The #1 Thing You Need to Do Before Buying a Rug for Any Room
Sure, you might see a rug and fall in love with the style or pattern at first glance. But there's a lot more to consider than just aesthetics when it comes to purchasing a new rug for the living room, dining room or any other space in your home. To help you out, we spoke to several interior designers to learn the top things you should always do before buying a rug — including hacks to get it right on the first try.
What to Do Before Buying a Rug
Most importantly, measure.
Measuring a room for a rug involves many factors. How many inches do you want between the rug and the wall? Will all of your furniture fit on the rug? Are there any unique architectural elements in your home that may interfere with the space?
"It’s essential to measure your space accurately and consider the rug’s intended purpose," says designer Kerrie Kelly. "This ensures the rug complements your furniture arrangement, allows for proper walkways and provides the right texture or durability for the room’s activity level."
If you're not exactly sure how to start measuring your space, don't worry — we've included measuring hacks and tips below.
Figure out the largest rug that fits.
You don't want the rug to be pressed up all the way against the wall, but it also shouldn't be too small for the room. Designers recommend going for the largest rug that fits (minus a few inches on each side for some breathing room).
"A common mistake is to buy a rug that’s too small. Ideally, all of your furniture's legs will fit on the rug, but at least the front two of your sofa should," says designer Laura Hodges. "A rug that’s too small feels like a little island in the room, while a larger rug completes the space and feels more intentional."
Prioritize safety.
Extending a rug too far into a pathway can be dangerous, according to designer Mary Anne Smiley: "Rugs can add warmth, texture, style and verve to a space. But! The most important thing to know is that anything we walk on is a potential slip or trip hazard and we must minimize these dangers above all else."
Know your materials.
While synthetic fibers can be a good choice for rugs in high-traffic areas, they're not always as durable as natural fibers. For a more eco-friendly and long-lasting choice, try wool, jute or organic cotton. Just keep in mind that those materials may be a bit more difficult to clean.
"It is important to pick a rug you like, but you should also take a little time learning about the make of the carpet — what type of fiber is used? For example, a wool rug and silk rug look and feel different, and how you care for them differs. There are many options, so knowing about the possibilities and how to care for them is good," says designer Delia K. Brennen.
Purchase a rug pad.
Rug pads are often overlooked in the purchasing process, but they're worth the investment, according to designers. "They help with the longevity of a rug as well as keeping it in place," says Ashton Ford of AshtonForDesign.
Designer-Approved Measuring Hacks
Measuring isn't always as easy as it sounds, especially when it's something as subjective as interior design. It all depends on your personal preference — however, designers have included their favorite tips and tricks that'll make your life easier.
Use painter's tape: "This is a fantastic way to outline the size of the rug directly on your floor. It helps visualize how the rug will interact with your furniture and walkways before you make a purchase," says Kelly.
Follow the rule of thirds: Measuring the dining room for a rug can be a bit more intensive, according to designers. Try dividing the room into thirds and opting for a rug that covers the middle section. However, make sure all chairs fit on top: "There is nothing worse than moving a chair off and on a rug in a dining experience," says Ford.
Roll out the kraft paper: If you really want to get a feel for how a rug will look in your space, this hack is for you. "Kraft paper is a great way to map it out," says designer Beth Diana Smith. Just roll out the paper and see how your potential rug might fit.
Make sure furniture is in place first: "Always place furniture in the room as you’d typically use it before measuring. This ensures the rug will work with the flow and functionality of the space," says Kelly.
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