The Do's and Don'ts of Area Rugs
The Do's and Don'ts of Area Rugs
Area rugs serve two purposes: they define a space and enhance a room’s décor.
Defining a Space
Area rugs tend to unify whatever furnishings are placed on it. In multipurpose rooms, these rugs can help designate between functional zones. The size of the rug can also define a space – the larger the rug, the bigger the room will feel.
Enhancing Décor
Area rugs give you the opportunity to bring in patterns and colors that coordinate with the rest of the
furniture. It’s a detail that helps to complete a room and either soften or warm up hard surfaces like tiles and wood flooring.
The DO’s and DON’T’s
Do Use The Right Size Rug
The size of the rug is important since it conveys the size of the room. Many designers advocate having all the furniture sitting on the outer perimeter of your rug, others prefer to have just the front legs of the seating on the rug. By having the rug run under the furniture, the mind’s eye sees it as continuing indefinitely, making the space feel bigger. Choose quilted throws and other home décor to complement the rug.
Don’t Use a “Postage Stamp” Size
Area rugs are not meant as coffee table anchors. They’re meant to anchor a whole living room. So when you use a tiny rug in a seating group, it looks seriously dwarfed.
Do Think About Sections That Could Be Obscured By Furniture if You Want a Patterned Rug
If you have your heart set on using a rug that has an all-over repeat pattern, that’s a safe bet since there’ll be a consistent view of the pattern around the furniture. When it comes to using a rug with more asymmetrical designs, use it with furniture that has a more open frame.
Do Mix Patterns of Different Proportions
If a chair or the primitive curtains in the space feature a print, you can still display a patterned rug. Just pick a pattern that is different in scale to other textiles in the room, such as curtains, quilted throws or primitive bedding.
Don’t Leave Tile or Wood Flooring Bare in a Living Room
Having a rug simply makes seating arrangements look better. And feel better. And sound better. A rug placed in a living room is a don’t-miss detail that will complete the look and feel of the room. But they serve a function too: rugs absorb sound and make a room quieter. This is an important factor for people with children running around. What’s more, rugs feel warmer underfoot and cushier for lounging on the floor. Even if you already have carpeting, a rug will work in your living room.
Do Use Flat Rugs in Dining Spaces
The dining room is one of those area where many people may not want a rug, particularly if they have kids and spillages are likely to occur. However, if you have a formal dining area that you don’t use often, try incorporating a flat rug, such as a kilim or dhurrie.
What About Complementary Décor?
Once you have a rug you can dress the rest of the room with complementary finishes. Take a look at Primitive Star Quilt Shop’s range of country quilts, primitive bedding and country curtains to add the finishing touches to your home.
