How to Choose a Rug to Make the Perfect Room

One of the easiest ways to give your home a facelift is by changing up your rug game. Brighten up any room in your house with these expert tips on choosing the perfect rug and creating the ultimate furniture arrangement. Get ready to elevate your interior design skills and transform your home into a haven!

1. Check Rug Area Size

Transform your living space from drab to fab with the perfect rug. Don't settle for a carpet that's too small and makes your room feel cramped, or get one that's too big and overpowers the space. Measure the room carefully to find a rug that frames your furniture and creates a cozy area for conversation. Be sure to leave some floor showing to balance and complement the look of your flooring. With a little attention to detail, your room will look well put together and be the envy of all who visit.  

To give your modern decor a trendy twist, opt for a square or oval rug that adds a touch of character to your cozy haven. Don't limit yourself to mundane rectangular shapes; aim for seamless cohesion in your interior design. Creating a serene and comfortable space is the ultimate end goal.

2. Choose Materials

As you ponder the perfect rug for your space, consider not just its size but its material as well. The foot traffic demands and use of the room should be top of mind. Opt for something sturdy and strong to ensure your rug stands the test of time. Take your pick from natural fibers like jute, which can withstand wear and tear, or trusty materials like wool and cotton, which can be used in virtually any space. With these considerations in mind, your rug will hold up beautifully. 

In terms of maintenance, new wool rugs may shed at first, but this gets better after a few rounds of vacuuming. Just be mindful of pairing a brightly colored wool rug with white furniture. For a long-lasting investment, hand-knotted rugs are worth the splurge because they can last up to 20 years. With proper care, your rug can enjoy a longer lifespan, but don't skimp on quality. Remember, the pricier the rug, the longer the life.

3. Consider Foot Traffic

When selecting the perfect rug, consider the location. For high-traffic areas like the front entryway or hallways, go for natural wool, which is durable, stain-resistant, and won't fade. And while it may be a pricey purchase, investing in a high-quality rug is worth it in the long run. Your rug will retain its shape, color, and texture for years. 

Of course, not every spot in your home calls for an expensive rug. A colorful accent rug by the bed or under the coffee table doesn’t have to break the bank. But avoid placing a cheaper rug under the dining room table. With chair legs moving back and forth, you'll want a reasonably durable option that can handle the wear and tear. 

4. Determine Rug Colors

Make the rug the star of the room. It has the power to bring all the different elements of the space together and create a cohesive look. However, choosing the right colors is key. 

If you already have furniture and decor in the room, especially bold furnishings and flashy hues, consider selecting a neutral rug that complements those colors. Opting for a more subdued color scheme can add balance and sophistication to your space. By anchoring your palette with a neutral base, you give yourself the flexibility to layer in pops of color and texture without overwhelming the room. 

However, if you're starting fresh, go ahead and pick a bold, patterned rug that speaks to you and build your design around it. Either way, the rug should be the pièce de résistance that ties everything together.

Remember, the size and style of your rug should seamlessly blend with your flooring for a polished look. Once you’ve chosen your rug, add accessories that perfectly complement your decor. 

5. Pick a Rug Texture

Never underestimate the power of a textured rug. Adding texture to your flooring can bring your room to life and make it feel multi-dimensional. However, if you're opting for a thick and textured rug, consider the practicalities, like foot traffic. You don't want anyone tripping over it, especially not your furry friends or older relatives. Instead, treat your rug like a piece of art and plan the rest of the room around it. 

Keep in mind that heavily textured rugs don't belong in high-traffic areas like the dining room. Opt for a lower pile rug in that room, with tightly woven fibers to withstand endless chair shuffling and activity. Spruce up your dining room space with a rug that's both stylish and functional; it's the perfect finishing touch.

There's one more thing you need to consider after selecting your rug: a rug pad. Not only does it prevent your rug from slipping and sliding, but it also gives it an extra plush feel. Plus, it helps extend the life of your favorite rug, so it’s a win-win. 

Easy Tips for Rug Placement

With the ideal rug placement, you’ll elevate the look of your rooms. Up next is your ultimate guide of practical tips and inspiration for arranging your rug to give your living room, dining room, and bedroom a whole new level of comfort and style. 

Living Room Rug Placement

Think big and comfy for this room. First, identify the size of your space and select a rug as large as possible to fit within that area. To ensure your furniture works in harmony with your rug, try to position all those pieces on top of the rug. If that's not possible, make sure the front legs of your chairs and sofas rest on the rug. Imagine sinking your toes into a soft, plush rug while lounging on your favorite couch; it’s a heavenly experience. With this simple step, you'll create a cohesive and inviting space that'll have your guests begging for a seat.

Keep orientation in mind. Opt for a rectangular rug in a rectangular room to give the illusion of more space, or go for a square or round option in a square room for an effortlessly curated look. For a coffee table rug, be sure all four legs are resting on the rug for maximum style. Don't let your rug be an afterthought; it's the foundation of your space, after all.

Standard living room rug sizes: 5' x 8', 6' x 9', 8' x 10', 9' x 12'  

Dining Room Rug Placement

When it comes to the right rug placement for your dining room, there are a few things to keep in mind. Measure the width and length of your dining table, and don't forget to add an extra two feet on each side. This will give you extra space to move chairs. As a general rule, you'll want a rug at least 8 feet wide for your dining room. Make sure you can comfortably slide all your chairs back and that all four legs are sitting pretty on the rug. But if that's not possible, have at least the two front chair legs on the rug. 

When it comes to choosing a rug shape for your dining room, try something round or octagonal to create a harmonious vibe. Think about practicality, too, especially if you have little ones running around. Opt for a rug that’s easy to clean and tough enough to handle a few spills and stains without showing wear and tear. 

Standard dining room rug sizes: 6' x 9', 8' x 10', 9' x 12', 8' round

Bedroom Rug Placement

As you design your bedroom space, picture rug placement that's both functional and beautiful, extending from the front of your bedside table all the way to the bottom of your bed. This will transform your bedroom into a dreamy retreat.

Add warm, cozy charm to your bedroom without a rug by placing a runner on each side of your bed. Not only will this keep your feet warm when you get up in the morning, but it also adds a stylish touch to your bedroom decor. For optimal rug placement, aim for balance by keeping an even amount of floor space around the rug.  

Finally, keep your home happy by vacuuming your rug regularly. Stay on top of this chore, especially if anyone in your family has allergies or if you have furry companions running around who shed. Add this cleaning routine to your checklist and breathe easier knowing you're taking care of yourself and your loved ones.

Standard bedroom rug sizes: 5' x 3', 5' x 9', 6' x 9', 8' x 10'

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our tips on how to choose a rug for your home. Discover stunning floor plans to fill with these rug tips and check out Pulte's new home communities today!