When it comes to designing and decorating a home, finding the perfect area rugs can be the toughest part of the process. The wrong size, color or design can leave the room feeling awkward and will compete with the furnishings. From big shaggy rugs to old vintage styles, there are so many out there, even finding a starting point can feel totally overwhelming. Not to mention – an area rug can be a pretty substantial investment, so finding the right one is essential. If you’re ready to start narrowing down all the gorgeous rugs out there, here are a few parameters to help guide the process and get the job done right.
Think about size. Placing too small or too large of a rug in a room can throw the balance off completely, so size should play a major role in your selection. Finding a rug large enough so that it houses all the furniture is ideally what you’re going for, and knowing what size rug you need is an excellent way to get a handle on where your budget should be.
A large-scale rug houses all the seating.
Think about color. While it may feel obvious that color is the best place to start, choosing that color is a pretty big decision. Take a close look at your wall color, furnishings, fixtures – are these items muted or bold? Do your large furniture pieces boast pattern or solids? Start by narrowing down to a small selection of colors that will complement, not compete with your largest furnishings.
Bright tones play off the white space.
Think about texture. This is an important one and it’s often overlooked as less important than color and pattern. Take a look around at your furniture – is it big and bulky or smooth and sleek? Often, a contrasting texture (like a thick, bulky rug in a sleek environment) can help build layers within a room to create a sense of depth and structure and also frame the space. Whether your taste is fuzzy shags or old-world vintage or smooth and modern, use your furniture as a guide to help create the sense of contrast you need.
Smooth texture works well with the bulky furnishings.
Think about design. In some spaces, more than one pattern can easily work together in a complimentary fashion – think stripes and floral (often a great play off each other), while in other spaces two bold patterns might compete in an overwhelming way. Remember: playing it too safe might end up feeling dull, while getting a little edgy can give your room just the sense of style it needs.
Big, bold rug plays off the other patterns in the room.
Have you made the investment in area rugs for your home? Did you find it challenging to select the perfect rugs?
