Area Rug Dos And Don'ts

Area rugs provide a lot of style to any space they're placed. With practical, functional, and aesthetic purposes, area rugs are the perfect addition to your home. Whether you're looking to add color, texture, or bold patterns, an area rug could be the finishing touch to complete your space.

Why not use wall-to-wall carpeting instead of rugs? Area rugs are much easier to replace, clean, and move around if you decide to change up the style of your space. They are also great at protecting your hardwood floors in high-traffic areas or from furniture scratches. 

However, if you are considering putting area rugs in your home, you should learn how to use area rugs correctly so that they last a long time and provide great style to your space. We'll go over some of the most important tips for utilizing rugs in your home, as well as common mistakes people make when placing rugs around their spaces. 

Do Place Area Rugs Strategically Under Your Furniture

Area rugs look great when they are placed under furniture and extend beyond it. In living rooms, this usually means positioning the rug under the couch, coffee table, and accent chairs. This helps protect the hardwood floors from getting scratched by the furniture. However, it's a good idea to avoid placing the rug too close to the walls. Leave about a foot of space between the wall and the edge of the rug. If your rug is too small or the room feels crowded, consider placing the front legs of the couch and chairs on the rug to create a more balanced look.

Don't Buy an Area Rug That Is Too Small

One common mistake people make when purchasing an area rug is choosing one that is too small. This can cause both aesthetic and practical issues in the room. For example, if you buy a small rug for your dining room, the chairs around the table may become lopsided as their legs end up partially off the rug. To avoid such problems, it is recommended to select an area rug that extends approximately eighteen to twenty-four inches beyond all sides of the dining table.

Do Place Area Rugs in High-Traffic Spots

Rugs serve an important practical purpose by safeguarding the flooring beneath them. Over time, high-traffic areas experience significant wear and tear, despite diligent floor maintenance. Replacing worn-out flooring can be a costly renovation, which is why prevention is crucial for maintaining the appearance of your floors. If you want to effectively utilize area rugs, strategically place them in hallways, foyers, entryways, and kitchens. These areas tend to have heavy foot traffic and potential moisture exposure. By placing rugs in these high-traffic zones, you can minimize potential damage. A properly positioned rug acts as a protective layer for hardwood floors or carpeting, extending their lifespan and ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Don't Forget to Clean Rugs Thoroughly

To fully enjoy the advantages of rugs, it's important to clean and maintain them appropriately. Care instructions may vary based on the rug's fibers. Nonetheless, as a general guideline, aim to vacuum it once or twice a week. If you have shedding pets or messy kids, you may need to increase the frequency. Additionally, it's advisable to arrange for professional carpet cleaning once a year.

Do Consider the Proportions of the Room

The size of the room is important when choosing an area rug. In the bedroom, it's essential to think about how you will position the rug. Ideally, the rug should encompass the main furniture pieces such as the bed and end tables. However, if the room is small or has unusual dimensions, you might need to opt for a smaller rug or consider alternative placements. In such cases, placing a smaller rug at the end of the bed or along the side can be visually appealing. The key is to ensure that the rug highlights the bed, rather than worrying about keeping it centered in the bedroom.

Don't Place Hard-to-Clean Rugs in Messy Areas

When selecting rugs for your space, it's important to be strategic. If you want to use area rugs efficiently, consider their durability and ease of cleaning. Different rug materials require varying levels of maintenance. Synthetic fibers generally require less upkeep and are easier to clean. Carpets with long pile lengths can be more challenging to keep clean as they tend to trap crumbs and dust. When deciding where to place rugs in your home, consider the level of cleanliness required for each space. Areas like kitchens and entryways often experience high foot traffic, moisture, and dirt. For such places, a synthetic, low-pile rug is likely the most suitable choice.

Do Consider Statement Colors and Patterns

Rugs offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase your style. They're not permanent fixtures, so you can easily replace them to refresh the room's look. Moreover, there's a wide range of options available, featuring vibrant colors and captivating patterns that can beautifully complement your overall design.

Whether you desire a classic rug for the dining room or a lively and playful one for the living room, area rugs can enhance any space you choose. By caring for and maintaining them properly, they can serve you well for a long time. Additionally, when used correctly, area rugs provide protection to the underlying flooring. If you're seeking an affordable and practical design investment for your home, area rugs are an excellent choice. Explore our selection of neutral or colorful rugs to find the perfect fit for your home's aesthetics.