An area rug can add character to your living room and bring the design together. Not just any rug will do; you’ll need to carefully assess the space and your aesthetic goals before making a purchase. With proper placement and routine area rug cleaning, this purchase can transform your living space for years to come.

How to Choose the Perfect Area Rug for Your Home

1. Follow Size Guidelines

First, determine your size limitations. Generally, there needs to be at least 1 foot of space between the wall and rug on all sides. If it extends too close to the walls, it can make a room look crowded and dense. Also, only place the front legs of your chairs and sofa on top of the rug. This will frame the space and help the room feel organized.

Look at the configuration of your living room. You can rearrange to accommodate a larger or smaller rug size, or if you’re happy with the current layout, purchase a rug that fits into it.

2. Decide to Blend In or Define

A clean, neutral-colored area rug will blend in well if it matches or lightly contrasts your furniture, drapes, and other interior design features. Alternatively, a vibrant patterned rug will create dimension and become the centerpiece of a room.

Think about your design goals to help you choose the right rug color and pattern. A dark, muted rug can anchor lighter furniture in a bright, open room. Likewise, a beige rug that blends with wood features can make smaller living areas look larger. Use sharp geometric patterns for an industrial design or more intricate floral patterns for a nostalgic feel.

3. Consider How Texture Impacts Use

If you only want a decorative rug that will hold up to foot traffic, you’ll want to explore flat-weave options. These are woven on looms and don’t have a pile, so they’ll remain firm and sturdy under your feet.

If you want a soft rug that your children will play on, opt for a tufted rug. These weaves use loops of yarn to create a comfortable, plush surface, and as long as you schedule routine area rug cleaning, they’ll maintain their texture.

Professional area rug cleaning is a must if you want your investment to last a lifetime. Gray’s Carpet Cleaning of Rochester, NY, is backed by over 100 years of experience and specializes in a variety of fabrics and textures. They offer area rug cleaning, steam cleaning, and stain removal for home and commercial clients. Call (585) 473-4947 to learn more about their residential carpet cleaning services.