Knowing how to choose the right rug for any room can be a challenge, especially with so many options. And any interior designer will tell you that a rug is a must for a completed, put together look. But chances are that you’re not a designer, and if colors/patterns don’t speak to you, purchasing the right high traffic rug can feel like an up-hill battle. 

Rugs can be the highlight of a room, where the eye is drawn, or where the pop of color/pattern is placed. But if you’re not careful, a rug can become the focal point of a bad selection. The wrong color, the wrong size, and the wrong fabric for the area can ruin the design of your room. Considering how much of an investment a rug can be, the wrong choice can also serve as a reminder of the thing you spent way too much money on for very little pleasure. Nevermind considering the cost of replacing your mistake, too. 

However, picking the right rug means you might have a rug that will live in your house for many years. The right rug will be the last piece of the puzzle that completes your space, ultimately making your house feel like a home. 

Rugs play a very important role and picking the perfect one is imperative. We’ve compiled various points of consideration in this blog to help you do just that: choose wisely. 

Read on to learn about the different aspects of how to select the right rug for any room in your home.

Textures and Materials 

Rugs come in many, many different materials and fabrics. Each fabric has its own characteristics and lends a feeling all its own. And of course, the price of the rug will reflect the quality, durability, and craftsmanship that went into making it. 

But before you start looking for a rug to purchase, you must consider the area that the rug will be covering. What happens in that space? Is it a room where young children play? Is the rug covering a floor that people hardly walk on? Are there animals in the home? Will there be heavy foot traffic?

Nothing is worse than finding a rug you are in love with, only to find that it doesn’t fit the lifestyle of the space you’ve placed it in. Start by thinking about the way the rug will be used and the fabric you’ll need to withstand the traffic. 

High Traffic Areas

Wool is hands down the best fabric for high traffic areas—but it isn’t cheap. However, considering that wool will last a very long time (lifetimes, potentially), it could be a more cost effective option than other rugs. You’ll buy it once and use it for decades.

In addition, Wool is a popular rug choice because of its ability to withstand spillage. The fabric has lanolin in it, making it easy to clean and mostly stain resistant. Spilled liquids will sit on top of the fibers for a while before they are actually absorbed into the fabric. This means you’ll have time to grab a towel and clean up the mess before any real damage is done. 

Not only is wool incredibly soft under-foot, but the fiber does not harbor dust mites. If you or your family suffers from asthma or allergies, a wool rug could help alleviate indoor symptoms.

Wool is our first choice for high traffic areas, but is not budget friendly for everyone. Other more cost effective options include nylon and cotton. 

Nylon rugs are loved because of their ability to absorb bright colors. Many of the more affordable, bright-colored rugs you might see on the market are mostly made of nylon. Since nylon is liquid resistant, nylon rugs are great for high traffic areas where kids and pets are. And since Nylon is incredibly soft, they make for great rugs for spaces where small children crawl and play. 

Cotton is not nearly as durable or long lasting as wool or nylon, but hear us out: cotton rugs are light, easy to clean, and don’t require steaming. If you’re looking to spend little and get a lot for your buck, consider a cotton rug. When it gets dirty (and it will), you can usually just throw them in the washer rather than having to hire a service to clean it. 

Layering Is Okay

Who says you have to have just one rug? Interior designers and rug aficionados often layer rugs in larger spaces, like living rooms. If you are trying to make a space seem larger and bring an eye to the usable space of the room, layer with a large rug first.

Make sure that all of your furniture is on the rug, and make sure that the rug isn’t so large as to interfere with outer walkways. Walking in a room where one foot is on the rug and the other off isn’t welcoming or functional. 

Next, use a smaller rug to bring the eye to different seating areas. For instance, let's say you’ve chosen a neutral colored 9X12 foot rug as your base layer. Consider placing a 5X7 foot rug under the coffee table, or maybe under the couch. Place the rug under the couch so that the rug begins just about midway under the couch, ensuring that most of the rug is visible in front. 

Layering rugs is very common and a fun way to add depth to large spaces. Be careful not to clash colors, patterns, and textures though. And keep in mind the color of your decor, furniture, and walls. Choose if you’d like your rug to be the supporting actress or the main character of your interior design. 

Did you know that we create custom rugs? If quality, durability, and value are at the forefront of your search, we’d love to help. Contact us today so that we can chat about your needs and what we offer. 

Oh, and last but not least—Don’t forget a rug pad!