How to Décorate

How to Décorate

Congratulations on buying your new home and furnishing it! Now that you’re ready to decorate, it’s the perfect time to look for that perfect rug to complement your home. But with so many styles, colors, and materials to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. We have the ideas, suggestions, and creativity to ensure you make the right selection and get the most and the best for your money.

  • WHAT'S TRENDING?

Rugs this season are all about color and texture. Warm shades like terracotta, rust, and sienna add a cozy feel, while soft greens and sage bring a natural calm. For a clean, modern look, tone-on-tone neutrals in beige, ivory, or gray are very popular. If you want a little drama, deep blues, charcoal, and ombre effects make a bold statement. Paired with plush textures or simple minimalist designs, these rugs can refresh any room instantly.

  • HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT RUG STYLE?

When choosing a rug that you’ll love to live with, two of the biggest factors to consider are one that suits your taste and lifestyle. According to Ali Inal, Founder of Designer Rug Warehouse, “Buying a rug is just like buying a piece of artwork. The first criterion is to trust your judgment, don’t be afraid to be bold and different. Buy something you will enjoy. And full enjoyment of your new rug means considering your taste, your lifestyle, and of course, your budget.” For a rug that’s going to last, you’ll want to make sure it can hold up to your lifestyle.

  • HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLOR AND PATTERN?

Don't Be Afraid of Color and Pattern. When choosing an area rug, it’s essential to embrace color and pattern while shopping. You’ll want to choose a rug with colors and patterns that complement the existing walls, furniture, floor, and window treatments. Color powerfully sets the mood of a room, so choose carefully. Since buying a rug has a large impact on both your home and budget, it’s good practice to look through magazines and catalogs to get some ideas of what appeals to you. Then you can look for rugs that you know will suit your taste before you begin shopping. Your new rug will be most enjoyable when it pleases your taste, meets the needs of your home décor, and fits your budget. Think about it this way: An Oriental rug brings beauty and function into your home for a lifetime. There are many inexpensive options available, so if you decide you don’t like it after a couple of years, it’s easy to change. And keep in mind that a dark-colored, patterned rug will hide stains or dirt in high-traffic areas.

  • HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT TEXTURE FOR MY RUG?

The comfort and texture of a rug are important factors to consider when choosing a rug. A rug should feel good underfoot and provide warmth and coziness to a room. The texture of a rug can also affect the mood and atmosphere of a space, such as a soft and plush shag rug for a relaxing bedroom, a flat-weave rug, or an Oushak rug for a casual and rustic living room. 

  • HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL FOR MY RUG?

The material of your rug depends on your personal preference, budget, and the function of the rug. Some common materials are wool, cotton, silk, natural fibers, and synthetic fibers. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, such as durability, softness, stain resistance, and price. When choosing a rug for a high-traffic area, such as a hallway or family room, or if you have young children or pets, you’ll want to go with a rug that’s durable and easy to clean. Wool, nylon, polyester, or a synthetic blend are great options. Natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal, or seagrass are durable but may be prone to water damage or staining. 

  • HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE RUG  FOR MY ROOM?

When choosing a rug, it’s important to make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the furniture and create a sense of balance and harmony. Many people make the mistake of choosing a rug that is too small for their space, which can make the room look disjointed and incomplete. Don’t skimp on size! Be sure to fully cover any heavily trafficked areas with your rug. Walking through, you shouldn't have one foot on the rug and one foot off. It's awkward, uncomfortable, and can lead to unusual wear patterns on both the rug and your flooring.

When selecting a rug for the living room, keep in mind that the rug should fit slightly under the front of the sofa and allow your guests to walk around your coffee table comfortably (typically, about 2’ to 3’ space around the coffee table works). When possible, all the furniture should be on top of the rug.

When selecting a rug for the bedroom, consider a significant enough to stand on when getting out of bed. In other words, you should be stepping onto a soft rug. The rug should extend beyond the sides of the bed at least 12 inches for a twin or double bed and at least 18 inches for a queen or king. You should also leave equal space on all sides of your rug. Give yourself anywhere from about eight to 24 inches on all sides. The main goal is to have the rug centered in the room.

When selecting a rug for the dining room,  the rug should be large enough for the chairs that will be on the rug, even when they're pulled out from the table. As the rug widths are standard, you only need to measure the length of your dining table and the depth of an end chair (the distance from the front to the back leg). Then add both the table length and twice the depth of the end chair’s measurements to determine the minimum rug length for your dining room. Even though it is recommended to have your rug a few inches longer to scoot the seat out, likely, you may not have enough room for it, but it is expected in most cases.

When selecting a runner rug for the hallway,  measure the size of your hallway and subtract 12″ from the length and width. This will allow for a 6″ border of flooring to show all around.

  • IS A LARGER RUG ALWAYS A PREFERABLE CHOICE?

Design experts generally agree that opting for a larger rug is usually the best choice. Even a slight increase in size can significantly alter the room’s appearance. A rug that’s too small can make the room seem smaller and disjointed. In contrast, a larger rug can enhance the room’s aesthetic, making the additional investment worthwhile for a seamless, elegant look.

  • DOES A RUG HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAKING A ROOM APPEAR LARGER OR SMALLER?

A properly sized rug can create the illusion of a larger room, although this perception is influenced by other elements as well. Often, the mistake is choosing an area rug that’s too small, which can make the room appear smaller and less cohesive.

  • IS PLACING A RUG OVER THE CARPET A WISE DECISION?

Whether it’s wise to place a rug over a carpet depends on several factors. Layering a rug over the carpet can add depth and texture to a room, define spaces, and introduce new colors or patterns. However, it’s important to consider the type of carpet and rug in question, as certain combinations can cause the rug to slip or the carpet to wear. Additionally, the thickness of both the carpet and rug should be taken into account to avoid creating a tripping hazard. In general, a thin, non-slip rug works best over a thicker carpet. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific aesthetic and functional needs of the space.

In-Store Shopping Experience

Shopping for a rug can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. While online shopping has made it easier to browse through a wide variety of options, it’s still important to see and feel the rug in person before making a purchase. Here, we’ll explore the benefits of shopping for rugs in-store and provide some tips to help you make the most of your experience.

  • One of the biggest advantages of shopping for rugs in-store is that you get to see and feel the rug before making a purchase. This allows you to get a better sense of the rug’s texture, thickness, and quality. 

  • You can also see how the rug looks under different lighting conditions and how it complements your existing decor.

  • Another benefit of shopping for rugs in-store is that you can get expert advice. Rug experts can help you find the right size and style of rug for your space and offer recommendations based on your budget and preferences. They can also answer any questions you may have about the rug’s durability, maintenance, and care.

  • When shopping for rugs in-store, it’s important to come prepared. Bring along any swatches or samples of fabrics or paint colors that you want to match with your rug. This will help you find a rug that complements your existing decor and ties the room together.

Please note that it’s also important to measure your space before heading to the store. This will help you determine what size rug you need and prevent you from purchasing a rug that’s too small or too large for your space.

In conclusion, while online shopping has made it easier to browse through a wide variety of options, there are several benefits to shopping for rugs in-store. You get to see and feel the rug before making a purchase, get expert advice from sales associates, and ensure that the rug complements your existing decor. By following these tips, you can make the most of your in-store rug shopping experience.

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See it, Touch it, Feel it Before Buying a Rug

When it comes to home decor, few items can transform a space as effortlessly as a well-chosen rug. A rug can tie a room together, add warmth, and even introduce a pop of color or pattern. However, purchasing a rug can be a challenging task, as it requires more than just picking a design that matches your style. To truly find the perfect rug for your home, you should adhere to the mantra: “See It, Touch It, Feel It Before Buying a Rug.” In this article, we’ll explore why this sensory approach is crucial for rug shopping.

 

The Visual Aspect

The first step in the sensory rug shopping process is, of course, seeing the rug in person. While online shopping offers convenience, it often falls short in delivering the full visual experience. Images on a screen can be misleading due to variations in lighting and monitor calibration. By visiting a physical store or a showroom, you can examine the rug under natural lighting conditions and see its true colors and patterns.

Moreover, being in the same physical space as the rug allows you to evaluate its visual compatibility with your existing decor. You can gauge whether the colors complement your furniture, whether the size fits the room, and whether the pattern aligns with your style preferences.

 

The Tactile Experience

Once you’ve found a rug that appeals to your eyes, it’s time to move on to the second step: touching it. The tactile experience of running your hands over the rug’s surface can reveal a lot about its quality and texture. Rugs come in various materials, such as wool, silk, cotton, and synthetic blends, each offering a unique tactile sensation.

For example, a high-quality wool rug will feel soft, plush, and durable, while a synthetic rug may feel less soft and resilient. By touching the rug, you can assess its thickness, pile height, and overall comfort. This step is particularly essential if you plan to place the rug in an area with heavy foot traffic or where you and your family will spend a lot of time.

 

The Sensation of Comfort

The final step in sensory rug shopping involves feeling the rug in a broader context, how it enhances the comfort and ambiance of your living space. Walking on a rug should provide a comfortable and inviting sensation underfoot. It should also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the room.

For instance, a plush, shaggy rug can add coziness and warmth to a bedroom, while a low-pile rug in a dining area can offer an elegant and easy-to-clean option. The choice of rug material and construction will greatly influence the overall comfort and functionality of the space.

 

In the age of online shopping, it’s tempting to rely solely on digital images and descriptions when making purchasing decisions. However, when it comes to buying a rug, the sensory approach of “See It, Touch It, Feel It Before Buying” remains essential. By visiting a store or showroom, you can truly appreciate the rug’s visual appeal, assess its quality through touch, and experience the comfort it brings to your home.

So, next time you’re in the market for a rug, resist the urge to click “add to cart” impulsively. Instead, take the time to physically engage with the rug, ensuring that it not only suits your style but also meets your tactile and comfort preferences. In doing so, you’ll find that your rug becomes more than just a decor piece; it becomes an integral part of your home’s ambiance and comfort.