How to Select and Place a Rug

rug

A rug is like a belt or shoes to an outfit – it can make the difference between something that looks well put together and something that doesn’t. It also insulates a space and muffles sounds (hard shoes on wood floors can create an annoying tapping sound).

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting and placing a rug. First, a rug needs to be proportionate to the furniture in the room. Too small a rug can make a room feel smaller, choppy and cheap.

A good rule of thumb is to let the shape of the furniture guide your choice – for instance, a circular dining table pairs beautifully with a round rug. And for a living room seating arrangement, a rectangular rug anchors the seating area. In a bedroom, the rug should frame the bed (so an 8×10 is perfect for a queen, and a 9×12 for a king). The front feet of bedside tables can sit on the edge of the rug.

A quality handmade rug can also improve the acoustics of a home, reducing echoes and outside noise that can travel through open windows and doors. Lastly, a rug can help with cleanliness. It keeps dust and dirt from being tracked in by bare feet, and it can protect floors from spills and water spots. Handmade rugs can be cleaned with soap and water or dry-cleaned. If a rug becomes dirty beyond cleaning, a professional can clean it using a special process called “french washing”. This method is especially effective for delicate rugs made from wool or silk.