Tips & Tricks: Rugs
Rugs - they make the room.
The look, the feel, the function. When coupled with complementary pillows and art, they bring a room together. Yet, they can be tricky to buy - and even trickier to get right. Here are some of my favorite tips for finding the perfect rug your space…
Location, location, location!
I’m a big fan of rugs in family rooms, bedrooms, entryways, and covered porches or patios. Not so much in bathrooms or dining rooms, where they tend to be a catch-all for splashes and spills. Consider the space when deciding on a rug. Not all bare floors need rugs, but this is definitely personal preference.
Some of our favorites…..
Size matters!
A rug’s size should always be proportionate to the space – big room, big rug, and vice versa. Since the rug is literally a centerpiece, it should be just that – centered – within the space. If that’s the family room, it is centered on the largest focal point in the room (fireplace, sofa, wall). If that’s a bedroom, centered on the bed, and so on.
Rugs should NOT go wall to wall. Only carpet should run the entire length and width of a room. A rug should be centered in the space and there should be some flooring visible – a minimum of 6-8”. 2x3 and 4x6 rugs are perfect for mudrooms, small entryways, bathrooms, and at the kitchen sink. 5x8 rugs are ridiculously versatile and work great in home offices, guest bedrooms, and spacious kitchens. 8x10 and 9x12 rugs are best in large bedrooms, like the master, and a must-have for any family room.
Always buy a “sample”
Buying rugs online is HARD. The site disclaimer that the true color may differ in digital format is so painfully TRUE. And it’s impossible to tell the quality and feel of a rug via pictures. So always consider ordering a “sample” – a smaller version of the rug(s) you like best.
Typically sold in smaller sizes like 2x3 or 3x5, these “sample sizes” are necessary to see actual colors and feel the quality and texture. Small samples are also helpful to have on-hand when shopping or planning for your space. And if it doesn’t work? It’s only a couple bucks to ship it back to the store, rather than the heavy-lifting – literally and figuratively – of the big rug returns.
Rug Sources
For great finds, we always start with Wayfair and their sister stores (Joss & Main, Birch Lane, Perigold, and All Modern) for a huge selection of rugs and rug pads. I love to use their Filter feature to narrow down what I’m looking for and then go from there. Start with color, size, availability, customer ratings, and any other preferences you may have. You’ll get a custom-tailored rug selection that should get you going in the right direction.
