How To Choose the Perfect Area Rug
We are asked all the time for our best tips on selecting the perfect area rug for a space. It’s difficult to provide one easy solution since the best area rug for a space is dependent on several factors, such as the shape of the room, the other furniture pieces, and the circulation paths. That said, we always have a few tips and pieces of advice to share with you, so let’s dive in!
DGI’s number one rule
When it comes to area rugs, our number one rule of thumb is to ground at least two legs of each piece of furniture on the area rug. If possible, it is best to have all four legs of each furniture piece grounded on the rug. So when in doubt, go with a bigger area rug.
We think of an area rug as the base for the rest of the furniture in a space. So, it is important to be sure the rug is large enough to fit underneath all pieces of furniture. We ultimately want to avoid any gaps between the rug and the furniture, shown below.
Determining rug size
Now that we all know bigger is better and gaps are the enemy, let’s talk about how to begin your search for an area rug. As we mentioned, the area rug acts as a base for your furniture. Therefore, the furniture size and layout dictates your area rug selection.
If you’re working from a completely blank slate, begin by selecting your furniture. And if you already have your furniture, you’re one step closer to determining the perfect area rug for your space. When choosing your furniture, there are a few important things to keep in mind that will ultimately impact the size and shape of your area rug.
You will want to make sure that you keep enough room for easy circulation around the space and the furniture (about 36”). Don’t cram too many big pieces into a small or awkwardly shaped space. It is better to leave ample room between the pieces for circulation. We have one rule of thumb that may help you determine if you are leaving enough room for circulating. Always leave 18” between the front of your seat (sofa or chair) and the coffee table.
Once your furniture layout is determined, you can choose the best size for your area rug. You’ll need to measure the length and width of your furniture to determine the correct size, and remember that at least the front two legs of each piece of furniture should fit on the rug (at best all four!).
Are you following along with all of these tips and realizing that a traditional size area rug won’t quite fit underneath all of your furniture? We may have the solution: a hide rug! This is the perfect addition if you’re struggling with abnormal geometry in a room. These abstract shape rugs are best layered on top of a rectangular area rug to expand the shape, allowing for additional furniture.
Choosing Material
The next factor you should consider on your hunt for the perfect area rug is the material. There are certainly fabrics that are better suited for specific rooms of the home. For example, we would recommend avoiding a tencel rug in a high traffic area because it is very delicate. Fabrics such as tencel, bamboo, and silk are best suited for bedrooms or areas of the home with little traffic and no food. We typically recommend a 100% wool rug for most spaces of the home. This is because it is a natural material, it is the most durable, and the natural oils help it resiss stains, making it the easiest to clean and maintain. You can’t go wrong with wool!
Don’t forget your rug pad!
We hope you’re feeling more confident in your search for the perfect area rug, but we want to leave you with one last tip. You should always use a rug pad! A rug pad will sit between your floors and the area rug, and it should be about 1” smaller than the area rug on each side.
There are several reasons we always use a rug pad. First off, they are meant to add even more cushion to the area rug. Who wouldn’t want that? In addition, the rug pad will protect the floors underneath it. And finally, it will keep the rug in place to prevent any slipping.
Conclusion
With all of these tips in mind, you’re definitely ready to start your search for the perfect area rug! May we suggest you start your search right here on Shop DGI? We have a variety of sizes, styles, and colors available right now, and you can be sure these collections are all DGI approved.
-dgw
