Rugs are timeless, and the purposes they serve are extensive. They effortlessly frame seating areas, they tie a room together, unifying the design and giving the space a look of completion. A rug is truly a piece of art for your floor.
SIZE MATTERS
Rugs can make or break a room depending on how they fit. It’s difficult to imagine a hallway runner used as a living room rug. Likewise, a rug designed for the size of a mudroom wouldn’t work as well for a living room. Each type of room will have different considerations.
Take out a measuring tape and jot down accurate measurements of the room you are working with. Although the rug you end up with should cover most of the space, it shouldn’t cover all of it. For enhanced definition and design to the space, give the rug some wiggle room, leaving a border of exposed floor.
TYPES
Rug quality drastically varies between the manufacturing process and the materials used to create it. When shopping for your newfound “floor art,” you’ll be swimming in choices!
Wool rugs are a popular option for high-traffic areas. They have a sturdy pile and retain heat well.
Chenile rugs are luxurious, thick and heavy, made of twisted yarns. Commonly used in formal living rooms or nurseries, this style is both durable and soft.
Coastal casual draws our eye towards natural fiber rugs like those made of jute and sisal. While not as comfortable on bare feet with their rougher texture, they look great in a beach/cottage environment and do well when layered with other rugs.
A polypropylene rug is your answer for an indoor/outdoor rug – super easy to clean, less bulky, and they can withstand the elements more than other types of rugs.
Silk rugs are supremely soft and tear-resistant. Not to mention decadent! While they are one of the styles we gravitate towards, it’s important to know that they are sensitive to moisture and not as sturdy as a wool rug.
TONE AND COLOR
Opposites attract when it comes to rugs. While a neutral rug is the perfect complement to a busy patterned sofa, a monochromatic style is actually served quite well with a rug that offers a quirky design or pop of color.
Don’t forget your flooring. While perusing rug choices, consider whether the area rug will contrast against your tiles, hardwood, bamboo, or marble in a pleasing way. To make it the most visually important element in your space, create a rich contrast. For example, dark espresso floors look beautiful with a bold zebra striped rug.
PATTERNS
Once you’ve chosen a size, tone, and type, making your rug a true work of art comes down to careful pattern selection. An attention grabbing geometric print might do the trick, or a timeless oriental rug with an antique motif. Eye-pleasing stripes and animal prints also offer a stark divergence. Bring the outdoors inside with a romantic floral print.
SHOP OUR FAVORITES
Stop by your local West Coast Living showroom to view our extensive collection! Here are a few of our favorite rugs for your home:
Currey and Company: Kermanshah Rug
Surya Rugs: Appalachian Rug
Capel Rugs: Dokka Stripe Rug
Surya Rugs: Ancient Treasures
