How to Choose the Perfect Rug for your Interiors

  Entry #2576, June 28, 2013

You’ve painted the walls.  You painstakingly chose all the furniture.  The walls have art, and there are even fresh flowers on the table.  What’s missing?  Even if your floor is carpeted, you need a fantastic rug to pull the room together.  But just like any important piece of furniture, a rug is an investment, and there are a few things you need to know to make the right choice for your home.

Bold Striped Rug

Image via: Armadillo & Co.

Pick Your Pile

The “pile” of the rug refers to the way the fibers are woven together.  Most rugs fall into one of four categories with their own characteristics: cut, looped, flat weave, or shag.  A cut pile rug has short fibers that stand straight up and are tightly packed.  Chances are the carpet under your feet right now is a cut pile carpet; they are common and easy to clean.  Just like the name, looped pile rugs are made with lots of little loops. Their weakness is animal claws, which yank the loops out of place.  Flat weave rugs have no standing fibers; they are flat and reversible, which keeps them looking fresh for a long time.  Finally, shag rugs are making a strong comeback with combinations of different fibers for texture.  Shag rugs require careful cleaning, so they are best in spaces that don’t receive daily traffic.

Choosing a rug for your interiors.

Image via: The Rug Company

Size and Color

Since a rug should connect all the parts of a room into a cohesive whole, you should choose one as large as possible that still leaves about 18- 24 inches of exposed floor all the way around.  To make more of a statement, try a round rug or lay a rectangle at a slight angle for an asymmetric look.  When it comes to color, decide whether the rug will be a focal point or a background piece.  If it’s a centerpiece, use colors or pattern to grab attention. On the other hand, natural fiber or monochromatic rugs bring texture without competing for the spotlight.  Whatever you choose, purchase a rug pad that fits under the rug for more comfort, longer life, and scratch protection on wood floors.

Leave your comments and questions below if you still need help putting the final touches on your space!

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