Choosing the right rug for your living room can be daunting – so many sizes, styles, colours, patterns – what is the right choice for your home?
When shopping for an area rug, take into consideration the space to be covered and the size of the room, colour and functionality.
Placing of a white carpet with a thick pile, not easily cleaned in a high volume living area may look great, but keeping the rug looking its best will be a constant chore. Below are tips for choosing just the right rug for your living room.
Rug Size
How to determine the right size area rug for your living room is easier than you think. A rule of thumb we use is to choose a rug that is 2 feet shorter than the room size.
For example, if you’re living room is 12 x 14 feet, look for a rug that is 10 x 12. If the room has a lot of angles or is not rectangular in nature consider a rug that will fit completely under the focal furniture of the room or placed partially under the main pieces as shown above.
Fabric
Consider a flat pile for high traffic areas – if your living room is used for the central entertainment centre of your home, where the family gathers for watching TV, maybe eating around the coffee table, or the children playing on the floor with their toys. You will want a rug that is easy to vacuum, clean if there are spills, not to mention those tiny lego pieces that might get lost in a high pile rug.
If on the other hand, your living room is used more for entertaining before or after a dinner party, or a quiet space for you to relax at the end of the day – where comfort and luxury meet – a high pile, with a rich texture might be more suitable for the room.
Adding texture always adds to the appeal of the décor.
Colour and Pattern
Deciding on a solid colour area rug or one with a unique pattern will depend on whether you are looking to make the rug the focal point of the room, or to draw attention to the furniture and décor around the room.
Sometimes, it is just a matter of what will look best in the room. Too many patterns will confuse the eye, light colours often make a room look bigger, while dark colours will make the room look smaller.
Choose a colour combination to compliment the furniture. If you try to match the carpet to the colour of the furniture, it will be rare that it is an exact match, and it will blend into the furniture rather than accentuating the furniture.
In the end, it really boils down to your taste and style while trying to enhance the overall appeal of the room.
Making the right choice
For ideas visit www.rugs.ca – they have a wide variety of area rugs, but more importantly, the images they show also include furniture placements and styles – you’re bound to find something that suits your room, your style and your functionality.
Lynn MacMillan is both an interior decorator and certified staging professional. Gem Home Staging is highly regarded in the Niagara, Hamilton and Halton areas for their work in the real estate staging industry and for homeowners and businesses seeking the ultimate in interior design. Luxury and vacant properties are our specialties so contact Lynn today!