Your living room simply isn’t complete without a cosy rug to finish it off. Adding a rug can really help to pull the whole room together. There are so many different rugs available on the market today, so how do you go about choosing the right rug for your living room?
Below, interior design expert Ryan McDonough at MyJobQuote.co.uk goes over everything you need to know about choosing the right rug for your space. From choosing the right size to finding the right material, you’ll find everything you need to know in this handy guide. Take a look below.
Find The Right Size
When choosing the right rug for your living room, you want to start by thinking about the size. A very common mistake that people make when purchasing a rug is choosing one that is too small. There are so many different sizes of rug out there, so how do you know what is the right size for your living room?
Bigger Is Always Better
When choosing an area rug for your living room, bigger is always better. An area rug should anchor the furniture. If you choose a smaller rug, it may become lost among everything else in your living room, and it could actually make the room appear cluttered. Larger rugs can make a room seem more spacious and well-designed. The area rug in your living room should be large enough to accommodate your furniture items.
It is recommended that you choose a rug that runs the entire length of the sofa. It should be at least size inches wider than your seating area on either side, and there should be roughly 18 inches of bare floor between the edge of the room and the walls in the room. Obviously, you can’t always achieve this, depending on the size and shape of your living room. However, you should use these measurements as a guideline.
Take a Look Around The Room
When choosing the right size for your living room rug, you should analyse the room and see where there is space and where your furniture items are. Also, look if there are any doors or alcoves that could affect the size of the rug that you can get.
Measure the available space in the room so that you have a rough idea of what can fit in the space, and then go from there.
Always Double Check Before Making a Purchase
Before purchasing a rug, it’s a good idea to play around with different dimensions on the floor with masking tape. This will give you a much better idea of whether the rug will look right in the room and how you can work it in with your existing furniture. Just make sure you’re completely satisfied before taking the plunge.
Choose The Right Material
Rugs come in many different materials, such as wool, nylon, cotton, and more. The material that you choose can have a huge impact on the overall feel and look of your new rug. Materials will also affect how much you pay for the rug, as well as the durability of it. Below is a list of the most common rug materials and the pros and cons of each type.
Natural Fibres
Wool is one of the most popular natural fibres. It is warm and durable, so it makes a great material for a rug. If you’re looking to add some extra warmth and cosiness to your living room, wool is definitely a good option. Wool is also very hardy and easy to clean. It is ideal for placing in high-traffic areas of the home, including the living room. Wool rugs do tend to be more expensive than other materials, though, so this is something you will need to keep in mind. If you’re willing and able to have a higher budget for your living room rug, wool is definitely recommended, as it is extremely comfortable underfoot and will last for many years.
Plant-Based Fibres
If you are looking for something a bit more affordable, plant-based fibres are a good option. These rugs can offer a natural and relaxed feel without putting you too much out of pocket. There are many plant-based fibres to choose from, and some are better than others. Cotton and linen are both soft but will usually have a shorter lifespan than other materials. Allo and sisal are much more hardy and provide a unique chic look. When choosing the right material for you, consider how durable you need your rug to be to fit in with your current lifestyle.
Synthetic Fibres
Polypropylene and polyester are two very popular fibres that are used for manufacturing synthetic rugs. These fibres are very similar. However, certain characteristics make them better suited for various purposes. Polypropylene is the best option for busy living rooms as it dries much faster, making the fibres less resistant to things like mould and mildew.
Synthetic rugs are easy to clean and don’t require a lot of maintenance. They also have fibres that are stain-resistant, so it’s difficult to spot stains or dirt in the fibres. This means that synthetic rugs are a brilliant choice for high-traffic living rooms and also for homes with children and pets. However, synthetic rugs do often have a shorter lifespan than other materials, which explains why they’re usually priced pretty low.
Consider Functionality
When you’re choosing a living room rug, you will need to think carefully about why you’re adding a rug. What will be the purpose of your rug? As a nation, we spend a lot of our time in the living room. Whether we’re watching TV or spending time with loved ones, the living room is a prominent place in our lives. This means that we want our living rooms to look as good as possible. Living room rugs should not only be stylish, but they should also be practical.
The living room is the most used room of the home for many of us, so you’ll need to assess how practical each type of rug is to make sure it suits both your home and your lifestyle. For example, if you’re thinking about getting a shaggy rug or a rug with a thick pile, would you have the time to vacuum it regularly? How much traffic will the rug be subject to? Unfortunately, not every rug is suited to every space, so it’s important that you consider how your rug will be used and how often it will be used so that you can make your decision accordingly.
The Best Rugs For Pets and Children
Living room area rugs cover the majority of the floor and usually see a lot of foot traffic. However, with so many different choices of rug materials and styles, it can be difficult to figure out which type is best for children and pets. If you live in a home with children and pets, your rug will likely experience additional foot traffic and more wear and tear.
The best types of rugs for pets and children will need to have certain qualities, such as being durable and easy to clean. Take a look below for a list of the best types of rugs for children and pets:
Synthetic
Most synthetic rugs are manufactured in a way which makes them stain-resistant. Synthetic fibres are usually coated in latex, and this makes them much more durable. So, synthetic rugs are usually durable enough to withstand the extra wear and tear from children and pets.
Wool
Wool is a naturally stain-resistant material, so it’s a brilliant choice for homes with children and pets. Plus, wool is also extremely durable, so it will last for many years despite the additional wear and tear. If you’re worried about spillages, wool is a great option as it’s super easy to clean.
Choosing The Right Colour and Pattern
After all of the other considerations, you will then need to consider what colour of rug you want to look for. Start by looking at the colour scheme of your living. In order to tie the room together, you will need to ensure your rug complements two or three of the prominent colours in your living room. Take a look at the accessories in your living room, such as throw pillows and curtains, and use these for inspiration for your rug colour. The best types of living room rugs will anchor the space. The right colour of the rug can affect the whole mood of your living room. Lighter shades will make the room seem brighter and larger. Darker shades will make the space seem cosier and more intimate.
It can be quite difficult to choose a rug that ties in with your current décor, especially if you have a lot of different prints and colours in your living room. You can be safe if you choose a plain rug, or you can be a bit more adventurous and go for an interesting pattern, style or colour for added effect. If you’re starting fresh with your décor and want to add some new colours and styles to your living room, then go for it – choose a rug that brings joy. That way, you can allow the rug to determine the style and colour scheme for the rest of your living room.
If you want to choose a patterned rug, it can be difficult to find the right pattern. Bold and striking patterns won’t be to everyone’s taste. However, if you have a plain style of living room, sometimes a beautiful rug can make a brilliant focal point for the room. If you aren’t brave enough to commit to a bold pattern, consider choosing a neutral-coloured rug with an interesting pattern or texture for a similar effect.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect rug for your space can be tricky and could even become overwhelming. However, hopefully, these tips will help you to become one step closer to finding the perfect rug for your living room. Keep these tips in mind, and we’re sure you’ll soon find your dream rug which enhances your living room space.
