How to Select an Area Rug

Adding an area rug to a room is an easy way give your space a new look, provide warmth or add color. If you find a rug that you love, you can use it as inspiration and decorate your space around it. Area rugs are easy to move from room to room. Don't limit the rug to the space that you buy it for: Put rugs in different rooms of your home to create fresh looks. Or, swap out rugs for different seasons.

Angela Adams Rug

COLOR:
Because it takes up much of your living space, an area rug can be the foundation of your room's look. Even if your existing taste is traditional, a contemporary rug can add a nice contrast. In a modern room, a traditional or oriental rug can soften the look.

Look for a common accent color in your room and use this color in your rug for emphasis. If your room is brightly colored, select a neutral colored rug. If your room is neutral, a vibrant rug will add a needed statement and focal point.

In general, dark colored rugs add warmth to a room, light colored rugs make a space appear larger. If you have pets or children, consider a dark rug to hide dirt. And, make sure the rug is stain resistant and easy to clean.

SIZE:
Area rugs are great for defining spaces within a room: A sitting area, a cozy area in front of a fire place. If you are using a rug to define a space, leave no more than 2 feet of carpet past the edge of the furniture on it.

For a dining room, 18' x 24' is a standard rug size. The rug should extend at least 16" from the edge of the table so that the chairs have room to pull away. For an entryway, make sure to swing the front door open and leave 2.5 feet of floor from this space clear. Runners in hallways should have at least 5" of floor showing on all sides. To warm up a bedroom, use runners on each side of the bed. Or place a large rug under the foot of the bed only. Use small 2' x 3' area rugs over existing carpet at entry points or high traffic areas to protect your carpet from wear.

A great way to test what size rug you will need is to lay down some sheets or towels in the area that you are considering to get a picture of the size and space. You can also use masking tape to mask out the area. This helps to give you a picture.

Angela Adams Rug

CARING FOR RUGS:
Rug pads protect your rug from slipping and make sure your rug retains its original condition and are highly recommended. Clean spills at once:

1. blot stain with a clean white cloth (do not rub)
2. spot clean with a solution of water and clear dish washing detergent (non-bleach)
3. rinse with water
4. blot dry

Regular vacuuming is a must to extend the life of your rug.

Area rugs are an easy and inexpensive update to your space.

Comments

[bobbi]

we are working on a dining room which is 11'6" x 9'8" in an older home. most area rugs are 5'2" x 7'7" or 7'9" x 11'2"
could we use the smaller of the two in this size dining room?

[Linda]

You may be surprised to learn that 5 x 8 is the most popular selling size in the US (ask Angela Adams!) and 8 x 10 in Canada. 18 x 24 foot is simply too large for most rooms - i beleive there is a typo under "what size"

[Maria McCormick]

my living room is just 8'6" by 10'5". I was told to use an 8X10 rug to make the room appear larger. Is this good advice?

[Devon]

If a rug sheds a lot does it mean the quality is poor? Also, is there a type of wool that is good, better, best? I am looking for something that is both durable and affordable.

[Area Rugs]

It is important that people not buy wool Area Rugs that are made from Australian collected wool. Australian wool represents substantial affliction for sheep, millions of whom are mutilated each year by the shearing process. Wool that comes from such areas as New Zealand, China and India have wonderful environmental benefits as well as advantages within the home. Always ask where the wool is collected and help stop this inhumane process.