Nothing can add coziness to a home or have such a great impact on the entire space of the room as much as a rug can. It is much more than just adding some colour, pattern, or texture to your space. Floor rugs not only complete the room, but they also change the whole feel of it. They can tie a room together or divide it. They help define the space and ground furniture. And that is just the visual aspect of the rug. Regarding functionality, rugs offer a certain degree of protection to the floor, they absorb noise, and provide a warm, comfortable, plush padding under your feet, your bottom, or your whole body if you like to sit or lie down and just chill on the floor.
Although rugs are very versatile and can be used in many different ways with different purpouses, one should not take the task of choosing a new rug lightly, especially with the huge variety of floor rugs available on the market. They may vary in style, design, size, shape, materials, colours, patterns, textures, and so on which is why I made a list of some important factors to consider that might be helpful when you are shopping for a new rug.
Firstly, you need to get the size right. And by “right” I mean that you need to consider the total dimension of the room where your new rug will go, the furniture you will be placing on top of it or around it, the function of the area, and, of course, the look you are going for. For example, the rug in your bedroom needs to extend on both sides of your bed in order to have a soft surface for your feet to land on every morning. In the the dining room it should be larger than the table and you should account for the distance the dining chairs get pulled pack, to prevent them from rocking. In the living room, on the other hand, the size is more a matter of aesthetics.
The weave of the rug is another important factor since it will determine how the rug feels under your feet and how it will withstand wear and tear over time. The many weaves include hand-knotted which are obviously made by hand, but the process meticulous which means they are more expensive; the more budget-friendly alternative are tufted and hooked rugs; flat woven are great for areas with high traffic; and finally machine made rugs which are also a cheaper option with a consistent quality and elaborate patterns.
The different rug materials have different levels of durability, softness, stain resistance, and of course, price. Wool is probably the most durable, affordable, soft and stain resistant by nature and it is most commonly used for rug manufacturing. Other materials include cotton which is similar to wool, doesn’t shed as much, but is less durable. Than you have silk for luxury and natural fibers for eco-concious people.
No matter what type or size of floor rug you choose, remember to always keep it clean. Besides the regular vacuuming you should also find a quality rug cleaning company that understands the different properties of rug types and materials.
