How to Choose the Perfect Rug
Creating a special look for your home can be a daunting task if you’re not a designer, but you don’t need to be a professional to style your home. There are little things you can do to give your home character – hang a picture, add decorative pillows, buy a new coffee table – but one simple way to decorate a room is to choose a rug.
But buying the wrong rug can have the opposite effect. Luciana Fragali, owner of high-end interior design and architecture company Design Solutions , gave some tips and experiences on how to buy the best carpet.
Find the right size
Before heading straight to the carpet section of your favorite store, think about the size of the room you’re trying to decorate. Fragali notes that the rug should be six to eight inches wider than the sofa on either side and is generally the same length as the sofa. With typical living rooms of 8×10 feet and 9×12 feet, she suggests leaving at least 18-24 inches between furniture for your carpet. Sites like West Elm and Wayfair have detailed sizing charts to help you make the right decision for the right space.
“Hot tip: Measure your carpet to the size you want with masking tape to get an idea of how it will look and feel,” says Fragali. “We promise it’s a lifesaver.”
Stack size matters
The thickness of the carpet is called the “pile size”. You can think of a high pile rug as old ‘ 70s style rags , while a smaller pile size can be closer to an almost zero thickness rug. The thickness of the carpet can change an entire room and work differently in different rooms.
Low-pile rugs can make a room “cozy and elegant,” says Fragali. You should also consider how to use the rug, as low-pile rugs tend to be easier to clean and more durable. Consider if you have pets and the expected number of visitors where you will place your new rug – Fragali suggests low pile rugs work well in high traffic areas such as living rooms and dining rooms, and high pile rugs can do great suitable for bedroom.
Emphasizes the character of your home
Design may not be your forte, but finding what you are is important. Pay attention to what colors and patterns you gravitate towards when considering the furniture that you have in this room.
Fragali notes:
Don’t just focus on your likes and dislikes; but instead, think about how different colors will complement furniture and other existing items. If your room is full of colors and patterns, buy a solid or neutral area rug. If it is unfurnished, pay attention to the shades of the ceiling, walls and floor.
Every home has the ability to reflect the personality of the owner, so take some time to explore the different styles you may wish for, from sleek modern styles to farmhouse designs and bohemian looks. Find one that best suits your personality and the function of the room in which you will be installing the rug.
“First of all, patient,” s AYS Fragali. “Finding the perfect rug takes time and a lot of searching.”