Rugs are a foundational element of any home decor scheme. They anchor a room, provide comfort underfoot, and allow you to layer colors, textures and patterns. Choosing the right rug for each room can seem daunting given the myriad options. Follow these tips to select the perfect rug to suit your style and space.
Living Room Rugs
The living room is often the heart of the home where family and friends gather. When picking a living room rug, opt for natural fibers like wool or cotton which are soft yet durable. Play with shape – while rectangles suit formal spaces, round rugs feel friendlier for conversation areas. Layer a large area rug over wall-to-wall carpeting to define the seating zone.
Choose a low pile or flatweave rug if you have small children or pets to facilitate easy cleaning. Experiment with patterns – from Global-inspired motifs like the pink and black Chinoiserie Tibetan Tiger Tufted Wool Rug to vivid stripes to boost visual interest.
Bedroom Rugs
Bedrooms deserve plush rugs you love sinking your toes into. Natural fibers like wool and cotton again wear well while providing cushy softness. Play with texture – shag rugs add tactile dimension while cable knits feel cozy and textured jute brings earthy charm. Layer pattern on pattern with eye-catching accent rugs layered atop wall-to-wall carpets.
Place your rug alongside the bed allowing your feet to sink into its plush pile the moment you rise. For high traffic areas, easy-clean cotton rugs like the Maia Homes Classic Retro Checkerboard Bathmat work well.
Entryway Rugs
Entryway rugs see their fair share of shoes and endure high traffic. Start by laying a natural fiber jute or sea grass rug as a dirt and moisture barrier. Jute’s earthy vibe complements most decors, comes at affordable price points and is reversable once one side wears down. For second layer, try machine washable rugs for easy maintenance. Add a pop of color or whimsy with vibrant hues like the MAIA Homes Handmade Purple Jute Rug or playful checkerboard patterns. Given the nature of the space, don’t invest in precious heirloom rugs for your entryway!
Kitchen & Dining Room Rugs
Kitchen and dining room rugs need to be both stylish and highly functional. When selecting materials, natural fibers specifically made for heavy staining like wool or jute work best. Flatter pile rugs show less footprints and are easier to clean. If your dining set sits atop the rug, flip it over periodically to evenly distribute wear.
For kitchens, use rug pads both to avoid slips and let the rugs breathe. Warm earth tones hide stains and are soothing, as seen in the Handmade Olive Green Scalloped Border Jute Rug. Play with alternating grain direction or sprinkle in whimsical patterns like checks or stripes.
Bathroom Rugs
Given moisture, look for natural fiber rugs specifically designed for bathrooms. Cotton’s absorbency and fast drying couples with anti-bacterial properties of jute make excellent bathroom rug materials. Opt for solid colors to hide inevitable stains. Adding a pop of sunshine yellow via the Tulila Jute Round Rug or going graphic with MAIA’s Black and White Checker Bath Mat injects charisma. Use rug pads to prevent slips and falls. Maintain airflow under rugs to allow drying and prevent mildew buildup.
Mudroom Rugs
Mudrooms mean messy shoes, dripping umbrellas, soggy jackets and mucky paws. Utilize outdoor friendly synthetic rug materials that shed moisture rapidly without mildew worries. Machine washable rug fabrics like polypropylene make upkeep effortless. Jute’s durability handles heavy traffic coming in and out of the home. Add a sense of fun with vibrant colors or checks, stripes and graphic prints which hide dirt well. Use rug pads for safety and preventing slips.
When selecting rugs, assess your space, needs and style. Evaluate materials that can withstand the use each rug will endure. Layer in patterns and textures that make you smile. Most of all, choose durable rugs built to last for years to come while punctuating your distinctive decor vision. Rugs anchor rooms, so select yours with care as you amplify the beauty of your home.
