A well-placed rug can really complete a living room, pulling it together and creating a more inviting and comfortable space. But with so many options on the market and so many factors to consider such as size, material, pattern, colour, and price, where do you even begin when choosing the right one?
Fear not, we have you covered with a useful guide full of great ideas to consider when making your selection! Here are some top tips from interior design expert Zoe Warren at PriceYourJob.co.uk to help you to find the most suitable rug to fit your home and lifestyle:
Placement
Rugs have a variety of functional purposes as well as adding aesthetic appeal to any room and placement is key. In a living room, a rug is usually best placed in a central area, perhaps under a coffee table or ottoman. This will help to bring the elements of the room together and create a cosy, welcoming area.
Sofas and chairs can be arranged around the rug, with the legs placed on the edge of the rug in a smaller living room. Careful placement of a rug can help to split the room up into different zones (in this case a seating and conversational area), grouping furniture together and defining the space.
Size
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a rug for your living room is size. Common mistakes include choosing a rug that is too small for the area or one that does not seamlessly fit into the space available.
When it comes to living room rugs, the general rule is the bigger the better. An area rug should serve as an anchor for your furniture, and if it is too small it will not achieve this effect and instead just appear cluttered. If using as a central piece for your seating area, the rug should run the entire length of the sofa.
Before buying your new rug, it is a good idea to check the dimensions of your floor space using a measuring tape and even masking tape to mark out where it would sit. This will give you a clear indication of where it will work within your existing furniture and also highlight any areas such as doors or alcoves that could get in the way of the perfect fit.
Material
Different rug materials can have a huge impact on the overall look and feel of the piece and will vary in terms of durability and price. Options include synthetic materials such as nylon and acrylic, plant-based fibres like cotton and linen, and soft natural fibres including wool and mohair.
Synthetic rugs are low maintenance and can easily be cleaned through simple methods such as vacuuming and spot cleans for spillages. They generally tend to be stain-resistant so are perfect for high traffic areas where they may be in contact with dirt frequently. They do, however, have a slightly shorter lifespan than other alternative options.
Rugs made from plant-based fibres offer a relaxed, natural feel whilst generally coming in at a very affordable price compared to some other rugs. Different natural fibres will have different characteristics – cotton and linen rugs tend to have a shorter lifespan whereas those made of sisal or allo can be more hard wearing. It is therefore important to think carefully about which material will be most suitable and cost-effective in the long run for your lifestyle.
One of the most popular natural fibres for a rug is wool, due to the fact that it is durable and will add warmth to the room during the colder months. The material is comfortable underfoot whilst also being very durable and easy to clean. They do tend to come in at a higher price point than synthetic and plant-based fibres but can last for many years.
Function
We spend much of our time at home within our living rooms, whether it be watching tv, spending quality time with family, or entertaining guests so it is important to select a rug that is fit for purpose, offering the right balance between practicality and style.
Due to the many purposes our living rooms have and the fact that they are arguably the most high traffic area in the home, you will need to assess the practicalities of each rug to ensure that it fits not only the room in a decorative sense, but will be functional and long lasting in relation to your lifestyle.
In such a busy area, regular maintenance to preserve the rug is vital so you will need to relate function to size and material, asking questions such as how much time do you have to vacuum it, are frequent spillages on the rug likely, and how quickly may the rug become flattened due to footfall?
Colour and Pattern
After going through the basics of selecting a functional, long-lasting rug it is time to think about how it will serve an aesthetic purpose in your living room. Start by assessing your colour scheme – to tie the room together you will want to be selecting a rug that complements two or three main colours in the room.
As previously discussed, the aim of the rug is to serve as an anchor for the surrounding space and furnishings and the colour and pattern that you choose can set the mood and tone for the entire room. Dark, deep colours will help to establish a more intimate and cosy space, whereas lighter shades will open the room up and make it appear brighter.
Choosing a living room rug that fits seamlessly within your existing decor can be challenging, and if your room is already filled with a range of patterns and prints you may wish to opt for a plainer style. However, in a more plain and neutral living room a patterned rug can serve as a stunning focal point that draws attention to the area.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to choose a rug can either make or break a room scheme, particularly in a living room. We hope this article has provided you with the tools and ideas that you need to incorporate a rug that will add design, texture, comfort and functionality to your living space.
You might also enjoy more tips in our home and leisure section here!
