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 contribute to creating a welcoming home, including color, patterns, decorative pieces, and furniture. All of this comes together to paint an inviting space where guests leave feeling like family. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start or what pieces work best together to create the perfect look. Let’s talk about five ways to create a welcoming atmosphere in your home.
Walker Woodworking Does your home need some renovations to bring it back up to speed for your specific lifestyle? Are you ready to transform certain areas into a more functional and purposeful space? Our experienced design team has assisted hundreds of clients in creating new areas that function exactly as they need. How can we help you prioritize your needs through design? Let us help you find the areas of priority in your home!
Greenbrook DesignAt the heart of any design work is the chance to tell a story—the story of those who live there. Our home is at the core of who we are. It is our grounding, the place we can truly let our hair down and be ourselves. It’s where memories are not just made, but remembered and passed down to the next generation. Homes are meant to be special—a symbol to all who enter of what truly matters to us. That’s why the design choices we make should be influenced by who we are, where we came from, and how our unique experiences shape us. Across the world, people’s design choices are deeply rooted in culture. But in today’s ever-connected world, we’re also seeing a beautiful blending of cultures—where traditional elements mix with modern influences, and regional styles merge to reflect global inspirations.
Since the invention of the light bulb, we have been able to brighten up our homes at any time of day. It has been great to eliminate shadows in areas where there are limited windows or even none at all, and allowed us to achieve more in a 24-hour period. Light fixtures have also developed from being just a practical tool into works of art, giving homeowners the chance to express themselves and add a touch of elegance to any room. Changing out a light fixture can completely alter or transform a room, and with so many sizes and styles, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. As we approach the close of another year, new home lighting trends for 2022 could provide helpful information for selecting your next light fixture that will perfectly illuminate your home.
Greenbrook DesignEvery area of the home has a purpose, a specific role to play in running a house smoothly, whether that is the living room where we relax or the bathroom where we get ready for the day. The kitchen is a place of preparation, the space where we go to cook for our family, but it is the dining room where it is served and enjoyed. This is the space within the home that gives families a designated area to gather around and dine together, as well as for activities like homework, bills, and fun things like family game night. It is a multifunctional space, which means it deserves some extra attention when selecting decor pieces. Let’s talk about the many elements you can use to give the dining room the love and beauty it deserves.
Walker Woodworking
Greenbrook Design