Rug Shopping Made Simple
here’s a step by step guide to finding the perfect rug for your space.
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Sometimes choosing the perfect rug can feel overwhelming. The sheer area that a rug covers can really set the tone for the room. How big should it be? What style? How much should I invest? Will it be durable with my kids and pets? The questions can feel endless. A rug is like a bow on a gift. It can help complete your entire space, or it can bring warmth to an otherwise stark feeling atmosphere. Rugs can also be the perfect starting point to a room when it comes to style and design. In addition to their style benefits, rugs can be super practical. They protect hardwood floors, absorb sounds, and are a comfortable landing place for little feet learning to walk. They’re my go-to piece to switch out when I know that my space is in need of a refresh. They’re also pretty painless to install! I’ve had my fair share of rugs in my house, and I have put together a list of tried and true tips to help in the rug selection process.
Styling rugs
For larger rugs—in main living spaces—I prefer to stay neutral. We have multiple neutral rugs laying around throughout our house and they make decorating and changing things up so much easier. The base is neutral so everything else doesn’t have to be. I love Turkish and oriental rugs for adding a pop of color and pattern to a statement space. We have a few small Turkish rugs mixed in to add a little interest.
Layering rugs is another fun touch. If you have a neutral base, try overlaying a fun cowhide rug. I tend to ask myself what I want to say about a certain space. Do I want my space to be timeless? Add a sisal rug. Do I want it to be cozy? Add a shag rug. Do I want a formal space? Add a Turkish rug. You can shop some of my favorite neutral rugs below. I mixed in natural fiber options with oriental patterns!
SHop my favorite neutral rugs
Choosing A natural Fiber Style rug that will last
Rugs are an item in my home that I don’t mind splurging on. I have bought lots of cheap rugs in my day and they never seem to last. I am now a lot more selective when it comes to choosing a rug. I hope you can learn from some of my mishaps along the way! I’ve used these tips with all the rugs that are currently in my home, and they are holding up so well. When it comes to choosing a rug, there are a few things that I look for. I pay close attention to how tightly the rug is woven. First, I look at the edges of the rug to see if it looks like anything is unraveling. While this is a bit harder to do online, you can still zoom in on the corners and see if the rug looks tightly woven or not. I also always, always, always read the reviews. Most people will note right away if a rug is not so snug!
I like to choose rugs for high traffic areas that can be easily washed or vacuumed. Sisal rugs hold crumbs, so those sometimes are a bit more difficult to use in spaces where eating happens. If you are wanting a look of a natural fiber rug that is crumb-friendly, go for the ones that are more tightly woven. I’ve linked some below. I recommend using indoor/outdoor rugs for kids rooms, play rooms, or even underneath your kitchen table! They are sure to stand up to the kid and pet test, can be easily wiped down, and don’t hold odors. If you want to splurge on a sisal, use it in a more formal living room, guest room, or even your master bedroom. Turkish rugs are beautiful and made out of more durable fibers, so I recommend using those in entry ways or in a runner size in your hallway. Pay attention to how much sunlight your room receives. If you want a rug that will fade well, then you should pick a more neutral or muted tone design rather than a rug with a lot of contrast.
Shop my favorite Natural Fiber style rugs
Rug pads
Choosing a durable rug is not the only thing that will keep your floors thriving for years to come. A rug pad is extremely important to the life of your rug! Rug pads not only keep a rug from sliding around, but can be used as an extra noise barrier, help keep the ends of a rug from lifting and unraveling, and protect your hardwood floors from any natural fiber scratches. I’ve linked a couple of my go-to rug pads here.
SHop my favorite colorful rugs
Choosing the right size
Rugs are not ponchos. Unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all. But, there is a one size that fits for your space. Hopefully, I’ve made it easy for you to choose the right size for your space. Sizing can vary depending on the room, shape of your furniture, and how much ground you want to cover. My biggest tip: don’t be afraid to go big. There is nothing tackier to me than a rug that is too small for a space. It can make the entire room feel off. Be sure you are choosing a rug that is big enough to let the legs of a piece of furniture rest on it. If you need to cover a large room or oddly shaped space, do not be afraid to go custom. You can go to a store that carries floor carpeting and ask them to cut down whatever size needed for your space. They will usually bind them for you too. Download my free rug sizing guide below!
