How to Choose a Rug for Your Space
Rugs serve several purposes in our homes, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. Rugs are an integral part of interior design and can enhance the overall look and feel of a room. They add color, pattern, and texture, helping to create a cohesive and visually appealing space. Rugs can be used as focal points or to tie together different elements within a room, they are often used to define and delineate specific areas within a room or open floor plan. Rugs are an important element in curated home decor, and if you’re looking for longevity, they are certainly investment pieces when selecting the ideal rug for your space. When picking out the ideal rug, there are a few key factors that should be considered, such as size, material, and design. Below we are going to share some tips on how to choose the best rug for you.
Dining Room: When selecting a rug for your dining room, make sure to consider the shape of your dining table. If your table is round, pick a round rug in order to create a balanced and harmonious look. The rug should extend at least 2’ from the perimeter of the table so there is enough room for pulling out chairs. It is recommended that the rug be around 8’ wide or wider to fit the proportions of the space. Finally, make sure that all chair legs comfortably fit on the rug, even when chairs are pulled out.
Living: The front legs of all your furniture should be on the rug (not including side tables and floor lamps). Allow around 18 inches of space between your sofa and coffee table. It's a good idea to size up; a larger rug makes a room feel open and less cluttered. Remember to allow at least 12 inches between the edge of the rug and the wall to avoid a disproportionate look.
Bedroom: When selecting a rug that will go under your bed, we recommend a size that will extend beyond the front legs or end of your bed, also extending as far as your nightstands on either side, without quite reaching them. For a queen bed, this means an 8’ x 10’ rug. For a king bed, this means a 9’ x 12’ rug. These are simply guidelines and you can certainly go slightly bigger or smaller. However, to give your space a proportionate feel, we recommend staying close to these dimensions.
Kitchen: In a galley-style kitchen or one with an island, a runner rug can be a great way to add depth and perspective. For an L-shaped kitchen, pick a rug with a smaller size such as 3’ x 5‘ or 5’ x 8’.
Hallway: Adding a long hallway runner can create visual interest and perspective in your hallway. When measuring for the runner, ensure that there is no more than 5 inches and no less than 3 inches from the walls.
Different Materials:
When it comes to purchasing a rug for any room of your home, you want to make sure you find one that will stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a hand-knotted, shag, flat-weave, or machine-made rug, you can create the look and feel of sophistication for any space. Hand-knotted rugs offer an impeccable bespoke touch crafted by master weavers with wool, natural fibers, or synthetic materials. Shag rugs provide a plush pile, perfect for bedrooms and nurseries alike. Flat-weave rugs utilize a loom technique to create a low-pile texture that’s reversible and easy to clean. Machine-made rug construction allows for a large range of styles, from flat-weaves to shags in a variety of colors and patterns. They are crafted with synthetics, providing convenience and affordability.
Care:
It’s important to vacuum your rug regularly. This will remove dirt and debris that can accumulate in between the fibers of the rug and give your rug a nice, new, fluffy look. Depending on the type of rug you have, you may want to use a roller brush attachment on your vacuum to get into the nooks and crannies of the rug. If you have pets, you may also want to consider using a pet hair brush attachment to remove pet hair from the rug as well.
To spot-clean your rug, start by blotting the spot with a damp cloth. If necessary, use a mild detergent solution on the cloth to help lift stains. Be sure not to rub the spot as this can force the stain further into the fiber. For deep cleaning, consider renting a professional-grade cleaning machine. However, if you choose this route, also consider calling in a professional as they will know how to properly care for and clean your rug.
At Grove Collective we have a vast array of rugs for every room and design element in your house. Contact one of our design specialists if you still have questions in your rug buying journey.