A Complete Guide On Choosing The Right Rug For Your Space

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A Complete Guide On Choosing The Right Rug For Your Space

There are few décor pieces in a home that have the ability to hold a room together like how a rug accomplishes. Whether it is the final touch or the key inspiration for your space, a rug is able to provide a layer of intrigue and interest.

Finding the ideal rug can be challenging. There are several factors to consider, such as size, style, make, and material – and having a ton of options does not make the decision process easier. To help you choose the best-fitted rug for your space, we have gathered a detailed guide to answer some of your burning questions. 

What do you need to consider before purchasing a rug?

First, you need to identify the space you want to place the rug in and what you would like it to serve. Is it a functional purpose that prevents people from slipping, or is it a featured décor to unify the space? Getting delicate, vintage rugs might not be the most advisable option if you have little children or pets. Next, you will want to consider the size, shape, style, materials, pile, maintenance, and rug pad. More of this will be explained below.

1. Shapes and sizes

You would want a rug that fits your room. You do not want a rug so big that you cannot see the floor between the rug and the wall. Neither do you want rugs that are so small they look like postage stamps beneath your coffee tables. One general rule of thumb you can follow is to get a rug big enough to contain key elements of the space or act as a buffer between various built-ins. For example: 

  • Living room: In a large living space with a central seating section, ensure that the rug is large enough to contain the furniture in that section, both front and back legs, yet with excess carpet space. If your sofa is up against the wall, then ensure that at least its front legs and those of neighboring armchairs are within the rug.
  • Bedroom: If you have a spacious room, get a large rug that fits perfectly beneath the entire bed and side tables, with spare rug space on either side. For smaller rooms, you might want to get a rug that covers at least 1/3 of the base of the bed.

How to measure the right rug size for the space: Measure the room and reduce the measurements by at least 2 feet. The final measurements would be your ideal rug size.

2. Style and materials

The most common material categories of rugs materials are:

Natural fibers: Wool, silk, sisal, cotton, jute 

  • Pros: Durable and long-lasting.
  • Cons: Require expert cleaning and can be expensive.

Synthetic fibers: Acrylic, polypropylene, polyester

  • Pros: Usually stain-resistant, easy to maintain, and affordable.
  • Cons: Repeated pet accidents or spills may result in the contamination of bacteria and mildew.

Artificial silk: Banana silk, bamboo silk, viscose 

  • Pros: Highly affordable.
  • Cons: Attracts oil and moisture. 

Identifying your preferred rug material for the space depends on your everyday lifestyle and the space in which the rug is located. In addition, you might also want to factor in the choice of aesthetics in the space as well. However, you are never limited to a single style. Mixing and matching several complementary styles might add to the uniqueness of the space. Here are some rug styles to consider: 

  • Traditional: Vintage and antique pieces with Persian, Moroccan, Oriental, or Berber origins.
  • Contemporary: Farmhouse, Coastal, Mid-century, Country, or Geometric.
  • Natural: Cowhide, Sheepskin, Sisal, Leather, Silk, or Jute.
  • Bohemian: Ikat, Dhurrie, Shag, Southwest, or Kilim.

3. Pile 

The rug's pile refers to the furniture piece's density or thickness. Rugs pile is typically categorized as:

  • Low-pile rugs have shorter loops and fibers, making them ideal for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen. They are generally easier to maintain.
  • High-pile rugs have looser and taller fibers, making them look plush and ideal for living room and bedroom. They are generally harder to maintain and are used in areas of the house with less human traffic. 

4. Maintenance

It is inevitable to dirty your rug, no matter how careful you may be. Hence, it is vital to consider the maintenance and care of the rug before you purchase it. Here are some ways to care for and maintain different rug materials:

  • Synthetic: Vacuum, steam-clean, or spot-clean.  We suggest you try it at an inconspicuous spot first to determine the effect.  Always check to ensure you are using the appropriate cleaning component for the type of rugs you have.  It will always be best to engage a professional rug cleaner to care for your rugs.
  • Wool: Natural oils such as lanolin prevents spills from penetrating the fiber. You might want to dab the spill to soak it up for hand-knotted rugs, then tease whatever minor stain using a toothbrush and dish soap. Do not scrub the rug, as it can damage the fiber. We suggest you try it at an inconspicuous spot first to determine the effect.  Always check to ensure you are using the appropriate cleaning component for the type of rugs you have.  It will always be best to engage a professional rug cleaner to care for your rugs. 
  • Silk and cotton: Silk is very delicate, and you should definitely engage a professional rug cleaner to ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of the rug.

Conclusion 

Getting a rug is a great way to finish off the decoration of your space, and it certainly adds character to the overall interior design. Our rug shop offers a wide range of designer, modern rugs that are guaranteed to fit whatever style your space is in.

Now that you know what to look out for when purchasing a rug for your home interior, you might want to check out our rug sale online at https://www.finnavenue.com/collections/carpets-rugs.

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