Children And Pets Can Ruin Your Rugs Quickly, So Get The Right Material

Yes, rugs are attractive. However, a worn-out rug displays the opposite. If you have kids or pets, then it’s recommended that you choose a family-friendly rug. Kids can be messy even if you try your best to watch over them like a hawk, even if they try not to be sloppy. They can’t help it, it’s just their thing, and the same thing goes for pets. Footprints, food or drink spills, and many other stains might get on the rug faster than you can say your name, and that is where a durable and strong one comes in. You need to have a rug that won’t need replacing after the children or toys have dealt with it a few hard times.

In this case, silk is a strong material, but wool is stronger. It is also on good terms with water, and you won’t find your wool rug losing thread after a few weeks or months. The only downside to using wool is after some time. It might get worn down, especially if it’s often stepped or stomped on. Nevertheless, a rug that you can put in the washing machine when dirty and still retains its beauty and originality is the perfect rug for you if you have kids or pets. This is also where the color you choose matters a lot. Imagine what a disaster it’d be to place a white-colored rug in the dining room or even in the children’s room where it can easily catch stains or dirt. Darker colors are the best choice where children and pets are concerned. Even if you don’t have children or a pet now, we still think this is a factor you should consider.

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7. Reach Out For Help From The Professionals

The type of rug you choose should be one that you like, accentuating the theme of decoration you had in mind. A key to having beautiful interior decor is your wanting to do it. The excitement and thrill that you get when decorating or choosing items for your interior are essential. It’s okay to browse designs from Pinterest to get ideas or concepts if you are undecided. This way, you will be fully invested in making the right choice so take your time, look through each one carefully before you decide so it will not be a case where you just point at one nonchalantly and spend a long time regretting why you did not look through some more afterward. While you are shopping for the perfect rug, don’t forget to ask questions. There are tons of experts and professionals you can find online to answer any questions you might have.

If you are not sure about your choices, write emails or even book a consultation with interior design experts. A rug is something close to permanent. It shouldn’t be something you feel ashamed of showing to your friends or family. It does not have to be online, though, even at the shop or store. Ask them questions. If you have already placed other furniture in your room and a rug is just the last thing to complete the look, you can take pictures. Then show the shop attendants to get their opinion. Some people shy away from asking questions that are often at the tip of their tongue, and at the end of the day, they find out that the questions are fundamental. They should have asked instead of keeping it inside them. Why? Because if they had asked, perhaps they would have chosen a different rug than the one they ended up with.

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6. Two Rugs Are Better Than One!

There is a trend that has been on the rise in the ranks of popularity lately. That is layering. To layer your rug, you simply place one rug on top of another, right? Hold on. We understand what you must be thinking. It sounds crazy and maybe a waste of resources, but we promise you it’s not. There are lots of reasons why you should try this. It could be for the aesthetics, to make the rug color pop out, or even as a way to keep that old rug you like instead of throwing it or storing it away. If you prefer the concept of layering, you can also use a rug pad.

A rug pad, also known as a rug gripper, is a pad you place under your rug. Don’t be confused though, this is not the same as layering as the pad is often the same size as the rug, and in the first place, the rug pad is not a rug even. The pad exists to act as a buffer between your rug and the floor, especially if the rug is slippery. It prevents the slip, stops your rug from being crushed and its fibers from being matted down, thus increasing the rug’s lifespan. A rug pad is critical if your floor is a hardwood floor. This will prevent the rug from leaving marks or scratches on the floor so that when you decide to replace your rug or even remove it from that space, you will still have a floor that is as shiny and clean as the first time you made it.

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5. Always Consider Your Budget When Rug Shopping.

The general guideline is to avoid purchasing a new rug if you can’t afford it, even if it means living with a bare floor. This is why it’s crucial to make a budget for all your interior decoration, especially rug shopping. Why? Because, believe it or not, rugs are more expensive than you’d think they are. If you can afford it, though, it’s a good idea to search for materials like cotton, silk, and wool, which may still look excellent and wear well over time. These materials are incredibly durable. Wool rugs, for instance, can last from 25 up to 50 years without any visible signs of wear. In fact, unless you’re in the mood for a change, there’s no need to replace any wool rug. Materials like synthetic need to be changed every 3-5 years due to easy wear and tear. To save money, it would be wiser to choose the most durable option.

Did you know that the amount of money you want to spend on a new rug will be close to the entire cost of the large furniture? For example, a rug for your living room must be as expensive as, if not more expensive than, the sofa set. If your sofa is exotic, your rug should be the same. Ideally, you should prepare your budget to include an extra 10% to be more flexible with your price range. However, it is not a must to have an expensive rug. You can find beautiful rugs in flea markets, vintage or antique stores, or interior decor stores. As long as your rug suits your taste and the design of the space, you can put it there! It is the right rug. Just make sure you don’t break your bank in the process.

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4. Cleaning And Caring For Synthetic Rugs

It is unfortunately impossible to keep your rug clean at all times. You can spot-clean, steam-clean, or vacuum synthetics. Although most such as acrylics are stain-resistant, they may appear dirtier. Why? Because synthetics collect dirt and oil. You can wash synthetics using a rug cleaning machine or shampoo with mild detergent to avoid making the colors fade and air-dried. You can always shake out crumbs and dirt from the rug. Remember always to blot and never run stains on synthetic rugs, vacuum weekly or even more if necessary, and treat spills with stain remover.

According to Revival Rugs‘ Hyman, natural oils (lanolin) keep spills from permeating the wool fibers. “For hand-knotted rugs, blot the stain to soak up any excess, then tease it out with a toothbrush and dish soap and water. Avoid scrubbing, as this can damage the fibers.” Wool rugs are usually stain-resistant, so they can be easily cleaned using a spot cleaning spray. They can also be vacuumed, shaken out, gently, and lightly scrubbed. You can always cushion your rug with a rug pad. Rotate it often to even out wear patterns in cases of high traffic. Also, make sure to use a low impact vacuum instead of a high power vacuum.

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3. Ways To Clean Silk And Cotton Rugs

Get rid of the dust on silk by vacuuming the rug first, then use a soft broom to beat it lightly. Next, blot the stains on the rug using a dry cloth and some baking soda. Lastly, use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the stains and eliminate any odor on the rug. Silk rugs are delicate, so be careful when you’re cleaning. Avoid vacuuming the tassels or fringe on the rugs. Instead, fluff them gently using your hand. Do not place heat sources in contact with silk rugs and minimize the rug’s direct exposure to sunlight. To avoid mold or mildew, make sure the rug is completely dry before placing it on the floor.

Cotton fibers are the easiest to clean. They can be vacuumed or simply machine washed to get rid of stains. Ensure that the rugs are washed alone without anything mixed with them to avoid staining. Ensure the washing machine is on the delicate cycle, and always use gentle detergent with cold water. Do not overload your washing machine. For the large rugs, they can be steam cleaned. Blot up spills immediately to avoid any damage to the rug. Make sure to test all stain removal methods on a patch before using it to clean the entire rug. Always seek professional assistance to avoid escalating stains by trapping them deeper within the fibers when in doubt. One wrong move could ruin your rug completely.

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2. The Pile Of The Rug

The pile of a rug is a measurement of the rug’s density or thickness. It is simply how thin or thick a rug is. Coarser rugs will always have more piles than exquisite and finely patterned items. There are two types of pile regarding rugs: dense and fine. Low-pile rugs are great for high-traffic areas like the kitchen since they have shorter fibers and loops (think flatweaves). High-pile rugs contain taller, looser strands (think shag or Moroccan rugs), making them plusher and perfect for the bedroom or living area. For places like dining areas or kids’ rooms, generally, places that have a high risk of rugs getting stained, it would be advisable to get thin rugs so that it will be easier to get the stains out. Thick rugs are generally more suited to bedrooms because they are super comfortable and soft to touch. They also have a very homey feeling, so if you’re looking to make your space warm, cozy, and comfortable, a thick rug should be your choice.

However, thin rugs are not without their merits. People use them in professional buildings and modern houses with many sleek edges and fancy designs. Thin rugs have a wider variety of designs compared to thick rugs. You can use thin ones to add a little pizzazz to your space. There’s a technique called layering. You place one rug on top of another, mostly using thin rugs. You can use a patterned rug on a plain one or even something like a fake bear rug on a standard rug. Make sure the two rugs can be seen for the technique to affect the space fully.

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1. Do You Whatever Makes You Happy!

Ultimately, your space is yours. The most important thing is for your area to be what you want and suit you. Your home is an extension of who you are. Let your rug reflect that as well. Get bold patterns, sleek neutrals, plush thick pastels, and whatever it is that suits your needs and your home. Here are some extra tips just in case. If you have carpeting on your floors, you don’t have to leave them bare. You can always add a rug to the carpet. It will add color and character to the space, which would otherwise look boring. Remember to choose your rug first. You can work your furniture and other decorative pieces to complement or match the rug. This is so the rug ties the room together. In cases where people choose the rug last, finding the perfect matching rug is always a long, tedious and expensive process. Some end up having to settle for neutral-colored rugs.

Don’t skip patterns. Patterned rugs bring a room to life. Most people prefer solid colors for their cushions. A patterned rug will add character and warmth to a space. Always use a rug pad to avoid having your rug slip and slide. Rug pads keep rugs in place. That way, you don’t have to worry about always making sure your rug is in the right place. It also adds an extra layer of comfort and softness. Be mindful of your budget and look for cheaper options. Be on the lookout for sales and discounts so you can get the rug of your dreams at a decent amount.

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