How to Choose a Rug For Your Home?
Rugs are more than just floor coverings; they’re essential elements that can transform the aesthetics and functionality of your space. Whether you’re looking to add warmth, define areas, or inject colour and texture, choosing the right rug is key.
At House, we’re all about creating a cosy, stylish haven you'll love coming home to. In this rug-buying guide, we discuss everything you need to know about rugs, from their benefits to the different sizes and styles available.
Why Add a Rug to Your Home?
Adding a rug to your home is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your living space. It’s more than just a decorative piece; it’s an essential component of interior design. Here’s why you should consider adding a rug to your living space:
- Defines Spaces: Rugs can help define and separate areas within a large room, such as distinguishing the living room from the dining area in an open floor plan.
- Adds Warmth and Comfort: A rug adds a layer of warmth and cosiness underfoot, making any room feel more inviting and comfortable.
- Enhances Aesthetic: With countless designs, colours, and textures available, rugs can tie a room’s decor together, adding a pop of style or a subtle accent.
- Improves Acoustics: Rugs can reduce noise by absorbing sound, making your home quieter and more peaceful.
- Protects Floors: A rug can protect high-traffic areas from wear and tear, preserving your flooring for years to come.
What Does It Do to the Space?
Rugs do more than simply cover the floor; they shape the way a room feels and functions.
- Visual Cohesion: A well-chosen rug can pull together various elements of a room, creating a sense of unity.
- Focal Point: Rugs can serve as a focal point, with bold patterns or colours drawing the eye.
- Layering: Adding depth and dimension to your decor, rugs can be layered over carpet or other rugs for a rich, textured look.
Different Sizes of Rugs
Choosing the right rug size is crucial to enhancing your space. Here are some common rug sizes:
Small Rugs
Typically 160 x 230 cm in size, small rugs are perfect for entryways, kitchens, or small seating areas. They can also act as accent pieces in larger rooms.
Medium to Large Rugs
Medium to large rugs, commonly 200 x 300 cm in size or thereabouts, are suitable for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, providing a cohesive look and covering a significant portion of the floor space.
Extra-Large Rugs
Anything above 200 x 300 cm falls into the extra-large category. These rugs are ideal for grand rooms or open spaces, offering extensive coverage and unifying multiple areas within a space.
How to Choose a Rug for Your Home
Selecting the perfect rug involves more than picking a design you love. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best rug for your home:
1. Assess Your Interior Home Style
Consider your existing decor. Are you going for a modern, minimalist look, or do you prefer a traditional, cosy feel? Your rug should complement your home’s style, either by blending in or standing out as a focal point.
2. Determine the Rug's Use
Think about how the rug will be used. If you have kids or pets, you’ll want something durable and easy to clean. However, machine washable rugs offer easy maintenance with a high-end look. High-traffic areas might benefit from a sturdier material, like jute, while a bedroom rug can be softer and more luxurious.
3. Decide on the Rug's Placement
Where you plan to place the rug affects your choice. Here are some considerations for different rooms:
- Living Room: Ensure the rug is large enough to accommodate key furniture pieces, like the sofa and coffee table.
- Bedroom: A rug should extend beyond the bed to provide a soft landing. Alternatively, place smaller rugs on each side.
- Dining Room: The rug should be large enough to fit the table and chairs, even when the chairs are pulled out. Consider a style that’s easy to clean, especially when food inevitably falls off the table.
4. Choose Colours Wisely
While choosing rugs based on colour can inject a particular style to any room, some colours will wear better than others depending upon their usage and room. For high-traffic areas, rugs that have a darker shade, like black, grey, or brown will show wear and tear less than a lighter rug colour, like white or cream.
That’s not to say that lighter-coloured rugs shouldn’t be used, however, they will likely require more maintenance to ensure their colour stays fresh and vibrant.
How to Care for Decor Rugs
General Care and Maintenance
Proper care extends the life of your rug. Regular maintenance includes:
- Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming prevents dirt and debris from settling into the fibres.
- Rotation: Rotate the rug every few months to ensure even wear and exposure to sunlight.
- Padding: Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and provide extra cushioning.
Spot Cleaning a Rug
Accidents happen. Here’s how to handle spills and spots:
- Blot, Don't Rub: Immediately blot the spill with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
- Apply Cleaning Solution: Use a mild detergent mixed with water or a specialised rug cleaner. Test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t discolour the rug.
- Blot Again: Blot with a clean cloth until the stain is lifted.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse with clean water and blot dry. Avoid walking on the rug until it’s completely dry.
Machine Washable Rugs
For machine-washable rugs, follow these steps:
- Check Instructions: Always check the care label for specific washing instructions.
- Pre-clean: Vacuum the rug to remove loose dirt.
- Use Gentle Cycle: Place the rug in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water.
- Dry Properly: Air dry or tumble dry on low heat, ensuring the rug is completely dry before placing it back.
Be sure to check each rug’s care instructions to ensure that you can place your chosen rug into the washing machine.
Deep Cleaning Especially Dirty Rugs
Around every 12 to 18 months depending upon usage, you should look at deep cleaning your decor rugs. This will help your rugs maintain their quality and also ensure the cleanliness of your home in high-traffic areas.
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Remove loose dirt and dust.
- Shampoo the Rug: Use a rug shampooer or rent a carpet cleaner for deep cleaning.
- Rinse Well: Ensure all shampoo residues are removed.
- Dry Completely: Allow the rug to air dry completely, ideally outside.
Introducing Rug Culture
Introducing Rug Culture, where a rug is more than just a floor covering; it’s an expression of your personal style and a key element of your home’s decor. Our collection features an array of stunning designs, from modern patterns to traditional motifs, crafted with quality materials to suit any lifestyle. Explore Rug Culture at House to discover an array of options that combine aesthetics and functionality, crafted to suit any lifestyle.
Rugs FAQs
1. What Size Rug Should I Get for My Living Room?
Choose a rug large enough to fit under the front legs of your sofa and chairs, creating a unified seating area. For a larger room, opt for a rug that can accommodate all furniture legs.
2. How Often Should I Clean My Rug?
Vacuum your rug weekly, spot clean as needed, and deep clean every 12-18 months, depending on foot traffic and rug material.
3. Can I Use a Rug on Carpeted Floors?
Yes, layering a rug over a carpet can add texture and colour to your space. Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and movement.
4. What Materials Are Best for High-Traffic Areas?
Durable materials like wool, nylon, or jute are ideal for high-traffic areas. They resist wear and are easier to clean.
5. How Do I Prevent My Rug from Slipping?
Use a non-slip rug pad underneath to keep your rug in place and provide extra cushioning.
Choosing the right rug for your home can elevate your space, bringing warmth, style, and function. Whether you’re seeking a cosy addition to your bedroom or a statement piece for your living room, understanding your needs and maintaining your rug properly will ensure it remains a cherished part of your home for years to come.
Discover the perfect rug for your home at House. Our curated collection features a variety of styles, sizes, and materials to suit every taste and need.
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