Rug Buying Guide
A rug provides beauty and interest in a room by defining the overall design and unifying the space as an anchor for furniture. The West of Main team is here to help you choose that perfect rug that will bring the whole room together. With this comprehensive area rug buying guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the perfect rug for every room. The following factors will help you choose the perfect area rug.
Some helpful rug tips
Buy the Bigger Rug!
A rug that is too small for the room makes the furniture appear like it’s floating instead of being unified.
Painters Tape is your Friend
To visualize how an area rug will look in your space, use green painters tape to create a border on the floor.
Practicality Counts Too
When choosing a rug, don’t forget the practical elements. For example: high traffic areas, floor vents and door clearance.
Don’t Forget the Rug Pad
Rug pads extend the life of a rug and maintain its shape by securing it in place. This, in our opinion, is an investment that’s definitely worth it.
Rug Sizing
Determining size and shape is the starting point to choosing a rug. If a rug is too small, it just looks like it was added as an afterthought.
Living Room
The living Room Rug plays a large part in the design of the room. It usually takes up most of the floor and can make a large statement.
- Typical sizes are 8'x10' and 9'x12' (and up)
- Your rug should run parallel with the length of the sofa. Ideally, about 1/3 of the furniture piece should sit on the rug or,at minimum, the front legs.
- The rug should extend at least 8” wider than each side of the sofa.
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Dining Room
Don’t be afraid of a rug under your dining table. It’s important to anchor the space, especially in open concept homes. It will visually delineate the space and add a more welcoming ambiance.
- Typical sizes are 8'x10' and 9'x12'
- You should have at least 24” of room on all sides of the table to allow you to pull out the chairs without getting caught in the rug’s outer limits.
- Opt for a low pile, wool or synthetic fibre rug - these fibres are easy to care for.
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Bedroom
If you want your bedroom to have the ultimate cozy vibe, you need a rug! This is the room where you can go for the super plush, thick area rug that will be so satisfying under your feet when stepping out of bed. Since it’s a low-traffic area, you can also go for the delicate fibres, such as viscose and bamboo, which are typically too fragile for main living areas. And yes - if your bedroom has wall to wall carpet, you should still add an area rug on top! If you are doing this, then go for a rug that has a lower pile (not too thick).
- If you have a king sized bed go for the 9’x12’. If a queen sized bed, the minimum rug size should be an 8’x10’.
- Ideally, you want at least 8” between the nightstand and rug. However, in smaller rooms, the rug can go under the nightstands.
- In smaller bedrooms the room will likely only accommodate 5’ x 8’ (and up) - but no smaller! You want at least 18” of the rug showing at the end of the bed.
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Kitchen
It may not be the first space you think of decorating with a rug, but it still deserves attention. Soften the look and create warmth in your kitchen by adding a style enhancing rug.
- A runner between your island and sink is ideal. Not only does it add a decorative touch, it’s also practical.
- Choose a runner with a low pile made of synthetic fibres for easy care.
- A plush underpad will add extra cushion for a more comfortable underfoot while doing the dishes.
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Bathroom
A runner in your bathroom is not only practical, but offers a beautiful touch to a space that should feel like a sanctuary. Bathrooms are made up of solid, hard surfaces so adding a rug softens the space and adds major comfort!
- Choose a runner with a low pile made of synthetic fibres for easy care.
- A plush underpad will add extra cushion for a more comfortable underfoot.
- Avoid choosing rugs made of jute,sisal, and viscose since they are porous and can stain easily.
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Entryway/Hallway
You can’t forget about these transition areas in your home! They deserve some TLC too! A runner in your entryway or hallway can instantly make that space feel larger and longer. A rug in a hallway also adds a design element to a space that doesn’t always allow for much decor.
- In these areas, we recommend wool, cotton, or synthetic fibre rugs that can withstand high traffic.
- Make sure you protect your rugs and extend their lifespan with a good rug pad!
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Rug Materials
The best material for your rug depends on where it will be placed. To start your search off right, we've listed the most common types of rug materials. How the space will be used, what kind of traffic it will receive, and how much warmth you want for the space are the main considerations.
Wool
Wool rugs are made from the soft spun wool of sheep. Naturally durable and resilient, wool rugs make a great choice for high-traffic areas of the home like the living room and dining room, yet are soft enough for the bedroom.
Pros: Strong, good stain and water repellency, excellent insulating properties, cozy underfoot.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, (high-traffic areas) and bedrooms.
Considerations: Not a good fit for damp places as it absorbs humidity; subject to fading; some shedding may occur but will lessen with time.
Shop Wool RugsSynthetic Fibers
Synthetic rugs are a great alternative to natural fibre rugs and can achieve a similar decor style for less. They present value in the sense that they mimic the look and feel of natural fibre rugs and are extremely durable. With their low cost, you can frequently update any space for less.
Rug Construction: Rayon, Olefin, Polyester, Acrylic, Nylon, or a blend of these fibres.
Pros: Stain resistant, easy to clean
Best for: Most any room & outdoors
Considerations: Highly flammable, so keep them away from heat sources such as ovens and fireplaces.
Shop Synthetic Fibers RugsJute
Durable, natural grasses and other fibers combine neutral, earthy palettes and rich textures, making them the ultimate design chameleons.
Pros: Very strong, renewable, typically free from chemical processing.
Best for: Living rooms, high-traffic and sunny areas
Considerations: Some varieties can be coarse and difficult to clean
Shop Jute RugsCotton
Cotton is an inexpensive alternative to wool and provide a sleek decor without the expense of wool. Cotton rugs can be placed just about anywhere and are constructed for easy care.
Pros: Generally more affordable than wool or silk, easy to clean.
Best for: Kitchens, children’s rooms, casual spaces
Considerations: Doesn’t always wear well over long periods of time. Place out of sunny spots to avoid fading.
Shop Cotton RugsRug Construction
Within the variety of rug materials offered, there are a few different methods of construction. The construction of the rug will change the look and feel. How the rug will be used and where it will be placed should also be a consideration when choosing your rug’s construction.
Hand Knotted
Crafted: by Hand using traditional techniques, these heirloom rugs will last a lifetime and no two rugs are exactly alike.
Pros: High quality, durable construction, uniqueness.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, high-traffic areas.
Tufted
Crafted: with loops of yarn instead of knots, these plush rugs have a gorgeous underfoot.
Pros: High quality, durable construction.
Cons: may shed more than woven or knotted rugs.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, high-traffic areas.
Woven
Crafted: by a loom, these rugs are low/no pile and have high durability.
Pros: Reversible, High quality, durable construction.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms.
Machine Made
Crafted: by machine, these rugs are consistent in design and more affordable.
Pros: Affordable, Consistent in design and pile.
Best for: All rooms.
Rug Pads
Rug pads prevent your rug from moving, bucking, shifting, or wrinkling. They provide durable protection and allow for easy vacuuming while giving an extra padding for a comfortable underfoot.
Runner Rug Pads
Deluxe Hold Thin Rug Pad
Made in PVC coated polyester, its tight weave texture allows for durable protection and easy vacuuming. This rug will provide secure grip without the height - perfect for door clearance.
Plush Rug Pad
This high-quality latex backed fibre blend rug pad offers superior grip, a thick cushion and the most insulation for any indoor rugs. These rug pads are best for runners and high traffic areas. The plush extra grip will secure your canvas backed rug.
Best for: Hallways, entryways, Kitchens
Care:
- Clean spills immediately by blotting with a clean sponge or cloth.
- Use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.
- Professional cleaning is recommended.
- Rug pad recommended on all surfaces to prevent slipping.
Area Rug Pads
Solid Grip Rug Pad
The Solid Extra-Grip Rug Pad offers a thicker profile with the ultimate grip and comfortable underfoot. It features a solid construction for maximum coverage and protection. This rug pad is ideal for mudrooms, bathroom, and high traffic entrances.
Super Hold Area Rug Pad
The Super Hold Area Rug Pad offers grip and comfort for area rugs and woven backed runners. It can be is easily trimmed to fit the size of your rug. It also has a waffle texture that provides air circulation which facilitates easier vacuuming. Made in PVC coated Polyester.
Best for: Living & Dining Rooms
Care:
- Clean spills immediately by blotting with a clean sponge or cloth.
- Use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.
- Professional cleaning is recommended.
- Rug pad recommended on all surfaces to prevent slipping.
- Handwash.
High Traffic Rug Pads
Solid Extra Grip Rug Pad
The Solid Extra-Grip Rug Pad offers a thicker profile with the ultimate grip and comfortable underfoot. It features a solid construction for maximum coverage and protection. This rug pad is ideal for mudrooms, bathrooms, and high traffic entrances since it will not collect moisture.
Deluxe Hold Thin Rug Pad
Made of PVC coated polyester, its tight weave texture allows for durable protection and easy vacuuming. This rug will provide secure grip without the height - perfect for door clearance. This rug pad is ideal for runners with a woven backing and high traffic areas.
Best for: Bathrooms, Mudrooms, Kitchens, Entryways
Care:
- Clean spills immediately by blotting with a clean sponge or cloth.
- Use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.
- Professional cleaning is recommended.
- Rug pad recommended on all surfaces to prevent slipping.
We hope that you found the information in this rug buying guide useful and that it has helped you make a decision in your purchase.
We know that sometimes purchasing items for our homes can be intimidating with the amount of options out there. If you require more assistance in finding the perfect rug, we can provide a Complimentary Virtual Consultation with one of our talented designers to help you! Click here! Want to come down and have a consultation in person? Book your Private Decor Consultation!
