Inside & Out Interiors: How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Space

This post is a part of my Request a Blog Post section. This request came from our Instagram account and the request was on choosing the great rug

So here is what I recommend:

Before you decide to purchase a new rug for you space you need to look around and see what colour scheme you already have in your excising space. When styling your place the colour selection or the colours that already do exist are very important. Now having the awareness of the colour scheme you can either purchase a rug that will match all of these colours, 50% of the colours or maybe you want a rug that will complement only one colour in that room. Or maybe you want to do something different and make your new rug a feature of the room so selecting a colour that is completely different to your current colour scheme that would work really well if the space is pretty plane and neutral or has limited amount of colours (but then still try to balance it out by adding cushions of the same colour as the rug or any other accessories of your choice). Also when choosing a colour ask yourself; Do you want your carpet to brighten up a dark room or tone down a too-light space? So spend sometime analyzing what you already have! If you still don't know what colour to choose, then choose neutral!

Here is the perfect example of rugs matching the overall colour scheme of the room:

And here is the example of rugs being a feature of the room and only matching small cushions or accessories:

Or to only match half of the colour scheme:

Rugs that are the main feature of the room (or the only valuable feature of the room):

Also having a rug as a feature only but still match the overall style of interior:

Apparently casual, more-relaxed people tend to favor the warmer colours and earth tones. Detail-oriented people, on the other hand, often prefer blues, blacks, whites, grays and jewel tones. Think about what YOU really like and not what interior magazines or instagram tells you to like. It is not always about the current trends and whats cool, its about your personal taste too. If you don't have a personal style (and many people don't) then browsing through catalogues and Internet looking for a similar interiors as your room and following the stylists advise is the way to go. And obviously have a look at my selections here ;)

Another important aspect is the size of the room. Is it small with lots of furniture? If you will get a statement rug for this room would it be visible enough because of the amount of furniture you will put on it? Do you have enough space for it? If you want to get a plain rug of neutral colours and you want it for the added warmth and texture to the room then you can go for a very large one. If its a feature rug with crazy print or bright colours or something very interesting or unusual about it then make sure its not too big so you don't overwhelm the room but also a decent size so it visible enough. A good rug must be admired! When choosing a size there is also a rule: The area rug should be a minimum of six inches and no more than two feet away from the wall. Also when in doubt be sure to choose a rug that extends beyond the coffee table and at least under the first set of legs on sofas or chairs.

Large rugs:

Small to Medium Rugs:

General guidelines for sizing:

In the family room, select a size that covers at least the length and width of your furniture. A 5′ x 8′ or 6′ x 9′ rug is a good size to cluster furniture around for an intimate area. To expand the space, select a larger size that outlines the perimeter of the area.

In the dining room, a rug should be large enough to allow space for chairs, even when pulled away from the table. Measure your table and add approximately two feet, or sit in one of your chairs yourself and measure the distance from the table.

If you have a wood floor, try to have at least 18 to 24 inches of flooring around the perimeter of the room.

Then decide on the shape of it. Square rugs can be the perfect finish to your living space, whereas circular rugs create a sense of movement and are less structured.

Circular rugs:

Are there lots of people living with you? Carpets can get dirty pretty easily also especially very light ones. Lighter carpets can be treated to be more stain resistant, but the less expensive ones will still show wear and tear faster than darker-colored rugs. Also do you have any pets? Cats are usually fine as they are very clean animals but if having dogs in the house maybe go for a darker colours. Dark rugs can look pretty amazing also and dramatize the space a little bit.

Darker coloured rugs:

What texture to choose? Do you want it thick and fluffy or thin and flat? That depends of your overall goal for the room. If you want more warmth and softness then go for thick and fluffy. If you don't have much texture in the room e.g cushions or curtains or textured and patterned chairs then also go for thick and fluffy to balance it out. When in doubt or don't need any balancing just go for the classic average rug texture.

If you already have too much texture in the room and especially if it is already overwhelmed with colour or just has to much going on e.g clutter, lot of furniture or personal stuff then go for a thin and plain.

Also think about climate you are living in. If its summer all the time a huge furry rug might not the best option for you if your house tend to get too hot.

Thick and fluffy rugs:

Thin rugs:

What patterns to choose? Do you want to make your room longer? Vertical patterns will do! Horizontal patterns will make it wider. So think about what you are trying to achieve! Bold patterns (large flowers, abstract designs, lots of layers or color) on a small rug can make the room look larger. But if you plan to place furniture on it, avoid covering up the design. Pattern can also depend on your personality and personality/style of the room. Do you want something funky, or do you want old time classics, or art deco, or plain and neutral or bright and vibrant? Or are you all about latest trends? Also remember that the less is more!

Vertical pattern: