Designer Tips on how to Choose a Rug
Picking a Rugs could be tricky. Rugs are the anchor that pulls the whole design of the room together. Rugs can act as a focal point – lending visual interest in the room. Or rugs can act like a backdrop to the furnishings that sits on it. There are many ways you can style a room with a rug. Colour, texture, pattern, and size are all elements to consider in finding the right one.
Here is a quick guide on shopping for the right rug:
When it comes to colour – don’t stress on matching the rugs colour to your pillows, throws, curtains, art etc. Just ensure that you stick with the same tones/hues. It’s okay not to be matchy matchy.
When it comes to colour – don’t stress on matching the rugs colour to your pillows, throws, curtains, art etc. Just ensure that you stick with the same tones/hues. It’s okay not to be matchy matchy.
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Photos: @ruggable
Texture
My favourite is low pile rugs, but only because it’s easier to clean. The fibers are close together and are low. These rugs are great with a household of kids/pets. I recommend these for playroom, kids’ room, living or dinning areas (mostly high traffic areas).
Now there are washable low pile rugs in the market such as ruggable, rug collective – which make cleaning easier…. just throw them in the wash!
High Pile rugs are also great, but good for low traffic areas, such as the office or guestroom. These rugs have fibre with higher loops, which makes the rug look cozier and plusher. I have a high pile rug in my reading nook space, to create a cozier/relaxing atmosphere.
Pattern
My rule of thumb: If you have solid colour furniture you can go bold with a patterned rug. If you have patterned sofa or dining chairs, look for a solid colour rug. You don’t want the furniture and rug fighting with each other, try to pick one element as a priority.
Size
Now – Which size should you buy?
It’s too big if the rug touches the wall. Try to ensure the there is enough floor visible between the wall and rug. It’s too small if the coffee table barely covers the rug. Before buying the rug, get a sense of its footprint first, by using measuring tape and painter’s tape to outline the rug on the floor. This will help you visualize how it will look in your space along with the furniture(.
Ensure rug runs the length of your sofa and is wider (at least 6” on both sides of the sofa). There should about 30” walkway around your furniture for example, between your coffee table and sofa.
My favourite is low pile rugs, but only because it’s easier to clean. The fibers are close together and are low. These rugs are great with a household of kids/pets. I recommend these for playroom, kids’ room, living or dinning areas (mostly high traffic areas).
Now there are washable low pile rugs in the market such as ruggable, rug collective – which make cleaning easier…. just throw them in the wash!
High Pile rugs are also great, but good for low traffic areas, such as the office or guestroom. These rugs have fibre with higher loops, which makes the rug look cozier and plusher. I have a high pile rug in my reading nook space, to create a cozier/relaxing atmosphere.
Pattern
My rule of thumb: If you have solid colour furniture you can go bold with a patterned rug. If you have patterned sofa or dining chairs, look for a solid colour rug. You don’t want the furniture and rug fighting with each other, try to pick one element as a priority.
Size
Now – Which size should you buy?
It’s too big if the rug touches the wall. Try to ensure the there is enough floor visible between the wall and rug. It’s too small if the coffee table barely covers the rug. Before buying the rug, get a sense of its footprint first, by using measuring tape and painter’s tape to outline the rug on the floor. This will help you visualize how it will look in your space along with the furniture(.
Ensure rug runs the length of your sofa and is wider (at least 6” on both sides of the sofa). There should about 30” walkway around your furniture for example, between your coffee table and sofa.
Here is a quick guideline to layout the rug in your living space:
One last tip, invest in a rug (skid-free) pad to keep it in place. The pad should be around 2” inch smaller than the rug itself, this will also help the rug lay flat on the ground.
Don’t underestimate the power of a rug, it can totally change the look of the space. The key is to find balance with all the other décor elements in the room. Go out of your comfort zone and have fun designing your room.
One last tip, invest in a rug (skid-free) pad to keep it in place. The pad should be around 2” inch smaller than the rug itself, this will also help the rug lay flat on the ground.
Don’t underestimate the power of a rug, it can totally change the look of the space. The key is to find balance with all the other décor elements in the room. Go out of your comfort zone and have fun designing your room.
Article written by Anita Lall
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