You’ve pulled together furniture, wall art, throw pillows, and plants, but your living room still doesn’t feel complete? It needs a rug! Versatile and stylish, rugs provide a solid foundation for your space, creating a sense of cohesion and coordination. Deciding which area rug is right for you involves several key factors. Let’s discuss!
Rug Styles
There are thousands of different rug styles out there, just as there are various interior design styles. A great starting point is to define your personal design style and learn more about it. Are you drawn to Scandinavian, industrial, shabby chic, minimalist, mid-century modern, or bohemian aesthetics? The list goes on. Educating yourself about your preferred style will help you understand the atmosphere you want to create in your room. Remember, an area rug doesn't need to match everything in a room, but it should complement the textures and tones of the existing furnishings.
Shag
Shag rugs feature a high-pile construction that is soft, plush, and luxurious to the touch. More than just an icon of the '70s, shag rugs come in a wide range of materials, colors, and designs that can add texture and sophistication to any space.
Contemporary
The landscape of contemporary design shifts often, but true contemporary style takes on a softer appearance than the stark lines of modern design. Contemporary rugs often feature popular patterns like trellis, chevron, abstract, and graphic prints, reinventing traditional motifs by altering the scale or updating the color palette.
Vintage
Vintage and vintage-style rugs are trending significantly. From traditionally styled homes to hip bohemian lofts, vintage rugs are making a statement.
Traditional
Traditional-style rugs are characterized by intricate Persian motifs, including vines, flowers, and scrollwork. These rugs typically feature inner borders filled with complex patterns, making them great for defining and centering spaces like dining and living rooms.
Mid-Century
Mid-Century Modern rugs, like the interior design style, are bold, bright, and eye-catching. Rather than blending in as neutral decorative elements, these rugs are designed to stand out. Look for low-pile rugs that boast saturated hues and abstract or geometric patterns to rock this retro style.
Bohemian
Bohemian rugs are whimsical and stylish, featuring vibrant color palettes, bold designs, distressed patterns, flatwoven techniques, and natural fiber constructions. To achieve a Bohemian look, layer antiqued traditional carpets with flatwoven, natural-fiber rugs. Opt for rugs with fringed details or distressed designs to truly capture the boho vibe.
Moroccan
Moroccan rugs are distinct and recognizable yet complement a variety of decor styles. Look for carpets featuring the familiar crisscross or zigzag pattern of traditional Beni Ourain rugs, or choose bolder Moroccan patterns like geometric trellis or latticework.
One or More Rugs?
In many cases, people are using two (or more!) rugs. It’s quite common to use multiple rugs in larger rooms to define different areas. Open-concept spaces, like lofts, can benefit from multiple rugs to separate living areas from dining or media spaces. Conversely, smaller spaces or living rooms enclosed by walls and doorways usually benefit from a single large rug.
Size
A common way to size a rug is to ensure that it reaches underneath all four feet of the furniture. Alternatively, you could use a smaller rug that runs under the front feet of sofas and chairs. Just make sure that smaller objects at the rug’s edges, like end tables and floor lamps, are either completely on or off the rug.
Patterned vs. Plain
If your space feels too minimal, a patterned rug can really bring it to life. For bolder patterns, it's best to pair them with plain furniture to avoid clashing. Patterned rugs work best when their accent colors match other decor, creating a cohesive theme. They also look great in small, plain rooms to give the illusion of more space. Conversely, if you have patterned furniture, a solid rug can provide a grounding effect. It's all about balance!
Rug Color
Rugs can either stand out or blend in, so consider the effect you want to create when choosing a color. If your room has a lot of color and pattern, opt for a rug in neutral tones or a single color. If your space has minimal furniture, you can go bold with a multicolor geometric pattern, zigzag design, abstract motif, or another exciting look!
Material
Rugs come in various materials, including plant-based fibers like cotton, linen, sisal, and jute, as well as natural fibers like wool, silk, and mohair, and synthetic materials like nylon and solution-dyed acrylic. Each material offers a different look and feel, with varying characteristics in terms of durability and ease of cleaning. If you have children or pets, a white rug with a high pile may not be the best choice. If your rug will experience a lot of wear and tear, consider a flat-weave rug with a pattern that masks stains, as it will be easier to maintain. On the other hand, if you want to create a sense of comfort and luxury, a flat-weave rug might not achieve that effect.
Ultimately, you know what’s most important for you and your family when shopping for a rug. While many factors play a part in your decision—such as price, size, color, and material—only you have the final say in what is beautiful and right for you! In our store, we sell Moroccan rugs, and we invite you to explore the collection!