A full floor of carpeting is no longer the popular choice for interior design— at least, not the way it used to be. Instead, area rugs have taken the spotlight as far as decorative flooring goes.
These rugs add dimension to a living room and tend to be more practical than wall-to-wall carpeting.
So, how do you choose the best rug for your living room?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect rug for your living room.
Size
A big mistake that people make when designing their living rooms is the utilization of area rugs that are too small for the room.
The standard sizes are 6 x 9 feet, 8 x 10 feet, and 9 x 12 feet. This is what you'll find in stores, but if the sizes don't suit your area you can always have one custom-made. Depending on what type of carpet it is, it isn't necessarily that much more costly to go custom. Whatever you select, keep in mind that there should be around 4 to 8 inches of bare floor around all the sides of the rug.
Color and Pattern
When it comes to picking an area rug, make sure to seriously consider your desired color and pattern.
Choosing a patterned rug can be a great way to add color and interest to a room with neutral furniture and walls. On the other hand, a solid rug in a neutral color can be a nice way to soothe an eclectic room. Keep in mind also that a patterned rug will be better for hiding dirt and spills while a solid rug is more likely to show stains.
If you have a colorful room and still want a colorful rug, try to find something that will connect and pull all the colors together. The idea is to make sure they don't fight each other; otherwise, you'll end up with a visually cluttered space.
Remember that the flooring has a huge impact on the overall look of the room, so choose something you can live with and won't tire of quickly.
Texture
Think about how you want the rug to feel before you make a purchase. Wool rugs can add warmth and softness while natural materials such as sisal and jute are a bit rough. Silk is soft and beautiful but also expensive and tough to clean. Take these things into consideration when shopping.
Multiple Rugs
To add a little more interest or define your space a little more, try layering area rugs on top of each other. It can add a little more color and pattern and it's a particularly great trick for seasonal decorating. In the colder months layering rugs can add coziness, then in the summer you can edit them and create a lighter look.