Rug Rules
I LOVE rugs!! There are thousands to choose from and something to fit every aesthetic under the sun! There are rugs with tons of texture as well as ones with clean, simple lines and NO room is off limits. But how do you go about finding the perfect size and type for your space? Hopefully this Rug Rules guide will help.
SIZE MATTERS
The two main areas where clients are the most particular about their rugs are the living room and dining room. This isn’t an area where you need to skimp. Most people can justify the cost of furniture that is both beautiful and functional but they fail to give the same consideration to the rug. The furniture in both of these areas should sit on the rug. In the living room, at least the front feet of each piece should be on the rug. This usually requires anywhere from a 10x14, 9x12 or a 12x12. The larger the rug, the larger the room looks, but, it should always stay 6-12” away from the wall. In the dining room, yes the chairs should still be on the rug when pulled out. It’s impossible to maneuver a chair on and off of the rug without it getting in the way. If you have a rectangle dining table that seats 6, and 8x10 will be just right. If you have a table that seats 8-10 then a 9x12 is what you need. Square and round tables need a square or round rug that is usually 8x8 or 9x9. These are a little more difficult to find.
INVEST IN A RUG PAD
People often think that the rug pad isn’t that important — why spend the extra money on something that can’t be seen? Well, it can be felt and it’s main purpose is to extend the life of your rug. Any carpet sales rep will tell you that you can spend a little less on the actual carpet as long as you get a good pad. This is true for rugs as well. I prefer to get the felt ones that have a moisture barrier and won’t scratch the floors. Spend the extra few dollars and get the rug pad.
RUG CONTENT AND CARE
This can be a tricky one. The majority of area rugs are made out of wool. Wool is very durable and soft and repels stains and water, but it does tend to shed (although less over time) and can fade. Silk is another main product used in rugs. Silk makes for a luxurious rug both in look and feel, but it is almost impossible to remove anything that could stain. I would only recommend these for low traffic areas that are meant to just look pretty. Cotton is also commonly used and is more cost efficient than wool or silk. It is much easier to clean but may not last as long as the others. Lastly, synthetic rugs are very popular right now. They tend to fit the needs and budget of busy families in high traffic areas. Names you may see are viscose, nylon and polypropylene. Viscose is a man-made silk-like fiber that is extremely versatile in style, but it may provide the same challenges as true silk. Polypropylene has become popular due to it’s durability and water resistance. These rugs can be used both indoor and outdoor. While they are functional and decorative, they aren’t as easy on the feet as the others and won’t last as long. One little tip that I recently learned, is that each week you should vacuum your rugs or carpet equal to the number of people and pets on them. So my kids can now quit making fun of me for vacuuming multiple times a week! It’s oddly therapeutic and lengthens the life of our rugs!