I have watched interior designers build an entire room around a great Oushak rug. The area rug can be the inspiration of a room or the after thought as in….”I have all this great furniture and art and now I need a rug to pull it all together”. Whether it is the first or last item you purchase, here are a few tips to guide you on how to pick the perfect rug.
Size and Shape
- Focus on the area and measure it–taking note of any vents or “fixed” items like fireplaces.
- The general rule is this: approximately 18″ of bare floor should show between the rug and the wall. I must tell you I have seen this rule broken and it can totally work, but the key is balance. Feel free to break that rule.
- In dining area the rug should extend at least 24″ beyond the table on all sides to allow for dining chairs to move without catching the rug. Do not break that rule.
- In the bedroom try a small square rug at the end of the bed or runners on either side. That way 90% of the rug isn’t wasted under a king size bed.
- Antique rugs come in all sizes–there is nothing standard.
- Turkish rugs are measured using the metric system so if you didn’t snap that right up in school–look for a conversion chart online. “Cut sizes” are 5′ x 7′, 8′ x 10′ and so on. AND then there is the custom option. Measuring will be important in any case, so know your space.
Texture
- Location, location, location.
- If the location is the family room a flat weave will wear well and is soft to sit on.
- Wool (if you can afford it) is a great option for a cozy a family room or bedroom.
- Fluffy shags are popular in kids rooms.
- Jute and seagrass are affordable and casual options. I would not use either in a high traffic area like the entry hall. Jute is a bit softer to the foot than seagrass but neither is a good option for coziness. I found this great visual that pretty much explains texture.
Color and Pattern
- Go bold or blend in. Geometric patterns, colorful stripes, floral prints can add the final touch to an ordinary room.
- Oushaks are a traditional sign of wealth and taste and look more beautiful with age.
- Hides are still a thing and look great layered over a natural fiber like seagrass.
- Have a general idea before you go shopping so you aren’t dazzled into a buyers remorse situation.
Furniture placement
It’s all about the leg question….on or off the rug? Rarely with an area rug do I see furniture placed with ALL legs on (front & back legs). Usually the front legs are on the rug and the back legs are not. Just be consistent. The rug should frame the seating area in a balanced way. Play with it a little and see what works best for YOUR room.
