How to decide which area rug to buy

Whether you’re purchasing an area rug for functionality or to add a decorative flair, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the thousands of options available. Before you begin your quest for the perfect rug, it’s wise to consider your color scheme, what size rug you’ll need, what shape floor covering will best suit your space, how and where the rug will be used, the material type and method of construction, and the rug’s price. In addition, you’ll want to consider what features and warranties different manufacturers offer, and to be mindful of the rug’s country of origin.

Below are a few tips to help ensure a fruitful search.

Get Creative with Color

For most shoppers, color is the first consideration when purchasing an area rug. Since the floor covering is responsible for one third of a room’s color, you’ll need to select a rug that’s in sync with its surroundings. If you’ll be adding an area rug to a space with existing furniture, it’s helpful to bring a swatch of the dominant color and pattern with you while you shop. If you’re decorating from the floor up, it’s a great idea to select an area rug with distinct, multiple colors to serve as the foundation of the room’s palette. Area rugs with patterns or darker hues like green rugs and multi color rugs, can help disguise dirt and spills, and rugs in deep, rich hues will add a feeling of warmth and intimacy to your space. Lighter-colored rugs create the illusion of spaciousness, like pink rugs, tan & ivory rugs, and yellow & gold rugs while patterned and textured carpets like sports & hobbies rugs provide a great backdrop for furnishings.

Sized to Perfection

The size of the area rug you choose should complement the space where it will be used. An oversized rug can overpower a small room, while a rug that’s too petite for a space will look skimpy. If you’ll be placing the rug beneath a dining room table to protect flooring from chair legs, be sure its dimensions are above and beyond the table’s size.

As a general rule, 5’ x 8’ area rugs look great under coffee tables, and 8’ x 10’ rugs work well in dining rooms. For large rugs designed to fill an entire room, it’s a good rule of thumb to allow for 12 – 18 inches of exposed floor to frame the room. For long hallways, opt for rug runners with rug pads to prevent sliding and bunching.

Shape it Up

When choosing an orientation for your rug, it’s a good idea to use the shape of the furniture in the room as a benchmark. For example, round rugs look beautiful beneath round tables, and oval braided rugs can add a warm, homey touch when used beneath oblong dining tables. Using uniquely shaped area rugs is an effective way to create focal points within a room, to add a splash of color, or to incorporate texture.

Material Considerations

Where and how your area rug will be used should influence the type of material you’ll choose. Will your rug need to withstand heavy foot traffic, sun exposure, moisture, or spills? Are you purchasing a floor covering to add warmth to a room, or to stifle sound in a noisy space? Are you looking for a soft shag rug to snuggle on by the fireplace or a plush, comfortable rug for your children to play on? Do you have allergies, or pets? Will you be using the rug in an area with static-generating electronic equipment? Your answers to the above questions will help you narrow down the material type that will best suit your needs.

While traditional area rugs are often constructed from wool, cotton, or synthetic materials, there are many more fiber options to consider. Sea grass, hemp, sisal, bamboo, and jute are a just a few of the natural material choices available for modern rugs. Chenille and fur are well-suited to kid’s rugs, wool area rugs are great for all-around use, and bamboo rugs are excellent options for those with allergies. While some natural materials may be suitable for outdoor rugs, not all will withstand exposure to the elements. Synthetic fibers, engineered to resist fading, staining, and heavy foot traffic, are ideal for placement on a patio or deck.

Made to Suit

A rug’s construction plays a key role in its durability, denseness, and price. The most valuable area rugs are handmade using techniques like hand tufting, hooking, or knotting. Hand-knotted area rugs are very labor intensive, and are priced accordingly; however, if properly cared for, they will endure for generations as family heirlooms. Machine-made area rugs are produced more quickly and efficiently, allowing for easy and economical décor updates.

The Importance of Origin

When choosing an area rug, strive to buy from reputable manufacturers. Rug makers differ in the quality of their fibers, weaving techniques, warranties, and rug treatments. Be mindful of the country of origin when selecting an area rug. Also, don’t be confused by the terminology associated with area rug origin. The term “Oriental rugs” is usually a generic term referring to the style or construction method of rugs – not a country of origin. Oriental rugs are further divided into two styles – Chinese or Indian/Persian. Chinese rugs are generally made in China, Tibet, or India, while Persian rugs are produced in India, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, China, and North Africa.

With the wide variety of contemporary rugs, traditional area rugs, and discount rugs available, you’re certain to find the style, material, size, and shape to fit your lifestyle and décor. Purchasing rugs online from reputable retailer websites can result in significant savings and allow you to browse a wide assortment.