An area rug can really tie all the design elements of a room together. Apart from being aesthetically pleasing, an area rug can also provide functionality by keeping a room warm and cosy. Choosing the right area rug for a room can be tricky as you have to take into consideration the size of your room, the placement of your furniture, your lifestyle, and whether you are willing to spend on an area rug cleaner or go DIY when it comes to rug maintenance.

Read on for a few handy tips that will help you pick the best area rug for any room in no time at all.

Size:

Size is a key factor when it comes to picking the perfect rug. A general rule of thumb is to go big. You’ll find a whole number of different sizing guides– but they all boil down to the same measurements – give or take a few inches. Your area rug should be approximately two feet shorter than your walls, so for a room that is 12 x 20 feet, pick a rug that is 10 x 18. You can go slightly larger if you like but make sure that there is a gap of at least 6 inches between your walls and your rug.

You can also place smaller rugs on larger rugs for a sophisticated, textured appearance.

Furniture Placement:

Another consideration while picking an area rug is where all your furniture is going to go, not only for aesthetic value but to prevent your furniture from slipping and sliding all over the place.

Living Room:

While choosing a rug for your living room, consider whether you want all your furniture to be resting on the rug, off it, or only the front legs. The first option is ideal if you have a large room so that the rug can extend about half a foot beyond the furniture and still leave a gap from the walls.

Dining Room:

Consider the shape of your table while picking an area rug for your dining room. A round rug can enhance the feeling of intimacy a round table gives while a long rug can add length to a rectangular one. Make sure that the rug is at least two to three feet bigger than your table on all sides so chairs can rest on it even when pushed out.

Bedroom:

Area rugs in a bedroom can add a calming, cozy effect. Choose runner rugs on either side of your bed so your feet don’t hit the cold floor in the morning or have an area rug that extends three-fourths of the way under your bed extending for about two feet on either side.

Color and Pattern:

Picking the right color and pattern for an area rug requires a little more thought than simply picking out a rug you like.  If you are completely redecorating a room, pick a rug you like first and then match the color of your walls and furniture to it. If you’re adding a rug to an already done up room, pick a patterned modern rug to add a pop of color if your furniture is plain and vice versa. Traditional Persian and Oriental Rugs can instantly add a wow factor to a room.

Thickness and Maintenance:

There’s no denying it, a plush rug looks and feels great. However, rugs with a thicker pile are generally more delicate and require much more maintenance than thinner rugs. So, pick a plush rug for rooms with lower foot traffic for minimal maintenance and an opulent feel. If you have pets or young children – a thinner, patterned rug like this Istanbul Boho Area Rug may look cleaner and hide stains.

At Glara, we want everyone in Vancouver to have access to affordable and beautiful area rugs which is why we have multiple locations so you can find the best rugs near you. If you are unsure of how to choose a rug for your space, get in touch with us – our expert assistants will be happy to help.