The Art of Rug Selection: 7 Rules for Every Space
October 22, 2024
8 min read
Choosing the perfect rug for your space might seem simple at first glance—until you find yourself overwhelmed with countless styles, sizes, colors, and materials. Who knew there could be so many options? And yet, the right rug can completely transform a room, bringing everything together in a way that feels both polished and personal. So, how do you get it right?
Whether you're adding warmth to a cozy living room, anchoring a dining area, or trying to soften up your bedroom, there's more to rug selection than meets the eye.
Luckily, with a few simple guidelines, you can take the guesswork out of the process and find the perfect rug for any space.
1. Size Matters: Bigger is (Almost Always) Better
When it comes to choosing a rug, one of the most common mistakes people make is going too small. A rug that’s too small for the space can actually make a room feel disjointed or awkward. The goal is to create a cohesive look where the rug grounds the space and connects all the elements—furniture, decor, and layout.
So, how do you know what size to choose? Here are some guidelines based on the type of room:
Living Room:
In the living room, your rug should be large enough to fit under the front legs of your furniture, at the very least. Ideally, all the furniture (sofas, chairs, and coffee tables) should sit on the rug.
This creates a sense of unity and makes the space feel larger. If that’s not possible, aim to have the front legs of each piece on the rug. The rug should extend beyond the sides of your furniture by about 6-12 inches.
Dining Room:
For the dining room, the rug needs to accommodate not just the table but also the chairs—even when they’re pulled out. A good rule of thumb is to measure your dining table and add at least 24 inches on all sides. This will prevent the chairs from catching on the edge of the rug when people move them in and out.
Bedroom:
In the bedroom, your rug should ideally fit underneath the bed, extending out at least 18-24 inches on all sides. If you have nightstands, they can also sit on the rug. Alternatively, you could choose two smaller rugs to place on either side of the bed if you’re aiming for a softer landing when you step out of bed in the morning.
Remember: in rug selection, bigger is often better. A larger rug creates visual balance and ensures that the room doesn’t feel disconnected. If you're in doubt, size up rather than down!
2. Consider the Room’s Function: Choose the Right Material
Not all rugs are created equal—especially when it comes to material. A plush, high-pile rug might be great for sinking your feet into in the bedroom, but it might not be as practical in a high-traffic area like the entryway. Choosing the right material is essential for durability, maintenance, and comfort.
Wool Rugs:
Wool is one of the most popular rug materials for a reason. It’s soft, durable, and naturally stain-resistant. Wool rugs are great for high-traffic areas like the living room because they can withstand a lot of wear and tear without showing signs of aging. Plus, they’re easy to clean!
Cotton Rugs:
Cotton rugs tend to be more affordable and lightweight, making them a good option for casual spaces like kitchens or playrooms. They’re also easy to clean, but they might not last as long as wool rugs, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Silk Rugs:
For a touch of luxury, silk rugs are incredibly soft and have a subtle sheen that can elevate a space. However, they’re more delicate and not ideal for areas where spills or dirt are likely to happen (looking at you, dining room!). These rugs are best suited for low-traffic areas or rooms where aesthetics take precedence.
Jute and Sisal Rugs:
Natural fiber rugs like jute and sisal have a more textured, earthy look, making them perfect for casual or coastal-style spaces. They’re durable and eco-friendly, but they can be a bit rough underfoot, so consider adding a soft rug pad for extra comfort.
Synthetic Rugs:
Made from materials like polypropylene or nylon, synthetic rugs are a budget-friendly option that works well in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids. They’re durable, stain-resistant, and often designed to mimic the look of more expensive materials.
Think about how much wear and tear your rug will face. For high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, or family rooms, durability is key. In more formal spaces, where comfort and aesthetics are top priorities, you may have more flexibility with delicate materials.
3. Choose the Right Rug Shape for Your Space
While rectangular rugs are the most common choice, they’re not always the best fit for every room. Consider the shape of your room and the layout of your furniture when choosing your rug shape.
Rectangular Rugs:
The most traditional option, rectangular rugs work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. They create a sense of order and structure in most spaces, which is why they’re a go-to for many homeowners.
Round Rugs:
Round rugs can be a fun and dynamic choice for smaller spaces or to add some visual interest. They work especially well under round tables in dining rooms or breakfast nooks. You can also use a round rug to soften the sharp lines in a room with lots of angular furniture.
Runner Rugs:
Runner rugs are ideal for narrow spaces like hallways, entryways, or along the side of a bed. They guide the eye through the space and add warmth and texture without overwhelming the area.
Square Rugs:
Square rugs can be a bit tricky to pull off, but they’re perfect for square-shaped rooms or areas where the furniture arrangement mimics a square layout. They can create balance in a space where symmetry is important.
4. Think About Pattern and Color
Once you’ve nailed down the size and material, it’s time to think about pattern and color. A rug can be a bold statement piece or a subtle backdrop, depending on what you want to achieve in your space. Here’s how to make the right choice:
1. Let Your Rug Anchor the Room
If your furniture and walls are fairly neutral, you have more freedom to choose a rug with a bold pattern or vibrant color. A richly patterned rug can serve as the focal point of the room, adding personality and visual interest.
2. Keep It Simple in Busy Spaces
On the flip side, if your room already has a lot going on—think bold wallpaper, patterned furniture, or colorful artwork—you’ll want to choose a rug that’s more understated. Neutral tones or simple patterns will help ground the space without competing with the other elements in the room.
3. Play with Contrast
Don’t be afraid to use your rug to create contrast in your space. For instance, a dark rug can add depth and drama to a room with light walls and furniture, while a light-colored rug can brighten up a space with dark, moody tones.
If you’re unsure about committing to a bold pattern or color, consider layering rugs. A neutral base rug (like jute or sisal) can be paired with a smaller, more colorful rug on top. This way, you can experiment with pattern and texture without overwhelming the room.
5. Consider Your Rug’s Pile Height
When shopping for rugs, you’ll come across terms like “low-pile” and “high-pile.” These refer to the thickness of the rug’s fibers, and each option has its pros and cons depending on your needs.
Low-Pile Rugs:
Low-pile rugs have shorter fibers and are typically more durable and easier to clean. They’re a great choice for high-traffic areas like entryways or dining rooms, where you don’t want anything that’s too plush or prone to trapping dirt.
High-Pile Rugs:
High-pile rugs, like shag rugs, are thicker and softer underfoot, making them ideal for bedrooms or living rooms where comfort is key. However, they can be harder to clean and maintain, so they’re better suited for areas with lower traffic or where spills aren’t a big concern.
6. Layering Rugs for Texture and Style
Here’s a design trick that can instantly add depth and interest to any room: layering rugs. While it might sound unconventional, layering rugs is an easy way to bring different textures, patterns, and colors into your space without overcommitting to a single look.
Start with a Neutral Base
Choose a neutral, flat-weave rug as your base layer. This could be a jute or sisal rug or a simple, solid-colored wool rug. The idea is to create a foundation that grounds the room but doesn’t steal the show.
Add a Smaller Accent Rug
Once you have your base rug in place, layer a smaller, more decorative rug on top. This could be a bold pattern, a vibrant color, or a textured material like a shag rug. The smaller rug should sit either completely within the boundaries of the larger rug or slightly overlap the edges to create an intentional, layered look.
Layering is particularly effective in large rooms where a single rug might feel too small or underwhelming. It also allows you to experiment with patterns and textures without overpowering the space.
7. Don’t Forget the Rug Pad
A rug pad isn’t the most glamorous part of rug shopping. But it’s absolutely essential. A good rug pad not only keeps your rug in place (no more slipping!) but also extends the life of your rug by providing cushioning and preventing wear and tear.
Rug pads come in different materials and thicknesses, so choose one based on the type of flooring you have and the level of comfort you want. For example, a thicker pad can make a low-pile rug feel more plush, while a non-slip pad is essential for keeping a rug in place on hard floors.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the right rug for your space is about more than just picking something that looks nice—it’s about finding a piece that ties your whole room together and enhances both the functionality and the aesthetics of the space.
Remember: don’t be afraid to take your time, experiment with patterns and textures, and most importantly, have fun with the process! A great rug can truly transform a room, making it feel inviting, comfortable, and totally “you.”
