Any decor lover knows that home design involves all aspects of a room. Lighting fixtures, paint colors, furniture, and – of course – the flooring. The color of your floors, the texture of your carpet, the shape of any flooring patterns, it all makes a huge impact on the final look of whatever room you’re in. It’s easy to find yourself in a tough spot if you aren’t happy with your flooring, because pulling up and replacing your floors can be both time-consuming, and relatively expensive depending on your specific home. That’s where large area rugs come in! If you want to freshen up your floors without going through the hassle of replacing them, then opting for a large or extra-large area rug is the perfect second option. In this blog we’ll walk you through what we mean when we say large area rug, how to choose the right one for your space, and how to ensure it looks its best once you place it.

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Understanding the Purpose

First, decide what the purpose of your rug is going to be, before deciding on any specific style. The location in your home where you plan to place the rug will help determine what kind of rug will fit your needs. An area rug in the living room can anchor furniture, provide a plush surface to walk on or add warmth. Large dining room rugs require more resilience to handle potential food spills, and large bedroom rugs are usually thicker and cushier, to provide the most calming comfort they can. Location and purpose will help narrow down your options depending on the feeling you hope to evoke in one specific room.

Navigating Large Area Rug Sizes

Choosing the right size rug is one of the most important steps to buying one, because the wrong size rug can completely shift the look and feel of a room. If a rug is too large, it can make the room feel cramped or overwhelming, while a rug that is too small can end up making the room look disjointed. For larger area rugs that you want to cover the majority of your space, a good rule of thumb to follow is to allow for 1-2 feet of space between the borders of the rug and the walls of your room. That way, the floor is almost entirely covered, but there is a border large enough to leave the room feeling spacious and well-organized.

Choosing the Right Material

Choosing the perfect material for a large area rug can be overwhelming due to the many options available out there. The material that works for you will depend on the purpose that you have designated for your rug, as well as the activity level of the room where you’re placing it. There are thicker options, like shag rugs, which prioritize comfort above all else and are perfect for bedrooms or living rooms that aren’t as prone to spills or heavy traffic. On the other hand there are thinner indoor/outdoor rugs made from synthetic fibers, plastic, jute, etc. that are more reliable for spaces that people walk often. They are more resistant to spills and stains, as well as heavier dirt and debris.

Selecting the Perfect Pattern and Color

Choosing the right pattern and color for your area rug can dramatically impact your room's look and feel. While there are dozens of different colors and patterns to choose from, there are typically two different ways that designers approach adding a rug to their space: contrast, or cohesiveness. If you’re going for a more cohesive look, then choosing a rug in a color that you’re already using in the space is the right choice. Whether you’re matching the rug to your curtains, to the color of your walls, or to the pattern present in wall art, this method involves making sure the rug meshes perfectly with your already-placed decor. On the other hand, you can choose a rug that creates contrast instead, serving as a focal point of the room by standing out with a color or pattern that is unique to the room. This adds depth to a space by breaking up the design with something bold and unexpected, and is especially popular in more modern spaces.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Pay attention to the required upkeep when choosing a large area rug, as it requires more effort than a smaller one. Regularly vacuum your rug to remove dust and dirt. Attend to spills immediately to prevent permanent staining. There are some materials that require deeper cleaning than others, and then also some rugs that are designed to make maintenance a breeze – like machine-washable options! These rugs can be cleaned extremely easily, just by placing them in the washing machine and then letting them air dry after they’ve been washed. Or, if you have a smaller machine unit, these rugs can easily be cleaned outside on a patio or deck with a water hose, without having to worry about damaging the fibers. Each material of rug has different requirements when it comes to keeping them looking their best, so make sure to read the label of any rug you’re considering to ensure that you choose the best option for you and your household.

Budgeting for Your Rug

Lastly, while it might be tempting to splurge on the perfect rug, it's essential to establish a budget as you start your shopping journey, and to stick to it. Fortunately, large area rugs for the living room or any other part of your home come in a variety of different prices. Material, patterns, texture, and durability all play into the pricing of rugs, so while you will want to get the best bang for your buck, it’s also important to remember that splurging more up front can save you money in the long run if you opt for better quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I clean a large area rug?

Regular vacuuming is essential to clean a large area rug and remove dust and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for deep cleaning, as methods vary based on rug material. Certain rugs can be cleaned with soap and water, while others require professional cleaning. Test products on a small area of the rug first to avoid discoloration.

Q: How do I dry a large area rug?

Drying your large area rug thoroughly after cleaning is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth. Blot the rug with dry towels to remove excess water, and then hang the rug outside to air dry on sunny, dry days. Make sure your rug is fully dry before putting it back on the floor. To avoid damage, get professional cleaning and drying services for high-pile or delicate rugs.

Choosing an oversized area rug might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be! A rug can transform any space, whether you’re redecorating your entire home or simply refreshing a single room. Following the guidelines we’ve outlined above, you should have everything you need to be well on your way to finding the perfect rug for you. The options are endless, but now you have the knowledge to narrow them down and make the ideal choice.

If you’re looking for a new large or extra-large rug for your home, or aren’t sure where to start, be sure to take a look at the options available on Decorsify.com. We have a wide variety of different options ranging everywhere from smaller doormats to extra-large, room-filling rugs. Come see what we have to offer, and, as always, happy decorating!