An area rug can take centre stage in any design scheme. It can anchor a room, or it can be the inspiration from which to draw. There are several factors to consider, but the main ones follow. Some designers refer to this as the area rug shopping triad.
Area Rug Colour Palette – Looks Great!
Obviously, the colour of a rug will have a considerable impact on the overall look of the room. If furniture has already been chosen, that will help decide the area rug – bright colours suggest a neutral flooring. If a bright colour and pattern are favoured for the rug, then it is recommended to choose furniture that is monotone and neutral in colour.
Area Rug Texture – Feels Great!
This is a component of selection that many do not consider. However, the right choice can make or break the room. If the furniture has already been selected, use it as a jumping-off point. Look for contrast. If a sofa is soft and cushy, opt for a firm rug. A leather sofa will pair nicely with a softer, more plush carpet. There is an extensive list of texture options: Tufted, Hooked, Knotted, Braided, Flat-woven and Shag. Some designers advise using it as the starting point, yet others choose it to bring the room together. One designer suggests that once an area rug is chosen, bring it to the space to consider its suitability. View it at different times of the day and in different positions. Because of the texture, the colour and feel will change depending on these varying aspects.
Besides the look and feel that texture creates, it is important to remember other aspects that texture can impact. Safety is a key consideration. If there are elderly individuals who will use space, or anyone with mobility issues, the rug could impede their maneuverability. Children and pets can also get caught up in the carpet if the loop is too high or if it is not tacked down properly. All area rugs should have padding underneath. This keeps the area rug in place. The underlay should be 2 inches from the edges of the rug area, so the edges lay flat on the floor. Having children and/or pets means ensuring that the carpet is easy to clean.
Area Rug Size Considerations
There are some standard sizes that rugs are sold: ” 3”x 5”, 5”x 8”, 8”x 10”, 9”x “12, 12”x 15”. Using standard sizes, can help keep the project on budget. However, designers encourage clients to search for the best option for their specific room. It should be big enough to anchor the room but leave enough space to allow for circulation.
Some designers use different guidelines for choosing the best size for an area rug. The function and size of the room can dictate the size and shape of the area rug that will work best. The agreed-on minimum space from the wall seems to be 6 inches. There really isn’t a maximum guideline. It depends on the function of the room, the placement of the furniture, and even the décor results. For example, an area rug in the Dining Room should be at least 36 inches (1 metre) beyond the edge of the table. This allows for the chairs to remain on the rug when someone slides back from the table.
In the Living Room, a conversation area is often a guideline. The furniture should at least have the front legs on the carpet if not on it completely. It is desirable to have the floor showing to create a border around the area rug. If not, then it makes more sense to have wall to wall carpeting. If this room is large, consider two conversation areas defined by two separate area rugs. They do not need to match, but there should be a relationship, perhaps with colour, pattern or shape.
A hallway should have at least 6 inches of floor space between carpet and wall. In a front entrance, it is recommended to open the door and start the carpet after that arc, so the first 3 feet are clear.
Regardless of where the selection starts or ends, purchasing an area rug can have an excellent impact on any living space. It can create warmth and beauty to draw anyone into enjoying the room, whether for some well-deserved solitude or visiting a group of friends and family - once the COVID pandemic is over, of course.
The flooring specialists at Calgary’s Home Flooring are available to provide input and feedback to any of your flooring questions. Call us at 403-984-4100 or email us at [email protected]
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