Decorating with a rug can work magic in a room by giving it some extra pizazz. A rug can provide a sense of completeness by tying all the different pieces together visually, while adding warmth and a sophisticated layering of design.
So how do you make the best use of rugs in a room?
- Use a rug to define or separate areas, such as seating or dining areas, and foyers.
- If you use more than one rug in a room, make sure it is not the same size as the other one, so it doesn't cut your room in half visually. However, both rugs should complement each other in style, or you could end up with a jarring or unpleasant effect.
- Use a favorite rug as the basis of the color scheme in a room. On the other hand, if you add the rug it later, it can accent or tie in your existing colors.
- Use a rug to visually quieten a room or turn up the volume as needed. If your upholstery or wallpaper have an ornate pattern, choose a rug that is more subtle. When walls and upholstery are fairly subdued, you can try a busier pattern to add more interest to the room.
- Use a rug as the focal point of your room, as rugs can make a huge impact. To do that you can create contrast by painting your walls a hue that echoes one of your rug’s accent colors.
- Use a rug as a wall hanging as another way to create a focal point.
- Let the way you organize your furniture dictate the shape of your rug. Try figuring out what shape would look best, and then go with a square, round or oval if that seems like the better option than a rectangular one.
- When you buy a room size rug, subtract 3 feet from the length and width of the room.
- Runners should be 4 inches narrower than your hallway and 18 to 24 inches shorter.
- Always use a proper liner to keep your rug from slipping or “creeping.”
