As featured on Daily Tribune last June 10
Rugs have unmatched power in transforming your living room and elevating your space to feel more homey. The perfect rug can harmonize your decor together, helping to anchor your furniture, from the coffee table to the couch. But with so many options in the market, choosing the right rug could be a challenge.
For some, an area rug may be an afterthought, but in truth, this one piece can pull your entire living room scheme to give unity to your space.
Area rugs have been used for centuries to define and separate spaces. They can be used in various ways, such as under a coffee table or as a hallway runner. Rugs create a visual boundary and help to ground furniture groupings. Additionally, they provide insulation and sound absorption, making them great for noise reduction and energy conservation.
Choosing the perfect rug for your home can be daunting but with the right guidance, it can be an enjoyable experience. ITOOH Homestyle, an online shop that offers a variety of furniture, home accents and interior design services, is here to help you choose the right rug that will perfectly accentuate your space.
Size and proportion
A rug that is too small or too large for a room can throw off the balance and make the space feel awkward. To avoid this, measure the space where you want to place the rug and choose one that is proportional to the room. The general rule of thumb is to leave at least 18 inches of bare floor around the edges of the rug. This allows for a balanced and proportional look, without making the room feel cluttered.
A rug should be large enough to anchor the furniture in a room, with the front legs of sofas and chairs resting on the rug. For smaller rooms, choose a rug that is just big enough to fit under the furniture, leaving a few inches of space around the edges.
Material and features
Rugs can be made from various sources, including wool, nylon, polyester and other synthetic materials. Aside from durability and style, the material of an area rug should serve the specific need you wish to address in your home, whether it is to complement your room’s temperature or to get one that resists dirt or is easy to clean.
Well-made rugs are durable, soft and made to be stain-resistant, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas. Synthetic rugs are often more accessible and can mimic the look of natural fibers.
Other than considering the pile height of a rug, you may also look for added attributes such as hypoallergenic, water-repellent and non-static ones. There are also rugs with anti-slip backing that are perfect for high-traffic areas. Apart from these, today’s rugs can also be tagged ecological, colorfast, no dust fiber, antistatic, soil repellent, resilient, non-inflammable and anti-bacterial.
If you have kids or pets, consider a rug that is made from non-toxic materials. This will not only keep your family safe but also extend the life of your rug.
If you want a mark of quality to your rug purchase, look for ones that pass the OEKO-TEX® standard. It is a reliable seal from the international association for Research and Testing in the field of textile ecology, certifying that the rug is contaminant-free and tested for harmful substances.
Shape
Rugs come in a variety of shapes and materials, each with its unique characteristics. The most common shapes are rectangular, square and round. When selecting shapes, choose a rug that mirrors the shape of the furniture it will be paired with.
Although there are exceptions to this, such as having a round coffee table on a rectangular rug, typically it’s best to stick with matching rug and furniture shapes, especially in dining areas.
Style and design
Finally, consider the style and design of the rug. Rugs come in various styles, from traditional to modern to bohemian. Choose a rug that complements your existing decor and adds visual interest to the room without overpowering it.
If your walls are a neutral color, a bold rug can add interest and drama. On the other hand, if your walls are already a bold color, a neutral carpet will balance the room. If you have a small room, choose a rug with a light-colored background to make the room appear larger.
In summary, all it takes to find the perfect rug is to measure your space, choose a material that fits your lifestyle and pick a design that complements the colors and patterns in the room, rather than clash with them.
“We believe that a rug can transform a room and tie everything together,” shares ITOOH Homestyle co-founder Andrew Bercasio. “That’s why we provide our customers with a wide range of rug options and offer expert advice to help them choose the perfect one for their home.”
“We even offer free rug staging. Just select three options from our online catalog and we will bring it straight to your space,” Andrew adds.
Choosing the right rug for your home is a critical decision, and ITOOH Homestyle’s tips can help you make an informed choice. Visit their online shop today and explore their collection of rugs, furniture, home accents and interior design services to create the home of your dreams.
