Where should you start when choosing a rug for your home? Here are some tips that will help you find the rug that works best for you and your space.
Start with thinking about why you need a rug. Is it to anchor furniture in a room and create a sense of separation between different areas in the space or to give depth to a space by adding colour and pattern. In some cases it might even be to cover the existing floor, a rug is much cheaper than new flooring.
A rug should:
- help to define a space
- provide some warmth and comfort
- add texture and colour to your room
You also need to consider the quality and material of the rug. Is it for a high foot traffic area? Do you have pets or kids? A lot of the time it comes down to personal preference but check out some of the tips we’ve gathered to help you find and care for the perfect rug.
Choosing the size and placement
Depending on the area you want to fill and how your furniture is placed, there are a few different points to consider when picking out a size. Using a measuring tape and masking tape always helps to visualise the space.
Living Room
There are no set rules when it comes to placement, it’s all personal preference. Some people prefer the rug to be large enough to fit under the front legs of all living room furniture, others like the rug to be floating as a way to connect all pieces, or even offset to create some visual interest. Whatever you decide, there is no right or wrong way to approach it.
Dining room
You want your rug to be large enough to comfortably fit under the table and all dining chairs, even when they are pulled out. This is both a practical and aesthetic tip as if your rug is too small your chairs won’t sit flush on the ground.
Bedroom
A great way to add some toe-warming cosiness is to place a rug under the bed, large enough to step on when you get out of bed. This will also help reduce sounds if you have a hardwood floor and will make your room appear larger.
Choosing a material
There are so many options with various benefits and properties to pick from. When choosing a rug, think about how much foot traffic the room gets and how you want to use the rug, will it go under a dining table that requires easy cleaning, or added to wooden floors to add warmth and comfort?
Common spaces with high traffic need durable materials, while bedroom rugs are less affected by heavy wear. Read through various materials and their benefits:
Jute is a strong natural fibre able to withstand high foot traffic. As jute is a natural fibre it is susceptible to stains and can be difficult to clean. Jute rugs usually come in natural and earthy palettes with a rich texture, making them easy to incorporate into any space.
Wool is a very durable natural fibre which is soft underfoot, has excellent insulating properties (keeps you nice and snug!) and is heat resistant, making it the most preferred material for rooms with fireplaces.
Polypropylene is a hardwearing man-made fibre. Polypropylene is easy to clean and is great for sunny and high-traffic areas. It’s soft touch and super easy to maintain making it ideal for living areas and homes with pets and children.
Cotton fibre is strong, soft and easy to dye, making it perfect for more intricate designs. They can attract dust; however, it is very easy to clean.
Caring for your rug
You should always follow the care instructions that came with the rug, however, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Vacuum - you should vacuum your rug without a beater bar and with low setting if you have the option. Some rugs shed more than others, and these must be vacuumed regularly. Vacuum carefully as the brush can pull out fibres and cause fuzzing on the surface.
Protection - keep your rug out of sunlight to prevent it from fading. It’s a good idea to rotate your rugs once a year so it fades evenly.
Spills - must be cleaned straight away. Use a clean white cloth and do not rub as this will force the stain deeper into the rug. After the cleaning process, dry the area with towels to absorb all moisture.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to find and then care for the perfect rug!
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