Decorating with Area Rugs

Area rugs are a great way to add a focal point in any room and can tie a room together from a design standpoint. Beyond their artistic value, area rugs also can add comfort and warmth on harder surfaces such as wood or tile flooring. As area rugs tend to be the glue that holds the room’s design aesthetic together, it is important that your area rug be your starting point. From there you can pull from the area rug to add other design elements to your space. 

How do you choose the right rug for your space? It certainly depends on your overall preferences but there are also some general rules that when followed, make it much easier to narrow down what you are looking for. The first thing to consider is where your area rug will be and what purpose will it serve. 

In a transitional area, such as between rooms, a rug that acts as a runner is a great idea, flowing from space to space. At least as narrow as your doorway or even narrower is best. This will create a natural transition between spaces and won’t feel super bulky where it shouldn’t.

In other rooms, such as the living room, consider how much space you have. If you are looking to create a space for your living room furniture, be sure to purchase a rug that is large enough. Generally, the furniture should have at least the front legs anchored to the edge of the rug so that it ties everything together.

If you are looking for an area rug to complement your formal dining area, the best rule of thumb is to match the shape of your rug to the shape of your dining room furniture. This will create a look of cohesion between the two pieces as a dining room set is often the focal point of the dining room already. By matching the shape of the table, you are not detracting from the table’s presence but merely adding to it.

These are just a few ways to think about area rugs when you are looking to purchase one for your own space. Once you have a better idea of what to look for depending on your space, the better idea you’ll have about where to start. If you are unsure where to start, contact us for help!