Choosing the Right Area Rug

Are you looking to spruce up your home's interior design but don't want to commit to a major renovation?

Adding an area rug is an excellent way to transform a space without breaking the bank. Area rugs can add warmth, texture, and color to a room, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this blog, we'll explore the different factors to consider when selecting an area rug, such as size, material, color, and style. 

Why Do People Buy Area Rugs? 

Area rugs are often used for practical purposes. They can protect flooring from wear and tear, cover up stains or imperfections, and reduce noise levels in a room.

There are plenty of area rugs to choose from. They come in many different styles, sizes, and materials. So, you can find one to suit almost any need or preference.

Many people opt for a larger area rug in their dining room. This is to protect hardwood flooring from the legs of the table and chairs.

People also get area rugs to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room. An area rug can add color, texture, and pattern to a space, tying the different design elements together and creating a cohesive look. Additionally, area rugs can be used to define different areas within a larger room, such as a seating area or dining space.

Finally, area rugs add comfort and warmth to a room. Area rugs provide a soft surface underfoot, which can be especially beneficial in rooms with hard flooring like tile or hardwood. They can also help insulate a room, keeping it warmer in the winter months. Area rugs will also balance the open space of a larger room that does not have carpet. 

Before Buying a New Area Rug

Let's face it, the rugs in our home go through a lot of wear and tear. If you have pets or children, that escalates to quite a beating. Be honest about the type and frequency of traffic you expect your rug to endure. Are you simply looking for a showpiece to tie your room together, or do you want something more durable and functional? Are you trying to replace a rug that is starting to look discolored, ragged, or torn? The following are things to consider before you take the plunge and purchase an area rug.

Things To Consider

Styles

There are many different styles of rugs to choose from. One unique style can be found in Carpet Mart's selection of Magnolia Home rugs, which are designed by Joanna Gaines. This brand is great for pulling the overall design of a space together. This line of rugs blends traditional and modern elements, with a focus on comfort, durability, and style. When shopping for rugs from this selection, you will be able to find a rug that speaks to you, whether your aesthetic is traditional, modern, or rustic.

You might have heard of transitional rugs. These rugs blend old traditional rugs with modern twists. A great example of a transitional rug is this blue/antique ivory rug from the Joanna Gaines collection. This transitional rug blends an antique look with a bold color pattern.

If you want a more traditional look, you might try some of our braided rugs. Braided rugs are durable and classic. Braided rugs can be used in a variety of spaces and styles, from country and farmhouse to modern and eclectic. They can add texture and warmth to a room and can be used to define a space or create a focal point. 

Color

Color may seem like a simple thing to decide on, but there is a science behind the selection of color. According to this study conducted by the Frontiers in Psychology, color utilized in interior design "could significantly affect residential satisfaction and psychological and social functioning in addition to having an aesthetic value." While following a strict color structure could be bland and overwhelming, utilizing color thoughtfully and artistically can invoke feelings of well-being and satisfaction.

You'll also want to coordinate any area rug you purchase with your existing decor. Whether you want colorful area rugs for your kitchen or something to match a living room couch, color can add aesthetic and psychological value to your home. Here are some tips to help you select the right colors of rug for a room in your home:

• When considering color, think about whether you want a complementary or contrasting color. If you have a darker coffee table and a lighter hardwood flooring in your living room, a color in between the two can help balance the room nicely.
• Consider the lighting in the room when choosing a color. Darker, bolder colors can make a more profound statement in a well-lit room.
• For high traffic areas, a darker color will hide dust and dirt before you have a chance to vacuum. 
• Various patterns can tie different stylistic aspects of a room together well. For example, this flannel area rug has a unique pattern that offsets the grain of wood and furniture nicely. 

Pattern

You may not be interested in a patterned area rug, and if you have patterned furniture or decor, you are likely correct. However, if you have solid wall and decor colors, consider utilizing a patterned rug like this Couristan Easton to pull your loose ends together and create a cohesive, inviting space. Patterned area rugs can create balance and harmony in a room through thoughtful and careful selection.

Sizes

Sometimes, knowing the right size of area rug to get can be a challenge. The couches and end tables hug the walls, empty floor space taking up most of the room. This feels off. Buying an area rug that is too small for the space is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when selecting a rug. 

Ensure your rug is centered within the room and the distance around it is the same on all sides. Rugs can also be used to define space in rooms with an open concept. In this scenario, use your imagination and remember to size up instead of down. We have a complete guide to help you find the right size of area rug. 

Traffic Needs

Last but not least, think about the area you are covering. Is it a highly trafficked area where it will see daily abuse? Or is it an area utilized for social events on an irregular basis? These types of questions will help you decide on the type and style of area rug you choose. If your rug is going to get loads of traffic, consider one that is a tighter weave, making it less likely to fray and wear quickly. Consider the washing instructions for a rug in a highly trafficked area, selecting one that is easier to keep clean and looks nice. 

In contrast, if your rug is more of a showpiece in your formal living room, choose one that is more detailed, like this Nourison Divine area rug. This area rug will invite artistic expression and a calming ambiance and will compliment your sophisticated decor beautifully.

The Right Area Rug By Room

Each room in your home is unique and invites the type of energy you choose. The use of an area rug can significantly influence this energy. Selecting an area rug can affect your mood, whether you're going for a calming, more serene atmosphere in your bedroom or a more energetic, vibrant one in your living room. Area rugs are vital to separating spaces and vary depending on your needs. Here are some of the most popular area rug choices by room.

Statement Rugs for Office Space

Statement rugs are usually quite large and have an eye-catching design that invites conversation. A good rule of thumb is that the rug should be a few feet shorter than the room's shortest wall and cover all but about a foot from the wall. In contrast, if you have a large room, a statement area rug could be used to section off a smaller portion of the room.

If you're going for a more modern, innovative feel, consider this Nourison Tahoe Modern statement area rug that could be precisely what you're looking for. With its trendy, modern color patterns and hand-woven Tibetian weave, this rug was made to create visual excitement and add creativity to any room.

Best Rugs for the Kitchen

The best rugs for the kitchen should be low-profile and easy to clean. For kitchen areas, it is vital to have rugs with a durable tight weave and a bright, cheerful pattern. Whether you're looking for something with extra padding to cover the sink area or a thin, more waterproof option to place under your table, finding the best rugs for the kitchen will depend on your needs.

This beautiful and versatile area rug from the Meridian collection boasts a modern, geometric design and can withstand the beating any kitchen can dish out. Woven from 100% polypropylene, this rug is versatile, cleans up beautifully, and will weather almost any storm.

Best Bedroom Rugs

The best bedroom rugs can add elegance, comfort, and a touch of luxury to the sanctuary that is your bedroom. Whether you need to cover your cold hardwood floors in the winter or want an area rug that adds a touch of color and pulls your decor together, bedroom rugs have multiple uses and come in various colors, styles, and patterns. 

With soothing colors, abstract patterns, and plush construction, this Mystical collection area rug is ideal for a peaceful bedroom. This plush area rug is constructed of 100% Polypropylene and comes in a beautiful muted blue color palate.

Best Living Room Rugs

The living room is often called the heart of the home. This room is where a family can gather to watch the game, friends come to visit, or you congregate to play games. The best living room rugs are durable with a comfortable and stylish design. When choosing the best living room rugs, you'll want to consider your furniture and utilize the rug as an anchor point for conversation and room flow.

If your furniture and walls are solid colors, consider adding this Nourison Rhapsody Ocean area rug to add a splash of color and visual excitement to your space. With a rich, complex mixture of jewel-toned colors, the ocean all but flows in and around your room. 

Consider this beautiful hand-tufted Ocean Collection area rug if you have couches with patterns and textures. With its delicate shell color, this comfortable rug has a natural striped effect that won't compete with your patterned sofas or walls. Deeply inviting and appealing, this rug will complete the decor of your favorite room.

Best Dining Room Rugs

While finding the best dining room rugs may seem futile and boring, it doesn't have to be. A good rug for the dining room will skillfully tie together your table and chairs while adding versatility and comfort to your room. The key here is to ensure the rug is large enough to accommodate your chairs when pulled out. You don't want a guest catching their chair on the edge of the rug as they slide into the table.

To add a touch of flair and style to your dining room, consider this Nourison Aloha area rug. This rug is easy to maintain and comfortable on the feet, perfect for high-traffic areas. With its oversized floral design, this 100% Polypropylene Flat Woven rug adds a touch of elegance and modern durability to one of the busiest areas in your home.

How to Choose a New Area Rug

Your Lifestyle 

Choosing an area rug will depend mainly on your lifestyle. Do you have small children or pets that you constantly clean up after? Expensive carpets that can fray and stain easily may not be your optimal choice. Consider a flat weave rug that is stain-resistant or machine washable. You may have invested thousands of dollars into modern art pieces. Consider area rugs that are more neutral and comfortable to allow your visitors to be drawn to those pieces. Lifestyle plays a prominent role in the style, pattern, materials, and colors you choose for an area rug.

Maintenance Requirements

Think about your lifestyle and the effort required to maintain your area rug. Rugs require regular maintenance, vacuuming, stain removal, and semi-annual rotation to keep them looking their best. However, some rugs need more care to remain beautiful and valuable. Consider these elements when selecting rugs for your living areas, and be honest about your capabilities and limitations regarding their care.

Carpet Mart Has Thousands of Area Rug Choices In Stock!

With over 50 years of experience pairing people like you with the area rugs of their dreams, we are confident we can find you exactly what you're looking for. No matter the size, style, or price point, we have something for everyone! Not sure exactly what you want? No problem. We are experts in fibers, materials, and the latest trends and can confidently recommend products to fit your needs. Here are some of the things that set us apart from our competition:

• We buy direct from the manufacturer to eliminate the middleman
• Work with flooring suppliers to improve quality and price
• Negotiate for deep discounts - savings are passed on to you
• Access to exclusive deals and products not found elsewhere
• Thousands of area rugs IN-STOCK to take home TODAY!

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