Selecting the right rug for a space can be quite daunting. If you've ever searched for a rug online, you'll quickly find that patterns, construction and sizes are limitless. Well, don't despair MBI has a few tips to share to build your rug shopping confidence.
Tip #1 - Go bigger rather than smaller
The bigger the rug the bigger your room will look and the cozier it will feel. For most living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms an 8x10, 9x12 or larger is most likely what you will need - rarely will a 5x8 rug be the right size for these spaces. In a living room, it usually looks best if the rug extends atleast underneath the front feet of your furniture. If the rug goes underneath an end table and makes the table sit uneven place furniture felt pads under the legs that are not on the rug. In a dining room, it is best if the rug extends at least 2 feet past the edge of the table. In a bedroom, a rug should be large enough to go under the bed and be able to extend out past the end of bed. It's not necessary for the rug to extend under the night stands.
Tip #2 - Get a sample of the rug before purchasing
Sometimes websites offer a corner sample of the rug for a small fee. If a corner sample is not an option consider purchasing the smallest size of the rug to check colors and pattern in your home. This is an added expense but could save you having to pay return shipping on a large 9x12 rug that's not what you expected. If you prefer not to do either of those options, make sure you scroll through the reviews with pictures that other purchasers have taken of the rug in their home. These can be really helpful in seeing the true colors of rugs instead of just relying on the photoshopped manufacturer's pictures.
Tip #3 - Use colors already in your room to coordinate colors for the rug
This may seem obvious, but look around the room and see what colors are already in your space - these are the colors you will want in the rug. Knowing what colors you are after will help you narrow down your search. If choosing a multi-colored rug is too daunting pick one color you want to emphasize and choose a mono-chromatic rug in that color.
Tip#4 - Familiarize yourself with rug materials
Rugs are made out of a variety of materials: wool, nylon, polypropylene, silk, leather, jute etc. Know what you are getting yourself into before you purchase a rug of that material. For example: I have read so mf people that have purchased a wool rug and are upset because of all the shedding. Shedding is an inherent characteristic of a wool rug. Regular vacuuming is needed and shedding will lessen as time goes on. On the flip side, wool rugs are nice and thick, clean up very well, and will last for years to come. Another example: Jute rugs oftentimes leave silt on the floor underneath the rug. If you have precious wood floors you adore this silt could scratch your floors over time. Which leads me to Tip #5...
Tip#5 - Always use a good rug pad!
Rug pads are essential for protecting your floors (wood floors in particular) and help to stop your rug from shifting. I detest the waffle like rug pads and much prefer the gray felt rug pads with rubber on the underside. Please know that rug pads usually do not offer a lot of extra padding to your rug underfoot - though they do help. Different thicknesses are available depending on your desires and budget.
Those 5 tips should help you in your quest to find the rug with your name on it. If you still feel less than qualified - great news! This is what I do! I Help people cohesively design and decorate their homes. Visit my website and lets chat!