Colour + Texture + Size: How to Choose the Right Rug, Every Time
Not only are area rugs stylish accessories to your home décor, but they also create an atmosphere of cosiness and comfort, add depth to a room, break a monotonous look and tie a room together.
However, only the right rug can help you achieve this. If you pick one that doesn’t work well with the general style of the room, then it will really stand out, creating an unbalanced look.
When choosing a rug for your space, there are several important aspects to be considered, including size, colour and texture.
How To Choose The Right Rug: Yes, Size Matters
The size of your sitting area will determine the size of your rug. If you pick the right size, you’ll create an inviting and cosy room while also giving it definition.
When it comes to the living room rug, the general rule is that your furniture or at least the front feet should be on the rug. This way, your feet will also be on the rug when sitting on your sofa.
As for your dining area, the rug should definitely be larger than your dining table. If your chairs are still on the rug when you pull them back, then you’ve picked the right rug.
Finally, if you have a small bedroom, you can create an illusion of spaciousness using a rug. All you need to do is place a rug under the foot of your bed which will make your room seem twice as big.
How To Choose The Right Rug: Texture For a Layered Look
Texture is another important factor that you need to have in mind when picking out a rug. If your room has a high traffic flow, then you should opt for a material that is durable and easy to clean, such as jute, wool or cotton.
In addition, choose a slip-resistant rug, especially if elderly people use the area. If you have small children who have just started crawling, then pick a healthy and allergy-resistant material.
If you want to create a layered look and an ambience of cosiness in your living space, then introducing a variety of different textures throw rugs can help you achieve that. You should choose texture that contrasts with the finishes of your furniture.
For example, leather furniture will look great combined with a softer and fluffier rug, while furniture in soft velvet should be paired with a smooth and hard material, such as sisal.
How To Choose The Right Rug: Pattern Play
Patterns are a great way to break a monotonous look of a room, and you can use an area rug to introduce them to your space. The best thing is that your options are almost endless – florals, leaves, stripes, motifs, geometric shapes, animal prints, etc.
The key is in aiming for balance – if your room already has a lot of patterns, then you should add a more neutral rug. However, you can really elevate the style of a plain room through patterns.
You can even mix different patterns to add depth to your room, but make sure to stick to the same colour. If you can’t find a rug that will work well with your space, then you should take a look at the selection of rugs online.
This way, you’ll have more options and you can even find a great deal.
How To Choose The Right Rug: The Power of Colour
The hue of your rug should work well with the general colour scheme of your room. If your living space already features a lot of colour, then opt for a more understated rug that will either complement the colours of your furniture or be in a more neutral shade.
On the other hand, if your room is monochromatic use the rug to bring in colour and add character to your room. Unexpected pops of bolder hues throughout your living space will create a more interesting atmosphere.
You can introduce an accent colour through your rug and create a cohesive look by matching it to other elements in the room, such as curtains or lighting fixtures. Colour has a great transformational power, so you can really bring a sense of novelty into your space by choosing a rug in the right colour.
An area rug will add character to your space and elevate your décor, so it’s important that you take some time to decide which one is right for you.
Quality Rug Retailers to Try
For lower priced but common styles, try Zanui or Pottery Barn.
For more exclusive designs, try Interior Secrets or Hunting for George
About Author Lana Hawkins
Lana Hawkins is an architecture student and the editor-in-chief of Smooth Decorator. She enjoys writing about interior decoration and landscaping. Lana is interested in sustainability and green building, and that’s where she gets most of her inspiration.
Read the other seven articles written by Lana Hawkins exclusively for Don’t Call Me Penny, including styling a monochromatic home office, environmentally savvy interiors, best equipment for a chef’s kitchen, and more. Search using the name ‘Lana Hawkins’ or Click Here.
