The Secrets to Choose an Area Rug

 For many interior designers, area rugs are the starting point of any décor. Large area rugs are a powerful design element that immediately change the feel of any room and bring more class and elegance to its décor. Area rugs are like an artwork but for the floor, the visual complexity, the exuberance and textural contrast that rugs bring are unparalleled. These can be used as the focal point of the room décor or can be used as a complimentary décor element that blends in with everything and makes the whole décor harmonious.

Just imagine you have a plain marble, tile or wooden flooring, topping it with an oriental rug can instantly turn the décor style in traditional, laying a faux fur rug can make the style modern and plain sisal rug can turn the style into a contemporary style, this is the power of a rug! Nowadays, the accessibility of rugs online has made it easy to choose any kind of rug with just a few clicks but due to the same reason people often get confused as to which rug is best suitable according to their décor and style. There are many factors that must be taken under consideration before making the final decision.

In this article, I will share some secrets of the top interior designers and how they choose an area rug that not only looks amazing in its own entirety but also complements and blends together seamlessly with other décor elements. There are many pitfalls in which amateur buyers can fall and create a mess instead of a well-thought out and cohesive space. So let's unveil these secrets so that you can have a dream décor and a beautiful space to look at with this simple design element-area rug.

Secret No1- Choose the Right Style  

People often think that choosing the right size or color is the key to a great area rug choice, well according to me the most important thing to consider is the rug style. Choosing a style means you have to think about two factors, one is your lifestyle and other is your personal style. Whichever area rug entertains both the factors, that is the perfect rug for your space. In order for an area rug to last you for a considerable time frame you need to pay heed to your lifestyle.

If the room is in common use, has high traffic and children and pets are playing around then you need a rug that’s sustainable under these circumstances. A sisal rug or a wool rug is best for high traffic areas. Know your priorities like cleanliness, comfort, cost, style or durability and work around that. Educate yourself with tons of options in rugs online and choose wisely. Also keep in mind that you love the style, material and color of the rug as you have to live with it day in and day out. The best thing to do is to trust your instincts.

Secret No2- Choose the Right Size

This is not so much of a secret but doing it right needs some homework which is something people fail to do. The best way to know the correct size of your area rug is by a simple thing- measuring tape, yes! Mark the area where you wish to place the rug and measure that area. Marking with the tape has two benefits, firstly you will get to see exactly how the area rug will fall in accordance with the furniture and secondly you can have the exact measurements which you can tell to any home store salesman or enter in the size box of an online store. The worst thing that you can do with a rug is that it's the wrong size. A term called “postage stamp size” rug is used when the area is big and the rug placed is too small. So, make sure you have the correct measurements of the area rug.

Secret No3- Choose the Right Color/Pattern  

Now you’re almost ready to go out for your rug shopping or sit down and order rugs online. Just take a deep look at your décor style, color story and the accent colors that can complement the main color theme in order to create a seamless and well-coordinated décor. The best way to choose the right color is by narrowing down 2-3 colors that goes well with the main color story. The best way to have a good idea about how the colors will look together with each other is by throwing a decorative pillow cover or a swatch of the drapes or upholstery on top of the rug and see how they work with each other. Trust me you’ll know instantly if they work well or look forced. Some clear winners are; solid sofa with patterned rug, printed sofa with plain rug or solid sofa with solid rug complimented with various pieces like cushions, drapes and artwork.

Secret No4- Choose the Right Pile

Choosing the right pile is often interlinked with your lifestyle. There are basically three main piles-low, medium and high. The low pile rugs are more durable, sturdy and reliable for high traffic areas. These are easy to vacuum, spot clean and maintain. Rugs like a dhurrie, kilim or jute rug fall under this category. Medium or high pile rugs are generally suitable for low traffic areas as these rugs are expensive but make the room more inviting, luxurious and cosier. Persian rugs, oriental rugs, wool or silk rugs come in the category of high pile rugs. These rugs are difficult to clean on your own and might even require professional care if you want them to be hand-me-downs for the generations to come.

Ending Lines 

Large area rugs are a defining feature of any home décor.  Finding a perfect area rug is now even easier thanks to the wide range of rugs online. Just keep in mind these secrets and you'll never go wrong with choosing the area rug that will tie all the décor elements together seamlessly.