When redoing a room in your home there are several elements that are considered such as color, furniture, and accent pieces. There is one piece that can get overlooked or become an afterthought and that is a rug. Usually a rug is selected based on something we like about it or we hated a bare floor and needed 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 choosing a rug for your home and each area of the home 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, it is the furniture that will dictate the dimensions such as 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 you avoid an uneven surface for your chairs and the legs 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 rug you purchase for your bedroom. Be sure to take precise measurements for all the areas in your home, write it down on a list so it is within easy reach when shopping. This can also help a sales associate find options for you quickly.

Different rug materials

Rugs are meant to add beauty and bring comfort to the areas in your home and that is often found through the different 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 more designed around comfort so a rug where you can sink your toes is much more appealing that 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 come in different variations as well such as different patterns or dyes increasing your options even more. 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 in. 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. There are new material selections 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 sometimes there are a few health concerns with them such as allergies and being a trip hazard. Thickness and material can influence these aspects. Wool and Nylon carpet tend to be the popular choice when it comes to hypoallergenic worries for homeowners. Wool, since it is a natural fiber product, traps allergens such as dirt and pollen acting like a filter by keeping them out of the air. Nylon has made it on the list as an alternative since it is a low pile, meaning it has 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 important to select a rug that is slip resistant for open areas such as entryways and laundry rooms since there is no furniture to keep it steady. Vintage Vinyl is a wonderful company that designs stunning floor coverings in multiple patterns and sizes. These floor coverings are durable and stylish plus they lay 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 gives you the peace of mind and visual interest, you can find it with Vintage Vinyl.

Buying a rug

A rug serves many purposes in the home, it makes a visual statement, it offers protection from a cold floor, and can help define a space. They can also extend the life of your regular carpet when they are used in high traffic areas such as the living or dining room. It is also an easy way to freshen up a space or brightness to an area. Our showroom has many beautiful rugs and floor coverings on display with some additional samples of some like Vintage Vinyl that you can browse. We are also an authorized dealer for many companies such as Moe’s and Mercana that offer a broad range of styles, sizes, and materials so you are guaranteed to find something that you love. Come by our 5,000 square foot showroom and find the inspiration you’ve been looking for or browse some of our dealer’s websites by going here. Your home is meant to be a reflection of you and that includes every detail such as a rug. We look forward to assisting you in telling your story through design.