Want to give a room in your house a whole new look without the trouble of painting or the expense of new furniture? A new area rug might just be the answer. While you may not realize it, the right area rug can bring a room together, while also adding just the right pop of color or texture. The key point though is it has to be the right rug for the room – size, style and color matter. If you aren’t sure where to start with choosing the perfect rug, here are some tips to get you going!
Pick Your Price
Area rugs can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. Your first step should be deciding how much you are willing to spend on a new rug. The size of the the rug and the type of material used can cause a rug to be far more expensive than you might think upon first seeing it. Go ahead and set a price range ahead of time so you don’t inadvertently fall in love with something that isn’t in your current budget.
Size Matters
You may have heard the phrase “measure twice, cut once” when it comes to woodworking and sewing. When shopping for an area rug, you should follow the rule, “measure twice, buy once.” You definitely don’t want to purchase a rug only to get it home and find it isn’t the right size for your room and furniture. For a living room or den, look for a rug you can easily center in your furniture space. For a dining room, you’ll want a rug that leaves about 2 feet of empty rug space around your table, so that chairs scooting in and out won’t scuff your floor. In a bedroom, aim for a rug that leaves 3 or more feet of space on either side of your bed.
Style and Color
When choosing your color, two important things should factor in your decision – you either want the rug to be the dominant color piece in an otherwise neutral room, or you want it to accent, but not overpower, the colors you are already using. You do not want to use a bright color or pattern that will clash with other bright colors or loud designs. When it comes to the design and print, this is up to your personal preferences. However, if you are tempted to choose something neutral and solid in color, keep in mind that patterns and certain colors are better at hiding stains and traffic.
Once you’ve found the right rug for your room, don’t forget that you will also need carpet tape or rubber grips to keep your new rug in place. Even the the highest quality area rug will slide without these important additions!