Design Notes
When redoing a room in your home, several key elements are considered, including color, furniture, and accent pieces. One piece that can often be overlooked or become an afterthought is a rug. Usually, a rug is selected based on something we like about it, or we hate a bare floor and need something to cover it. Rugs, however, are more than just something fuzzy under your feet; there are multiple benefits to having a good rug in your space, but what is a good rug? Let’s discuss what you need to know when buying a rug for your home.
What Size Rug?
Size is a key factor when selecting a rug for your home, as each area has different needs and measurements. Some other things that influence the size of a rug are:
- Function
- Furniture
- Style
All of this works together to create a look that begins with the correct size. In certain rooms, such as the living and dining areas, it is the furniture that dictates the dimensions, including the coffee table. This centerpiece guides your choice and gives you a few options as well. You can decide to have the rug stay with the couch and loveseat, have just two front legs on the rug, or have it all sitting within the rug. These are all acceptable design choices, but you need to decide on which is right for you so you can measure before going shopping. The standard for dining rooms is that the rug is larger than the table; this helps avoid an uneven surface for your chairs and prevents the legs from getting stuck on the rug. Many homeowners enjoy hardwood flooring throughout the home, meaning you may want a rug for your bedroom as well, since most of us dread those cold floor mornings. Typically, the rug should extend 18 to 24 inches beyond the bed, but you can, of course, go beyond that. It is also important to include any additional furniture pieces in the room that are near the bed, such as nightstands or benches at the foot of the bed. This will factor into the size of the rug you purchase for your bedroom. Be sure to take precise measurements for all areas in your home and write them down on a list, so they are within easy reach when shopping. This can also help a sales associate find options for you quickly.
Different Rug Materials
Rugs are designed to add beauty and bring comfort to the areas of your home, often achieved through the various materials used to make them. Some important things to keep in mind regarding materials include:
- Durability
- Stain resistance
- Cushion
The function of the room also comes into play here since certain areas will have higher traffic flow and exposure to food. For the dining room, it is important that a rug can withstand stains or is easy to clean, such as a harder, flat surface versus a three-inch thick shag carpet. Bedrooms are often designed around comfort, so a rug where you can sink your toes is much more appealing than a hard-woven option. Outdoor spaces need a material that can withstand the weather and the UV rays from the sun. Knowing the function of your space will help determine what material is best. When it comes to textile options, there are quite a few, such as:
- Wool
- Natural fibers
- Cotton
- Synthetic
- Leather
- Cloth
They also come in various variations, such as different patterns or colors, further increasing your options. Wool is a common material used in many rugs as it is naturally stain-resistant and retains heat well, making it a great choice for areas where you will spend a lot of time. Cotton tends to be more versatile and lower maintenance, though it can be slightly less durable. Since it is easy to clean, it makes an excellent choice for kitchen rugs around areas like the sink and even as aisle runners. New material selections are making their way into the design world, such as leather, giving you a chance to express your fun and unique side. For more details on materials and the different weaves, check out this article by Joss & Main.
Health Concerns With Rugs
Rugs are a great addition to the home, but they sometimes pose a few health concerns, such as allergies and being a trip hazard. Thickness and material can influence these aspects. Wool and Nylon carpet tend to be the popular choices when it comes to addressing hypoallergenic concerns for homeowners. Wool, being a natural fiber product, traps allergens such as dirt and pollen, acting as a filter by keeping them out of the air. Nylon has made the list as an alternative since it has a low pile, meaning it features short fibers and is less likely to collect excessive dirt, plus it is easy to vacuum. If allergies are a problem in your home, keep these options in mind when shopping and be sure to mention it to your designer or the sales associate helping you. Trip hazards can be another worry with carpets, especially as you grow older, since many carpets can have edges that like to curl or can slide on hardwood flooring. It is essential to choose a rug that is slip-resistant for open areas, such as entryways and laundry rooms, as there is no furniture to keep it steady. Vintage Vinyl is a wonderful company that designs stunning floor coverings in a variety of patterns and sizes. These floor coverings are durable and stylish, plus they lie flat on the ground. They are also extremely versatile and can be used inside a garage, patio, or within the home. Did we mention that they are also very easy to clean? If you are looking for a floor covering that provides peace of mind and visual interest, you can find it with Vintage Vinyl.
There are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
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