I’m a firm believer that a rug can make (or break) a room. A great rug can instantly add much-needed dimension and grounding to a space. But just as quickly, when sized too small, a rug can dwarf a room and cripple its design appeal.
When selecting the right rug for your space, you’ll need to consider color, texture, and most important of all: size.
Rugs, unfortunately, are notoriously expensive, and the sticker-shock of a pricy piece can steer even the most confident buyers away from the right rug. And while rugs need to stand the test of time (read: foot traffic), it’s important to invest in a rug that’s high quality.
Some of my favorite sources for rugs include Scott’s Antique Market here in Atlanta, and online at Lulu & Georgia and One Kings Lane. Selecting the rug can feel so intimidating, and the purchase is nothing to rush or skimp on. Good news, though? Once you settle on the perfect rug, it’s an investment piece that you’ll enjoy for years and years to come. Below, I’ve outlined a few quick tricks and things to keep in mind when selecting the right rug. And if you’re looking for specific sizing specs + diagrams, this one is really great to reference. Good luck! Truly, MKR
No. 1…When choosing a rug for your dining room keep in mind size. The rug must be big enough for the chairs to slide back and still be on top of the rug.
No. 2…For a living room rug, consider how you can “anchor” the space with the rug. Either stay consistent with all furniture legs on top of the rug, or only the front legs of the chairs and sofa. Consistency is key here; you don’t want some to be all the way on top of the rug and others to be drifting off of it.
No. 3…If you find yourself with a rug you love, but is too small think about layering which also adds texture, depth, and style. Start with a large jute rug or sisal rug and layer a smaller rug, preferably with a different shape on top. If your top rug is the same shape place it diagonally across your bottom rug. Some of you may remember I layered this faux cowhide rug (which is the best faux cowhide I’ve ever, EVER seen) on top of a large jute rug in our most recent One Room Challenge project at the WOM office.
No. 4…Avoid a round rug if you’re styling a rectangle or square room. I have seen round rugs done well in foyers and dining nooks, but end up looking a bit awkward in other spaces. The only exception to the rule; drawing attention to the center of a room by adding a round rug under a table or object that is the rooms main focal point.
No. 5…Consider placing small rugs at high-traffic areas like the base of your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and doors, but be sure to include a rug pad to keep it from slip sliding all around.
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