We have learned a lot about hardwood, composite, and vinyl flooring. But there’s one more interior design feature that packs a major punch when designing a home or commercial space, one that deserves its own due attention.
Floor rugs come in many shapes, sizes, and styles, and how they’re incorporated into a room’s design can be the final touch that ties everything together. Considering how difficult it can be to select the perfect rug, let’s discuss some important factors to consider.
Area Rugs: An Alternative to Carpet
An alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting, area rugs can be incorporated into nearly every room in the house and come in many different styles. However, the top concern for most people is the cost. Depending on material and size, area rugs can be a hefty investment. Although homeowners might prefer a larger rug to cover their living room or dining room, smaller options can still leave a powerful statement without breaking the bank.
Outside of cost, the best size for an area rug is usually dictated by the furniture and the room’s dimensions. In an open floor plan, rugs can create a sense of separation, creating a clear space for watching TV on one side and defining a dining room on another. Homeowners should often try to find a rug that encompasses all the furniture within each defined space. But when costs are a limiting factor, there are some ways to get creative with rug stacking and placement that can help you achieve that cohesive look.
Think about where the furniture is positioned. A well-proportioned rug will unify separate elements and pull the room together. Rugs can also be used to create balance in a less symmetrical space and to zone open areas.
Patterned Rugs for Style
Patterns play an important role in interior design, tying spaces together and adding personality to a room. When mixing and matching rugs, patterns can create movement and interest in our living spaces. Before selecting a patterned rug, consider the overall mood or style you want to create in the room and choose the best rug style. Are you aiming for a modern, minimalist look, or prefer a more traditional and ornate feel?
When mixing patterns in rugs, it’s also important to vary the scale and proportion of the designs. Pair large-scale patterns with small-scale patterns to prevent the rooms from feeling overwhelmed. For example, if you have a bold geometric rug, balance it with a more subtle pattern or a solid-colored rug.
Why You Need a Runner Rug in Your Home
Runners can instantly transform the look of your home. They add color, pattern, and texture to otherwise plain areas, making your space feel more inviting and stylish. With countless modern and traditional designs, you can easily find a runner rug that matches your decor.
They can also create a visual flow, guiding the eye through your home and making narrow spaces look longer and more elegant. If you want a bold statement piece, a runner rug is a simple way to improve your interior design.
These rugs are as practical as they’re pretty. Placing a runner rug in high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens helps protect your floors from scratches, scuffs, and general wear and tear. This is especially important if you have hardwood or tiled floors, which can be easily damaged by constant foot traffic. Runner rugs also provide cushioning underfoot, making hard surfaces more comfortable to walk on. Additionally, they can prevent slips and falls by providing extra traction, making your home safer for everyone.
Measure Your Space Before Installation
Choosing an appropriate rug size is one of the most critical elements of the buying process. It is important to assess and measure your space before making a purchase. Use a tape measure to define the space where you want your rug to go. Mark the area using masking tape, as it helps you visualize precisely where the rug will be.
For example, if you need a rug for a long, narrow hallway, a runner is likely to be the ideal style. Larger spaces give you more creative freedom to experiment with square or round rugs. One useful principle for most standard rooms is choosing a rug two feet shorter than the shortest wall. For example, in a space that’s 6 feet long and 8 feet wide, select a rug that’s 4 feet long and 6 feet wide. This ensures the rug adds depth but doesn’t overcrowd the room.
Indiana Floor, Inc.: Your One-Stop Shop for Quality Flooring Products
Since 1993, Indiana Floor has been the leading choice of contractor supply to the hardwood flooring trades. We offer a vast inventory of finished, unfinished, engineered flooring, sundries, and tools to meet customers’ needs. With 5 locations in the MD and VA areas, we are dedicated to providing quality flooring products to our clients. Contact us today at (703) 550-0020 or fill out the contact form on our website!