Choosing the Perfect Living Room Rug
May 12th 2023
Choosing the right living room rug can be difficult, because there are so many materials, colors, and patterns to choose from. Your living room is one of the most important rooms in your house. The rug you choose should not only look good, but also be useful and have longevity when it comes to serving your home. In this piece, we will talk about the several most important things to think about when buying a rug for your living room. This guide will help you find the best rugs for your living room and create a comfortable, stylish space.
Material
The material of your living room rug has a significant impact on how it looks, how long it lasts, and how often you must clean it. Some popular types of area rugs for living room are:
Nylon
Nylon is a popular choice for living room rugs because it lasts a long time, does not stain easily, and is less expensive than some other alternatives. This plastic material can handle a lot of foot traffic and is easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for homes with high level of activity.
Polyester
Polyester is another manufactured material that is known for being soft, resistant to stains, and inexpensive. It might not last as long as nylon rugs, however, and may show signs of wear more quickly, especially in places with a lot of foot traffic.
Wool
Wool is a natural fabric that is soft, warm, and luxurious like nothing else. Wool rugs can be more expensive than their synthetic versions, but they last longer and do not stain as easily.
When picking a living room rug, you should consider how often people will walk on it, how much you can spend, and how often you will need to clean it.
Pile Height and Density
Pile height informs you of how long the rug's fibers are, and density is how many fibers there are per square inch. These things can affect how the rug looks, how comfortable it is, and how long it lasts.
- Low pile rugs, like Berber or loop-pile styles, are more durable and easier to clean, which makes them a smart choice for sitting rooms with a lot of foot traffic. But they might not be as soft and comfortable as rugs with a bigger pile.
- High-pile rugs, like plush or shag types, feel soft and luxurious underfoot, but they can be harder to clean and may show signs of wear faster.
- Medium-pile rugs, like cut-pile or textured styles, offer a good mix between durability and comfort. This makes them a viable choice for many living rooms.
- When choosing a rug for your living room, you should think about how your lifestyle, the effort you want to put into rug maintenance, and the look you’re trying to achieve in your space.
Color
The color pallet of your living room is one of the most important things to consider whenever you’re choosing a rug for the space. Some things to think about when picking a rug color are:
Room Size
Light-colored rugs can make a small living room look bigger, while dark-colored rugs can make a big room feel cozier and more personal. How the color of a rug impacts your space depends on its layout, and the way the rug color is able to mesh with the color of the rest of your decor.
Style of Decor
When picking a rug color, think about the colors of your walls, furniture, and other decor. A neutral rug can be used as a base for many diverse types of decors, while a bold or patterned rug can make a statement and set the style of the room.
Maintenance
Light-colored mats are more likely to show dirt and stains than darker ones. If you have pets or small children prone to accidents, you might want to choose a darker or patterned rug to hide stains and wear.
Pattern
Patterned rugs can give your living room more depth, texture, and personality. These are some popular rug patterns that you should consider:
Geometric Patterns
These can be simple shapes that repeat or more complicated, abstract patterns. In modern or contemporary living rooms, geometric designs work especially well, but this doesn’t mean they’re limited to these types of settings; they’re also very popular in eclectic or Bohemian styles.
Floral Patterns
Floral rugs can give a room a classic, timeless look and go well with traditional or country-style furniture. These rugs are especially popular during spring, when floral designs are used more than ever!
Striped Patterns
When paired with solid-colored furniture and decorations, striped rugs can give your living room a sense of movement and energy.
When picking a patterned rug, think about how big the pattern is compared to the size of your living room and the other things in the room. A large or too-busy pattern might be too much for a small room, while a small pattern might be too quiet for a spacious room.
Comfort and Softness
If you spend a lot of time sitting or lying on the floor, the warmth and softness of your living room rug are important things to think about. Material, pile height, and filling can all affect how comfortable a rug is overall. Most natural fibers, like wool, are softer than fabricated ones, and rugs with a higher pile are more comfortable than those with a low pile. Investing in a good rug pad can also make your rug more comfortable and help it last longer.
Maintenance Requirements
To keep an area rug for the living room at its best, you need to clean and care for it regularly. Some rugs are easier to clean than others, like those with a low pile or that are dark and have a design. When picking a rug for your living room, you should think about things like foot traffic, whether you have pets or kids, and how much time and effort you are willing to put into cleaning and upkeep. If you want your rug to last longer, make sure to clean and care for it the way the maker says to. There are also machine-washable rug options for those who don’t want to be stuck worrying about spills and stains, and want the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can just toss their rug into the washer when the time comes.
Budget
Finally, your budget will play a part in how you choose a rug for your living room. Prices for rugs can change a lot depending on things like the material, the quality, and the brand. Keep in mind that buying a good rug may save you money eventually because it will last longer and be less likely to get worn out or damaged. Be sure to include the cost of rug padding and fitting in your budget, as these costs can add to the total price of your new rug.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I choose the right rug for my living room?
A: When picking among the rugs for living room, you should consider factors like the material, pile height, color, pattern, comfort, how much it will cost to clean, and your budget. Think about what you want and what you need and choose a rug that goes with the rest of your decor and gives you the amount of comfort and durability you want.
Q: How do I place a rug perfectly in my living room?
A: When placing a rug in your living room, consider the size of the room, the arrangement of your furniture, and the intended purpose of the rug. Large area rugs for the living room can help define the seating area, while a smaller rug can draw attention to a specific piece of furniture or focal point. In general, you should try to make sure that at least the front legs of your furniture are on the floor. This will make the room look balanced and put together.
Q: What size rug is best for the living room?
A: The dimensions of the room and how your furniture is arranged will determine the size of the rug for your living room. Most of the time, you should choose a rug that is at least as big as the front legs of your seating furniture. A typical size among the rug sizes for living room is 8x10 feet, but larger rugs for living room may be better depending on the size of your room and how your furniture is arranged. Use a rug size guide and a tape measure to figure out the best rug size for your living room.
The living room can be considered the heart of your home, one of the most important destination spaces at your disposal. Which, of course, makes it all the more important that you choose the perfect rug to style it with. Ranging in design from traditional to contemporary, the options for your living room rug are extensive, but with this article in mind you've got everything you need to make the right choice.
If you're on the hunt for the perfect living room rug, be sure to take a look at the different options available on Decorsify.com. We have rugs of all colors, shapes, sizes, and styles so you're sure to find the right one for you. Happy decorating!