A rug is like a well-fitting belt or stylish shoes to an outfit—it can make or break the look of a room. But rugs aren’t just for aesthetics; they serve a practical purpose as well, adding warmth and reducing noise in open floor plans.
Rugs are available in almost any color, size and material one can imagine. This makes them a design opportunity and a source of creative expression, whether it’s a bold focal point or a subtle accent that unites a room’s color schemes.
The most important thing when selecting a rug is getting the size right. It should be large enough to cover all the main pieces of furniture, including the front legs of the sofa and chair, Thompson says. “A rug should feel grounded and help the furniture to stay in place.”
Another factor is the fabric. “Most rugs come in wool, cotton or synthetics,” Thompson says. He notes that “synthetics such as acrylic are a good choice for high-traffic areas,” because they last longer and tend to emit fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) than the natural fibres.
If you’re shopping on a budget, Dobrovolny recommends checking out online retailers such as Wayfair and Amazon for low prices and free shipping. But she cautions that these sites have their drawbacks, including a return policy and restocking fees. She also likes big-box stores such as HomeGoods, At Home and Homesense because they have large selections and allow you to try a rug in your space before making a purchase.
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